When I first started hiking the John Muir Trail 25 years ago, no one used trekking poles. Now it seems like everyone has them. Last year people I met on the trail seemed surprised when they saw me hiking without poles.I have resisted the trend, but this year, I plan to use poles. I have found them to be helpful, especially on the steep downhill sections. I have a pair I bought many years ago for mountaineering, but I am looking for the lightest pair I can find that still collapse or fold up. I’m trying not to add much weight and still get the benefit of poles for the downhill. I doubt I will use them much the rest of the time.