I started usinga lightweight collapsible trekking pole this year. At first I wasn't used to it, but now I use it all the time, and wouldn't hike without it. It really helps when packing a heavy load for keeping balance and taking shock off from your knees when going downhill. Also when hiking with a light pack it is handy when crossing streams on slick rocks, moving brush out of the way. I have a tendency to fall a couple times per trip, since I am usually looking for game or at the scenery, but since using a pole I have yet to wipe out, since it gives me something to lean against when I stumble. My friends gave me crap for using it, saying I looked like a granola hiker, but now they are looking at using one too.
I highly recommend using one, I feel with the reduction in shock to my knees and less falls it could actually add a few years to my hunting, and that is worth all the snide remarks from my dumb tough buddies.
