While I mean no offence to the wiser and more experienced generation of backpackers, too often younger backpackers are afraid to use trekking poles simply because the mere act of holding them makes you feel like you’ve aged 30 years. And frankly this stigma simply should not exist. Trekking poles are a great addition to any backpacking setup for hikers and backpackers of all ages. So without further ado, let me convince you why you should start using trekking poles, starting with your next hike.
Reason #1 – Mud
Now there are lots of reason you might fall down while hiking, yes even for you 20 year-olds (of which I am one I might add), and many of them unfortunately won’t be solved simply by using trekking poles. However, trekking poles are great because they add an element of stability while backpacking and hiking rough terrain. We all know how hard it can be to keep your balance with a 30 pound pack on, and trekking poles can help immensely with that.
In particular, trekking poles are great for keeping your balance when traversing difficult and slippery terrain. They give you an extra edge while hiking through mud that no hiking boot can, no matter how good. And if you slip and fall, cleaning all that mud off your clothes might not even be possible until you return to civilization, not a very appetizing thought if you slip on your first day in a week long backpacking trip.
For an extra edge while traversing mud it can be helpful to leave the baskets on your trekking poles as they will keep them from sinking to far into the mud and increase your stability. Trekking poles also work great when hiking in snow.
Reason #2 – Water Crossings
In a similar strain to reason #1, stream crossings of all types can result in wet shoes and socks, something that is best to avoid when hiking for long distances. Trekking poles can help you keep your balance while standing on slippery rocks or walking across a conveniently fallen log.
Because most trekking poles are adjustable in length you can increase their length allowing you to balance on the bottom of the stream bed without ever dipping your feet in the water. When crossing smaller streams that aren’t deeper than your hiking boots, they also let you test the ground to see how muddy it really is, and how deep you would sink if you did step in.
Reason #3 – Reduce Knee Strain
We all know hiking downhill can be hard on the knees, especially when you are three days in and have already gone up and over as many mountain passes. Trekking poles can help take some of the weight off of your legs and knees when going downhill. This is great for reducing fatigue and allows you to hike longer distances without taking breaks in between.
Knee strain can can by many factors, and carrying trekking poles will not necessarily guarantee your knees will be pain free at the end of your hike, but I have found that they help me personally. Some trekking poles are also shock absorbing, which I find does not make a huge difference. However some hikers do prefer this style of trekking pole especially when hiking on rocks or harder terrain.
Reason #4 – Great for Trekking Pole Tents/Shelters
Backpacking with trekking Poles is also useful for situations besides just hiking. Trekking poles are a great camp tool, useful for setting up trekking pole tents and shelters.
Trekking pole tents are great because they use trekking poles instead of traditional tent poles. These shelters/tents are usually ultralight and trekking pole tents are also generally very easy to set up. I will occasionally take trekking poles backpacking just for my tent, because of the weight I can drop from my pack. Many good backpacking backpacks also allow you to strap your trekking poles to them in case you want to hike without them for a while, but still carry them with you for a tent or shelter.
Reason #5 – Keep those Plants Away
When I am hiking something I find trekking poles handy for is pushing away annoying plants and branches. I don’t have to worry anymore about not grabbing that thorny vine with my hands, I can just push it away with my trekking poles. It also works well with other plants such as poison ivy, stinging nettle, and basically any plant you want to keep from touching your bare skin.
Conclusion
While trekking poles are not for everyone, I think that trekking poles are a great addition to your backpacking set up. They help reduce weight from your pack by allowing you to use lighter weight tent options, they are useful for keeping your balance, especially with a heavy pack in awkward terrain, and they can be used to keep away annoying plants you’d just rather not touch.
Check out some backpacking Trekking Poles we recommend:
