Trekking poles. I love them, and never leave home to hike without a pair. When I hike in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, I may not use them. Rhode Island is flat as a Jonnycake, and uphill does not have much up.
I always carry poles, and use heavier aluminum poles (pardon my American spelling and pronunciation of aluminium, my British readers) Which are more robust for hiking in winter.
When summer arrives and backpacking season begins, weight control, both my own and what I carry is paramount. Every ounce matters in the thru-hikers religion, and I worship at that altar when gearing up for a multi-day hike.
Because I switch poles, there’s no need to remove the snow baskets I screw on the bottom of my poles that replace the standard baskets.
Perhaps you think I am quibbling over mere ounces. You may be surprised how much of a difference it makes. Imaging carrying a ceramic or metal drinking cup in your hand for 15 miles vs. a paper cup.
After several years of turning my nose up at carbon fiber poles, I was loaned a pair on a hike by a friend. I was amazed by the difference. I did a little online research and purchased a pair of poles that struck a balance between price and performance.
What’s your favorite walking stick? Let me know in the comments below.
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 