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I've been thinking about getting some hiking poles since much of my travels this summer will be in mountainous terrain. Don't want to spend lots until I know whether or not they are something I will use/like. So, a couple of dumb questions. First, do I need 2 of them or will just q1 be enough? Next, what should i look for - feature wise? Tell me about your experiences, please and pros and cons.

No experience with hiking poles, but lots of people find a good sturdy branch and make their own walking stick. I found lots of them left on the picnic tables after people leave their sites. Just saying.....

I have a pair of hiking poles & I don't go hiking without them. I'm in Colorado & I walk on all kinds of terrain so the poles are invaluable for stability. You can buy a very simple set at Walmart if you want to start out inexpensively. You'll pay more if they are collapsable, have shock absorbers, etc. When looking at them, make sure the grips comfortably fit your hands. I'd get 2 poles not 1.
I think they make hiking a lot easier & safer.

In addition to stability, poles transfer some weight off my lower body to my arms. That's really helpful if carrying a pack. I use two poles for longer harder hiking. For everyday walking I use one. They take some getting used to; still, well worth the effort. Highly recommended by me!

I only have one - and it's been plenty for me, even in the worst terrain. I like having one hand free, but can see how some like the 2nd. And if it's someplace Peaches can go - I have her leash in my 2nd hand. I like using mine when I remember to take it That said, they do take getting used to - even just one. But the extra stability for me at this age is priceless.

actually miss my hiking pole, back in the days of owning our cabin, we made our own out of timber from the land
wrapped in leather strips and of course they had had beads and such ornamental stuff hanging from the top.
They sat in the corner up at the cabin and we used them all the time. Left them up there but I suppose I'll buy
one from the store when I need to. I'll get two, and both will be telescopic so they can be easily packed in the
backpack when not needed.

I agree with Beth. I got two for a birthday present but only ever used one. I only take it with me when on rougher terrain for balance and support. I like my other hand free. I think I gave away the other pole since I never used it. They are lightweight telescopic as well and I think they only cost about $10 a piece thru Amazon?

I've used both - have a pair of telescopic poles that fit in my suitcase for travel. And a single pole that actually rides in the bathroom of the trailer behind the toilet. Using 2 poles can be a workout, you actually burn more calories using 2 poles as opposed to just walking. But a lot of times, I like having just the one pole since I usually have a DSLR around my neck that I sometimes need to hang on if the terrain is very rough.

And with my knees, it's good to have the extra stability, especially going down steps or down hill.

Thanks for all the input. I did some more research and I think I agree with Beth that I would like to have one hand free. Also, lots of the info suggested the anti-shock kind if we have problems with joints. I don't have knee problems but I do have hip issues. Found a Chinese knock off of a more famous brand for $20 ish so I think I'm going to get that one.