Hiking Poles 1 pole or 2?

[Furlough]

You'll get many replies to this. I recommend 2. When I first started hiking I used no poles. Borrowed one of my Dads poles on one trip. Cut myself a nice hickory pole and hiked with that until one Christmas dad gave a set. Been hiking with those for a about 5 years and at this point can't imagine not hiking without 2 poles.

Furlough

[Darwin13]

2 hands 2 poles thats my thinking

[MuddyWaters]

it takes 2 poles to hold my tent up, but some tents only use 1.

[Bearleg]

i hike with two, the pace of two, help keep up the mileage, and prevents ankles sprains.

[Astro]

2 hands 2 poles for me 2.

[WalksInDark]

Hiking poles are like martinis.....and breasts...three is too many and one is not enough!

BTW, even if you T H I N K that one pole might be enough...the amount of pressure you are likely to put on one pole will probably bend it or break it pretty fast.

[Erin]

I used none when young. Have used one fo 10 years. Great for balance on the downs and over rocks. I never broke it. Took two to Yellowstone and Tetons last month but just used one since I need the other hand to scramble on in the Tetons. I need to work up the coordination for two poles but will use two on a long moderate hike where I don't need a free hand. The cheapo pole was just fine for me. I am five feet tall and have a low center of gravity which helps.

[rich5665]

Two poles here, takes some of the stress off my knees on the down hills.

[prain4u]

I used no poles for MANY years. In my mid 40's I started walking with a 5.5 foot tall wooden hiking staff that I made myself. Loved the height and sturdiness of that old fashioned hiking staff. Used it for 6 years (or occasionally used one lighter trekking pole). I have loved it. However, I am in the process of switching to using two lighter trekking poles (Primarily because repeatedly swinging a 2-3 pound hiking staff is hard on my 50+ year old arms and shoulders). I am also learning that using two poles keeps my body more "centered" and better aligned while hiking. Using just one hiking stick causes me to walk slightly leaning or twisted to one side (harder on low back and hips). Using two poles gives me a more even and steady gait--and less lower back pain.

Unlike a couple of writers here--I would NEVER hike again without a walking stick or trekking poles. They save my knees and hips on uphills and downhills. I wear "progressive lenses" in my eyeglasses (kind of like having no-line trifocals or quadfocals). Hiking sticks help me keep my balance on uneven terrain when my aging eyes fail to see things and I stumble over roots and rocks. Hiking sticks have saved me from many potential tripping or falling incidents.

[hikerhobs]

I have a wooden hiking stick thats been with me for the last twelve years.

[Dr. Professor]

Some believe in using two poles. Everybody else is incorrect.

If I could hike with only four items I would choose the following in this order:

1) Water.
2) Food.
3) Pack.
4) Two poles.

I would definitely prioritize two poles over the following items:
- Shelter.
- Sleeping bag.
- Spare clothes.

[max patch]

I would definitely prioritize two poles over the following items:
- Shelter.
- Sleeping bag.

This is the "Straight Forward" forum, not the "Humor" forum.

[max patch]

I think the answer is obvious.

You and your partner each have one pole. Go hiking. One of you take both poles. The other will not have any poles. Trade at the half way point. Repeat. After a while you'll have your answer.

And it just might be no poles at all.

[hikerboy57]

do you think a 3 legged goat is more sure footed than a 4legged one?
ill go with 2 poles, or none at all. still on the learning curve with my poles about when i need em and when i need to put them away. but when i need them, i need two.

[HikerMom58]

Well, I vote for 2 poles... just because I like it thata way.

On a side note: Welcome to White Blaze- Dr. Professor. I see you are from Roanoke VA as well....

[Dr. Professor]

This is the "Straight Forward" forum, not the "Humor" forum.

Duly noted; sarcasm and I go way back. I use it to make points. Still and all, I honestly hate hiking without two poles; it makes me feel like a biped.

[Dr. Professor]

Well, I vote for 2 poles... just because I like it thata way.

On a side note: Welcome to White Blaze- Dr. Professor. I see you are from Roanoke VA as well....

Thank you very much.

Yes, I live in Roanoke. I love it here. I'm from Texas originally but have also lived in Richmond, Va as well as Vermont and Michigan. Now that I am here -- I moved here in 2009 -- I'm never moving again. This place has four seasons, and they're all wimpy -- like me! Well, not fall -- fall is out of controll. I can live with that. Roanoke's big enough to have good restaurants and to offer city amenities, but small enough to get out of easily. Also, I love the proximity to trails.

This is a great place.

To get back on topic: two poles; remember -- I'm always right sometimes.

[HikerMom58]

Thank you very much.

Yes, I live in Roanoke. I love it here. I'm from Texas originally but have also lived in Richmond, Va as well as Vermont and Michigan. Now that I am here -- I moved here in 2009 -- I'm never moving again. This place has four seasons, and they're all wimpy -- like me! Well, not fall -- fall is out of controll. I can live with that. Roanoke's big enough to have good restaurants and to offer city amenities, but small enough to get out of easily. Also, I love the proximity to trails.

This is a great place.

To get back on topic: two poles; remember -- I'm always right sometimes.

Agreed.... love Roanoke. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.

I love to be right about using 2 poles.

[bubonicplay]

Poles are not for me, there are studies that prove they are not better for us. It's more weight in your hands/ on your back/ on your knees.

Placebo effect. Also having free hands while hiking is mandatory if you drink on the go, look at maps, and scramble.

[Dr. Professor]

Agreed.... love Roanoke. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.

I love to be right about using 2 poles.

I'm sure we will see each other at some point. It'll be fun. We really are very lucky.