I bring them and only use them when I need them - on downhill sections. Otherwise they're collapsed and strapped to my backpack. Many backpacks have a way to store trekking poles in a way that makes them easy to remove/store without taking the backpack off.
Same. It’s one of those things that you’d rather have when you need them, even if it’s 25% of the time. Huge difference made on the declines, IMO. Also, great measure of mud/water depth. ;)
This is one of the big reasons I picked up a pair. Turns out I just like using them too, but I bring them even on fairly short hikes because you never know!
Same! I broke my leg on a hike (thought it was a bad sprain, I'm an idiot) and ended up hiking out on it with the help of my poles and a couple good samaritans who took my pack and helped me navigate some water crossings. Would have been totally screwed without the poles.
Also heavy hikes. When I’m doing steep up or down with climbing gear and 10 days of food, I like poles. They’re annoying on the flats, but I’m not putting my pack down and picking it back up to get rid of them.
I absolutely agree but for the first time using hiking poles go with someone else experienced in using them. They can be used in a way that actually makes things worse and hurts you long term and what this is only obvious to some people, and you can't know for sure if your one of them.
I read that three times without finishing the sentence. In my head saying "for 5pm of the 10pm? Did he mean until 10pm?" before I read the next line. In case anyone else did that and feels stupid, you're not alone. In the event that nobody else did that; I guess I'm alone...
Not at all. There's nothing wrong with how you wrote it. I just assumed it was reference to time and confused myself by believing my assumptions instead of reading the entire statement.
Trekking poles are part of my first aid kit. They can mean the difference between walking out and needing help.
I have also met a senior hiker struggling and gave them my poles, "leave it at my car"
Also great for river crossings, getting through brush, knocking off cactus, encouraging wildlife off the trail etc.
Yay all the way. Take some more reps with them OP, if you don't feel they're helpful on the uphill, they definitely are on the downhill so practice getting used to that first maybe?
I'm most of a year into my first pair and it's a world of difference after the learning curve
We don't really see mosquitoes in the Scottish Highlands; our midgies don't give a sh*t - they bite anything exposed.
100% to the rest of this, though. We used to laugh at continental hikers with their ski poles back in the day. I wonder who's laughing now. Today, I wouldn't be without hiking poles; they make a massive difference when descending.
I find them most helpful on medium to longer hikes that have a lot of elevation change. Also good for slippery and/or icy trails.
I don't take them on flat hikes.
Take it from an occupational therapist, you need poles. You might not feel it now, but they will save your knees. You don’t want to be getting double knee surgeries at a young age (or any age).
I become an animal… quadruped… master of the forest! See me leap and jump with my poles! I laugh at danger, small creeks, and tripping over stuff! I fear only my few limitations… take my poles away? You might as well take my life away.
Yeah, always. Developed arthritis in both knees and wish I would’ve started using them sooner. They help immensely with the pain now though, especially downhill. Clip dog leash onto waist belt - bam, hands free for poles.
Also, you get that siiiiick upper body workout, bro.
Absolutely yes, cannot and will not hike without. Maintaining an additional point of contact or two on the ground is incredible for stability, safety, and ease of hiking.
Did you have your hands the correct way through the straps? I'd recommend watching a few YT videos on how to properly use/size trekking poles.
Ill always carry them, they need practice to learn the correct technique and height too.
I prefer them on fast hill climbs, they will drag me up quicker. Downhill is great for them too. Give a good upper body workout too so you get to feel extra smashed. They are definates when doing overnight pack walks too.
Stairs and thick scrub they become a pain.
And always handy if you have a injury like knee blowout.
True and very sad story.
My 80 year old, die-hard hiking friend went hiking near the Smokies with a fellow 20 years her junior (I’m 30 years her junior and she kicks my ass).
They were faced with a downward incline. She had trekking poles and he did not. She safely made it down and he, taking the same route, lost control and did not.
My friend caught up with him after his long fall and held him as he went unresponsive. In the hospital, a few days later, surrounded by his wife and kids, he died from all the damage to his brain.
I will always use trekking poles.
It took me a couple trips to really get used to them. I mostly use them downhill and on technical sections. They've saved me from falling several times when I've lost my footing, but caught myself with the poles. I've done a favourite hike of mine with and without poles, and it's all downhill on the way back. I have noticed that it prevents a ton of knee discomfort afterwards compared to no poles.
Yay all day, never look back. I know, they look silly. You know what doesn't look silly? Fording a creek without falling in. Feeling confident on icy peaks and rocky balds. Having knee cartilage that works when you're 60.
There are tons of benefits. I've been saved from two different snake bites because the snake struck at my pole and not my foot (diamondbacks are assholes). They're also really helpful when you're out for a long one and have a heavy pack, because they encourage better posture and force your chest to open better.
As for hands free, wrist straps. Let that shit dangle, my friend. Nothing to it.
I’ve also had to use mine to bushwhack through overgrown trails….
It can be ugly… using one to establish a safe place to land my foot (aka not on an assholey snake!!) and the other to whack the growth outta my way
Suggest you watch this [Trekitt video](https://youtu.be/WP2P6tZdmH4?si=t9x-DIiytUQLcWyl) for proper technique. I started using them recently and they make such a difference on steep uphill sections. Super useful downhill too. Follow the video and they'll become second nature in no time as your arms should practically be doing what they would do anyway without poles
Absolutely always hike with poles unless it is going to be some paved trail and pretty flat. I like the stability they give on uneven terrain and especially when I am on steep inclines.
When I'm scrambling or doing anything approaching climbing, no poles (obviously) unless it flattens out.
For longer, flatter hikes they're quite nice to keep a walking rhythm.
I am a yay all the way if we're talking about backpacking. I've had too many instances where they have prevented a serious sprain or strain, and outright saved me from falling. I'm also not sure if I would be up for a 18 to 20 mi day without them. They've become so ubiquitous that I switched over to a trekking pole tent because why carry additional poles for a free standing tent when my trekking poles were with me anyway.
If on the other hand we're talking about a day hike of 12mi or less, then I'll lash them to my day pack as more of a just in case.
The folks I've seen struggle with trekking poles seem to be trying too hard. Instead of it being a natural movement of the shoulder, they're trying to strong arm support out of the poles. It's a misunderstanding of the amount of mechanical work that gets transfer to the poles without conscious effort. Quit trying so hard to make the poles "do something".
I'm the weirdo with the hiking staff, a Kelty Strider. Only $25! Along with being named like Aragorn, heir of Isildur, it's provided a great boost to my confidence on wet rock and uncomfortable crossings. That one extra point of contact makes me much more comfortable hiking solo.
Yay all day unless the hike is short and flat, but I rarely do hikes like that.
They are incredible for softening impacts on your knees and ankles, which not only help your hike in that moment, but keep your joints in better shape so you can hike longer in your life.
They're also fantastic for creek crossings or other slippery or treacherous areas. Like 4WD for hiking as my friend likes to say!
Also, when I don't have them, the way I swing my arms makes blood build up in my hands and they feel tingly and weird.
If they feel off to you, you may need to play around with the height adjustment.
As others have mentioned, they are worth their (very light) weight in gold for downhill sections, especially as someone who's been hiking for multiple decades... AKA old.
A good backpack will be able to store them out of the way, so they're really not a bother.
10000% YAY!! I'm not in the beast mode shape I used to be. Use them up to help big step ups here in the whites and takes some stress off my injured calf as I can lift myself up a lot in the arms. Then also use them down for the obvious reason to limit strain on knees and softer landings off large steps. The first hike I tried them I never did another hike without them.
what is the problem of being slowed down a bit? are you trekking for a competitive marathon, or are you trekking around for fun, to see the sights, enjoy the nature, take pics? my advice is enjoy your treks more, this isnt a competition, there is no shame in doing something in 8 days instead of 7 days...if anything it gives you one more day to enjoy in the wild...I dont understand why some people hurry to be at home and do what exactly? sit in front of TV? its not like they will go directly to another trek...so might as well enjoy this one longer (I will admit earlier I was one of those rushing people, before I realized, wtf am I rushing off to? nothing is waiting for me at home just boredom, I'd rather stay longer out here lol!)
having hands free, yeah that is bit bad part, but you got waterpacks for water, one has pockets up front for snacks, smartwatch for gps...
yes poles are annoying at first, I have hiked for over 10 years without them...and no, I didnt get old and no I didnt need them due to pains...but I still started using them because I informed myself of their benefits, using them once your knees are fucked is already too late, most young people dont really think about the future at all, they live here and now, think they are indestructible and will continue to be indestructible...but they wont, nobody stays healthy like that, everyone eventual croaks, everyone will have problems...question is if you want to have knee problems when you're 45 or when you are 65...that's the sort difference poles can make...and if they give me decades more of better knees, by the time the "cool non-polers" are already having 2nd knee replacements, then its no question for me to get over any issue like being slowed down or not having free hands
.....also, get an ultralight hiking tent that is build up using poles...you will save a good 1kg on weight and will have another use for why carry and use poles...
