Trekking poles a necessity?

[Desecate]

if you roll your ankle you can always hobble your way out hopefully too, added security/first aid type benefit.

 

[OkiechasingElk]

I think so. I don't use them a ton, unless covering lots of elevation. Usually only have 1 out if I'm even using 1.

They are extremely handy in the following areas I've experienced:
Hiking in snow. THEY ARE HUGE GOING UPHILL.
Scaling a steep hill/slide. I've had several times I've strapped my bow to my pack and used both to get up steeper transitions.
If you are every blessed to pack out an elk.
If you roll and ankle, bust a knee, or any other general catastrophe.

 

[Ramem7mm]

I really like using them. It helps so mush with stability in rough terrain or crossing blow down and areas where its thick. If you set them up at the right length they will help distribute your weight and save your legs.

 

[UKwildcatfan]

The older I get, the more I appreciate the poles.

 

[vladkgb]

Yes. They're also multi-purpose. They are the support for my tent, X-mid 1, they're my shooting sticks with wiser quick connectors, they're my stabilizer for my swaro binos. And of course they help a ton in those steep mountain ascents and descents.

 

[Charlie Brown]

I started using them about 5 years ago. Wasn't sure if I would like them. Bought a pair of carbon's with cork grip on eBay like $25. Have them with me every elk hunt and find myself using more all the time especially the older I get

 

[ctafoya]

I was skeptical of it at first, thought it was the next big gimmick. I bought a cheap pair and broke them using the Hell out of em on the first trip. Now a good set is one of my most important pieces of gear, especially as I get older.