Top 9 Reasons to use Trekking Poles

If you're not sold on the benefits of trekking poles for hiking and backpacking, read our list of the top 9 reasons that you should consider them on your next hike.

1. Help set and keep a consistent pace

Using trekking poles allows you to get into a rhythm and stay focused on maintaining a consistent pace. Once your breathing start to sync up, you'll be able to make the miles fly by with ease.

2. Give you a boost on climbs

Going up steep climbs requires your legs to work extra hard, especially if you're also carrying a backpack. Using your trekking poles to boost yourself up with your arms helps reduce stress on your leg muscles and allows you to keep your energy level up.

3. Take pressure off your knees on descents

Long descents can be hard on your knees and ankles. Trekking poles can be used to catch some of your weight with your arms, reducing the pounding that your knees and ankles have to endure. Trekking poles also aid with stability on steep sections or large drops.

4. Great for balance on challenging terrain

If you hike around challenging terrain like rivers, creeks, muddy areas, snow banks, etc., the extra points of contact that you achieve with trekking poles can be the difference between getting through easily or taking a bad fall.

5. Clearing your path 

Trekking poles can be invaluable for clearing your path by pushing branches and bushes out of the way, getting rid of spider webs, and keeping poison ivy at bay.

6. Testing rocky areas

On rocky terrain, you might come across a section scattered with loose rocks. Using your trekking poles to test rocks before you step on them is a great way to avoid a fall.

7. Fending off snakes or small rodents

Poles can be used to whack at potential snake, scorpion or rodent hiding places before stepping through them with your legs and risking a bite or sting.

8. Supports for tarp shelters

Even at camp, trekking poles can be very useful. Having strong, lightweight poles can help with all sorts of camp tasks like hanging things to dry, keeping your bag off the ground or pitching a tarp or trekking pole tent shelter.

9. For emergency situations

There are plenty of emergency situations where trekking poles can come in handy. The can be used to splint broken bones or support sprained joints. Even in non-emergencies, poles can really help if you roll your ankle or hurt your knee and want to be more comfortable on the hike out.

If you're sold on the benefits and want to give trekking poles a try, check out our lightweight and compact Tri-Fold trekking poles. Each weighs less than 10 ounces and folds to only 15 inches in length, making them super-convenient to bring along to any hike. With the choice of carbon fiber or aluminum, real cork handles or EVA foam, replaceable carbide tungsten tips, and a slew of accessories, you'll be sure to find a set that works perfectly for your needs.