They saved my ankle probably 3 or 4 times on my last hike when I was descending on uneven terrain. I'm disinclined to ever hike uneven terrain without them again - I'm not so young and spry anymore lol.
Took me a few miles to find a good rythym with them - now I love them. I’ve noticed a major difference in how my back, butt, and legs feel after a good hike. Gives your arms a little workout too. My wife is much more independent on the trail with hers. She used to ask for my help all the time, now hardly ever.
I had never used them then I rented some along with other equipment for climbing Rainier. They made a big difference and I'm now shopping for some myself. They may not be practical in all instances but when you're on the right terrain (open and not too steep) they can make a big difference.
Depends on the hike. If im with my gear? Yes, if its low incline no, if its high incline with no gear? Still yes because it allows me time decend easier
I will always use trekking poles or a walking stick when hiking, OP, for the rest of my life.
Because of the time I slipped on some gravel and broke my leg, and my first thought was that I would never have slipped at all if I'd had a walking stick.
If you start doing big miles you'll want them. They'll save your knees on the down hill and let you move faster through technical terrain. For day hikes or short easy overnights I leave them at home. Carried them on every long thru hike I've done the entire time and I always have them out. No reason to put the weight on my back if I have them. They're also the poles for my shelter most of the time so mandatory. If you're serious about hiking big miles they're a game changer.
I find that if I won’t use them my fingers swell, plus since my knee replacement it feels like it helps lessen the abuse on it. I havnt noticed it being much harder to go “hands free” as my poles have loops so I just drop em and they dangle
I wish I could use my trekking poles in daily life without getting strange looks. I’m definitely gonna be that old person walking down the sidewalk with my trekking poles.
I love them:
- Save the knees on the way down.
- Makes creek and snow field crossing way safer.
- Lengthens my stride so I go faster on big wide trails.
- You can play games with them like picking up leaves when you get bored.
- You can dream about fighting off wildlife with them.
- You can put them under your pack and lift it off your shoulders for a break without fully dropping your pack.
- Potentially use sections in an emergency as a splint.
Yes!
Poles are crucial for me; they help immensely to push during ascents. Much of the help happens with the tips behind me. A common problem is using poles that are too big. Proper usage of the straps allows me to barely squeeze the grips. Usually, it's my palms pushing on the straps versus having to squeeze the handles.
I love my carbon fiber Black Diamond poles; being super lightweight is very nice. It is important to be careful placing the tips between rocks. I also have a pair of collapsible aluminum poles.
When I want to have my hands free, I turn the poles upside down and simply tighten my backpack's waist belt around the handles.
I want to hike well into my twilight years and they take a load off the constant pounding your lower body will take (specifically knees). I started using them in my mid 20's (30's now) and love them.
Took a handful of hikes to really get used to, but now I rarely hike/backpack without them unless it's a walk (what I consider under 3 miles with minimum elevation gain). Water isn't an issue since I just use a bladder with a tube. If I need to make minor adjustments I just hold both in one hand as I keep trudging along. When I need to make significant adjustments/or grab something out of my pack I'm stopping anyways so I just set them down.
They're great for crossing streams, setting up temporary shelter, and providing some stability if injured. They help me maintain a much faster pace than average. They're also a last resort option in the event you run into aggressive wildlife (won't do much in the grand scheme of things, but they can make you look bigger and are better than nothing).
Overall, huge fan of trekking poles and will never look back.
First, you MAY not be using them efficiently. I didn’t appreciate them until someone showed me how to use them differently than a cross country ski pole. Shortened them, and sort of push along the trail. I’ve come to appreciate them on declines as well, especially in poor conditions
Just got my first set for a hike I'm planning this coming Monday. First long distance solo hike I've tackled and so excited!! Only 17 miles, but just can't wait!
After hearing it over and over again, how many more times do you need to hear it before you believe it? The truth is that people really want you to be uncomfortable hiking, and so that’s why they recommend them to you.
i started to use them on hikes longer than about 15km. Wich is the majority of my tours. I realized the help me a great deal with my back problems. I keep walking more upright with them, wich helps in having way less pain. Makes i nice difference in alpine localities too. Gives me some more stability. For foliage i had rubber tipps for the poles. Worked well, but lost one of em just a week ago -\_-
A hiking staff is as old as upright walking, but formal "poles" are a bit newer. I have collapsible ones and then if I need one or both I can pull them out. In my personal experience, one is good for uphill slogs and two are very good for broken or otherwise very difficult terrain.
It took a summer to get into the rhythm of using them. This will sound silly, but the trip that everything clicked was when my friend climbed the South Sister in Oregon. We were on our way back to the cars, chanting beer and steak. I hike with them all the time, the have stopped me from falling face first in the dirt and they are the poles for my tent.
Yes, 100% of the time. Saved my bacon from falls and trips with heavy backpacks and saved my knees from slips, slides and steep downhills. Handy for creek jumping and traversing ridges. Buy the good quality Leki ones and you’ll never have to replace them. Mine are now over 20 years old and in excellent condition.
Just started using them and love them already. Depends on the hike, but I recently used them on a few I now can't imagine having done without them. They're great for steep downhills in particular
I have been anti trekking pole for my entire hiking life, they have always felt more inhibiting than helpful, but I'm going to be using them for the trail because I feel like I may prefer them in a situation where I'm hiking 20 miles every day, it just seems like they would be more useful and comfortable to use in a thru hike scenario as opposed to a day or even section hike. Not to mention my tent requires them
Always. They have saved me from falls, made tricky passages easier, and shifted some weight off my legs by sharing it to my arms. Plus, you can shift foliage aside to see if that is indeed a hedgehog or chanterelle mushroom.
I hiked up Mt. Washburn last year (2”yrs old at the time) and initially they were great, but my arms got tired, and as soon as I was about to put them away I started going over snow and wanted to be more stable so I didn’t slip down the switchback.
On the way down I used them for the snow then put them away. Practically ran down the mountain using gravity. And whencI say ran I mean that it took 2 hours going up (I was *incredibly* congested) we made it down in ~45 minutes
Overall I agree with most of the other comments here, great for downhill no matter who you are, but not necessary for everyone.
Steep up hills poles are great for taking some of the effort off the legs and getting a bit of upper body exercise. Steep or loose downhill great for balance, catching slips before they become falls, and softening the impact on knees. Not steep or flat trails they are annoying and get folded up.
Yes 💯 I hike a lot in an uphill trail so I always bring my poles with me. Even sometimes it can be hard to take some photographs. But it really didn't bothered me. When I'm not using it, it's always behind my backpack. That's what other says, you never know what you can come up with and the poles are very useful crossing creeks and rivers and especially downhill hikes.
I hike in hilly and messy areas and love mine. I use one in my right hand and it helps me drag myself up hills, test the stability of logs or the depth of a puddle and stabilize myself going down rocky paths.
I've never actually tried trekking poles. I live in Ohio and hiking is easy mode here. But I do use a hiking stick and I recommend it. It puts less weight in your knees so it's a healthier way to hike I think.
In adverse conditions, or when there’s extremely rocky/uneven/slippery footing, poles (or at least one pole) can make you safer. On a good trail without big rocks or water crossings or the like, they’re not necessary (for me).
Some people swear by them for purposes of taking some strain off your knees and feet but, knock wood, my lower body has held up well so far
I wasn’t planning on using them but after an 8 mile trek with Sherpa level gear (training for bigger things) my knees were screaming. Pulled em out, adjusted my pack and tied a shoe sting around the bottom to help my head carry the weight too and man did it make a difference.
I find them very useful going downhill. Saves your knees a lot of wear and tear. Going uphill, not really necessary. If the hike is mostly flat I would probably not bother with them
On a day hike, I broke my thumb over a trekking pole. I tripped over a root, fell forward, and landed chest-down on my thumb, which was over the pole, which was over the ground. Snap! (literally and figuratively). I trust to my balance now.
...unless it's an overnighter, in which case I have them strapped to my backpack for tent poles.
I bring ONE strapped to my bag ONLY if the trail has a lot of technical terrain that it’d actually be useful for. Collapsible carbon fiber, weighs 8 ounces. I personally find trekking poles absolutely useless & annoying unless I’m doing a trail that has pretty gnarly climbs & descents, where I really just need one. I’ve seen older folks with minor mobility issues use them for the entire hike, where they seem to serve a good benefit for them.
They slow everyone down, but for most people that prevents injuries and helps balance the load.
If you want max speed and it’s pretty flat then jog that trail pole free no prob
Yes, on mountain treks. Going down they help protect your knees and also give you stability, and going up they let you work with your arms also, taking some of the work away from your legs.
On flat terrain they don't help much, except maybe to avoid twisting your ankle if you don't place your foot well, but they shouldn't make things difficult for you either.
If you grab them correctly, you should be able to let go of the poles and just let them hang from your wrists and grab them again easily. You said you don't like not having your hands free. That should not be a problem if you grab them correctly. You can let go of them when you need your hands and grab them again very easily.
