"Trekking Poles" Why?

[Merost]

I questioned how useful trekking poles would be up until the first time I tried them and then I was hooked. They make a HUGE difference, especially in hilly or mountainous and rocky terrain. They are really a necessity when carrying a heavy pack. Most of my adventures are hiking on trails up mountains with a heavy pack and I have hiked with and without. I feel 100 times better at the end of the day if I use the poles.

 

[jca21]

i have a pair that i received as a birthday present. they were on sale and well constructed so i added them to my wish list and lo and behold i got them. they are constructed from aluminum and carbonfibre with cork handles and a tungsten carbide tip.

i've used these poles for long distance and they really do help save the back and the knees. also they help balance the weight on my shoulders and makes uphill climbs alot easier IMO.

down hill is a different story.


i've used mine in the following manner:

-used for poles in a tarp shelter
-used them to keep my bag off the wet ground
-used one for the bow part of a fire-bow set
-used it for wacking fish
-used them for knocking down berries
-used them for holding aside devils club so that we could pass through
-and of course, used them for walking


its really up to you if you want them or not but i do find that they have their uses.

 

[storl]

I understand the point and why people use them I just dont understand why one would buy a pair instead of camping one time and making a walking stick or two...

Use some trekking poles just once and you will see why. I thought they were kind of silly as well until I bought my first pair.

1. My trekking poles weigh less than a pound (for both of them).
2. The strap ensures that I never lose my grip or have the poles slip around in my hand. In fact, I don't even have to hold on to the poles to have the complete benefits from them, thanks to the straps.
3. The carbide tips are ridiculously better at helping you with traction in sketchy or wet terrain when compared to wood, rubber, plastic, or anything else.

There are many other benefits, but those are the main ones for me, other than the obvious 4 points of contact vs 2, stability, decreased effort, less back strain, etc. I think some people that do not understand them do not go on many trails where they would need them. There is a hike in North GA with 22 river crossings (each way) that would make you never question the usefulness of trekking poles ever again.

 

[storl]

down hill is a different story..

That's why they are adjustable.

Extend them out several inches on downhill sections and you will start liking them again.

 

[fujita yuji]

I know they are quite useful as I do backcountry skiing.
But I haven't obtain them yet because I can hike without them.

Maybe we can build shelter with them and tarp/poncho.

 

[dipbait]

The first time I saw them was hiking a trail at glacier this past summer. Several seniors, 70 year old plus, were traveling down this rocky mountain path using them. I thought they were ski poles .

 

[mikeal]

For a long time I thought they were silly. Then I tried them. IMO a hiking staff can't compare to a pair of trekking poles. The strap and adjustable length make all the difference. Check online for the recommended way to use them. Your weight should all be on the straps instead of the grip. Only use two fingers on the grip to guide the pole. and keep the straps tight. Make the poles longer for descents. It is well worth it to get a good pair. I have seen several Walmart poles fail and the tips round off quickly, reducing their effectiveness. I got an aluminum Leki for $35 or so on ebay.

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[forestnomad]

Trekking poles are great, silly as they may look. I always hike and backpack with them, and the difference from hiking without is amazing. Saves your knees on the downhill, and gives you a little more push on the uphill. Plus they're useful for all sorts of other stuff around camp, as I'm sure has been mentioned above.

 

[Joezilla]

man how I used to make fun of backpackers who used them.


until I used some. And increased my pace almost twice over. They are wonderful on the knees, are a godsend going up hill, and I can FLY (skip actually) down hill at 4 miles an hour with them if I need to. They provide a good foot hold if you are going up a slick hill, by burying the tip in the mud and putting your foot in front of it. You may not need the ritzy ones that go for $70, but even the cheap ones will help.

 

[hollowdweller]

man how I used to make fun of backpackers who used them.


until I used some. And increased my pace almost twice over. They are wonderful on the knees, are a godsend going up hill, and I can FLY (skip actually) down hill at 4 miles an hour with them if I need to. They provide a good foot hold if you are going up a slick hill, by burying the tip in the mud and putting your foot in front of it. You may not need the ritzy ones that go for $70, but even the cheap ones will help.

What Joe says.

I got a pair for my wife mainly because I was running short of ideas for gifts. Then I noticed she was leaving me in the damn DUST as we went up hills.

I use them all the time, but really the big payoff is backpacking. Crossing trees and creeks, trails that are so rocky you cannot put your foot down level and must balance on rocks every step.

You don't realize how much just keeping your balance with a pack on rough terrain takes out of your muscles.

I can't tell you how many falls they have saved me from.:thumbup: Totally converted on the trail poles.

I've used many wood hiking sticks in my time. They are great for keeping your balance too. But a set of trekking poles is a whole nother ballgame.

 

[dextersp1]

What's the deal with those fancy store bought walking sticks, generally made out of telescoping aluminum, with foam grips and whatnot?

When I saw them in a store for the first time I thought they were just about the silliest outdoor product I had ever seen. They looked fragile, several seemed pre-broken for your convenience, and well...they just looked kinda sissy.

