Trekking poles are long, sturdy poles with solid, often sharp, tips that provide support and stability. Hikers hold one pole in each hand and use them to navigate uneven areas, maintain balance and support the body. Many hikers feel that these simple tools are essential, but other hikers can’t stand the sight of them. Weighing the pros and cons of trekking poles can help hikers decide what is best for them.
Trekking poles are an excellent balance tool. Hikers who are a little unsteady can rely on these poles to give them a touch of added stability when crossing a shallow stream or an uneven landscape. This added stability can make hikers feel more confident and give them a bit more freedom.
In addition to balance, trekking poles help to support the lower body. Giving a bit more weight to the poles takes a great deal of weight off of the legs, relieving hips and knees. This is excellent for people who do not have the leg strength to propel them through a strenuous hike. Also, the position of the hands on the poles helps to increase circulation and gets the arms moving. Of course, this means more of a workout for the arms and overall body. For some people, getting a more strenuous workout while hiking is a great thing, but others prefer a more leisurely hiking approach.
Although there are many benefits to these poles, there are also several disadvantages. When they are not needed, hiking poles can be a nuisance. They can become annoying when hands need to be used. People who need a hand to propel themselves over a boulder, or those wishing to look at a map or have a sip of water, can find that hiking poles are often in the way. In addition, these poles can easily become snagged in vegetation or in between rocks.
The real disadvantage of trekking poles is that they can easily damage the hiking trail and the landscape. Many people simply drag their poles when they are not in use, and this scuffs or scratches the trail. Even when used properly, the sharp tips of the poles hurt vegetation, chip rocks and gouge into the soil. This can cause permanent scarring of the land, and in some cases, faster erosion. For tips on being a conscientious outdoorsman, click here.
Featured Image from fieldforestandfire/Unsplash
