Trekking/ walking poles- anyone use them? What do you like about them?

[BigButtons]

I live in The Southdowns national park so lots of hilly walks. I used a friend’s walking pole today and was amazed at the difference it made just to my speed and energy levels.
seriously thinking of getting a pair. In the back of my mind I am worried this is the start of the descent into old folk walking territory.
I am 55, fit and healthy and lift weights.
what to you think? Are they a good investment?🙂

They make you more efficient as you can use your arms as well as your legs, they can reduce the strain on your knees especially for long distances carrying heavy rucksacks. They can also tone , strengthen your upper body/ arms. I don't think it is a good idea to use them all the time as good balance , proprioception etc as we get older is aided by not relying on aids for balance too much ( Obviously if you need them for a preexisting condition use them)
Be courteous with them in busy areas or in large groups as they can be trip hazard!

I’m quite a lot younger than you. I use a walking pole. Mainly because I borrowed a friends pole and realised it helped me so much. I’m much faster and don’t worry about slipping.
I don’t use it in the summer or very dry weather, but at this time of year when the ground is slippery and lots of mud and leaf mulch about I find it really helps me. I’m going to get a second pole, I feel a bit unbalanced with one, but also worry about the “look” of walking poles.
Depends where you walk, I do a lot of hill walking and they really help me, also navigating streams.

Walking poles are great, I've been using them since I was 21 as I was prone to knee and hip injuries and they really helped.

I used them a lot last year to help recover and build up from a running injury.

Make sure they have a comfortable foam grip and strap. You don't want friction issues a couple of miles in.

Rubber tips are useful for tarmac. The bare ends, for rough ground or mud.

Some of the best alpine trail runners use them so they’re definitely not only for the old and decrepit. I like them for steep hills: stepped climbs but I use them “wrong” as I put them up ahead of me and walk up between them whereas you’re supposed to alternate them with your legs. Works for me though.

i use collapsible ones as then can just stow in my pack when I’m not using them.

They're brilliant, on all types of terrain. I'm sure I walk miles further than if I didn't use them because they energise me.

I use them, especially when walking up and steep hills.

They take a lot of pressure off the knees when coming downhill and help to make me feel more stable, especially when the path is rough and uneven.

I’m 24 and use them but I am fat! I use them because I have terrible balance and a pair of dodgy ankles.

Thank you so much everyone! I certainly did feel energised and full of beans when I used one on Sunday. It was only one though. I will get some. Amazon seems to have some good deals 😍