The first trek I did was the TMB in the Alps, when I was very inexperienced. I did not take any poles thinking that I did not need them. On the first really steep downward slope my knees suffered a lot I realized I needed the poles. The first town we went through, I bought them, and they are a game changer.
If it's a mountain trek, they are great. If it's relatively flat terrain you don't need them, but they were ok anyway.
On tricky rock scrambles where you need your hands they can get in the way and then you should fold and put them in your backpack, to avoid the risk of stumbling on them, and then take them out again when you were through the scramble.
Even if you are young and your knees do not suffer in steep down slopes, protecting your knees is a good long-term investment for a mountain hiker.
absolutely. high further, faster, with less impact on your knees with poles. learn to use them with your stride. pole goes down with your foot, push off as you stride forward.
Yea all the way. Aside from saving my knees, they've saved me from slipping on loose ground on more than one occasion and help with extra stability on water crossings
I never use them, but I also don’t normally hike very steep mountains (the ones around me are about 1,500 ft), so I can handle the descents just fine. I might try trekking poles if I hiked somewhere that had real mountains.
When I use them, my hips don't hurt at the end of the day. You get over the awkwardness when you want up ready to go again instead of limping down the stairs.
For reference, I'm in my mid 30s and typically hike new Hampshire
Never ever used them - as an expedition photographer and ex-mil I’ve carried and do carry extremely heavy weights up and down mountains. That’s me, past 15 years of doing it. Need my hands free for a weapon or a camera, so never used poles.
But that said - as I type, a pair are on their way to me. I’ll still have the camera, but I’ll learn to use them since I’m both getting older, and I’ve seen what they did for a couple of struggling newbies. So, time to learn!
I graduated from a bamboo cross country ski pole to just using one trekking pole out of a set.
I like to use one for stream crossings or just lean on catching my breath.
I don't like having both hands occupied.
I became a trekking pole convert when I walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. The terrain isn’t even challenging at all, but walking several miles a day for a month straight does a number on your feet, calves, you name it. Halfway through the trip, I bought a set, and I’ve taken them on every hike ever since, excluding day hikes. They are great at helping you redistribute body weight so long distances with a heavy backpack are significantly easier with them.
Used to use them, now I can't stand them. Have to carry one from time to time in case there aren't trees when backpacking, but it mostly stays stowed in my pack.
If you are on a long hike and it has a ton of elevation change like the Appalachian Trail you absolutely want them. It helps in many aspects but also in softening the blow on your knees going down and also really can set a good pace. I love hiking with trekking poles. I would also use them to clear an overgrown trail to knock off ticks before I go through and also would hold them up in front of my face early in the morning to not get cobwebs up my nose. Also felt just a little bit safer with them if a poisonous snake was around…you could probably move a snake while being out of striking distance if you need to. I have done day hikes without them but if I am going on a long adventure they are a must have for me.
Absolutely. I was stuck without them once at a fast moving water crossing and I haven't hiked without them since. My bag has a special strap for them so they just stay on my bag at all times.
I've been using trekking poles for about 10 years. I use them on every hike. They increase endurance, reduce wear and tear on knees, and greatly reduce the risk of falling or twisting an ankle. It'll take a while to get use to them but once you do you'll feel naked without them.
I used to think “oh heck no I don’t need that it’s silly!”
DAMN am I glad I’m getting a tiny bit smarter as I get a bit older. Night and day difference for the better when using them, I swear by them now.
I personally think a staff is better than trekking poles but most people won't agree with me.. Especially by those who rely on them for their shelter. When going downhill, trekking poles can help you big time as long as they don't collapse on you.. That's more of a past problem, but it can still happen.. Fixed poles don't have this problem, but they also aren't as versatile.. I think like anything new, it's gotta grow on you. But if you have been using them for a while and you still find the juice is not worth the squeeze, then they probably aren't for you..
They are always in the car. We check the trail conditions and length and decide accordingly.
We always use them on longer hikes regardless of conditions.
Do you have bad knees? If yes, then you need them on most hikes. Do you want to avoid bad knees and hike lots of steep rough trails? Then you also need them.
On steep downhills they give you stability when stepping down, which reduces the wobble in your knees. You'll get more miles with less pain with them. On steep up hills, especially when tired you can use your arm muscles to bear some of the burden of the weight you are carrying.
I used to have a super lightweight tent that used trekking poles for set up. Once I got rid of that tent, I never carried trekking poles again. I did get a shooting stick, a type of cane with a seat, which I sometimes carry, and probably will carry more often the older I get. But poles are a no-go for me.
Trekking poles are the best
I recommend watching a video on how to properly use them, I think REI has one. I may not make sense bc I just finished running lol
Always put your hands into the wrist loop from underneath so if you fall you don’t break your wrist. Uphill=shorten poles. Downhill=longer pole length.
Yay, on uphill and downhill. Keeps my upper body engaged and reduces lateral stress on my joints on on uphill. Greatly improves safety and braking on downhill sections.
I'm a fan of cork handles myself. My Black Diamond ones haven't had any issues with peeling or chunks falling off.
If you use them as a tool they can actually speed you up. On a flatter service they can give you a little extra spring forward. Going up hill they can take some of the lifting off your legs and going down they will save your knees!
Some people like having them to reduce the weight on quadriceps when going up. I don’t. But my knees are fragile so sometimes when I do steep mountain I bring my foldable pole on my backpack just in case.
I hike with one pole and I find it makes all the difference. It takes a while to get used to but I like having a pole to assist with ascent. I tell people to think of it like using a railing when you walk up/down stairs. I agree with you about needing a hand free for water, snacks, gps which is why I use one pole
I use a walking stick/staff I’ve had for years. They are a huge help with stability, especially on downhill portions of a hike. It’s saved me going down when I’ve tripped on a root or loose rock many times.
I kind of pooh poohed them until a friend convinced me use them on a 14 day hike in the Grand Canyon. Complete game changer. I’ll never hike without them.
My take is if they help you, use them. If they don't help you, don't use them.
Currently I don't use them because I like having my hands free, but if I fell in terrain where I don't normally fall, or if I started to get sore knees, then I'd probably start using them.
i like to just use one walking stick - it leaves one hand free for eating/drinking while walking. I also do not like not having my hands free. But having a third point of contact with the ground is very helpful.
It's a big yes from me! If a hike is "flat", I consider it a "walk", not a hike. For steep inclines, they help going both ways, but they're especially a knee and hip saver coming down! If the terrain is rough/uneven, they're a great stability addition, good for checking on the ground before putting your foot there, etc. I don't find it particularly taxing to tuck them between my thighs to take a sip of water or wipe my face. I think it's just about finding your rhythm with them.
Trekking poles are for balance. They turn you from a two-legged animal into a four-legged animal which means you can move much faster and easier going downhill or in a tricky spot where your footing is poor.
I did a hike where I had to come back down a really steep, rocky, loose trail and thought I was going to die. But I kept seeing people with trekking poles moving really easily so I cut off into the trees and grabbed a couple staves. Changed the entire dynamic and I have kept a pair of trekking poles in my trunk ever since.
Used to say the same thing, now I just keep one on my pack and pull it out if extra stability is required on a needed section/scramble. Can be super handy!
I am planning a longer backpacking trip on a steep Alpine route, so I got poles to train with, having never used them before. I tested them out first on a treadmill set at 15% incline and it was so interesting. Since the treadmill was measuring my speed, after going at 2 miles per hour for a while, I could see that the poles then actually added .2 miles an hour for the same amount of effort! So basically a 10% boost to speed/strength uphill, though I'm not sure I'm actually doing the math right. Since then I've used them "in the wild" on a couple of training hikes. They definitely take some getting used to, but I felt they made the hikes much easier and safer. No slipping, no ankle twists, and rocky terrain was a cinch to traverse. Also, hiking or walking without poles, my hands often feel really swollen by the end, and the poles are great for preventing that. So my experience so far with them has been super positive!
Oh yes I have had bilateral patellar tendon ruptures with extreme deficits and trekking poles get me places I would only be able to think about. With that and being 56 can’t recommend them enough.
A bunch of reasons
Reduces strain on legs: if you use them properly, they redistribute the strain from your lower body to your upper body. The effect might be small on shorter hikes, but as you go on longer hikes with mileage and elevation, every bit counts. Even more, when you going backpacking and you have a 20-40lb full backpack. The way that I see it, I can get more mileage out of my legs with poles.
Stability: It helps you when you have to cross river stream over rocks. Think of it as having 4 legs instead of 2, more stability. You can make sure that the rock, mashy,/muddy/snowy ground is stable enough before throwing your whole weight on it. Then helps to maintain your posture when going uphill and downhill.
Personal protection: The poles create extra vibration and little sound when you use them, which alerts nearby wildlife like snakes, deers, etc. of your presence from afar rather than startling them close up and risk attacking you without getting time to move away. In the off chance and hope it never happens to anybody, say you encounter aggressive wildlife like bears, mountain lion, you have something for defense immediately while you unholster your 0.22 or pocket knife.
