Trekking Poles vs. Walking Staff

I've never felt the need for any trekking poles. One exception was for one summer season after I had a knee reconstruction. The other exception was a high expedition when I had an extra heavy load, so I used ski poles. I use ski poles for skiing in winter, but that is all.

–B.G.–

+1 Trekking poles

I never used to use poles until this year. I bought 1 GG LT3 to pitch my SMD Wild Oasis and really liked using just the one but felt a little off balance so I ordered another and loved them and will always use poles.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=29176

Lawson…you may find the above URL informative from other members.

Cheers!

Personally, I don't use poles or a staff. If I know I'm going to need to cross a high creek, I search around in advance for good sticks. The only times I've felt like poles might have been nice was when coming down a really steep ridge where I was falling on my butt a lot. Older people and people with knee problems may need them more.

I only first used poles on my last outing of a few days when my buddy lent me an extra pair. I used to think poles were dumb and useless. Boy, was I wrong! I am a young, fit guy that has no joint problems or balance issues, and I don't carry a heavy load. I found myself using my upper body to sort of propel myself down the trail with each step, and especially going uphill, I could really tell a difference! My calves were a ton less tired and my hip flexors never got sore, even after repeated days of steep uphill and down. I am a believer in trekking poles!

+1 catsnack. Trekking poles rock the uphill.

I prefer a single trekking pole. Or none, in some cases.
Generally, hiking the High Peaks in NY, is quite demanding and the trails are rough. Skipping along on top of the rocks and boulders is a lot faster.

+1 for trekking poles.

Like two heads are better than one, four feet are better than two on uphills, downhills and creek crossings.

They are also part of my tarp shelter system.

Last June "Lazarus" and "Hoss" were both using single hiking staffs and I was using my trekking poles. "Hoss" tried out my poles on an uphill section and proclaimed aloud, "This is cheating"! ;-)

Party On,

Newton

Ben, thanks for the reminder. As long as I can still do 35 mile overnighters, I'll keep the poles… need them for a tarp too. This Nalgene is a keeper as well.
Stay outside!

I like the idea of going without any poles or staff. But in practice, I always prefer to use two poles, especially if the terrain is steep or even slightly slippery due to mud or snow. On flat sections, I use them Nordic walking style, which is like cross-country skiing without the skis.

lawson, i'm no expert and people have varying opinions. you should probably just try them and see if you like them.

that said, i never used trekking poles, but found that on a few trips i was picking up sticks and using them for crossing streams, then i found that i was holding on to them for miles and miles, so i finally picked up some. my hiking partners were surprised due to my calling them old and sissies, etc. but now i take them on every trip…

Poles w/ straps.

If you would like to try a pair but don't want to blow $100+ on the lightweight name brands, go to Wal-Mart and pick up a pair of theirs for $25. They have the same exact hardware as the Black Diamond poles, and only weigh 1oz more per pole. Just return them if they are "too heavy" or not brand-namey enough.

Trekking poles. Oh yeah. I also use them to propel my self forward on steep uphills; faster and steadier on rocky downhill; excellent for stream crossing. If I bring my Sublite, I use them for that. Last weekend I used them to set up my tarp in porch mode, over my hammock; I also used them in the snow to get a little weight off my feet, and was able to postpone using snowshoes. I know I am not thinking of some of the uses still..

That was what one old timer said on one of the other hiking lists.

He felt that trekking poles were cheating and in fact he himself refuses to use them even though he can't hike any more because of joint issues.

Stubborn people:-(

I prefer to have my hands free. Trekking poles make me focus too much on walking efficiently, pole placement, etc. I prefer to walk with my hands and mind focused on my environment. snacking, drinking, feeling plants or trees, putting my arm around my daughter, climbing a boulder, all without, "but first i have to do something with these poles". However, if I will be hiking with people who want to push it, then I definitely take poles as there is not doubt they knock the miles down.

After going both ways with the poles I can certainly attest that, like with all gear choices, there are ups and downs going with or without poles. I found that using poles gave me an extra 8 to 10 miles a day before I would begin to develop pain in my knees and feet. They were also great at promoting a neutral posture going up hill, rather than leaning forward and hunching over. But I also found that after using poles I became co-dependent on them to maintain balance and would often recklessly trudge through rugged and rocky stretches. I personally prefer forcing myself to consciously be aware of where and how I am placing my feet and I find having my hands free to take a swig of water and munch on a snack invaluable to keeping a full day of continuous hiking. I also love my umbrella which obviously requires at least one hand free to use.

Again its all personal preference best way to figure out what will work for you is to try them.

I just hike with one pole–got it at an REI garage sale in a bin of lonely single poles.

Leaves the other hand free to hold the dog's leash, holds up my tarp at night, and makes life a little safer while walking or trying not to fall into a stream–done that one too many times!

I went with and w/o poles for years when I used a tent, then when I switched to using a tarp I always have my trekking poles. Plus poles are good for flipping snakes off the trail and digging CAT holes.

I bring trekking poles with me alot of the time but generally only use one. I usually keep the other one strapped to my pack until I am ready to use it with my tarp. If I bring a tent or a hammock then I usually only bring one pole or no poles at all. I just built myself a set of aluminum Z poles. I went 125cm's and used a longer grip that way I can make the most of the poles. They weigh 4.5oz a piece and seem to be pretty darn tough. I will probably post something in the MYOG section once I get a chance to take some more photos.

Now we should discuss fixed vs adjustable…

Lawson,

Adjustable works for me when I use a tarp for shelter. I can adjust height of the pitch at the foot end of my tarp. I usually leave my pole fully extended on the head end.

Notice that the trekking pole in the rear or foot end is almost fully collapsed into itself and the front trekking pole is set to 130 cm.

Dual use and adjustability. :-)

Party On,

Newton

On my last winter trip my buddy brought some. Since he carries a pack, and I pull a sled, we decided to switch out for a while just to get a feel for the other's system.

Since I took his pack, I took the poles too, and really liked what they did for me. To me, it seemed like shifting into 4 wheel drive, and it helped keep my head up.

I just ordered a couple BD poles w/ powder baskets so (hopefully) I can use them for snowshoeing as well. I also really like the idea of being able to use them as shelter poles, and am hoping like crazy that using them will allow me to retrieve anything I want in camp without having to get off my behind…:-)

Edited to add, I am not old, badly out of shape, and don't have joint problems. I also think poles are for sissies. Yes, I am still getting a pair. :D

I have been hiking on and off for 35 years. Last year I re equipped myself from car camping and day hiking with the family for some over night and longer solo hikes. I purchased a TT Sublite which can use trekking poles and a friend of mine usings them so I went to REI and purchased heavy poles. After feeling the benifit but not wanting the extra weight I returned them for some GG LT4 poles with straps. I feel they are an important part of my gear now. I still stop and look around when using the trekking poles and don't mind dealing with them when scrambling up the Bee Hive at Acadia. I pay more attention when on rougher ground not to catch the poles and this makes me more careful with my footing also.

for ppl interested in reading a rather long thread, here is one debating the practicality vs. benefits of using trekking poles. I, personally, am a +1 for poles!

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=33513