Why do you need Hiking Trekking Poles

Are you the kind of hiker who feels uncomfortable hiking without trekking poles?About 10 or 15 years ago, trekking poles were relatively rare among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trekking poles are mainly used by the elderly because they need extra support when they are out and about.There has been a rapid increase in trekking pole users in recent years. Trekking poles are now a necessity...so much so that many hikers feel like they're unclothed without them!Regardless, trekking poles have become an integral part of every hiker's gear.If you're new to trekking poles and looking to buy a pair, here's everything you need to know about trekking poles and how you can benefit from them:

What are hiking trekking poles and how do they differ from crutches?

People have been using walking sticks for centuries, but modern trekking poles didn't appear until the 1970s.Compared to ordinary walking poles, trekking poles are made of special materials and designed for a variety of terrains. They are used in pairs for better support for your back and knees, especially when carrying a heavy pack. Whether going uphill, downhill, or traversing water, trekking poles help with balance.On the other hand, a single lightweight trekking pole doesn't provide the same support and balance as a pair, but if you're traversing flat terrain with little extra weight on your back, it's enough.

The benefits of using a trekking pole

Trekking poles provide stability and support

They are like an extra pair of legs! It may sound ridiculous, but having more points of contact than your own feet means you can distribute your weight better. This is especially useful when traversing challenging terrain and carrying a heavy pack.

Maintaining balance

Using trekking poles can greatly improve balance. Having more points of contact with the ground means you're less likely to fall. Having to cross a creek or stream sometimes? Trekking poles help keep you upright against the impact of running water.

Shock Absorption

When going downhill, your knees will be under a lot of stress if you rely on your legs alone. Trekking poles can reduce stress on the back and weight-bearing joints and reduce fatigue. Less fatigue means more energy, and more energy means you can enjoy hiking longer.

Better walking posture

Using trekking poles in the right way can give you better walking posture. Keep your back straight and your forearms straight. This small change in posture actually helps expand the lungs so the body can take in more oxygen. More oxygen means more stamina, longer endurance and less fatigue.

PathfinderTrekking poles can help you find your way around rocky areas or vegetated trails. Poke to check for snakes or scorpions. You can also use them to pick apart branches or cobwebs, etc. in your route. In addition to this, you can also use trekking poles to test the strength of the ice and the depth of the water. It is sometimes difficult to determine how deep the water is or how thick the ice is on a frozen stream. Trekking poles can effectively accomplish this task to maximize our safety.

TIPS：Trekking poles are not all-powerful

There are some situations that are really not suitable for using trekking poles, such as:

Down a slippery and wooded steep slope. This type of terrain is usually covered with thick leaves and thick soil below, and trekking poles cannot be firmly planted into the ground. Even if it is stuck in the ground, it is difficult to pull it out easily. And because there are many trees, trekking poles will frequently collide with tree trunks, and it is easy to trip over yourself.

Climb the hillside with dense bamboo forests. Bamboo forests on such hillsides are very good aids for climbing. If you use trekking poles, they will constantly rub against the bamboo forests, greatly increasing the resistance.In this case, you need to store the trekking poles properly, put them in the backpack, and wear gloves to grab the trees and walk.