The newest trend: using two trekking poles.

I'll admit I was suspicious at first: It seemed to me that here was yet another opportunity to spend money on stuff that maybe wasn't all that necessary.

The one-pole method, as demonstrated by Karen Berger

But then I carried a pair of Leki poles on a winter trip, when I was snowshoeing and hiking. I used the sticks even when my snowshoes were strapped to my pack and I was hiking on dirt. I found that they helped take pressure off my knees, especially on a steep downhill.

I especially like telescoping poles (because they are easier to travel with) and the kind with little shock-absorbing springs (which take even more stress off your joints, especially when you have to take a BIG step down).

Here are some other ways to use them:

• For balance when crossing streams.
• To pitch your tarp.
• For checking to see if there are snakes in the underbrush.
• To wave threateningly at barking dogs.
• As aids to help you get some uphill momentum going.
• To poke a bear-bag into place.
• As a third (and fourth) leg when picking your way through boulder fields.

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