Treking poles for me. Crossing streams, or a fallen log suspended over a stream is so much easier with them - especially when wearing a pack.

And when in the "rocky" parts of the Rocky Mountains where some of the climbs are more stair-like than trail they really help too. More with coming down than going up, but even going up they help quite a bit.

And those loose scree slopes with lots of small rocks and gravel? You choose - a rock sanded butt as you slip and slide down, or four-legged trekking pole stability and a pristine backside once you get down.

They do not work well in boulder fields though. They stick, snag, and cause all kinds of havoc. Don't even try it!