Do you use hiking poles when you head into the backcountry? While some people are skeptical of hiking poles, I’m a strong supporter of using hiking poles when I explore the mountains.
Hiking poles, also called trekking poles, take you from two wheel drive to four wheel drive (or tricycle mode if you only use one pole). They give you four points of balance so that you quickly maneuver over uneven terrain – just like a mountain goat. Whether you’re a hiker, walker, snowshoer, backpacker, mountaineer, trekker, ski tourer, or thru-hiker you’ll benefit from using hiking poles.
I was dubious about hiking poles for a long time, but after using hiking poles regularly for several hundred miles of mountain adventures – I’m totally sold. Heck I use poles when I ski tour, why wouldn’t I use them when I bag peaks too?
Here’s why every mountain enthusiast should use hiking poles:
- Stability, Balance, and Strength – Having 4 points of balance is far superior than 2 points of balance. It makes you more stable and increases your traction as you move over uneven terrain. Plus, hiking poles actually make you stronger by creating a full body workout.
- Energy Usage – Hiking poles help to boost your endurance by helping you to build rhythm, establish a pace, and distribute weight. They also give you a boost and can help to propel you down the trail.
- Better For Joints – Using your arms and poles helps to minimize the impact on your knees, back, ankles, and other joints. Some hiking poles even have shock absorbers to assist with impact.
- Clears The Way – I hate a silky spiderweb splayed across my face as I punch down the trail, but with a hiking pole I can knock those suckers down. I can also push down bushes, branches, or anything else that gets in my way.
- Assists With Maneuverability – Whether you’re log hopping, bushwhacking, rock hopping, or creek crossing, poles can help you maneuver around any obstacle in your way.
- Probing Unseen Obstacles – A well placed hiking pole can help you determine what’s under your feet when you can’t see.
- Improves Posture – Grab a couple of hiking poles and go for a hike. You’ll stand up taller. I find I have less pain between my shoulder blades after a big day.
- Improvisation – Hiking poles aren’t just for hiking. They can be used to improvise a splint, a paddle, or a signal for help. Use them to stake out your tent or prop up your shelter. Get creative and turn your hiking pole into a camera monopod for shake-free, crystal clear, backcountry images. They are also great for pointing at things.
- Noise Makers – Smacking your poles together creates a foreign sound as you travel through the backcountry that alerts animals or humans to your presence.
- Makes You Look Bigger/Acts As A Weapon – In the event that you encounter a bear, lion, wolf, or some other intimidating animal, poles can make you appear bigger and potentially thwart an attack. Worse case scenario you can use them as a weapon during an animal attack – I sincerely hope that you are never in this situation.
- Something To Lean On – When the fatigue sets in, it’s nice to be able to lean on something to take a quick breather.
As you can see there are plenty of pros to using hiking poles. It’s only fair that we explore the cons too…
- Weight – You do have to carry poles with you so go light.
- Not Ideal For Every Situation – I don’t like poles when I’m scrambling and need hands on steep terrain. Luckily, adjustable poles store easily on any backpack.
- Environmental Damage – It can be argued that poles scar the environment where they are used. Use rubber pole tips and replaceable baskets, then just be careful where you place the poles and I feel there is minimal impact.
- Learning Curve – If you’re used to hiking pole-free, it takes a bit of time to get used to hiking poles. After a bit of time they’ll become a part of your hiking gear.
- Price – Like anything, hiking poles cost money. If you hike enough, you can justify this cost. If you only log a few days in the mountains. They aren’t worth it.
In my opinion, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Just go ahead a buy a pair of hiking poles. They’re a game changer.
If you’re in the market for a pair of hiking poles, remember that you get what you pay for. It’s smart to invest in a good pair of hiking poles. Look for something that is lightweight, durable, adjustable, and has replaceable pole tips. I did lots of research before I purchased a pair of hiking poles and I ultimately chose the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. I highly recommend them.
Hiking poles will make your backcountry adventures easier, safer, and faster.
