[kmtrowbr]

It is very similar to the role of walking sticks (trekking poles) in long distance walking -- the poles serve a few functions, in reverse order of importance: 3) Potent threat / weapon agains dogs or strangers (this has only been useful a few times in many years but, still it's nice to have a big stick in your hand sometimes). 2) Keep yourself from falling if you slip or on challenging terrain, which means you can take more risks and move faster.

... but by far the most useful is: 1) As you are walking, you push yourself forward at the top of your stride. There is a moment where the big muscle in your arm can be put to use, basically making walking "feel" about 15% easier. It makes walking into more of a whole body effort, so you can go faster and further without getting tired.

[bin_bash]

Also when descending a hill they dramatically reduce the strain on your joints

[kmtrowbr]

You're right! That's benefit #4.

I suppose it's different for each person, depending upon their age their health.

For me, sometimes it's easier to just kinda, jog or sorta, "controlled fall" down the hill, in this case, the walking sticks should be held in your hand. But at other times, you go slow and lever yourself down with the poles.

Of course, the big downside of the poles if that you're constantly fiddling with them. They're noisy and take effort.

[adhesive_wombat]

Nordic walking (pole per hand) has been shown to be helpful especially for circulation patients with peripheral vascular disease, though the benefits almost all apply to everyone else too[1].

[1]: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/impact-of-cli...

[Fezzik]

Another secondary benefit I appreciate is trekking poles keep my hands higher and assist with circulation/lessen blood pooling in my fingertips.

[kkfx]

Sorry, but I laugh... walking sticks for self-defense? They are light Al, not ancient sword or halberds or modern shock-sticks. The #2 is even dangerous, because if you fall badly on a stick you might get hurt far badly than a direct fall, see ski accidents as an example.

[kmtrowbr]

I am not a violent person. I always seek to de-escalate at every turn & I'm very good at it.

Most incidents turn on the smallest details. A 4' metal pole with a sharp point on the end is a very meaningful thing to have in your hand. 99% of any incidents will be with dogs. So it's more about appearing big and formidable than it is actually needing to fight. Do not run. Stand, brandish your weapon, and make noise. People aren't that different from dogs. This is one of nature's strategies: appear big & scary.

If you were hiking and descending many challenging pistes with slippery rocks and whatnot, you would be happy to have a walking stick to help you.

[lcnPylGDnU4H9OF]

If someone swung a few-feet-long light aluminum pole at my face as hard as they could I imagine I'd try to move my face out of the way.

Granted, I'm assuming that the "strangers" as alluded to in the post you're responding to are not themselves armed. It seems like that is what was communicated.

Also, if #1 is why it's used then #2 and #3 are just gravy.