Poles! Essential Kit for Backpacking

Maybe you've never tried trekking poles or are just unconvinced about their usefulness. Well, I dug into the archives and put together this session talking about how trekking poles make life easier and safer on the trail.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• trekking poles
• poles
• backpacking

[rainbowhiker]

I have worn out almost three pair of these trekking poles and finally gave them up. They're more of a hassel than a help and they don't help that much. The only real benifit I see in them is they're making shops wealthier. It's true on very steep up and downs they benifit a little, but very little, and one is great for crossing a deep stream, but a stick will work, too. If you hike a lot, you get stronger, and they are not needed. These kinds videos really do a disservice to the new hiker.

[burgess77]

@rainbowhiker My advice is based on personal experience as to why trekking poles work for me and most of the people I know who backpack or climb (mountaineering). Viewers, at least give them a try and decide on your own whether they work for you.

[BCoutdoorsurvival]

Nicely done Steve. Looking at buying me a pair for this summers hikes. Do you use the stickpic?

[burgess77]

@BCoutdoorsurvival Hi BC...I've been using a Contour 1080P to capture the images that are pole mounted. It's ability to record full HD, or at 60fps (720) for slomo allows me to get some unusual shots. As for poles, don't leave home without 'em! They also hold up my tent or tarp.

[osscouter]

Nice video. I've been using a couple of Target specials for years. It must have set me back $20 for the pair, tops. I can't imagine backpacking without them. I think people should give them a try, rather than dismiss them out of hand. I feel that it makes for a better hike for me. YMMV.

[alderete74]

I just started using them last week after 30 years of hiking and I am wondering why the heck I didn't get these sooner. It makes hiking soooo much more enjoyable. thanks for the vid

[rainbowhiker]

@son8of8vazkor The poles I'm reffering to are at places like R.E.I. which usually run over $100 dollars. There's a real epidemic in backpacking right now where people think they are essential. I saved a video on my favorites of a fellow hiking up hill with them and he's not using them to push himself at all. Easy to notice. When you incorporate more muscularity into a hike, you get a better workout, but you also tire yourself sooner. On long hikes/thru hikes, not smart. Can't recommend 'em.

[llt32]

That is so true. Thanks for standing up to all my friends. :)

[rainbowhiker]

@burgess77 Steave, you took this way too personal. I love your philosphy on almost everything you do. I've been a runner, biker, skier, climber and hiking for more years than you seem to realize and longer than yourself, but trekking poles, after years of using them, thinking they were of some benefit, I have come to the conclusion they are more trouble than they're worth. If you like 'em, great, but they sure aren't for everyone and telling others they'll help 'em is wrong. Best to ya partner.

[BCoutdoorsurvival]

@burgess77 Yup have my eye on the contour. It will probably need to wait for a year or two though. I forgot that they come with the mounting brackets. Everybody loves the stickpic so until I get the contour I'll probably pick up the pic.

[dmacken11]

@BCoutdoorsurvival Get you a stickpic you'll love it.

[dmacken11]

Yeah good stuff. I use my Leki poles on every hike. They have saved me a couple times for sure.