On a thread not too long ago people were talking about using trek poles.  I asked Tater about using ski poles but he recommended just spending the money and getting the real thing.

Well, a unique opportunity came my way this week end. I ended up flying with my 5 yr old grandson home to Denver.  Since I was there for 5 days, my son and I decided to backpack in to our chosen hunting area, just to look around, decide where to hunt etc.

I bought a pair of poles and tried them out, knowing I could return them if I did not like them.  They actually were more helpful than I thought possible.  I should say that I had stressed my left knee while overdoing it in preparation for this September's elk hunt. After backpacking for 3.5 hours using the trek poles, I felt fine! The purchase was well worth it. They are not going back to the store.

Gary,
  Glad that worked out for you. I wish I had started using them years ago. I could have saved some unneeded stress on my knees when I was younger.

I use some for hiking. I like them. They do take some stress off of the leg joints and make getting around a bit easier.

I even use them at hilly 3-D shoots....hell to get old....lol!

Good to hear you took the plunge and found them useful.  The Europeans figured this out long ago, I don't understand why it has taken us Americans so long to catch on.