On my 2025 Rinjani Volcano trek, I refused to take poles.
A huge mistake.
My guide had to loan me one of his for the technical sections.
BaldHiker has a good post:
Are Trekking Poles Worth It?
A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Poles
Benefits
- Save Your Knees (and Other Joints)
- Improve Your Stability and Balance
- They Power You Uphill
- Other Handy Uses
Downsides
- Cost
- Hands Not Free for Cameras, Phone, Snack, etc.
- Weight & Bulk
Click through for much more on poles.
