TREKKING POLES SERIES

by Jo Vartanian

PART 1

Are trekking poles worth it?

If you’re starting out as a hiker, it can be confusing to know what gear you should be purchasing first.

Poles are probably something you feel you can do without. However, after purchasing quality boots or trail shoes, we strongly recommend adding a set of high-quality trekking poles to your kit.

It was not until I started consistently using trekking poles, that I fully understood why experienced hikers use them and now I consider them essential. I’ve had issues with osteoarthritis in my knees and foot problems including plantar fasciitis and a fallen metatarsal arch. Consulting the appropriate experts for these issues was number one. Using trekking poles was also a big part of the solution.

Hiking in Bhutan in 2019 on some challenging trails.

You might be thinking, “I’ve always gone bushwalking without poles and had no problems.” I get that. I bushwalk without poles too. I’ll go bush walking wearing just my joggers too. But, if I am doing a long-distance hike, I’ll want to wear my trail shoes or hiking boots and it’s the same with poles. I’ll want them too. If my backpack is heavy or the trail is steep and rugged, or my hike is in a remote area or over several days, there are very important reasons for packing trekking poles.

Personally, my number one reason for using poles is that I want to be able to hike happily for the rest of my life. I’ve had knee pain and it makes hiking almost impossible. Using poles when I hike is a big part of my overall strategy to ensure hiking longevity.

Endurance hiking on the 6-Foot Track in the Blue Mountains.

My TOP 5 Benefits of Using Trekking Poles

Avoiding injuries by increasing stability/balance. Injuries from falls are common, especially when hiking challenging terrain, and they can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable hike and set you back weeks in recovery. Even more concerning, is the risk of serious injury from falling when you are in a remote area where evacuation and medical support are more difficult to access. Hikers have always grabbed sticks along the trails to avoid falls, especially when negotiating steep descents or tricky creek crossings. Trekking poles provide excellent stability and are strong, reliable, lightweight “sticks” that won’t break at critical moments.

Reduce wear/damage to the joints, especially the knees. One of the most common complaints amongst hikers is knee pain, particularly on descents. Studies have shown that using trekking poles reduces the forces and load on the lower body by up to 8kg per step. Normally this load is absorbed by the knees, hips and ankles. If you suffer knee or other joint pain or are currently healthy and want to prevent future knee pain, then using poles to reduce the impact on joints is a MUST.
Improved posture, resulting in reduced back and neck pain and improving lung function. We tend to lean forward when hiking especially if we are fatigued and carrying a heavy backpack. Repetitive movement with the spine in this unnatural position can quickly lead to lower back and neck pain. The ability of the ribs to fully expand is also reduced, making breathing more difficult. Using poles encourages a more upright stance and the use of the upper body muscles, taking pressure off the muscles around the spine and creating a more comfortable and safer hiking experience.
Reduced lower leg muscle soreness. There is nothing worse on a multi-day trek than waking up the next day, with stiff and sore legs and dreading the hike ahead. Using trekking poles not only takes some of the pressure off the muscles of the legs, it allows your upper arm muscles to contribute to propelling you along a trail or up a steep incline. The result is reduced muscle damage and soreness in the lower body. Now your hike is a full-body workout.
Stops swollen fingers. Sometimes called ‘sausage fingers’, swollen fingers are a common by-product of hiking, especially in people with poor circulation. When you use trekking poles, the gripping motion on your trekking pole, engages the muscles in the hands, increasing circulation and reducing swelling and pooling.

Essential equipment on Tasmania’s South Coast track

There are numerous other benefits to using trekking poles including, checking water depth, using them in emergencies as a splint or tent pole and providing rhythm and increased pace for long-distance flat hiking.

Some limitations of using trekking poles!

Cost and added weight. Yes, good quality poles are expensive (anywhere from $100-$300) and even the most lightweight poles will add some weight to your gear (my poles together weigh just 305g).
Need space to be stowed when not in use. There are times on the trails when you need your hands free, for example, to scramble over rocky terrain or when the trail is too narrow. It is important that you can fold your poles easily and stow them either inside or on the outside of the pack so that they do not catch on trees or other obstacles.

Damage to the trail. The carbide tips on the ends of most good quality poles can damage the sensitive environment you are hiking in. In most situations, rubber tips can be used to reduce this damage.
Incorrect user technique reduces the benefits. The correct technique for using trekking poles is not instinctive and some appropriate training is required. The skills are simple and easy to learn and will ensure maximum benefit from using poles is achieved.

A final word. Trekking poles have been used in Europe for centuries and Australian hikers are just catching on. I’ve been training women for the past 10 years for all types of hiking adventures in Australia and around the world, with day packs, with full packs and on all types of terrain. The women I’ve hiked with are convinced of trekking poles’ benefits for training and for their hiking adventures.

Trekking poles are one of THE most important pieces of hiking equipment and you should never leave home without them.