Well, I may look amusing to you, but I've been backpacking regularly for 35 years, most often on long, solo, off-trail trips in all sorts of conditions. I know what works, at least for me. But I'm certainly not concerned about being fashion conscious while doing it.

A two week trip often means starting with a heavy pack. I started using two poles about 10 years ago, progressing from a staff, to one pole, then two. They not only improve balance and markedly reduce the risks of potentially injurious falls, they also reduce the legs' workload and improve endurance. In addition, they do double duty as tarp poles.

"Two legs bad, four legs good" - George Orwell, Animal Farm

Jeff