Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
Catrin, I use poles when doing hiking in challenging terrain. Not so much for my knees, but for stability, as I am a klutz! I use my snow shoe poles, which are interchangeable for the season you're in. They are pretty commonly used around here, especially up in the White Mountains.
This is good to know, and really, I am thinking about one for stability. I need to do what I can to prevent another fall on that knee... I will need to decide between one or two, but I think one is sufficient for the terrain I will find in the mid-west. I won't risk my favorite hiking trail for now - it is a double black diamond mountain bike trail that is VERY hard to just walk. Even with two poles I don't think it wise - and there were those who shook their heads at my hiking it solo.