The traditional walking staff dates back centuries. It was, among other things, a symbol of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Hikers today use hiking sticks for the same reason: Trekking poles help whenever the terrain gets rough. Hopping from boulder to boulder, descending steep slopes, and crossing streams are all aided by the use of a pole.
The traditional way to choose a walking staff is simply to keep one’s eyes peeled for the perfectly-sized stick lying on the forest floor. Other cheap or free choices include old ski poles, folding wading staffs sold in fly-fishing stores, or broomsticks with neoprene handgrips taped around the top. More upscale hikers might choose hand-carved poles, available at outfitters in popular outdoor vacation spots.
Like so many other pieces of equipment, trekking poles have gone high-tech. New metal models are more ergonomically designed, with comfortable handgrips and a telescoping feature that allows the hiker to choose the exact right length, then collapse the poles for easy travel.
One Trekking Pole or Two?
While the traditional pilgrim used one walking stick, many of today’s backpackers use two. Two poles are more easily incorporated into a natural walking rhythm, and the arms can actually help propel the hiker uphill. Two poles are also useful for balance, enabling a hiker to plant both poles, then hop down from a high boulder without putting undue stress on the knees.
Overweight hikers, hikers with bad knees, and older hikers (whose balance is affected by the aging process) should consider using two poles.
Some hikers find that using two poles gets in the way of using their hands to scramble up rock slopes, or when taking photographs. Collapsible poles can be temporarily strapped to backpacks to leave the hands free. Or hikers in these cases might use just one pole.
Two poles are essential with snowshoes, useful for crossing streams (especially while rock-hopping), and reassuring on snowy slopes that don’t require full mountaineering equipment, but are slick enough that a little extra help is appreciated.
Trekking Pole Features
- Telescoping sections: Most modern trekking poles are telescoping, meaning that a pole can be pulled out to its full length of about four feet, then collapsed into a small package when not in use. The telescoping feature comes in handy when traversing very steep ridges: The downhill pole can be longer than the uphill pole.
- Packability: Some poles collapse into two sections; some into three. Hikers taking plane flights to hiking destination should check that the length of the collapsed poles fits into luggage: Trekking poles are considered potential weapons by the TSA, and are not allowed as hand luggage.
- Hand grips: Grips are made of rubber, plastic, or cork. Cork models absorb sweat from the hands and may be more comfortable and less likely to cause blisters.
- Shock absorbing springs: Springs in the telescoping mechanism absorb shock when poles are planted. This small feature makes a big difference when using poles to help with large downhill steps (for instance, off a big rock or boulder).
Other Uses for Trekking Poles
- Checking for snakes in brush and underbrush.
- Pitching a tarp (The configuration will determine if one pole or two is required)
- Waving at barking dogs
- Poking a bear-bag into place.
- Pushing gear from one person to another when both hikers are too exhausted to move up at the end of the day.
The choice of one trekking pole or two is ultimately one of function and comfort. But many hikers agree that a trekking pole is one piece of equipment they can't do without.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
