Hiking Poles: Necessary or Not?
In preparing for Kilimanjaro, the list of necessary packing items included hiking poles. So before venturing out for the training hikes in Colorado, I ordered a pair of hiking poles. While out on the trail, there seemed to be more people not using poles, so I wasn't convinced they were necessary.
In researching hiking poles, I took to the internet and discount websites for a good deal. I found that cheap poles could be bought, but many reviews stated they broke within a few hikes. Most failings occurred in the weakness of the method of compacting the poles. Since being able to compact the poles was necessary for travel, having poles with a reliable way to collapse them seemed like a good idea.
What I learned there are three main types of pole compacting systems. Twist and release or some type of clamping system or an elastic band holding segments of poles together which are pulled apart to compact the poles. The twist and release are the most affordable, but also the ones that tend to break easily. I opted for the clamping system, mainly because it seemed reliable (from reviews) and I found an affordable pair.
On Sierra Trading Post, I found a pair of Black Diamond trekking poles with some extra bells and whistles. These poles were designed for women, had shock absorption, and padded handles. Having shock absorption helps to ease the stress of the trail. Here is the updated version of the poles I purchased.
When I first started hiking with the poles, I only used them for downhill to alleviate the stress on my knees. I also found with prolonged use, the handles of the poles would begin to form a blister on my thumb. Being conscious to move my hands in different locations has helped to prevent blisters from forming.
Hiking along the Inca Trail in Peru using my trekking poles to navigate the steep stairs.
In my latest hike on the Inca Trail, I used the hiking poles for the entire trek. I found the unevenness of the trail, the full pack weight on my back, and keeping my hands elevated were reasons to use the poles for the entire hike. I learned at the gate to the Inca Trail, that rubber pole tips are required. I have typically hiked with one rubber tip and one carbonite tip, this has helped to navigate the different terrain on the trail.
I find that poles help to steady me, keep my hands elevated and minimize swelling, and keep me aware of the terrain. Besides, I think poles are good defense weapons for thorns across the trail and useful if there should be an animal attack.
For discounts on hiking poles and other adventure gear, visit Active Junky!
*No benefit received from Black Diamond for the honest assessment of my use of their hiking poles.
