I do a lot of skiing. Poles are considered somewhat mandatory. (Not quite true, our kids learn to ski without. Improves balance and the proper nordic skiing technique comes automatic when you don't fuss with the poles. This is why our family motto is: The cool and though ski without poles. Of course I must set the example and ski without poles with our kids...)


Using ski poles 3-4 months each year I am a bit pussled that I'm not bitten by the hiking poles bug. I've tried a couple of times, and objectively there is no doubt that it relieves the knees and legs. But so far it feels better to hike without them. Guess I have somewhat to try a bit harder...

If I'm ever in snake / spider / gator country I will follow the 6' pole advice pretty quickly. Not really a probleme here. If I need a stick to check water levels or whatever I just find one, but I never walk with it.