Hikers: Walking Poles?

[andygates]

Quick question for the hikers 'n' climbers out there: what's the deal with walking poles?  I generally take my Excellent Stick - a twisty ash jobbie with a brass knob on the end - when going hiking.  It's profoundly non-optimal but I don't care.  Are these telescopickal sprung ergonomic efforts significantly better?

Comments

[justoneway.livejournal.com]

Never bothered myself, probably out of some form of misplaced pride.
Those I know that use tham say it saves their knees a load of trouble.
Your ash stick should be fine for that. Resist the temptation to succumb to your techno-gadget-lust and take pride in your traditional solution.

[andygates.livejournal.com]

Think I'll stick with the stick. Mr Stick has been a good friend for $crikey years now after all.

So I went and bought a Snow Peak ultralight stove instead. Well, a chap needs a nice fresh brew after all that strenuous effort, doesn't he?