I often get asked about trekking poles and last night whilst leading a group on Scafell the group were questioning me about their usefulness. Surprisingly out of last night's group of 5 no-one was using poles apart from myself. A couple of years ago I suffered a bad knee tendon injury but with good physio got sorted back to fitness. My first purchase on return to recovery was a set of poles after borrowing a couple of different pairs. I now find them invaluable, they provide stableness when on the hill, in contouring, descending and just generally rock hopping. Granted you have to know how to use them correctly, too often I take groups some of whom are using poles and I always give a little instruction on their use which is usually grafefully received and adds to that particular clients enjoyment of their day out.
Poles aren't for everyone, but I think as with everything there is a time and a place. If you have suffered any knee/lower leg injury then I think they really help.
There are many different types out there and there have been some good articles written so I won't go through everything just have a look around the web, and visit a good outdoor retailer.
Things to consider are strength, weight, cost, collapsable or fixed.
I use a leki pair and have been really happy, the model I use aren't the lightest but I wanted a robust pair that I use in both summer and winter, including snow shoeing. With some types when they are collapsable sometimes they won't lock, this with a little learning is not a problem and with a bit of 'on the hoof' fixing can be sorted, again this is a feature I have pointed out to a few people who complain of broken poles.
On the whole have a look around, go to a reputable outdoor shop, even try and borrow a pair.
Top tip: Short on the way up, longer on the way down!
