Should You Hike With Poles?
The use of hiking poles, also referred to as trekking poles, is one of the personal choices for members that are active hikers. However, in order to provide some guidance please read the following article from the “American Hiking Society”:
“Hiking sticks make it easy on the knees.
Gear has changed a lot since many of us started hiking. Perhaps one of the most obvious changes, other than the shift toward lightweight equipment, is the growing use of trekking poles among day hikers and long-distance hikers alike. Upon first glance, trekking poles resemble ski poles, sometime leading to awkward questions such as, “Isn’t July a bit early for skiing?” However, trekking poles differ from ski poles in some important ways. Trekking pole handles are often textured, and the poles themselves are rigid and strong, unlike flexible ski poles. Often, their tips are hardened carbide steel, with the ability to “set” into rock and soil to provide traction.
Hikers often ask how two trekking poles are better than one “regular” walking stick. The simplest answer to this question is that poles give symmetrical support that one stick does not.
Hiking with trekking poles provides many distinct benefits, including:
Protecting knees: When walking downhill, poles allow the muscles of the upper body to “take over” some of the cushioning tasks often assumed by the quadriceps and smaller, discrete muscles that support the knee. This means that hikers using two trekking poles experience less knee pain—especially during descents, but also on level terrain.
Easing ascents: Poles also allow the muscles of the upper body to “help out” the legs during ascents. Walking up a steep hill, hikers with poles immediately notice that the ability to push off with poles gives them a distinct advantage. Poles can also correct posture during ascent, keeping your head elevated and your lungs fully expanded.
Increased stability: The occasional stumble is part of any hike. Poles provide two additional points of contact with the ground and enhance stability. Poles also allow hikers to brace themselves on their poles to remain steady and upright, instead of falling after a stumble.
These benefits are of interest to all hikers, but are of particular interest to older hikers, among whom knee pain is a common complaint.
True hiking poles are adjustable and the length can be changed for tilted trails (one side made longer), up hills (both made shorter) and down hills (both made longer). Last year’s old ski poles can’t do that.
Another issue to consider when using poles is the appropriate use of the pole wrist straps. Those straps do more than allow the poles to be hung neatly when not in use. If they are pulled snugly under the wrists, they will allow the forearms to carry some of body weight. This will prevent the hands from having to grip tightly all the time.
Poles that fold sufficiently to be carried in a backpack are recommended so that you can safely stow them if you have to rock scramble.
Finally, a word of safety to pole users for those around you. Please be alert to how poles might swing and interfere with other hikers.
The is also an excellent article written by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation which we recommend reading by opening the attached link: