Another question is on whether or not to use hiking poles on the thru hike. Also, one or two?
Annie
Hiking Poles - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
Use them and use two. Search this forum for this topic. It’s been covered exhaustively.
pole cat
system
#4
I use Ski poles when cross country Skiing or Snow Shoeing,I never use hiking poles,I find that they get caught on rocks and roots.If I have to cross a fast flowing stream,I find a dead/down branch and use it to help me across.Some claim that it helps while decending steep trails,again,I just find a branch or small stick to help me down.I think that the general hiking public has been sold a bill of goods on hiking poles.EMS & REI are making lots of money from people that really dont need them.I have my pack weight down to under 20 pounds and really dont need them. In addition,I object to the noise that they make when the poles hit rocks, also,poles disfigure the rocks.
old&in the way
system
#5
I took two 70 mile treks this year over the same trail. On the second trek I injured my knee. The orthopedic said it was just over use. Well the only difference was that on the second trip I did not use trekking poles. Bottom line, trekking poles can save your knees on the down hill sections of the trail. (If you are young you can get away without using them.) You know you are old when your knees hurt on the down hill sections. 
Mel
system
#6
The best thing I found about hiking poles is the help with balance you get. Having the pack on, even a light one, can throw off you balance at times and cause you to fall. I found the poles prevent me from falling a couple of times daily. They also prevent me from twisting my ankles and knees from trying to catch myself from falling. And stream crossings are much easier with the poles. They are just a lot of marketing as you can easily use old ski poles or sticks. I too found the clicking noise a bit much and I think it scared a lot of the wildlife I use to see so I put those rubber tips on the ends which solved that problem. I would suggest going out for a couple of days with a backpack and borrowing a pair to use one day and go without them the next. You’ll quickly see if they are right for you.
Big B
system
#7
I’m 62 years old. For 16 years I used a walking stick crafted from driftwood. Two years ago I tried trekking poles - and will not go back. Guess it depends on where you hike, but for the Sequoia backcountry and the Sierra - trekking poles are a great improvement for wear on the knees and for balance.
booger
system
#8
Four Legs are better than two.
Hiking poles really will save you alot of wear and tear on the knees, legs, and feet.
I never used to use them, and after using them on my last AT hike…Ill never leave home without them.
bryan
system
#9
definitely use two hiking poles. of course you don’t NEED them, but they’re nice. it’s weight off your knees and ankles, which are good places to develop stress injuries. plus consider that they’ll take off five pounds from your legs when you’re going uphill.
0101
system
#10
I’d highly recommend using poles for any long distance hiking. They’re not really that important for just a couple of days, but they become essential when your knees are taking a pounding day after day after day. You can handle almost anything for a weekend, but the picture changes dramatically when you’re doing it long term. Ski poles do not provide the support and can’t be adjusted to your exact height requirements. A friend started with ski poles and bought “real” treking poles up the trail. And yes, they’re definitely helpful in preventing falls over roots and rocks. Enjoy the hike! Rainbow (aka Annie)
Rainbow