Hiking poles: how beneficial do you find them on your hike in hunts?

I'm guessing the main advantages to having them on long hike in hunts is your using your upper body a little more to get you up a mountain, and on descents im guessing they help with stability etc, especially when carrying your big game harvested on your pack? I have a gun holder on my pack, which obviously frees up my hands for poles, but I can't help but think that the disadvantage to that is you don't have your rifle ready quickly in a bear encounter, or if you surprise an animal you'd like to harvest?...what's everyone's experience with this?

Ive gotten along fine without them thus far, but was just thinking they may make things a little easier....

Put it this way Harry, you do one trip with, you'll never want to go without. I only wish I'd have gotten on the program years ago; my knees would likely be in much better condition today.

They are beyond essential. Worth every penny.

Yeah way easier on the knees and ankles and safer too! One pole is what I usually use but two might be even better!

never leave home with out them

That store in Kelowna that starts with a capital "C" has carbon fiber cam-loc poles for a really good price.
They make good impromptu rifle rests and are awesome for creek crossings, because you can feel for holes/drop offs. Among the other obvious uses.

You just lose them...getting them back depends on how many meters elevation you just gained before noticing you no longer are using them.

I used them on a goat hunt 2 seasons ago and cursed never having tried them before. Light-weight, great for balance, indispensable, IMO. I have 2 sets now with the shock reducing capabilities.

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Originally Posted by horshur

You just lose them...getting them back depends on how many meters elevation you just gained before noticing you no longer are using them.

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I've seen guys do that with rifles too....:lol:

I rock a Kifaru gun bearer.....hands free for the poles, gun readily accessible. When I am mountain hunting the hiking poles never leave my hands unless I am sitting down, mandatory IMO.