Pros & Cons of Trekking Poles

On my 2025 Rinjani Volcano trek, I refused to take poles.

A huge mistake.

My guide had to loan me one of his for the technical sections.

BaldHiker has a good post:

Are Trekking Poles Worth It?

A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Poles

Benefits

• Save Your Knees (and Other Joints)
• Improve Your Stability and Balance
• They Power You Uphill
• Other Handy Uses

Downsides

• Cost
• Hands Not Free for Cameras, Phone, Snack, etc.
• Weight & Bulk

Click through for much more on poles.