We keep a plethora of trekking poles and converted ski poles by the back door (we have a nature preserve out our back door).
I prefer the ski poles because...
1) they can't collapse
2) don't rattle or have moving parts.
3) are about $1 each at garage sales
4) have been used to wack wild dogs without damage to the pole. (seriously!)
5) tips/shafts are lighter than telescoping poles, which give them an easier and faster "swing", since there is less mass.
I convert the handles to have trekking pole straps, if needed. You can't tell the difference once converted.

My wife likes telescoping trekking poles for the adjustment feature, but they have collapsed on hard downhills before, and they are good ones.

Hiking staffs....I have two, one aluminum and one wood, but neither gets used. After several miles of hiking, the staff's weight takes it's toll on wrists.