Never tried poles but I do use a staff. It was my father's and is a cool gnarly old knotted up thing. I coated it with Thompson's Water Seal,put a crutch tip on the end and use it whenever I go into the woods. Helps me keep a pace and in difficult footing provides stability. I've forgotten it and felt lost until I picked up a likely stick from the side of the trail. Hopefully I'll be able to retire it with a good replacement when the time arrives. Or maybe it'll last long enough that i retire at the same time. Lots of miles and memories in that old stick.