The Benefits of Trekking Poles

For inexperienced hikers, trekking poles may seem like an unnecessary piece of equipment, but they offer a number of advantages.

Veteran hikers are often seen using poles, even when walking on seemingly easy terrain. While it is certainly possible to hike most trails without them, trekking poles offer a number of benefits in both the short-term and the long-term.

Immediate advantages include the fact that the poles can be used to improve balance, especially important on technical trails or when carrying a large pack. The two extra points of contact also add traction when hiking on slippery surfaces such as ice or gravel.

Additionally, trekking poles allow you to recruit your arm muscles in order to propel yourself uphill, or prevent the accumulation of momentum on a downward slope. Although this may mean you expend more energy overall, it can help to negotiate tricky sections of the trails.

In the long term, the use of trekking poles can prevent injury. Hiking with poles reduces the impact on the joints of the lower body, especially important for preserving your knees in later life. The use of poles can also help to improve circulation to your hands, preventing them from swelling up during long hikes.

As with most things in life, trekking poles have both their advocates and their opponents. However, when properly used, they can certainly bring benefits to your hiking experience.