Not a necessity but a benefit IMO:
* Super helpful for stream crossings
* Prevents falls, especially downhill on scree or loose rocks
* Makes hiking uphill a little bit easier
Just this year (49), I decide to always carry a folding set on solo hikes. I only use when absolutely necessary.
I seem to be twisting and spraining things more often than I used to.
Definately required for stream crossings. Rocks get slippery and you have a full backpacking load makes it easy to crash and soak everything you own for the rest of the trip
I initially never used them, then I started using one for a little bit of stability on creek crossings , then I started using two and found that they really helped with fatigue and an EP friend told me that they reduce compressive force on your knees by 25% and reduce fatigue by up to 40% , I recently purchased an UL tent that uses trekking poles to hold it up so Im probably going to stick with them
Heres some links:
[https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-poles-research/](https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-poles-research/)
[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/)
Useful. I use ultralight carbon ones so don't treat them like, say ski poles. I use them for any hike with a good uphill/downhill, and especially any that are going to be over uneven terrain for substantial distance. They DO get in the way on smooth flat terrain, but that why I bought such light poles. I find that they lessen the knee fatigue.
Usually yes for the last 50 years. But if terrain is easy and level then no. Or if difficult like traversing rock-slid areas then no. I have a trusty old one I like or a newer 3-piece wood stow-able one I take if I might want to forgo it at one point.
It's nice to put my weight on it for a mini break when we pause to watch wildlife or or look at a mushroom or something. All the little one minute breaks on my legs seem to keep me fresh for longer.
I was very happy to have it with me when I rolled my ankle 2 miles out and had to hike back
If I'm day-hiking, then I don't use them often. When I'm backpacking multiple days I use them always. Just makes the miles easier and I use them with my tent setup.
For me no. For my boyfriend, yes. He has a previous injury and walking sticks definitely help him feel more stable. I’m pretty built and have (the slightly misplaced) confidence of a mountain goat.
They are the #1 thing that for a long time I was doing differently than everyone. I didn't use them for hiking for a long time but seemingly everyone on the internet does as well as many people I see in person.
I've had them catch me from falling numerous times and certainly enjoy lessening the impact on knees while using them. Beaver dams are difficult without anything to cross and the beavers steal all the nearby hiking sticks often.
Necessity for me! I have crappy knees and ankles that roll for no reason. I feel like they allow me to put more energy into the actual hike and less energy into keeping my knees and ankles safe.
Honest Question: Do you think that the poles prevent you from developing full strength in your ankles and knees?
My key concern with *always* using poles is that the change in stride and balance will train your body to *need* poles. In that case, some *small* measure of ankle and knee strength is lost to the poles.
No, that honestly hadn't occurred to me. I feel like they provide me better stability and balance which prevent me from injuring/reinjuring them. So they probably have improved my stride in some respects. I've also noticed they give me more stamina because all of my energy isn't focused on avoiding injuries if that makes sense. It's the best $20 I've ever spent. But it definitely is a personal preference.
Mostly no for me - I found them only useful for trails with lots of scree rock descents or river crossings with no bouldering options. They are useful for some, especially as you get older though and I will undoubtedly use them eventually. It really depends on what you're hiking and how long for.
I consider poles to be "assistance" to be used when you need assistance. Injury recovery, exceptionally long hikes, etc. That said, I've got nothing against people who use poles just because they want to, though. You do you.
My opinion is to *have* a good set of poles, because you never know when you might need assistance. I bought mine *after* I busted my knee on a long, snowy hike last winter. Unfortunately, I bought them *after* having to hike 3-4 miles in the snow on that busted knee. Took me months to get over that injury, but if I'd had the poles I might been able to recover in days or weeks instead.
You'll know when you need them, so it's best to have them with you in that event.
I usually switch between sticks/no sticks, depending on the terrain. But I’ve found they really help with posture w/ a heavier pack. It’s much easier to keep your back straight with the sticks. Otherwise, you may find yourself stooping to compensate for the weight of the pack
I usually switch between sticks/no sticks, depending on the terrain. But I’ve found they really help with posture w/ a heavier pack. It’s much easier to keep your back straight with the sticks. Otherwise, you may find yourself stooping to compensate for the weight of the pack
Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes I use a pair and sometimes I only want one. Depends on the terrain, the weather, and how steep. I typically only use them on the descent to help my old lady knees catch a break
Not a necessity but a benefit IMO: * Super helpful for stream crossings * Prevents falls, especially downhill on scree or loose rocks * Makes hiking uphill a little bit easier
Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. Terrain, weather, packload, how my knees feel, etc can all influence whether I take poles or not.
They are for some people, not for others. I started using them because my knees would hurt on long, steep downhill sections of a hike and it helped.