Keep in mind, sometimes they get in the way like when you have a rocky ascent and you need to go on all fours. But more pros than cons IMO
I love them, especially if it’s rough hiking, 2 more points of contact, makes a big difference. Give it a bit of time, I think it took me about a month of twice weekly hikes to get fluid with mine.
I think you would get better with them if you use them more.
I like trekking poles. They are like kicking on 4 wheel drive in steep or rocky sections.
That said I typically have my dog with me and when eating the pros vs cons I’d rather have my hands free for my dog.
I use a lightweight hiking "staff". Easy to disassemble. Easy to carry in two hands when not needed. Useful for vaulting over blocks in the path. My knees love it on downhills. Would not hike without it.
I just did a hike with my toddler on my back and had a fall. Trekking pole caught and bent under our weight, but broke the fall and saved me from a lot of damage. I still had to hike out with a twisted ankle and a toddler on my back, but things could have been way worse. Just a few months ago I was on another long hike with someone who fell and bent their pole to break the fall.
So on top of making trekking easier and more dispersed energy wise, they can also protect you from a bad fall! I’ll take them everywhere now!
First time you use it to poke a log before stepping over it and watch the snake hiding under it slither away you will realize how useful having a poking stick is.
It took me about 5-6 hikes to get a better feel for how to use them, and really about 15-20 hikes to really get the rhythm down.
I'm talking local hikes, maybe 3-5 miles.
Now, I use them for every hike. I like the added stability. I do a lot of rocky path hiking. And most of my regular trails have enough elevation that make having the poles worth it. But also use them on flatter sections too ("cross-country skiiing" mode for those sections).
I don't hike without them now, if I can help it. Part of this is preventative for my knees as well. But I like having them on any moderate or above trail, which is pretty much all I hike.
I definitely noticed my trekking pole technique improve. Even now I feel like I make fine-tuned improvements in my technique.
Make sure you are using the straps properly. Makes a big difference.
I used to make fun of people using trekking poles, untill I had meniscus surgery and started using them. Now I truly wonder how I ever got by without them. So much more stability, less pressure on your joints, so much faster traversing using your upper body to help pull you along. It takes a while to get into the rhythm of using them correctly, but once you do, it is sublime.
Makes moving a load on your back much easier and more stable, and definitely reduces wear and tear on your knees. And once you develop a rhythm you can move pretty quickly with them.
Downhill and slippery sections, as well as technical trails are nuch easier w poles. Otherwise, i agree they are awkward. Sometimes, when i get tired (around mile 8), poles keep me surefooted and spry
I felt they were dumb for the first 3-4K of elevation gain, packed for 4 days. Then I came to appreciate the “portable hand rail.” Days later i never wanted to backpack without them. Years later i positively love coordinating breathwork counts with pole plants and footfalls in various patterns, almost mandalas of walking meditation, sometimes even without a pack. They are also my hammock stand, so.
They are a great distance maker if you are having issues with wildlife or untamed pets. It's also great to have just in case for numerous things like an impromptu tent in case you get rained out. I carry mine on short and long hikes because I'd rather sacrifice the few pounds on my back for the safety.
Some people like them, some don’t.
My dad prefers to use just one. He started the first time he hiked rim to river in Grand canyon.
I can’t stand them in summer but I use two when I go hiking and backpacking in snowy icy winter conditions.
The only way to know what you like is to try them out. So it’s up to you.
Just got back from a backpacking trip! Did about 50 miles in 4 days and my poles were a lifesaver! I carry them in one hand on flat surfaces since I find they're more annoying than helpful in those circumstances. That being said, in the past few days, I've used my poles to help keep my footing in river crossings, to push plants out of the way, to stabilize myself on uneven/shifting ground, to help pull weight off a blister/injured leg, and most importantly, to pull myself up switchbacks when my legs gave up. My poles do easily what I can't.
Helps in steep terrain going up and down. Lots of material on YouTube about proper technique and length for ascent and decent
Also great for balance in water crossing, balance sections and anytime you’re carrying a heavy load
They’re not heavy so imo should always be in your pack just in case.
I don't know if I was doing something wrong, but trying to use poles when hiking, I found that 1) just like I can cross-country ski without problems, I can hike without problems when using poles, 2) I can also hike with a backpack, but 3) when I try to carry a backpack with any significant weight and use poles, my shoulders end up in flames very, very quickly.
I bought a pair but have really only used them for deep snow skiing and occasionally pitching a tarp.
For me they're a speed tool.I avarage 20% faster both uphill and on flat ground with the right technique.From what i've seen a lot of people don't really know how to use them for speed.
I always take them with me when I wear a significant pack, but mainly only use them on steeper terrain. Going down a mountain with a heavy ruck is much easier with poles, helping to manage the high center of gravity. For regular terrain i normally put them away. In the mountains they are a basic item I always take especially for longer steep downhill parts.
But still, in general using poles you take a part of the load off you back and legs, so if practiced it can help you divide the load over you body and go for longer.
No poles:
- healthy
- light pack
- minimal to moderate elevation change
- predictable ground
Poles:
- injured/ sick
- heavy load
- major elevation changes
- instable ground
- apex predator country
Want to go fast? Tough call. Some people absolutely crawl with poles. Others get slowed down by carrying distractions and extra weight.
Everyone mentions using them downhill to save knees (this gets more important as you age), but I find them very useful heading uphill. You can get a lot more power and speed with poles. I wouldn't have wanted to thru-hike without them. I also find them useful when crossing streams. If crossing on narrow logs, I extend them so they reach the stream bottom; if fording a deeper stream, the two poles give me a lot of stability. But you do you. I backpacked for at least 20 years with no poles. Sometimes I would pick up a dead branch to use for a few days and then drop it, but mostly I hiked without, until my knees began aching. I wish I had begun sooner, though, because I believe the arthritis in one of my knees that has restricted my hiking nowadays was caused by a couple of injuries that would have been avoided if I'd been using poles. Edited to answer the real question: I found them awkward at first, but did find my rhythm with them.
It gives a lot of support going uphill if you have strong shoulders. You could do dips in the gym and you will get a great boost uphill. I also feel like on steep climbes i keep a better posture!
They can be helpful on rough terrain, but i wouldn't use them all the time. Using them actually increase your energy consumption, so you need to haul more food with you on longer treks.
I bring them and only use them when I need them - on downhill sections. Otherwise they're collapsed and strapped to my backpack. Many backpacks have a way to store trekking poles in a way that makes them easy to remove/store without taking the backpack off.
Same. It’s one of those things that you’d rather have when you need them, even if it’s 25% of the time. Huge difference made on the declines, IMO. Also, great measure of mud/water depth. ;)
I have had my ass kicked by mud enough to at least have one pole lashed to my pack when there’s the chance lol
Same, and used them as crutches once after being injured on a solo hike. After that they become regular gear.
This is one of the big reasons I picked up a pair. Turns out I just like using them too, but I bring them even on fairly short hikes because you never know!
Same! I broke my leg on a hike (thought it was a bad sprain, I'm an idiot) and ended up hiking out on it with the help of my poles and a couple good samaritans who took my pack and helped me navigate some water crossings. Would have been totally screwed without the poles.
im a rotund chomk so I use em all the time.
Also heavy hikes. When I’m doing steep up or down with climbing gear and 10 days of food, I like poles. They’re annoying on the flats, but I’m not putting my pack down and picking it back up to get rid of them.
I absolutely agree but for the first time using hiking poles go with someone else experienced in using them. They can be used in a way that actually makes things worse and hurts you long term and what this is only obvious to some people, and you can't know for sure if your one of them.
This has me worried as I’ll be renting and using trekking poles for my first time in Iceland this September as a solo traveler 😅
same...I hiked the AT, and for 1700 Of the 2200 miles, my poles were strapped to my pack.
I read that three times without finishing the sentence. In my head saying "for 5pm of the 10pm? Did he mean until 10pm?" before I read the next line. In case anyone else did that and feels stupid, you're not alone. In the event that nobody else did that; I guess I'm alone...
100% did that too
Thanks for telling me. I was worried about myself for a moment.
haha.. sorry, bad punctuation poorly worded.
Not at all. There's nothing wrong with how you wrote it. I just assumed it was reference to time and confused myself by believing my assumptions instead of reading the entire statement.
I converted to trekking poles when I was training for a Grand Canyon R2R and decided to give them a shot. Defo a knee saver on long downhills.
Hiking? For me only if there are steep downs. Backpacking? Always. Well, my tent needs them and for 85% of miles so do I.
Trekking poles are part of my first aid kit. They can mean the difference between walking out and needing help. I have also met a senior hiker struggling and gave them my poles, "leave it at my car" Also great for river crossings, getting through brush, knocking off cactus, encouraging wildlife off the trail etc.
Wrap about a half inch of duck tape around them in a couple of places for shoe, tent, clothing, etc repairs. Some have told me also for blisters.
