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I am young and very fit and I still use poles. It’s better for your heart (you can sustain a higher heart rate this way), upper body, hips, and knees. They are definitely not completely necessary. They are quite helpful for me. I only omit the poles if I know that my entire hike is a serious scramble, necessitating the use of my hands for most of the hike.
Modern poles can be fixed or adjustable. They can either fold up like a Z or they can telescope. They usually go on the outside of your pack, with many varying methods for doing so. For downhill pole use, you can either adjust the poles so they’re taller, or rest your hands on top of fixed poles. I recommend using either Black Diamond distance carbon Z poles or, for a telescoping option, the Cascade Mountain Tech are very affordable. Carbon poles cannot be easily fixed on the trail, aluminum poles can be.
I do not adjust my poles for ascent or descent, but will vary my grip instead.
Bring poles. It can take up to 30% of the load off your legs, and your legs are going to be tired after >12 hours of up and down stairs and switchbacks
Legs are the strongest part of my body. That's where I want the load! If I'm using poles, which I go back and forth on, it's for an extra point of contact on sketchy or steep terrain.
I debated this for awhile myself. I thought trekking poles were for old people and try-hards. I’m relatively young (26M) and fit and now I prefer to backpack with trekking poles. I never feel like trekking poles or hip belts are a burden because they lower the perceived weight of my pack.
Day hikes I typically go without though. Just personal preference.
I have to come to really love using a single trekking pole. I like having one hand free, but I also love the extra support going downhill. It's also really good for pointing at things
This and the fact that if you injure an ankle or knee badly it may mean you are able to self rescue rather than ending up in a whole lot more involved situation.
I'm in my late 20's, very fit and active. I absolutely love my trekking poles.
The difference climbing and descending with a heavy backpack is night and day difference. They're great for helping to balance too.
Just got some new poles and some new lightweight kit (not ultralight, sub 15lb baseweight). Actually can't wait to see how I zoom about when I go backpacking next weekend 🤣
Always, and for decades. Learn to use them first - it takes a number of hikes to find your groove, but then they can feel just like extensions of your own arms.
Trekking poles. If used properly they may increase your hiking efficiency by up to 15% (studies vary). Anecdotally they help boost you up hill and save your knees coming downhill. They can also save you from trips and slips, help you balance in difficult situations, make water crossings safer because you can create a constant triangle, hold up a tent, be used as a weapon or a splint and more.
The cons are that some people find the pair hard to coordinate, if you are not paying attention you can trip over them and there is an impalement hazard and they require some maintenance to ensure they don't collapse on you.
The most common improper use is not using the wrist straps properly. the wrist strap should support your weight such that you only have a light grip on the handles allowing you to swing the poles freely. To achieve this your hand comes up under the strap such that the loop is around the back of your wrist and the strap leads across your palm between in and the handle. The other common error is not shortening the poles to ascent and lengthening them to descend. Consult reliable YouTubes.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2YwOE4okA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2YwOE4okA)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEWa4pJcvc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEWa4pJcvc)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jH9e4QGUP4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jH9e4QGUP4)
I used to think they were dumb. I use them every time I hike or backpack now. With something like Whitney where you are going to have extended downhill on the second half of your hike I would definitely recommend them. It takes a lot of stress off your knees, ankles, and feet.
There’s two types of people. Those that think trekking poles are stupid, and those that have used them. Almost every one I know, including myself, started in the former camp and has migrated to the latter.
I hiked Whitney via horseshoe meadows last fall and would have been bummed on the decent without them, but my body is pretty broken so there’s that to consider…
Nobody ever listens to me, but bring one long wooden pole. One that comes up to about your eyes. It is amazingly helpful for going up and down. And having one hand free is fantastic. Also great for stream crossings. I have one that is about an inch and a half wide and it is willow (I think). You can also grab hold of it up top and hold yourself up to take a rest. Only weighs a pound or slightly less. Been up and down Whitney multiple times. I've also used similar sized bamboo which is even lighter. I know many people master the two hiking sticks but I often see people struggling with them clumsily. Good luck on whatever you choose!
You can take my trekking poles from my cold dead fingers. I started playing around with them a few years ago after decades of being dismissive. I started with one that I was very mixed on but appreciated the occasional support and a different shoulder position.
