back in the mid 90s most mountain bikes have bar ends and mine always did. I never hooked one on anything, but most everyone else did. Back then I was using narrow flatbars that gave you plenty of room. I always found them comfortable to climb and cruise on flats.

Fast forward to a few years ago. My bike has riser bars and no more bar ends and its almost impossible to find a bike with bar ends around. I got some of those round bar end deals up there, not exactly like those but close and I really love them. You can grab the sides for a more natural climbing position, and when slinging the bike back and forth while standing. They also support the outside of your hand in the normal position.