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View Full Version : How important are poles for a thru hike?



Bryce McCormick
05-12-2015, 00:05
I'm planning an ultralight thru hike for 2016. My base pack weight right now is about 15lbs. I've managed to acquire everything I need but I'm on a pretty tight budget and would rather save the money. I'm in good shape (170lbs, 33 years old) and I'd like to hike the trail a bit faster than usual (don't know if that matters). I have a fair amount of hiking experience but only over long weekends. I've never used them before and am not opposed to getting them, but I'd like some perspective from both camps if possible. Thanks.

Tassie Mike
05-12-2015, 00:40
Hi

I have used two poles for some time on walks here in Australia! Used them on a 1003 trek last year great for balance and take weight on downhill !

Trailweaver
05-12-2015, 00:45
They have kept me from falling several times. . . so balance is good. Also helps to "boost" me up some places that require a large step up. I've also used them to beat around grassy areas or logs to scare off any critters before I sit. I never used to use them, but once you try them, you will be glad you did.

HooKooDooKu
05-12-2015, 01:02
You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a hiking stick. I make my hiking sticks out of bamboo. Very light weight. Get some tennis racket grips and you'll still have solid control even if you're sweating or if it is raining. To avoid a blunt end at the top I even get a little fancy and glue smaller pieces of bamboo into the top nesting several layers till you have a solid piece of wood the you can send to a nice round shape. Finish it off with a protective layer of polyurethane and perhaps a chair leg foot protector to reduce wear on the bottom.

Siestita
05-12-2015, 02:45
"How important are poles for a thru hike?"

How much pain are willing to experience when you walk, both on trails and in everyday life, during the remainder of your life after your thru? Hiking rapidly, especially when making descents day after day for extended periods, damages some people's knees. Perhaps your knees will be fine, but do you really want to run the experiment to find out?

Paying a bit now, perhaps even $100 to $200 for good quality light weight poles, might be cheaper (not to mention less painful) than having knee surgery done later in your life.

FYI--I personally walk more slowly than most other people do, and during my 43 years of "off and on" backpacking I have never done any walks lasting longer than three weeks. So, it's not surprising that my knees are still fine even though I only began using poles recently. I use poles now to reduce the number of times that I fall down on trails. They also make me more confident and increase my hiking speed slightly.

Thirty years ago my youngest brother section hiked the entire AT while in college, without using poles. Subsequently, I've only heard him express one regret about having completed the AT; his knees were never the same afterwards.

moytoy
05-12-2015, 06:52
Some people like them and some don't. Some need them and some don't. I never used poles when I was your age but I need them now to ease down steep inclines.

IdgieNC
05-12-2015, 09:03
When at Springer this year some started with none. By Neels Gap, all had 2 sticks pulled from the woods. Poles are my other 2 feet, because you need 4 to be a pack mule. Even if you are
an ultralight pack mule.

Lyle
05-12-2015, 09:12
The younger you are, the less you need poles, unless you have prior knee injuries. Poles help at any age, but become more "necessary" as we age.

I started using them consistently in my 40's so as to minimize the damage I was doing to my knees. For the same reason, I went all out replacing my old, conventional gear with very lightweight alternatives, and changing my ideas on what I needed to carry. I had seen too many folks whose knees deteriorated with extensive backpacking, and I did not want to end up having to give up hiking because of physical wear and tear that I had not done all I could to alleviate.

Personal decision, but I will no longer hike with a pack without poles to assist - especially for the down hill and big step-ups. Too much strain on the knees in these cases.

Bryce McCormick
05-12-2015, 09:36
This is great info. Thank you for all the replies. I hadn't considered the long term effect of my knees. I love the idea of maybe a bamboo pole.

fiddlehead
05-12-2015, 09:40
Poles slow you down, get in the way, are tough to transport, but come in handy for fording rivers (something you rarely have to do on the AT) and setting up a tarp/tent.
The only time I use them is if I have an injury.
just my 2 cents.

swisscross
05-12-2015, 09:49
Poles slow you down, get in the way, are tough to transport, but come in handy for fording rivers (something you rarely have to do on the AT) and setting up a tarp/tent.
The only time I use them is if I have an injury.
just my 2 cents.

Once you get any sort of trail legs poles slow you down.
Until then they are great. I NEED them on down hills, my knees like the extra support.
Don't need or want them going up.
On flat ground, nothing is really flat, I can get into a rhythm with them but walk faster without them (not much).
It is nice to have something to do with your hands when walking all day.

Do you need them, NO.
Do you want them, Maybe.
Bad knees, YES.
Borrow some and see for yourself.

Walkintom
05-12-2015, 10:11
I always take poles with me, even if I don't plan to use them. As previously mentioned they're great support for your knees on downhill.

They're also a way to get some work on your upper body while hiking all day long. I don't work out but I do like to have the exertion evened out between my lower and upper body sometimes and this helps.

The decision maker for me is the ability to continue if my legs aren't in prime shape. For example, last year I was on a 12 day hike on Isle Royale and an old ankle injury flared up for no apparent reason other than it was the worst possible timing. I didn't fall, have a bad twist or any other trauma that I noticed. But it started swelling and getting painful after about 3 days in.