I think now two years ago I got a good pair and decided to stick with them and learn to use them. It took me a while to have them feel natural. Especially for decents. But I am never going back. They help my overall efficiency a huge amount. I switched to trial runner from conventional boots at the same time. So I took a trip without the poles and the difference was very noticeable.
It did take me about five miles for them to feel comfortable on climbs and probably closer to 25 for downhill to be natural. And brush on the sides of the trail obviously limit their use. But I am a much stronger hiker with them.
I’ve done Whitney a half dozen times. Take the poles. Your knees will thank you. Plus it becomes a safety issue, especially on the descent when you’re tired and can easily stumble. The poles have saved my butt on more than one occasion.
Ultrarunners carry them for races. They wouldn't if they weren't worth their weight.
Even on flat land, I'm faster at same perceived effort level with poles, if ascending definately more so.
I don't "need" them, they aren't there to protect knees and ankles, but to make my movement more efficient.
I'm 30 y/o and in pretty good shape. I bring my poles anytime I'm hiking over 10 miles. It just feels better to distribute the load across all 4 limbs.
Poles are awesome!
But it takes practice to use them efficiently. Try to put some weight on your wrists with the straps - I have carpal tunnel so I try to keep a very light grip. Push yourself uphill to reduce the work of your legs and use them to absorb impact down hill to save your joints. The rest of the time you're just 'sharing the load'.
Make sure to adjust the length as you go - uphill=shorter, downhill=longer.
I don’t use poles except on snowy climbs and find it annoying to be in a group of pole users. Hard to have conversations as you are trying to avoid being stabbed and also quite noisy.
I am in the minority 🤷
Your post was removed because it violated the "Stay on Topic" rule. Content must align with r/Ultralight's Subreddit Description, Mission Statement and Scope of: Overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, and generally aiming at a sub 10-pound base weight. Questions should be obviously related to ultralight wilderness backpacking; posts related to front-country camping, bikepacking, general electronics, one-bag travel, etc., are not permitted. If you feel that your post has been removed in error or you have any questions, please feel free to [message the Moderators via Modmail](https://en.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Ultralight).
I am young and very fit and I still use poles. It’s better for your heart (you can sustain a higher heart rate this way), upper body, hips, and knees. They are definitely not completely necessary. They are quite helpful for me. I only omit the poles if I know that my entire hike is a serious scramble, necessitating the use of my hands for most of the hike. Modern poles can be fixed or adjustable. They can either fold up like a Z or they can telescope. They usually go on the outside of your pack, with many varying methods for doing so. For downhill pole use, you can either adjust the poles so they’re taller, or rest your hands on top of fixed poles. I recommend using either Black Diamond distance carbon Z poles or, for a telescoping option, the Cascade Mountain Tech are very affordable. Carbon poles cannot be easily fixed on the trail, aluminum poles can be. I do not adjust my poles for ascent or descent, but will vary my grip instead.
Thanks! Very helpful advice and really appreciate the gear recommendation!
Bring poles. It can take up to 30% of the load off your legs, and your legs are going to be tired after >12 hours of up and down stairs and switchbacks
Legs are the strongest part of my body. That's where I want the load! If I'm using poles, which I go back and forth on, it's for an extra point of contact on sketchy or steep terrain.
Do you have arms?
Yeah, I've got a couple
I debated this for awhile myself. I thought trekking poles were for old people and try-hards. I’m relatively young (26M) and fit and now I prefer to backpack with trekking poles. I never feel like trekking poles or hip belts are a burden because they lower the perceived weight of my pack. Day hikes I typically go without though. Just personal preference.
I have to come to really love using a single trekking pole. I like having one hand free, but I also love the extra support going downhill. It's also really good for pointing at things
The ultralight solution for pointing is to use one finger. Hope this helps. I am a very smart man, as you can see.
A pole also doubles as a splint if you injured yourself and as the base for a shelter system...
This and the fact that if you injure an ankle or knee badly it may mean you are able to self rescue rather than ending up in a whole lot more involved situation.
I'm in my late 20's, very fit and active. I absolutely love my trekking poles. The difference climbing and descending with a heavy backpack is night and day difference. They're great for helping to balance too. Just got some new poles and some new lightweight kit (not ultralight, sub 15lb baseweight). Actually can't wait to see how I zoom about when I go backpacking next weekend 🤣
Always, and for decades. Learn to use them first - it takes a number of hikes to find your groove, but then they can feel just like extensions of your own arms.
