(Think you don’t need hiking poles? So did I!)
I held off on hiking poles for a long time. Hiking was supposed to be a minimalist, back to basics kind of activity, and poles seemed like just another piece of gear to manage. That perception changed the summer we headed to Mt. Blanc for our biggest multi-day hike yet.
Why use hiking poles?
On short, flat hikes, I still think poles just get in the way. But on a long or steep hike, hiking poles save your knees and legs by shifting some of the effort to upper body muscles. When climbing up and over a rocky pass or carrying a weighty pack, it’s amazing the difference that makes. Poles also help on the descent, with extra stability for tired legs on the downhill. Nothing will ruin a beautiful hike like a stumble that sprains an ankle (done that) or lands you in a creekbed (speaking from experience) or leaves your knees bloody and bruised (yes, that too.)
There are many excellent poles to choose from, and the good ones share a few key features. After a lot of comparisons I chose a pair of Leki Micro-Vario trekking poles, and I’d choose them again (except the ones I have still work perfectly!) The four keys to happy hiking with poles is to find the ones with…
- Ergonomic cork handles — they feel comfortable and grippy on the hands after hours of sweat and grit
- Easy height adjustment — a flip of the lever allows quick changes to adapt to uphills, downhills, or uneven trailsides.
- Packable and Portable — they break down like tent poles and fold together into a nylon storage bag, about a foot in length.
- Lightweight but sturdy: these aren’t meant to be coddled, and every ounce matters after a few miles.
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