Several years ago I bought a half dozen light ski poles from a store that was going out of business. I took the baskets off. I've given all but two of them away but I use one on any of my back packing hunts or if I have to pack out meat in a backpack. Makes a huge difference giving some better stability on uneven ground and having something to lean on for a minute when packing a heavy load of meat. Big help on down hill and on stream crossings also.