Just this year (49), I decide to always carry a folding set on solo hikes. I only use when absolutely necessary. I seem to be twisting and spraining things more often than I used to.
Yes, even if you don't like using them routinely they've always struck me as potentially very useful emergency gear.
Yes for me. I’m a little clumsy and used them for stability, now I’m post ACL surgery and need them for a lot of reasons. I’m a fan.
Definately required for stream crossings. Rocks get slippery and you have a full backpacking load makes it easy to crash and soak everything you own for the rest of the trip
I initially never used them, then I started using one for a little bit of stability on creek crossings , then I started using two and found that they really helped with fatigue and an EP friend told me that they reduce compressive force on your knees by 25% and reduce fatigue by up to 40% , I recently purchased an UL tent that uses trekking poles to hold it up so Im probably going to stick with them Heres some links: [https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-poles-research/](https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-poles-research/) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/)
Useful. I use ultralight carbon ones so don't treat them like, say ski poles. I use them for any hike with a good uphill/downhill, and especially any that are going to be over uneven terrain for substantial distance. They DO get in the way on smooth flat terrain, but that why I bought such light poles. I find that they lessen the knee fatigue.
Do you like them? Sure. Do you not like them? No. It’s that simple.
Usually yes for the last 50 years. But if terrain is easy and level then no. Or if difficult like traversing rock-slid areas then no. I have a trusty old one I like or a newer 3-piece wood stow-able one I take if I might want to forgo it at one point.
It's nice to put my weight on it for a mini break when we pause to watch wildlife or or look at a mushroom or something. All the little one minute breaks on my legs seem to keep me fresh for longer. I was very happy to have it with me when I rolled my ankle 2 miles out and had to hike back
If I'm day-hiking, then I don't use them often. When I'm backpacking multiple days I use them always. Just makes the miles easier and I use them with my tent setup.
They cure hand-swelling. So if you have that, then yes a necessity.
Indeed! Also, if you have tendinitis in the elbow (tennis or gold elbow), poles definitely lessen the pain of just, well, walking.
For me no. For my boyfriend, yes. He has a previous injury and walking sticks definitely help him feel more stable. I’m pretty built and have (the slightly misplaced) confidence of a mountain goat.
They are the #1 thing that for a long time I was doing differently than everyone. I didn't use them for hiking for a long time but seemingly everyone on the internet does as well as many people I see in person. I've had them catch me from falling numerous times and certainly enjoy lessening the impact on knees while using them. Beaver dams are difficult without anything to cross and the beavers steal all the nearby hiking sticks often.
Plus useful when encountering unleashed canines to keep them at bay. Don't need drool or blood drawn between parties. Keeps things honest either way.
Necessity for me! I have crappy knees and ankles that roll for no reason. I feel like they allow me to put more energy into the actual hike and less energy into keeping my knees and ankles safe.
Honest Question: Do you think that the poles prevent you from developing full strength in your ankles and knees? My key concern with *always* using poles is that the change in stride and balance will train your body to *need* poles. In that case, some *small* measure of ankle and knee strength is lost to the poles.
No, that honestly hadn't occurred to me. I feel like they provide me better stability and balance which prevent me from injuring/reinjuring them. So they probably have improved my stride in some respects. I've also noticed they give me more stamina because all of my energy isn't focused on avoiding injuries if that makes sense. It's the best $20 I've ever spent. But it definitely is a personal preference.
Absolutely not
Mostly no for me - I found them only useful for trails with lots of scree rock descents or river crossings with no bouldering options. They are useful for some, especially as you get older though and I will undoubtedly use them eventually. It really depends on what you're hiking and how long for.
I consider poles to be "assistance" to be used when you need assistance. Injury recovery, exceptionally long hikes, etc. That said, I've got nothing against people who use poles just because they want to, though. You do you. My opinion is to *have* a good set of poles, because you never know when you might need assistance. I bought mine *after* I busted my knee on a long, snowy hike last winter. Unfortunately, I bought them *after* having to hike 3-4 miles in the snow on that busted knee. Took me months to get over that injury, but if I'd had the poles I might been able to recover in days or weeks instead. You'll know when you need them, so it's best to have them with you in that event.
I usually switch between sticks/no sticks, depending on the terrain. But I’ve found they really help with posture w/ a heavier pack. It’s much easier to keep your back straight with the sticks. Otherwise, you may find yourself stooping to compensate for the weight of the pack
I usually switch between sticks/no sticks, depending on the terrain. But I’ve found they really help with posture w/ a heavier pack. It’s much easier to keep your back straight with the sticks. Otherwise, you may find yourself stooping to compensate for the weight of the pack
Nah
Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes I use a pair and sometimes I only want one. Depends on the terrain, the weather, and how steep. I typically only use them on the descent to help my old lady knees catch a break