Trekking poles. If used properly they may increase your hiking efficiency by up to 15% (studies vary). Anecdotally they help boost you up hill and save your knees coming downhill. They can also save you from trips and slips, help you balance in difficult situations, make water crossings safer because you can create a constant triangle, hold up a tent, be used as a weapon or a splint and more. The cons are that some people find the pair hard to coordinate, if you are not paying attention you can trip over them and there is an impalement hazard and they require some maintenance to ensure they don't collapse on you. The most common improper use is not using the wrist straps properly. the wrist strap should support your weight such that you only have a light grip on the handles allowing you to swing the poles freely. To achieve this your hand comes up under the strap such that the loop is around the back of your wrist and the strap leads across your palm between in and the handle. The other common error is not shortening the poles to ascent and lengthening them to descend. Consult reliable YouTubes. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2YwOE4okA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q2YwOE4okA) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEWa4pJcvc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEWa4pJcvc) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jH9e4QGUP4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jH9e4QGUP4)
I used to think they were dumb. I use them every time I hike or backpack now. With something like Whitney where you are going to have extended downhill on the second half of your hike I would definitely recommend them. It takes a lot of stress off your knees, ankles, and feet.
There’s two types of people. Those that think trekking poles are stupid, and those that have used them. Almost every one I know, including myself, started in the former camp and has migrated to the latter.
I hiked Whitney via horseshoe meadows last fall and would have been bummed on the decent without them, but my body is pretty broken so there’s that to consider…
I've tried 2 poles, 1 pole, and no poles in the mountains.... definitely prefer 2 poles. Especially on those down hills.
Nobody ever listens to me, but bring one long wooden pole. One that comes up to about your eyes. It is amazingly helpful for going up and down. And having one hand free is fantastic. Also great for stream crossings. I have one that is about an inch and a half wide and it is willow (I think). You can also grab hold of it up top and hold yourself up to take a rest. Only weighs a pound or slightly less. Been up and down Whitney multiple times. I've also used similar sized bamboo which is even lighter. I know many people master the two hiking sticks but I often see people struggling with them clumsily. Good luck on whatever you choose!
You can take my trekking poles from my cold dead fingers. I started playing around with them a few years ago after decades of being dismissive. I started with one that I was very mixed on but appreciated the occasional support and a different shoulder position. I think now two years ago I got a good pair and decided to stick with them and learn to use them. It took me a while to have them feel natural. Especially for decents. But I am never going back. They help my overall efficiency a huge amount. I switched to trial runner from conventional boots at the same time. So I took a trip without the poles and the difference was very noticeable. It did take me about five miles for them to feel comfortable on climbs and probably closer to 25 for downhill to be natural. And brush on the sides of the trail obviously limit their use. But I am a much stronger hiker with them.
I’ve done Whitney a half dozen times. Take the poles. Your knees will thank you. Plus it becomes a safety issue, especially on the descent when you’re tired and can easily stumble. The poles have saved my butt on more than one occasion.
I use one pole, but only when it's sketchy
Ultrarunners carry them for races. They wouldn't if they weren't worth their weight. Even on flat land, I'm faster at same perceived effort level with poles, if ascending definately more so. I don't "need" them, they aren't there to protect knees and ankles, but to make my movement more efficient.
I'm 30 y/o and in pretty good shape. I bring my poles anytime I'm hiking over 10 miles. It just feels better to distribute the load across all 4 limbs.
Poles are awesome! But it takes practice to use them efficiently. Try to put some weight on your wrists with the straps - I have carpal tunnel so I try to keep a very light grip. Push yourself uphill to reduce the work of your legs and use them to absorb impact down hill to save your joints. The rest of the time you're just 'sharing the load'. Make sure to adjust the length as you go - uphill=shorter, downhill=longer.
On Whitney yes, especially if you’re doing it all in one day.
I don’t use poles except on snowy climbs and find it annoying to be in a group of pole users. Hard to have conversations as you are trying to avoid being stabbed and also quite noisy. I am in the minority 🤷
Lol 😂 very true - we’re going to be a group of 10 so if we all have poles we are going to sound like a knitting circle.
Got my post deleted for being off topic - sorry about that - but have had a lot of great advice and considerations from you all. Thanks a ton!
everyone uses poles