I'm kind of an old school hiker. It was just this year that I switched to an external frame pack. Before that, I was using a homemade pack. (I'm 58). The only reason I did the switch is someone gave me a couple of pack 11 years ago and I decided to try one out. It was ok. My pack somehow always ends up at 35 pounds so I'm not into the lightweight thing.

The reason I point this out is to show I'm a little slow to change.

I started noticing a lot of people using trekking poles on the trail and in pictures and movies, so I decided to try them out. I love them. After a couple of hours, I felt like I had 4 legs. The only place I don't like them is smooth flat trails, but we don't have many of those here.

I've never used a hiking staff, but I imagine it would have some of the same benefits...maybe in another 30 years.
_________________________
http://48statehike.blogspot.com/