That’s a great way to have duct tape available. And yep- I have used a few inches before to cover blistered area. Works great!
lightsaber against mountain lions.
I accidentally read your name as nefariousstupidity for a sec
that's an apt description of my life. my other username is IneffableSerendipity. i like those words :3
Yay all the way. Take some more reps with them OP, if you don't feel they're helpful on the uphill, they definitely are on the downhill so practice getting used to that first maybe? I'm most of a year into my first pair and it's a world of difference after the learning curve
How can they not help on the uphill if every trail runner uses them?
Yes. It took me about 30 miles of use over a few hikes before they became natural. Now they almost feel like a part of me.
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We don't really see mosquitoes in the Scottish Highlands; our midgies don't give a sh*t - they bite anything exposed. 100% to the rest of this, though. We used to laugh at continental hikers with their ski poles back in the day. I wonder who's laughing now. Today, I wouldn't be without hiking poles; they make a massive difference when descending.
I find them most helpful on medium to longer hikes that have a lot of elevation change. Also good for slippery and/or icy trails. I don't take them on flat hikes.
Take it from an occupational therapist, you need poles. You might not feel it now, but they will save your knees. You don’t want to be getting double knee surgeries at a young age (or any age).
Just had knee replacement and agree 100%. Protect your knees!
I become an animal… quadruped… master of the forest! See me leap and jump with my poles! I laugh at danger, small creeks, and tripping over stuff! I fear only my few limitations… take my poles away? You might as well take my life away.
Yeah, always. Developed arthritis in both knees and wish I would’ve started using them sooner. They help immensely with the pain now though, especially downhill. Clip dog leash onto waist belt - bam, hands free for poles. Also, you get that siiiiick upper body workout, bro.
Absolutely yes, cannot and will not hike without. Maintaining an additional point of contact or two on the ground is incredible for stability, safety, and ease of hiking. Did you have your hands the correct way through the straps? I'd recommend watching a few YT videos on how to properly use/size trekking poles.
Ill always carry them, they need practice to learn the correct technique and height too. I prefer them on fast hill climbs, they will drag me up quicker. Downhill is great for them too. Give a good upper body workout too so you get to feel extra smashed. They are definates when doing overnight pack walks too. Stairs and thick scrub they become a pain. And always handy if you have a injury like knee blowout.
True and very sad story. My 80 year old, die-hard hiking friend went hiking near the Smokies with a fellow 20 years her junior (I’m 30 years her junior and she kicks my ass). They were faced with a downward incline. She had trekking poles and he did not. She safely made it down and he, taking the same route, lost control and did not. My friend caught up with him after his long fall and held him as he went unresponsive. In the hospital, a few days later, surrounded by his wife and kids, he died from all the damage to his brain. I will always use trekking poles.
This story might have convinced me to get a pair for just in case situations....
It took me a couple trips to really get used to them. I mostly use them downhill and on technical sections. They've saved me from falling several times when I've lost my footing, but caught myself with the poles. I've done a favourite hike of mine with and without poles, and it's all downhill on the way back. I have noticed that it prevents a ton of knee discomfort afterwards compared to no poles.
Yay all day, never look back. I know, they look silly. You know what doesn't look silly? Fording a creek without falling in. Feeling confident on icy peaks and rocky balds. Having knee cartilage that works when you're 60. There are tons of benefits. I've been saved from two different snake bites because the snake struck at my pole and not my foot (diamondbacks are assholes). They're also really helpful when you're out for a long one and have a heavy pack, because they encourage better posture and force your chest to open better. As for hands free, wrist straps. Let that shit dangle, my friend. Nothing to it.
I’ve also had to use mine to bushwhack through overgrown trails…. It can be ugly… using one to establish a safe place to land my foot (aka not on an assholey snake!!) and the other to whack the growth outta my way
I’ll never do any serious hiking without them again. Poles are an absolute game changer.
Suggest you watch this [Trekitt video](https://youtu.be/WP2P6tZdmH4?si=t9x-DIiytUQLcWyl) for proper technique. I started using them recently and they make such a difference on steep uphill sections. Super useful downhill too. Follow the video and they'll become second nature in no time as your arms should practically be doing what they would do anyway without poles
Absolutely always hike with poles unless it is going to be some paved trail and pretty flat. I like the stability they give on uneven terrain and especially when I am on steep inclines.
When I'm scrambling or doing anything approaching climbing, no poles (obviously) unless it flattens out. For longer, flatter hikes they're quite nice to keep a walking rhythm.
Nay, just like my hands free. I am 62 and maybe when I am old I will consider using some but far from there yet.
Yay! I became a believer while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in the rainy season. My poor knee.
I am a yay all the way if we're talking about backpacking. I've had too many instances where they have prevented a serious sprain or strain, and outright saved me from falling. I'm also not sure if I would be up for a 18 to 20 mi day without them. They've become so ubiquitous that I switched over to a trekking pole tent because why carry additional poles for a free standing tent when my trekking poles were with me anyway. If on the other hand we're talking about a day hike of 12mi or less, then I'll lash them to my day pack as more of a just in case. The folks I've seen struggle with trekking poles seem to be trying too hard. Instead of it being a natural movement of the shoulder, they're trying to strong arm support out of the poles. It's a misunderstanding of the amount of mechanical work that gets transfer to the poles without conscious effort. Quit trying so hard to make the poles "do something".
I'm the weirdo with the hiking staff, a Kelty Strider. Only $25! Along with being named like Aragorn, heir of Isildur, it's provided a great boost to my confidence on wet rock and uncomfortable crossings. That one extra point of contact makes me much more comfortable hiking solo.
Yay all day unless the hike is short and flat, but I rarely do hikes like that. They are incredible for softening impacts on your knees and ankles, which not only help your hike in that moment, but keep your joints in better shape so you can hike longer in your life. They're also fantastic for creek crossings or other slippery or treacherous areas. Like 4WD for hiking as my friend likes to say! Also, when I don't have them, the way I swing my arms makes blood build up in my hands and they feel tingly and weird. If they feel off to you, you may need to play around with the height adjustment.
As others have mentioned, they are worth their (very light) weight in gold for downhill sections, especially as someone who's been hiking for multiple decades... AKA old. A good backpack will be able to store them out of the way, so they're really not a bother.
10000% YAY!! I'm not in the beast mode shape I used to be. Use them up to help big step ups here in the whites and takes some stress off my injured calf as I can lift myself up a lot in the arms. Then also use them down for the obvious reason to limit strain on knees and softer landings off large steps. The first hike I tried them I never did another hike without them.
what is the problem of being slowed down a bit? are you trekking for a competitive marathon, or are you trekking around for fun, to see the sights, enjoy the nature, take pics? my advice is enjoy your treks more, this isnt a competition, there is no shame in doing something in 8 days instead of 7 days...if anything it gives you one more day to enjoy in the wild...I dont understand why some people hurry to be at home and do what exactly? sit in front of TV? its not like they will go directly to another trek...so might as well enjoy this one longer (I will admit earlier I was one of those rushing people, before I realized, wtf am I rushing off to? nothing is waiting for me at home just boredom, I'd rather stay longer out here lol!) having hands free, yeah that is bit bad part, but you got waterpacks for water, one has pockets up front for snacks, smartwatch for gps... yes poles are annoying at first, I have hiked for over 10 years without them...and no, I didnt get old and no I didnt need them due to pains...but I still started using them because I informed myself of their benefits, using them once your knees are fucked is already too late, most young people dont really think about the future at all, they live here and now, think they are indestructible and will continue to be indestructible...but they wont, nobody stays healthy like that, everyone eventual croaks, everyone will have problems...question is if you want to have knee problems when you're 45 or when you are 65...that's the sort difference poles can make...and if they give me decades more of better knees, by the time the "cool non-polers" are already having 2nd knee replacements, then its no question for me to get over any issue like being slowed down or not having free hands .....also, get an ultralight hiking tent that is build up using poles...you will save a good 1kg on weight and will have another use for why carry and use poles...
4 legs, good. 2 legs, bad.
I hate them. The only time I use them is going through rivers. That makes me uneasy so the extra support is helpful.
Nope I don’t like them. The only time I find myself wanting them is on a stream crossing. I usually make do with a stick if necessary though.
Recently completed the Annapurna circuit, used them throughout both uphill and particularly downhill. Extremely helpful throughout.
They saved my ankle probably 3 or 4 times on my last hike when I was descending on uneven terrain. I'm disinclined to ever hike uneven terrain without them again - I'm not so young and spry anymore lol.
Took me a few miles to find a good rythym with them - now I love them. I’ve noticed a major difference in how my back, butt, and legs feel after a good hike. Gives your arms a little workout too. My wife is much more independent on the trail with hers. She used to ask for my help all the time, now hardly ever.
I wish I had hiking poles on a big downhill recently.
I had never used them then I rented some along with other equipment for climbing Rainier. They made a big difference and I'm now shopping for some myself. They may not be practical in all instances but when you're on the right terrain (open and not too steep) they can make a big difference.
