Trekking Poles: Are They Worth It?

Why Poles Help

Trekking poles reduce knee impact on descents, improve balance on wet Nordic boardwalks, and add propulsion on long climbs with a heavy pack.

Trail Tips

• Shorten poles for uphill, lengthen for downhill.
• Plant poles slightly ahead without over-reaching.
• Use the wrist straps correctly — slide up through the loop from below.
• Collapse poles when scrambling requires both hands.
• Rubber tips protect rock; carbide tips grip mud and ice.

Gear

• Adjustable aluminium poles are durable and affordable.
• Carbon poles save weight for long-distance hikers.
• Consider a single pole on flat, easy terrain if you prefer minimal kit.