http://www.jimmys-adventures.net/trekking-with-poles/
Trekking Poles – To Pole or Not To Pole
Anyone who has been hiking recently is aware that trekking poles have become standard equipment with most hikers and backpackers. I have been hiking and backpacking for many years and as far as equipment is concerned, I’ve always been a proponent of the old “tried and true”; I was reluctant to change what had always worked for me. When I first started seeing hikers and backpackers using hiking poles, it seemed to me that the poles were just one more thing to carry. Also, I didn’t like the idea of having my hands tied up while covering rough terrain. However, as I got older, and old knee injuries started to inhibit my hiking capabilities, I decided maybe it was time to consider a hiking stick of some kind. Every year, while hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, I would see more and more people (young and old) using trekking poles, and thought “there must be something to this”. So, I started researching - hiking sticks, hiking staffs, hiking poles, trekking poles… To my delight, I found a single trekking pole that would also double as a camera mono-pod! Since I am also an avid nature photographer, (who didn’t mind carrying four pounds of camera equipment while backpacking), I decided that with its dual purpose of walking stick and mono-pod, it just might be worth taking along. Needless to say, after using it on one trip, I was completely sold on the idea!
Should All Backpackers and Hikers Use Trekking Poles?
If you’re still one of the hold-outs, reluctant to try trekking poles, read on to see the benefits you are missing.
Benefits of Trekking Poles
- Enhance your stability and support on all types of terrain
- Provide better balance and footing
- On downhill, hikes – Decrease the stress on your lower limbs (According to a 199 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine, trekking poles can reduce compressive force on the knees by up to 25%.)
- On uphill climbs – Reduce leg fatigue by transferring some of the weight to your shoulders and arms (It’s like having four legs instead of two!)
- Make crossing streams, lose rocks, and slippery surfaces easier and safer
- Can be used to push back vegetation (especially stinging nettles!) from the trail
- Can be used as probes for holes and boggy areas
- Dual poles help establish a walking rhythm
- The “hands above the heart” position, necessitated by the poles, improves circulation and lowers heart rate
- The raised position of the hands and the addition of the swinging motion help to keep your hands from swelling
- The reduction in muscle soreness and fatigue may prevent accidents which tend to happen when you get tired
Additional Practical Uses
- Can be used as support poles for a tarp shelter
- Can double as an emergency crutch in case of injury
- Is a great place to store duct tape for on-the-trail repairs
- Some can be used as camera mono-pods
Disadvantages of Trekking Poles
- One more thing to carry
- Increase your energy expenditure
- Occupy your hands making them unavailable to grab a tree limb if you start to fall, or do simple things like check your map or have a snack
Do The Benefits Outweigh the Disadvantages?
To me, the answer is a resounding YES! Every hiker or backpacker will agree that the above-listed advantages are definitely worthwhile. As for the disadvantages, if you consider all the benefits as well as the additional practical uses, I think you will agree that it is worth adding this extra item to your “must-have” backpacking gear. The new light-weight trekking poles weigh in at only around 7-8 ounces each, and can be collapsed and stuck in the side of your pack when not in use. The increased energy required by the swinging of the poles is outweighed by the decrease in climbing energy and fatigue that the poles afford. The fact that they occupy your hands is a little more difficult to resolve, although the wrist straps do allow for some use of the hands, even if it is a little awkward.
Conclusion
To me, the question is not “To Pole or not To Pole”, but rather “Two Poles or One”. While I am totally convinced of the benefits of using at least one pole (in fact, I now take mine along even on day hikes), I still am not ready to relinquish the complete use of both my hands! I know that using just one pole may eliminate the rhythm and perhaps the cardio benefit, but what can I say? It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. It took me many years to take up one trekking pole; maybe on my next hike, I’ll try using two poles and be sold on that idea as well.
If you’re not convinced by what you’ve read, I highly recommend that you borrow a hiking pole or poles and take a hike. Whether you are young or old, have knee problems or not, you will be amazed at your ability to extend your hike over all kinds of terrain without the usual fatigue and soreness.
If you’ve already tried trekking poles and are convinced of their value, check out our trekking poles website to see the large variety available. Don’t take another hike without some kind of trekking pole(s) – your knees and the rest of your body will thank you for it!
(Watch for a follow-up article on how to choose the right trekking pole(s).)
About the Author
Anasazi is a staff researcher and writer for trekking poles website
She is also a self-proclaimed hiking and backpacking addict, who has hiked all over the US. Although, previously a strong proponent of the “tried and true” when it came to her backpacking gear, old age has gvien her the incentive to research and test the newer, lighter weight gear. She will be sharing the results of her research and testing in upcoming articles.
Gossamer Gear Light Trek 4 Trekking Poles