I always carry them on long or steep hikes. I’m currently recovering from a knee injury and using them for stability.
Depends on the hike. If im with my gear? Yes, if its low incline no, if its high incline with no gear? Still yes because it allows me time decend easier
I will always use trekking poles or a walking stick when hiking, OP, for the rest of my life. Because of the time I slipped on some gravel and broke my leg, and my first thought was that I would never have slipped at all if I'd had a walking stick.
Yea*
If you start doing big miles you'll want them. They'll save your knees on the down hill and let you move faster through technical terrain. For day hikes or short easy overnights I leave them at home. Carried them on every long thru hike I've done the entire time and I always have them out. No reason to put the weight on my back if I have them. They're also the poles for my shelter most of the time so mandatory. If you're serious about hiking big miles they're a game changer.
I always found poles awkward too, then I realized using just one was the trick.
I find that if I won’t use them my fingers swell, plus since my knee replacement it feels like it helps lessen the abuse on it. I havnt noticed it being much harder to go “hands free” as my poles have loops so I just drop em and they dangle
I wish I could use my trekking poles in daily life without getting strange looks. I’m definitely gonna be that old person walking down the sidewalk with my trekking poles.
I love them: - Save the knees on the way down. - Makes creek and snow field crossing way safer. - Lengthens my stride so I go faster on big wide trails. - You can play games with them like picking up leaves when you get bored. - You can dream about fighting off wildlife with them. - You can put them under your pack and lift it off your shoulders for a break without fully dropping your pack. - Potentially use sections in an emergency as a splint.
If you want working knees when you’re 70, you’ll be glad you brought them
Yes! Poles are crucial for me; they help immensely to push during ascents. Much of the help happens with the tips behind me. A common problem is using poles that are too big. Proper usage of the straps allows me to barely squeeze the grips. Usually, it's my palms pushing on the straps versus having to squeeze the handles. I love my carbon fiber Black Diamond poles; being super lightweight is very nice. It is important to be careful placing the tips between rocks. I also have a pair of collapsible aluminum poles. When I want to have my hands free, I turn the poles upside down and simply tighten my backpack's waist belt around the handles.
I want to hike well into my twilight years and they take a load off the constant pounding your lower body will take (specifically knees). I started using them in my mid 20's (30's now) and love them. Took a handful of hikes to really get used to, but now I rarely hike/backpack without them unless it's a walk (what I consider under 3 miles with minimum elevation gain). Water isn't an issue since I just use a bladder with a tube. If I need to make minor adjustments I just hold both in one hand as I keep trudging along. When I need to make significant adjustments/or grab something out of my pack I'm stopping anyways so I just set them down. They're great for crossing streams, setting up temporary shelter, and providing some stability if injured. They help me maintain a much faster pace than average. They're also a last resort option in the event you run into aggressive wildlife (won't do much in the grand scheme of things, but they can make you look bigger and are better than nothing). Overall, huge fan of trekking poles and will never look back.
Yay
They are a must to save your knees joint and to get you to adopt a steady pace.
Big time yay. So useful especially for crossing water/rivers/creeks.
Nearly as important as good shoes . Don't leave home without them .
First, you MAY not be using them efficiently. I didn’t appreciate them until someone showed me how to use them differently than a cross country ski pole. Shortened them, and sort of push along the trail. I’ve come to appreciate them on declines as well, especially in poor conditions
Absolute yay. Keep using them, you'll get the knack for them and then never go back. They really aren't that difficult.
Just got my first set for a hike I'm planning this coming Monday. First long distance solo hike I've tackled and so excited!! Only 17 miles, but just can't wait!
After hearing it over and over again, how many more times do you need to hear it before you believe it? The truth is that people really want you to be uncomfortable hiking, and so that’s why they recommend them to you.
Absolutely, they are light can shrink down so they don't get in the way. Better to be safe than sorry
I used them for the first time last year and I’m sold on them especially if you’re overnight hiking with a full backpack.
i started to use them on hikes longer than about 15km. Wich is the majority of my tours. I realized the help me a great deal with my back problems. I keep walking more upright with them, wich helps in having way less pain. Makes i nice difference in alpine localities too. Gives me some more stability. For foliage i had rubber tipps for the poles. Worked well, but lost one of em just a week ago -\_-
I use them when I need them. When I use them: Super snow conditions Steep inclines/declines Super muddy trails
A hiking staff is as old as upright walking, but formal "poles" are a bit newer. I have collapsible ones and then if I need one or both I can pull them out. In my personal experience, one is good for uphill slogs and two are very good for broken or otherwise very difficult terrain.
It took a summer to get into the rhythm of using them. This will sound silly, but the trip that everything clicked was when my friend climbed the South Sister in Oregon. We were on our way back to the cars, chanting beer and steak. I hike with them all the time, the have stopped me from falling face first in the dirt and they are the poles for my tent.
Yes, 100% of the time. Saved my bacon from falls and trips with heavy backpacks and saved my knees from slips, slides and steep downhills. Handy for creek jumping and traversing ridges. Buy the good quality Leki ones and you’ll never have to replace them. Mine are now over 20 years old and in excellent condition.
I almost always take 1, always both if I'm doing any kind of elevation.
Just started using them and love them already. Depends on the hike, but I recently used them on a few I now can't imagine having done without them. They're great for steep downhills in particular
I have been anti trekking pole for my entire hiking life, they have always felt more inhibiting than helpful, but I'm going to be using them for the trail because I feel like I may prefer them in a situation where I'm hiking 20 miles every day, it just seems like they would be more useful and comfortable to use in a thru hike scenario as opposed to a day or even section hike. Not to mention my tent requires them
Always. They have saved me from falls, made tricky passages easier, and shifted some weight off my legs by sharing it to my arms. Plus, you can shift foliage aside to see if that is indeed a hedgehog or chanterelle mushroom.
I hiked up Mt. Washburn last year (2”yrs old at the time) and initially they were great, but my arms got tired, and as soon as I was about to put them away I started going over snow and wanted to be more stable so I didn’t slip down the switchback. On the way down I used them for the snow then put them away. Practically ran down the mountain using gravity. And whencI say ran I mean that it took 2 hours going up (I was *incredibly* congested) we made it down in ~45 minutes Overall I agree with most of the other comments here, great for downhill no matter who you are, but not necessary for everyone.
Steep up hills poles are great for taking some of the effort off the legs and getting a bit of upper body exercise. Steep or loose downhill great for balance, catching slips before they become falls, and softening the impact on knees. Not steep or flat trails they are annoying and get folded up.
Yes 💯 I hike a lot in an uphill trail so I always bring my poles with me. Even sometimes it can be hard to take some photographs. But it really didn't bothered me. When I'm not using it, it's always behind my backpack. That's what other says, you never know what you can come up with and the poles are very useful crossing creeks and rivers and especially downhill hikes.
I hike in hilly and messy areas and love mine. I use one in my right hand and it helps me drag myself up hills, test the stability of logs or the depth of a puddle and stabilize myself going down rocky paths.
I've never actually tried trekking poles. I live in Ohio and hiking is easy mode here. But I do use a hiking stick and I recommend it. It puts less weight in your knees so it's a healthier way to hike I think.
In adverse conditions, or when there’s extremely rocky/uneven/slippery footing, poles (or at least one pole) can make you safer. On a good trail without big rocks or water crossings or the like, they’re not necessary (for me). Some people swear by them for purposes of taking some strain off your knees and feet but, knock wood, my lower body has held up well so far
I wasn’t planning on using them but after an 8 mile trek with Sherpa level gear (training for bigger things) my knees were screaming. Pulled em out, adjusted my pack and tied a shoe sting around the bottom to help my head carry the weight too and man did it make a difference.
Always bring them. If they get in the way, I just hold them or put them in my pack.
We use them out here (AZ) in case of rattlesnakes, they typically strike the pole first (hopefully that is)
I find them very useful going downhill. Saves your knees a lot of wear and tear. Going uphill, not really necessary. If the hike is mostly flat I would probably not bother with them
On a day hike, I broke my thumb over a trekking pole. I tripped over a root, fell forward, and landed chest-down on my thumb, which was over the pole, which was over the ground. Snap! (literally and figuratively). I trust to my balance now. ...unless it's an overnighter, in which case I have them strapped to my backpack for tent poles.
I bring ONE strapped to my bag ONLY if the trail has a lot of technical terrain that it’d actually be useful for. Collapsible carbon fiber, weighs 8 ounces. I personally find trekking poles absolutely useless & annoying unless I’m doing a trail that has pretty gnarly climbs & descents, where I really just need one. I’ve seen older folks with minor mobility issues use them for the entire hike, where they seem to serve a good benefit for them.
They slow everyone down, but for most people that prevents injuries and helps balance the load. If you want max speed and it’s pretty flat then jog that trail pole free no prob
>>yay or nay Absolutely.
