Trekking poles

Damian,

I did not use to need them, but when the BPL Stix went on sale last year, I bought a pair for $40 to practice with.

Just as in your current avatar picture, I would thumb my shoulder straps while walking, and got pretty tired with it. I wanted my arms to be doing something. Using the poles has been great in that it keeps my arms busy, and takes my mind off walking distances.

I still do not use poles for anything other than walking, as my gear does not yet require it, but I have grown fond of taking the poles along now, and feel as if I have forgotten a piece of must-have gear, If I leave them behind.

I would suggest getting a cheap pair and using them for awhile to see if it helps you walk. If they do not, and you do not require them for any other tarp throws, or other tasks, then you can be sure that poles are not an important item in your kit.

Trekking poles are not required to hike (although some will tell you about all the benefits). Some sort of pole is usually required for a tent, which could be carried of found on the trail.

Many years ago I started hiking with s staff. Can't remember why, but it just morphed into a required piece of gear for me mentally.

Last year I bought a couple LT4's just to try. I wasn't worried about the cost, because if I didn't like them, they would be easy to sell here on BPL.

Now I take them on every trip. Can't say they help, but I bring them and hike with them without thinking about it. They are great for setting up my shelter.

Many experienced ultra light hikers don't use them.

I find they help me go faster and more sure-footed over rough or slippery terrain. However, I find that over non-treacherous trails it's easier to just walk. Also, I find that the more tired I become, the less I want to use them – even though my bad back, knee, and normal hip joints are a little less sore at the end of the day when I use them.

My recommendation is to get a $20 pair at Walmart, take them on enough weekend hikes that the honeymoon phase ends and then evaluate the benefits of a better pair for your body and the terrain you have in your area.