Am I missing something?

You are missing a lot - get into the 21st century. Buy a pair at Walmart for about $20 - compare to more expensive ones and you will see they are OK.

Also, learn how to use them properly - most people I've seen with them don't - too long or too short; wrong angle; wrong grip.

I've use them in all my hiking (w/backpack) form the Grand Canyon to 14,000+ft mts.

Reduces energy output, helps with balance, reduces damage on knees.

http://www.backpacking.net/trekpole.html

 

[hollowdweller]

You are missing a lot - get into the 21st century. Buy a pair at Walmart for about $20 - compare to more expensive ones and you will see they are OK.

Also, learn how to use them properly - most people I've seen with them don't - too long or too short; wrong angle; wrong grip.

I've use them in all my hiking (w/backpack) form the Grand Canyon to 14,000+ft mts.

Reduces energy output, helps with balance, reduces damage on knees.

http://www.backpacking.net/trekpole.html

This part of the article in the link you posted is the key I think:

The wrist straps are critical to getting maximum efficiency from your poles. They should be adjusted so that when the hand is inserted through the loop, the wrist can comfortably apply pressure to the pole. It should not be necessary to grip the pole tightly with your hand in order to apply the pressure. Your thumb and fingers should merely form a "U" or an "O" around the grip. The area between the thumb and index finger becomes a point of articulation -- somewhat like a pseudo joint or a second elbow. While walking, the poles should act and feel as though the arms extend to the ground creating a second pair of legs. The poles should swing forward for the next step just as though they were legs.

The grips can be used as necessary, but for 98% of the time, the poles should be loaded using the wrist straps. Note that some models have left and right hand poles.

 

[flipe8]

I just couldn't figure out why, or if, the over-complicated looking store bought ones were desirable...over a sturdy and probably much cheaper wooden staff...

I tend to be a broken record regarding my opinion of outdoor activities in general; it all depends on what YOU are doing in the bush. A wooden staff is great for some nature walks and hiking, but is cumbersome for more technical activities, not to mention much heavier. As a mountaineer and adventure racer, I'm looking for gear that is light and easy to carry on my pack.For me, a staff simply doesn't work, as I'd have to carry it in my hand all the time. Telescopic trekking poles make travelling over challenging terrain much easier and safer, but can be broken down and stowed when my axes come out. When in the mountains, I often carry one pole and my axe for self arrest. High quality poles are also very sturdy, eventhough they're light.

 

[desmobob]

What's the deal with those fancy store bought walking sticks, generally made out of telescoping aluminum, with foam grips and whatnot?

When I saw them in a store for the first time I thought they were just about the silliest outdoor product I had ever seen. They looked fragile, several seemed pre-broken for your convenience, and well...they just looked kinda sissy.

Am I missing something?

Once I had tried a single one, I don't hike without it (using two doesn't interest me much). When carrying a heavy backpack, the thing is a huge advantage that I won't be without. When I don't need it, I just telescope it down and carry it in my hand or attach it to my pack. Mine has a cork knob on top with a 1/4x20 camera mount stud underneath.

They do look fragile, but they are plenty strong enough. I started with an aluminum one and now use a carbon fiber model. I'm 6'2" and 245 lbs, and I haven't broken one yet.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[dextersp1]

This part of the article in the link you posted is the key I think:

That is the key point. You can tell who knows how to use them properly by that.

 

[stanley_white]

The poles also keep the blood from pooling in your hands and causing swelling.

 

[vaj1111]

I have used a pair of trekking poles for years and they have literally saved my life numerous times. I use them to hold up my tarp, extend my reach when refiling water bottles, and steadied my balance on sidehills and water crossings. They take at least 25 lbs off your pack weight when pulling yourself uphill and save your knees and quads on the way down. The best piece of hiking and backpacking equipment I own.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t288/anthonysaudiojournal/Tahquitz Meadow/IMGP8880.jpg

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[Ramm9]

The poles also keep the blood from pooling in your hands and causing swelling.

Probably the biggest reason I tried them and since have found all the advantages everyone has written about....

 

[BOOMSTICK]

I use trekking poles when I hike all the time. I do alot of high altitude hikes 9,000 ft + alot of the hikes are on shail and loose rock so it is good to have three points of contact at all times. I don't use aluminum ones though. I have some komperdell carbon fiber poles peak UL.
http://www.rei.com/product/784271
they are great telescoping poles that strap to the pack easy if I don't want to use them. they make great poles for the tarp tent and are great for poking things with along the trail...lol. I like that they take some of the strain off your knees on heavy up hills and heavy down hills. I have also already had a hip replacement and knee surgery so they help. I also do not carry a pack that is more than 35 pounds for a 5 day hike.

 

[mcjhrobinson]

trekking pole(s)?

just find some Ti shaft golf club (driver) at the thrift store and remove the head of the club...BINGO trekking pole mine costed me $3