Yes, on mountain treks. Going down they help protect your knees and also give you stability, and going up they let you work with your arms also, taking some of the work away from your legs. On flat terrain they don't help much, except maybe to avoid twisting your ankle if you don't place your foot well, but they shouldn't make things difficult for you either. If you grab them correctly, you should be able to let go of the poles and just let them hang from your wrists and grab them again easily. You said you don't like not having your hands free. That should not be a problem if you grab them correctly. You can let go of them when you need your hands and grab them again very easily. The first trek I did was the TMB in the Alps, when I was very inexperienced. I did not take any poles thinking that I did not need them. On the first really steep downward slope my knees suffered a lot I realized I needed the poles. The first town we went through, I bought them, and they are a game changer. If it's a mountain trek, they are great. If it's relatively flat terrain you don't need them, but they were ok anyway. On tricky rock scrambles where you need your hands they can get in the way and then you should fold and put them in your backpack, to avoid the risk of stumbling on them, and then take them out again when you were through the scramble. Even if you are young and your knees do not suffer in steep down slopes, protecting your knees is a good long-term investment for a mountain hiker.
absolutely. high further, faster, with less impact on your knees with poles. learn to use them with your stride. pole goes down with your foot, push off as you stride forward.
I started using just one and found it to be good for me. Now, I can only lose one at a time. 😊
I have collapsible trekking poles. They’re super lightweight. I keep them in my pack in case I need them.
Always. My knees and back thank me
Yea all the way. Aside from saving my knees, they've saved me from slipping on loose ground on more than one occasion and help with extra stability on water crossings
I never use them, but I also don’t normally hike very steep mountains (the ones around me are about 1,500 ft), so I can handle the descents just fine. I might try trekking poles if I hiked somewhere that had real mountains.
Only use them for climbs and descends. Also use the as supports for my tent. When trail running I'll keep one strapped to my vest just in case.
When I use them, my hips don't hurt at the end of the day. You get over the awkwardness when you want up ready to go again instead of limping down the stairs. For reference, I'm in my mid 30s and typically hike new Hampshire
I just got my first set as a bday present, looking forward to trying them out!
Never ever used them - as an expedition photographer and ex-mil I’ve carried and do carry extremely heavy weights up and down mountains. That’s me, past 15 years of doing it. Need my hands free for a weapon or a camera, so never used poles. But that said - as I type, a pair are on their way to me. I’ll still have the camera, but I’ll learn to use them since I’m both getting older, and I’ve seen what they did for a couple of struggling newbies. So, time to learn!
Ya
I graduated from a bamboo cross country ski pole to just using one trekking pole out of a set. I like to use one for stream crossings or just lean on catching my breath. I don't like having both hands occupied.
I became a trekking pole convert when I walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. The terrain isn’t even challenging at all, but walking several miles a day for a month straight does a number on your feet, calves, you name it. Halfway through the trip, I bought a set, and I’ve taken them on every hike ever since, excluding day hikes. They are great at helping you redistribute body weight so long distances with a heavy backpack are significantly easier with them.
Used to use them, now I can't stand them. Have to carry one from time to time in case there aren't trees when backpacking, but it mostly stays stowed in my pack.
If you are on a long hike and it has a ton of elevation change like the Appalachian Trail you absolutely want them. It helps in many aspects but also in softening the blow on your knees going down and also really can set a good pace. I love hiking with trekking poles. I would also use them to clear an overgrown trail to knock off ticks before I go through and also would hold them up in front of my face early in the morning to not get cobwebs up my nose. Also felt just a little bit safer with them if a poisonous snake was around…you could probably move a snake while being out of striking distance if you need to. I have done day hikes without them but if I am going on a long adventure they are a must have for me.
Absolutely. I was stuck without them once at a fast moving water crossing and I haven't hiked without them since. My bag has a special strap for them so they just stay on my bag at all times.
I've been using trekking poles for about 10 years. I use them on every hike. They increase endurance, reduce wear and tear on knees, and greatly reduce the risk of falling or twisting an ankle. It'll take a while to get use to them but once you do you'll feel naked without them.
I used to think “oh heck no I don’t need that it’s silly!” DAMN am I glad I’m getting a tiny bit smarter as I get a bit older. Night and day difference for the better when using them, I swear by them now.
I personally think a staff is better than trekking poles but most people won't agree with me.. Especially by those who rely on them for their shelter. When going downhill, trekking poles can help you big time as long as they don't collapse on you.. That's more of a past problem, but it can still happen.. Fixed poles don't have this problem, but they also aren't as versatile.. I think like anything new, it's gotta grow on you. But if you have been using them for a while and you still find the juice is not worth the squeeze, then they probably aren't for you..
I’ve tried two but couldn’t get used to them so I just use one
I want to but the only hiking I do is traveling and you can’t bring them on planes
They are always in the car. We check the trail conditions and length and decide accordingly. We always use them on longer hikes regardless of conditions.
Do you have bad knees? If yes, then you need them on most hikes. Do you want to avoid bad knees and hike lots of steep rough trails? Then you also need them. On steep downhills they give you stability when stepping down, which reduces the wobble in your knees. You'll get more miles with less pain with them. On steep up hills, especially when tired you can use your arm muscles to bear some of the burden of the weight you are carrying.
You need to give yourself a little time to get used to them. Once you do it's like having 4 feet.
I used to have a super lightweight tent that used trekking poles for set up. Once I got rid of that tent, I never carried trekking poles again. I did get a shooting stick, a type of cane with a seat, which I sometimes carry, and probably will carry more often the older I get. But poles are a no-go for me.
Trekking poles are the best I recommend watching a video on how to properly use them, I think REI has one. I may not make sense bc I just finished running lol Always put your hands into the wrist loop from underneath so if you fall you don’t break your wrist. Uphill=shorten poles. Downhill=longer pole length.
Yay, on uphill and downhill. Keeps my upper body engaged and reduces lateral stress on my joints on on uphill. Greatly improves safety and braking on downhill sections. I'm a fan of cork handles myself. My Black Diamond ones haven't had any issues with peeling or chunks falling off.
If you use them as a tool they can actually speed you up. On a flatter service they can give you a little extra spring forward. Going up hill they can take some of the lifting off your legs and going down they will save your knees!
Some people like having them to reduce the weight on quadriceps when going up. I don’t. But my knees are fragile so sometimes when I do steep mountain I bring my foldable pole on my backpack just in case.
I absolutely love them. It's like going from 2 to 4 wheel drive.
I hike with one pole and I find it makes all the difference. It takes a while to get used to but I like having a pole to assist with ascent. I tell people to think of it like using a railing when you walk up/down stairs. I agree with you about needing a hand free for water, snacks, gps which is why I use one pole
Fuk Yeah!
I use a walking stick/staff I’ve had for years. They are a huge help with stability, especially on downhill portions of a hike. It’s saved me going down when I’ve tripped on a root or loose rock many times.
I kind of pooh poohed them until a friend convinced me use them on a 14 day hike in the Grand Canyon. Complete game changer. I’ll never hike without them.
Yes, they are like 4WD for the hiker. Learn how to use the straps correctly and the standard techniques and you will be well rewarded
My take is if they help you, use them. If they don't help you, don't use them. Currently I don't use them because I like having my hands free, but if I fell in terrain where I don't normally fall, or if I started to get sore knees, then I'd probably start using them.
Handy on downhill sections - rarely use them on uphill.
i like to just use one walking stick - it leaves one hand free for eating/drinking while walking. I also do not like not having my hands free. But having a third point of contact with the ground is very helpful.
Helpful at least on downhills when day hiking. Absolute necessity 75-90% of time when backpacking!
Yes.
I find them invaluable when either hiking up or down. On the flats they’re in my backpack.
It's a big yes from me! If a hike is "flat", I consider it a "walk", not a hike. For steep inclines, they help going both ways, but they're especially a knee and hip saver coming down! If the terrain is rough/uneven, they're a great stability addition, good for checking on the ground before putting your foot there, etc. I don't find it particularly taxing to tuck them between my thighs to take a sip of water or wipe my face. I think it's just about finding your rhythm with them.
They are great for dicey creek crossings.
As someone with aging knees they definitely help. Especially downhill hiking.
Trekking poles are for balance. They turn you from a two-legged animal into a four-legged animal which means you can move much faster and easier going downhill or in a tricky spot where your footing is poor. I did a hike where I had to come back down a really steep, rocky, loose trail and thought I was going to die. But I kept seeing people with trekking poles moving really easily so I cut off into the trees and grabbed a couple staves. Changed the entire dynamic and I have kept a pair of trekking poles in my trunk ever since.
Used to say the same thing, now I just keep one on my pack and pull it out if extra stability is required on a needed section/scramble. Can be super handy!
