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

[HarryToolips]

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....

[RiverOtter]

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.

[GetLethal]

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.

Yep, ive heard something like 40% reduction in knee impact when going downhill using the poles.

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

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.

I second that .. i love my poles now .

[bighunter45]

They are beyond essential. Worth every penny.

[Sharpish]

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

[northernbc]

never leave home with out them

[RiverOtter]

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.

[jtred]

There sure save wear and tear on my knees and hips, I use two while packing in or out and only one(the other strapped to the pack) while hunting. With a little practise they make a great monopod for binoculars or rifle, or two with rope and a siltarp make a decent shelter if you're caught out on the mountain in a storm or too late to get back to camp. Used four and two siltarps to build a sauna to get clean on a pack trip one time.

[HarryToolips]

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.

Lol you mean Cambodia tire right?