Even our folkloric mountain spirit Krakonoš ( Rübezahl) or Russian Morozko had their poles/sticks. We can say they were old or they knew that some kind of support is important. Almost anyone can walk on easy roads, but for more difficult walks and terrains, some kind of support may be beneficial. Such help are for example trekking poles. We usually see them mainly as a walking aid for older people, but that is because we don´t know their real purpose.
We have only one back
Leave the prejudices aside and let´s talk about what they are actually good for. During longer walks we tend to make our walking easier so we start to slouch and there is a higher pressure on our knees as well. But what suffer the most is our back. Trekking poles provides support when walking on difficult terrain. Let´s look at it this way - why are the animals agile and faster than us ? Because they have 4 legs. We can´t have them, but we can help ourselves with these poles. They provide support and stability. Our posture will be better too, which provides relief to our back. Using our hands more also provides relief for our knees. Such an aid should be of high quality construction and materials.
The wood is replaced
In the past, when we did not have as many materials, those sticks/poles were made of wood. People would carry one or two, depending on their needs and habits. Nowdays materials offer amazing possibilities for modern world. Trekking poles main parts are shaft, handle/grip and tip. The shaft, which is the largest part, is mostly made from dural. This material is quite unique as it is strong yet lightweight. This combination is highly important. The handles/gripping are ergonomic and made for example from neoprene foam. They are equipped with wrist straps for better control. The tips at the bottom are very strong to handle intense/extreme use and can be provide with different endings(feet) for different surfaces - snow, mud, sand, etc.
Choose according to ourselves
Here it applies possibly even more than for other categories. Our height is the most important factor. Trekking poles are telescopic so we can adjust them according to our needs, but the poles themselves are produced in different lengths. Also pay attention to the materials and handle,which has to be comfortable for the right grip.