The Hiker's Companion: An Essential Guide to Hiking Poles
The Role of Hiking Poles in Modern Trekking
Hiking is a popular pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts. It offers an excellent way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and challenge oneself physically and mentally. However, as any seasoned hiker will tell you, having the right gear can make all the difference in your hiking experience. One piece of equipment that often sparks debate among hikers is hiking poles. Do hiking poles actually help? Or are they just another unnecessary addition to your backpack? This post aims to shed light on this topic.
Understanding Hiking Poles
Before we delve into whether or not hiking poles are beneficial, it's essential to understand what they are and their intended use. Hiking poles, also known as trekking poles or walking sticks, are a pair of long poles made from lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre. They typically have a handle at the top and a sharp point at the bottom (often covered with a rubber tip for use on hard surfaces). Some models have shock-absorbing features or adjustable lengths for different terrains.
The Benefits of Using Hiking Poles
So, do hiking poles actually help? The short answer is yes; they do offer several benefits that can enhance your hiking experience:
Improved Stability and Balance
One of the primary benefits of using hiking poles is that they provide additional stability and balance, especially on uneven terrain or when crossing streams or slippery surfaces. They essentially serve as extra legs or extra points of contact that can help prevent falls and injuries.
Reduced Impact on Joints
Hiking can be hard on your knees and ankles, particularly when descending steep slopes. By using hiking poles, you distribute some of the weight you're carrying away from your legs and onto your arms, reducing the impact on your joints.
Increased Speed and Endurance
By engaging your upper body muscles more effectively, hiking poles can help you maintain a steady pace and increase your endurance. This can be particularly beneficial on long hikes or multi-day treks.
Enhanced Calorie Burn and Engage Your Upper Body:
On most hikes, your legs are constantly in motion, but your arms? Not so much. Trekking poles invite your upper limbs to join the workout, keeping them active and preventing the hands from swelling, particularly during elevation gain. When you're ascending, just letting your arms hang can impede circulation, leading to swollen fingers and wrists. Using poles encourages blood flow thanks to the movement and elevation, which in turn prevents swelling. You will also burn more calories when using the poles as you are getting more of a full body workout, although to some this may be a negative. Keep topped up on those snacks!
Assessing Terrain
When it comes to navigating the unpredictable nature of outdoor terrains, trekking poles are invaluable. Whether you're gauging the depth of a stream or testing the firmness of ice, poles can provide vital information that ensures safer crossing over these environmental obstacles.
A Tent Support System
A true hiker appreciates gear that serves more than one purpose. For the minimalist adventurer, some ultralight tents can forgo traditional tent poles in favour of trekking poles for support. For example, the Ultra Light Night Cat Backpacking Tent available from HikeWare cleverly utilises trekking poles in its setup, cutting down on weight without compromising on stability.
Potential Drawbacks of Hiking Poles
While there are clear benefits to using hiking poles, they may not be for everyone. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Extra Weight
Although most hiking poles are lightweight, they still add extra weight to your pack. This might not be an issue for short hikes but could become noticeable on longer treks.
Need for Proper Technique
To reap the benefits of hiking poles, you need to use them correctly. Incorrect use can lead to inefficiencies or even injuries. See the section below where we dive deeper into how to correctly set up and use your hiking poles.
Can Be Limiting
Trekking poles are not without their drawbacks. In technical terrains where you might need to climb or use your hands for balance, they can become a bit of a hassle. Having to repeatedly attach and detach them from your pack can interrupt the flow of your hike, and for those who love photography, poles can hinder your ability to quickly capture those spontaneous moments of natural beauty.
Additional Expense
Assembling a comprehensive hiking kit can be costly, and while trekking poles add significant value to a hike, they represent an additional investment. Prices can vary widely, with quality options ranging from around £15 up to as much as £200 and beyond!
For those seeking a balance of quality and affordability, HikeWare offers the reliable and cost-effective Ultra Strong Trekking Poles.
Impact on the Trail
It's essential to consider the 'Leave No Trace' principles while hiking. The hard carbide tips on many trekking poles can leave marks on rocks, potentially defacing natural rock formations. This is particularly noticeable on delicate surfaces like granite, which can sustain scratches and gouges from the poles' tips.
Hiking Pole Accessories
Tips: Interchangeable tips are common features that enhance the versatility of trekking poles, allowing them to be customised for various landscapes. The standard carbide tips are ideal for gripping difficult terrains such as rocky paths and icy slopes. When these tips eventually wear out, they can be conveniently unscrewed and replaced with new ones, ensuring your poles are always ready for the next hike.
Tip Covers: To safeguard your gear and storage areas from the sharp carbide tips, using tip covers is a wise choice. They're particularly useful when travelling by air or when stowing away your poles at home to prevent any unintentional damage or scratches.
Rubber Caps: For those who find themselves walking on hard, paved surfaces, rubber caps are invaluable. They protect the standard carbide tips from rapid wear. Most trekking pole brands provide rubber tips that fit snugly over the pole ends, ensuring that the poles maintain their integrity for longer.
Baskets: Baskets are a simple screw-on addition to your poles that prevent them from sinking into soft ground like sand or snow. They're a great addition for anyone who enjoys beach hikes or snowshoeing adventures. These baskets are typically specific to the brand and model of the trekking poles, designed to offer the best fit and performance.
