Trekking Poles

I use a pole - went from none to two then back to one. I use it for balance (steep terrain, rock-hopping, rivers, tussock, etc) but also for fending off (wet and/or prickly) scrub. Most of my NZ tramping is routes and foot-pads. The Aus bushwalking has a fair bit of off-track scrub - seems to work for me in most conditions. I hold it like a ski stock - hand up through the strap-loop and grasp the grip. That way, you can let the pole go to use your hand but still have the pole ready to re-grip. On the odd occasion when I need two completely free hands, the Aarn pack has very well designed holders that are quickly accessible without removing the pack.