My Hiking Pole Journey

I’ve relied on hiking poles for years and learned firsthand how they can transform your experience on the trail. Initially, I used Black Diamond poles, which were sturdy but felt heavy and challenging to keep secure. For a long time, I only used one pole—until I broke my knee skiing. After that injury, I transitioned to using two poles, and I’ll never go back.

Today, hiking poles are an essential part of my gear. For day hikes, I’ve found success with an affordable pair called The Fit Life from Amazon. They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and perfect for less demanding trips. However, when it comes to backpacking, where every ounce matters, I’d choose Leki poles due to their reduced weight and exceptional build quality.

Using hiking poles offers numerous benefits that can enhance your hiking experience significantly. Here’s an overview of their advantages and some insights into the claim about weight reduction:

Benefits of Hiking Poles

1. Reduced Joint Impact: Hiking poles help distribute the impact from your lower body to your arms, reducing stress on knees, hips, and ankles. Studies suggest they can lower joint strain by up to 25% on flat terrain and even more on descents, helping prevent or alleviate knee pain.

2. Weight Redistribution: Poles can take a significant load off your legs, especially on uphill climbs or steep descents. While claims about "20 pounds per leg" are not universally confirmed, research supports a noticeable decrease in compressive force, which can be around 5 kilograms (approximately 11 pounds) per step.

3. Improved Stability and Balance: They provide extra points of contact with the ground, making it easier to navigate uneven or slippery terrain. This is particularly beneficial for hikers carrying heavy backpacks or those trekking in challenging conditions.

4. Enhanced Fitness: Using poles engages your upper body, turning a lower-body workout into a full-body exercise. This can increase calorie burn by up to 20%, boost cardiovascular activity, and strengthen core muscles.

5. Reduced Fatigue: By redistributing the workload between your arms and legs, poles can help reduce muscle fatigue, allowing you to hike longer distances with less strain

   
   

6. Better Posture and Breathing: They encourage an upright posture, which can reduce back strain and improve lung expansion, enhancing oxygen intake and overall stamina

   
   
   
   

Other Considerations

• Brands: Popular options include Black Diamond, Leki, and REI Co-op poles. They vary in features such as weight, adjustability, and material (e.g., aluminum vs. carbon fiber).

• Technique: Proper use involves matching your stride to the pole placement, with adjustments for uphill or downhill sections.   

• For more in-depth information I’ve attached two articles below.

• Earth Trek Gear

• Backpacking Guys