We are hiking the Canol Trail this summer.

The rigorous Canol Heritage Trail is one of the most challenging in North America, suitable only for experienced, well-equipped hikers. Built during World War II as a pipeline route through the mountains from Norman Wells to the Yukon, the Canol route is still dotted with abandoned equipment. It's long, remote, unmarked and frequently washed out. Disorienting box canyons can be difficult to navigate. No services are provided, emergency or otherwise. You must make arrangements for provisioning, drop-off and pickup in advance. Once on the Trail, you're on your own.

While doing research, some websites recommend trekking poles to help with the treacherous river crossings and to help save the knees on in general on such a long and difficult hike.

We have never used them before, however some people who have, swear by them. When we hiked Kindersley Summit (not my photo) and other trails in the Rockies this past summer, we only seen a few people and they all had trekking poles.

Are trekking these poles actually worth using or are they just the latest fad. I would appreciate any feedback from people here who have actually used these poles.

Thanks.