Originally Posted by
peakbagger
My normal observation is I see a lot of north bound through hikers ended up at Baxter Peak at Katahdin with poles. They usually have gotten rid of unnecessary gear miles ago yet they justify carrying poles .
I find that down south I end up carrying my poles in one hand about half the time. There are many miles down south of essentially walking on flat and level old roads along the ridgelines, no need for poles but once there is slope up or down, my poles get used. I find the poles really help on the upslope where I can transfer a load to my upper body. Down slope especially when its bony really transfers a lot of load off the knees. A side effect of carrying poles is that aggressive dogs seem to hang back with poles in hand.
One caveat is cut the straps off once you head north and the trails get rockier. Straps are great for urban hiking on flat and level stuff but if your hands are tied to the poles with straps and you slip, its highly likely the poles will head in the opposite direction than you are and its recipe for wrist or shoulder injuries. Sure some folks advocate it you use the straps right they will slip off when you fall but actual practice is less positive than theory.