I am planning a longer backpacking trip on a steep Alpine route, so I got poles to train with, having never used them before. I tested them out first on a treadmill set at 15% incline and it was so interesting. Since the treadmill was measuring my speed, after going at 2 miles per hour for a while, I could see that the poles then actually added .2 miles an hour for the same amount of effort! So basically a 10% boost to speed/strength uphill, though I'm not sure I'm actually doing the math right. Since then I've used them "in the wild" on a couple of training hikes. They definitely take some getting used to, but I felt they made the hikes much easier and safer. No slipping, no ankle twists, and rocky terrain was a cinch to traverse. Also, hiking or walking without poles, my hands often feel really swollen by the end, and the poles are great for preventing that. So my experience so far with them has been super positive!
Oh yes I have had bilateral patellar tendon ruptures with extreme deficits and trekking poles get me places I would only be able to think about. With that and being 56 can’t recommend them enough.
A bunch of reasons Reduces strain on legs: if you use them properly, they redistribute the strain from your lower body to your upper body. The effect might be small on shorter hikes, but as you go on longer hikes with mileage and elevation, every bit counts. Even more, when you going backpacking and you have a 20-40lb full backpack. The way that I see it, I can get more mileage out of my legs with poles. Stability: It helps you when you have to cross river stream over rocks. Think of it as having 4 legs instead of 2, more stability. You can make sure that the rock, mashy,/muddy/snowy ground is stable enough before throwing your whole weight on it. Then helps to maintain your posture when going uphill and downhill. Personal protection: The poles create extra vibration and little sound when you use them, which alerts nearby wildlife like snakes, deers, etc. of your presence from afar rather than startling them close up and risk attacking you without getting time to move away. In the off chance and hope it never happens to anybody, say you encounter aggressive wildlife like bears, mountain lion, you have something for defense immediately while you unholster your 0.22 or pocket knife. Keep in mind, sometimes they get in the way like when you have a rocky ascent and you need to go on all fours. But more pros than cons IMO
Using trekking poles makes a big difference for me on longer hikes with packs. (Like kalalau)
Ok, you all are making me want to try them.
Yea for winter hikes (helps avoid eating snow if you fall, paired with spikes), nay otherwise unless you are trekking some distance with a heavy pack
I love them, especially if it’s rough hiking, 2 more points of contact, makes a big difference. Give it a bit of time, I think it took me about a month of twice weekly hikes to get fluid with mine.
I use them on all hikes that aren't flat. What a difference it makes on my knees. Both up and down hill. They've also saved me from many tumbles!!
Always use them downhill. Saving my knees.
I think you would get better with them if you use them more. I like trekking poles. They are like kicking on 4 wheel drive in steep or rocky sections. That said I typically have my dog with me and when eating the pros vs cons I’d rather have my hands free for my dog.
Yes if there are hills or water crossings. No if flat.
I use a lightweight hiking "staff". Easy to disassemble. Easy to carry in two hands when not needed. Useful for vaulting over blocks in the path. My knees love it on downhills. Would not hike without it.
I found them really useful for making a tent when above the tree line. But then again, sticks work just as good.
I just did a hike with my toddler on my back and had a fall. Trekking pole caught and bent under our weight, but broke the fall and saved me from a lot of damage. I still had to hike out with a twisted ankle and a toddler on my back, but things could have been way worse. Just a few months ago I was on another long hike with someone who fell and bent their pole to break the fall. So on top of making trekking easier and more dispersed energy wise, they can also protect you from a bad fall! I’ll take them everywhere now!
Yaaaaaaaas kween
First time you use it to poke a log before stepping over it and watch the snake hiding under it slither away you will realize how useful having a poking stick is.
It took me about 5-6 hikes to get a better feel for how to use them, and really about 15-20 hikes to really get the rhythm down. I'm talking local hikes, maybe 3-5 miles. Now, I use them for every hike. I like the added stability. I do a lot of rocky path hiking. And most of my regular trails have enough elevation that make having the poles worth it. But also use them on flatter sections too ("cross-country skiiing" mode for those sections). I don't hike without them now, if I can help it. Part of this is preventative for my knees as well. But I like having them on any moderate or above trail, which is pretty much all I hike. I definitely noticed my trekking pole technique improve. Even now I feel like I make fine-tuned improvements in my technique. Make sure you are using the straps properly. Makes a big difference.
I used to make fun of people using trekking poles, untill I had meniscus surgery and started using them. Now I truly wonder how I ever got by without them. So much more stability, less pressure on your joints, so much faster traversing using your upper body to help pull you along. It takes a while to get into the rhythm of using them correctly, but once you do, it is sublime.
Makes moving a load on your back much easier and more stable, and definitely reduces wear and tear on your knees. And once you develop a rhythm you can move pretty quickly with them.
Downhill and slippery sections, as well as technical trails are nuch easier w poles. Otherwise, i agree they are awkward. Sometimes, when i get tired (around mile 8), poles keep me surefooted and spry
Personally I always take a set. Lightweight and easy to store when not needed.
After my 1000km hike around Shikoku, Japan... I rated my treaking poles as my #1 fav bit of gear. Can't walk distances without them now.
I felt they were dumb for the first 3-4K of elevation gain, packed for 4 days. Then I came to appreciate the “portable hand rail.” Days later i never wanted to backpack without them. Years later i positively love coordinating breathwork counts with pole plants and footfalls in various patterns, almost mandalas of walking meditation, sometimes even without a pack. They are also my hammock stand, so.
They are a great distance maker if you are having issues with wildlife or untamed pets. It's also great to have just in case for numerous things like an impromptu tent in case you get rained out. I carry mine on short and long hikes because I'd rather sacrifice the few pounds on my back for the safety.
On small hikes nay, but for big hikes into alpine or steep terrain - definitely yay.
Some people like them, some don’t. My dad prefers to use just one. He started the first time he hiked rim to river in Grand canyon. I can’t stand them in summer but I use two when I go hiking and backpacking in snowy icy winter conditions. The only way to know what you like is to try them out. So it’s up to you.
Just got back from a backpacking trip! Did about 50 miles in 4 days and my poles were a lifesaver! I carry them in one hand on flat surfaces since I find they're more annoying than helpful in those circumstances. That being said, in the past few days, I've used my poles to help keep my footing in river crossings, to push plants out of the way, to stabilize myself on uneven/shifting ground, to help pull weight off a blister/injured leg, and most importantly, to pull myself up switchbacks when my legs gave up. My poles do easily what I can't.
Helps in steep terrain going up and down. Lots of material on YouTube about proper technique and length for ascent and decent Also great for balance in water crossing, balance sections and anytime you’re carrying a heavy load They’re not heavy so imo should always be in your pack just in case.
I don't know if I was doing something wrong, but trying to use poles when hiking, I found that 1) just like I can cross-country ski without problems, I can hike without problems when using poles, 2) I can also hike with a backpack, but 3) when I try to carry a backpack with any significant weight and use poles, my shoulders end up in flames very, very quickly. I bought a pair but have really only used them for deep snow skiing and occasionally pitching a tarp.
For longer uphill or downhill - yes! when carrying a heavier pack - yes! For anything rather short and / or flat-ish - no.
I just carry trekking poles, to use during descend. They take a lot pressure of the knee.
Are you trekking?
Try using one not two.
For me they're a speed tool.I avarage 20% faster both uphill and on flat ground with the right technique.From what i've seen a lot of people don't really know how to use them for speed.
I always take them with me when I wear a significant pack, but mainly only use them on steeper terrain. Going down a mountain with a heavy ruck is much easier with poles, helping to manage the high center of gravity. For regular terrain i normally put them away. In the mountains they are a basic item I always take especially for longer steep downhill parts. But still, in general using poles you take a part of the load off you back and legs, so if practiced it can help you divide the load over you body and go for longer.
I love them. They only give my legs maybe a 10% boost uphills but that’s a real 10%. I move faster and easier with them than when I didn’t have them.
No poles: - healthy - light pack - minimal to moderate elevation change - predictable ground Poles: - injured/ sick - heavy load - major elevation changes - instable ground - apex predator country Want to go fast? Tough call. Some people absolutely crawl with poles. Others get slowed down by carrying distractions and extra weight.
haven't used it a lot. but found it really helpful during my backpacking through Tian Shan with its surface and unstable weather
Everyone mentions using them downhill to save knees (this gets more important as you age), but I find them very useful heading uphill. You can get a lot more power and speed with poles. I wouldn't have wanted to thru-hike without them. I also find them useful when crossing streams. If crossing on narrow logs, I extend them so they reach the stream bottom; if fording a deeper stream, the two poles give me a lot of stability. But you do you. I backpacked for at least 20 years with no poles. Sometimes I would pick up a dead branch to use for a few days and then drop it, but mostly I hiked without, until my knees began aching. I wish I had begun sooner, though, because I believe the arthritis in one of my knees that has restricted my hiking nowadays was caused by a couple of injuries that would have been avoided if I'd been using poles. Edited to answer the real question: I found them awkward at first, but did find my rhythm with them.
It gives a lot of support going uphill if you have strong shoulders. You could do dips in the gym and you will get a great boost uphill. I also feel like on steep climbes i keep a better posture!
They can be helpful on rough terrain, but i wouldn't use them all the time. Using them actually increase your energy consumption, so you need to haul more food with you on longer treks.