I have never tried a “trekking pole” until now, and can report it helps a lot. I stand more upright and can push up hills and balance across streams more easily. A fellow pilgrim agreed, describing his stick as his “friend”.
Psalm 23 verse 4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I had never understood the difference between a rod and staff, but am advised the rod is a stick which can be used as a weapon ( spare the rod and spoil the child) whereas the staff is a shepherd’s crook used for controlling sheep. The stave is the stick used by pilgrims and referred to in Pilgrim’s Progress as something to lean on when weary. 