Utilising Trekking Poles Effectively
Adjusting for Height: It's important to adjust your trekking poles so that when you're holding them at your sides, your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. This positioning ensures optimal support and comfort during your hike. This is just a guide and some people do prefer them a tad shorter when ascending steep terrain or longer when navigating down difficult or awkward trails. There are 2 main types of adjustment options when it comes to hiking poles, there are simple screw lock poles which require a bit more of a grip so can be difficult with gloves. They are also easy to over tighten so can be a pain. The more premium option but usually with a slight increase in weight is the quick lock system as shown in the image below. This makes adjusting the poles much quicker and easier to do.
Handling the Grip: To effectively use wrist straps on hiking poles, insert your hand upward through the strap loop, the strap should then rest over the back of your hand and under your wrist. Adjust the strap for a snug fit around your wrist, ensuring it supports the weight without you needing to tightly grip the handle. This technique improves comfort, reduces hand fatigue, and enhances pole efficiency.
Mastering Your Stride: Employ your trekking poles in an alternating pattern with your steps for maximum efficiency. As you step with your right foot, place the left pole forward, and vice versa. The poles should touch down near where your trailing foot is, aiding in propelling you forward. This approach might take a little practice to get used to, but once mastered, it will become a natural part of your walking rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Poles
Is it better to hike with one pole or two?
The choice between using one pole or two largely depends on personal preference and the type of hike you're undertaking. Two poles provide greater balance and stability, especially on uneven terrain or during stream crossings. They can also help distribute the strain more evenly across your body. However, some hikers prefer one pole for less challenging terrain or when they need a free hand to navigate maps or tools.
What kind of hiking pole grip is the best?
Cork Grips: In our experience, cork takes the lead as the prime choice for hiking pole grips. It’s not only durable but also naturally wicks moisture, making for a comfortable grip that lowers the chance of blister formation. While cork grips do come with a higher price tag, the investment typically pays off in terms of longevity and comfort. HikeWare's premium trekking poles feature cork handles and stand among our top recommendations.
Foam Grips: Foam grips offer comfort at a more approachable price point. Although they may not last as long as cork or rubber, they provide a cushy hold and are a solid choice for hikers.
Rubber Grips: Renowned for their durability and affordability, rubber grips are a practical choice. However, they may not be the best for long treks as they can become slippery with sweat and increase the likelihood of blisters. Therefore, we usually suggest other materials over rubber grips for most hiking scenarios.
Which is better, aluminium or carbon fibre trekking poles?
Carbon Fibre: Esteemed for its lightweight properties and robustness, carbon fibre is a composite material often chosen by those who favour minimalism in their gear. Ideal for backpackers who use their poles sporadically for challenging sections of the trail, carbon fibre poles offer strength without the weight. However, they are not as resilient as aluminium; under extreme pressure, carbon can fracture and snap, potentially leaving a hiker without support. This fragility, coupled with the higher cost of production, makes carbon fibre poles a pricier investment.
Aluminium: Aluminium's appeal lies in its exceptional durability and relatively light weight, able to endure considerable stress. It's the material of choice for those seeking dependability and value. Even in the event of an aluminium pole buckling, it's more likely to bend than break, providing a chance to regain your balance. Although heavier than carbon fibre, aluminium poles are often selected for their reliability and cost-effectiveness, making them a solid choice for regular use.
Are folding or telescoping trekking poles better?
Folding poles are compact, easy to pack, and usually quicker to set up, which makes them ideal for lightweight and fast hiking. Telescoping poles, on the other hand, tend to be more adjustable in length and sometimes stronger, making them better for a wide range of terrains. The best choice depends on your specific needs for portability versus versatility.
Are more expensive trekking poles worth it?
More expensive trekking poles often come with advanced features like better materials, more durable construction, ergonomic design, and lighter weight. These features can be worth the investment, especially for avid or professional hikers who will use them frequently and intensely. However, for casual hikers, mid-range poles can be quite sufficient and durable.
What is a good weight for hiking poles?
A good weight for hiking poles is around 250 to 350 grams per pole. This range provides a balance between strength and comfort for carrying. Ultralight poles can weigh less, which might be favourable for long-distance hikers, while heavier poles can offer more durability for tough terrain.
Conclusion: Are Hiking Poles Worth It?
So, do hiking poles actually help? The answer largely depends on your personal preferences and the type of hiking you do. If you frequently hike on uneven terrain, have balance issues or joint problems, or want to increase your speed and endurance, then investing in a pair of quality hiking poles could be beneficial. However, remember that like any tool, their effectiveness largely depends on how well you use them. Therefore, learning proper pole technique is crucial if you decide to incorporate them into your hikes. In conclusion, while not every hiker may need them, many find that the benefits of using hiking poles far outweigh any potential drawbacks. As with any piece of outdoor gear, it's all about finding what works best for you and enhances your enjoyment of the great outdoors!
We recently launched our own set of Aluminium Hiking poles which have quickly become highly rated on Amazon. They are an ideal hiking pole for an experienced hiker or beginner at a very good price point. We will be looking to launch a carbon fibre set in the future which come with the added benefit of being lighter weight just with the downside being the reduced durability and strength of the pole.
If you have any questions or would like some help picking some poles that are right for you, even if they are not from us, feel free to comment below or reach out to us and we will do our best to help.
Thanks again for reading, see you on the trails!