With poles and over the counter anti-inflammatory pills I was able to continue my miles as planned and finish my trip with enjoyment. I had to cut out some side treks and spend time with it propped up and admittedly spent some time whining to myself about the situation but the poles were critical to continuing. Would not and could not have traversed the length of the Minong trail without them.

Totally worth it,

Lyle
05-12-2015, 10:20
Would not and could not have traversed the length of the Minong trail without them.

Totally worth it,

Yep, tough trail with a bad ankle - but very worth it.

Colter
05-12-2015, 10:51
Some people like them and some don't. Some need them and some don't...

There you go. I saw a photo of the A.T. supported and unsupported record holders hiking together. They both were using poles. I know Jennifer Pharr Davis used poles when she set the record. I don't think Anish used poles on her unsupported record of the PCT. I think Josh Garrett, the supported record holder, often uses poles. Scott Williamson doesn't use poles. It depends on the person and the conditions and also on what the person is accustomed to.

On flat ground I prefer no poles. For steep ground or river crossings I think they are great. I'd definitely carry poles on the A.T.

Check for poles on sale, they don't have to be super expensive. Or just try hiking without them.

Rocket Jones
05-12-2015, 11:41
If you're interested in a single hiking 'staff', look for a wooden broom or shovel handle. Very tough and can be cut to length to suit you. Put a rubber cane tip on the bottom for durability and a little skid resistance, and wrap some paracord around the top for your grip. This would be a quick and cheap way to see if you like hiking with them.

Mags
05-12-2015, 11:42
If you have a Costco membership (or a friend who does), the $30 carbon fiber poles with a flicklock are quite the bargain. Seems solidly made besides being light. Good way to try out "real" hiking poles w/o breaking the budget. Otherwise used ski poles are another budget item to try poles.

As others said, some like 'em..some don't. I find they get in the way on smooth trails. Are awesome for off-trail scrambling.

DavidNH
05-12-2015, 12:25
trekking poles are very important.helps with stride, helps for support on steep ups and downs, helps with screen crossings, and can even double as tent poles if you use the very light tarptents. all this for just a couple pounds.

brian039
05-12-2015, 16:51
If you are ultralight you probably don't need them as much. My gear is light to mid-weight and I find myself getting off-balance while rock hopping and the poles really help. They also save your knees a lot on down hills. I don't think I would use poles if I was going ultra light though.

peakbagger
05-12-2015, 17:49
A unexpected benefit of using poles is dogs tend to stay clear. No need to swing them at them, they just seem to realize that their target is armed.

I use poles heading up hill and downhill. If things are flat and level like much of the south. I am usually carrying both poles in one hand but once the grade changes I switch over quickly.

swonut
05-12-2015, 18:12
Go to a thrift store and get two graphite shaft golf clubs about the same length. Take a hacksaw and cut off the club head leaving some of the metal hosel. Put a trekking pole cap (Recommend Black Diamond from REI) on them and go for a hike. You'll be out ten bucks maximum if you already have a hack saw and 15 if you don't.

MuddyWaters
05-12-2015, 19:49
They feel stupid on flat ground, good for uphill , downhill, wet rocks, water crossings, irregular rocky footing where you have to stretch out to step across gaps, etc.
Mine have saved my many times.
Highly individual.
Some cant stand them. Some ridicule them.

My experience is, they help you hike faster often, because you are less concerned with falling due to lack of balance.

Just Bill
05-12-2015, 23:47
I'm planning an ultralight thru hike for 2016. My base pack weight right now is about 15lbs. I've managed to acquire everything I need but I'm on a pretty tight budget and would rather save the money. I'm in good shape (170lbs, 33 years old) and I'd like to hike the trail a bit faster than usual (don't know if that matters). I have a fair amount of hiking experience but only over long weekends. I've never used them before and am not opposed to getting them, but I'd like some perspective from both camps if possible. Thanks.

I think you already answered your own question.

You can always pick up a stick for a bad section or a ford.

But- http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Household-Corn-Broom-105/204324912?N=5yc1vZcb2s
Go cut the handle off a broom and try them out for a long weekend. I believe the Depot even has an isle full of various tapes to wrap said broomstick with fer some grip. You can even go to the plumbin isle and get some foam pipe wrap if you want em nice and cushy.

Personally, I think they take away from my hike and increase my fatigue.
Others report the polar opposite.

Only one sure way to find out.

msupple
05-13-2015, 01:42
They may have literally saved my life during my AT hike. I slid on ice one day toward a very serious precipice. I jammed the poles into the ground right at the very lip and they just barely stopped me. I don't think I would have survived if not for my poles. I also personally think they help on uphills, downhills and uneven terrain. I wouldn't hike without them.

Grampie
05-13-2015, 09:25
I serve as a caretaker, each summer at the cabin on Upper Goose Pond. The cabin is 1500+ miles from Springer. 90% of the thru-hikers who stop at UGP are useing hiking poles. Experience is the best teacher.

Fredt4
05-14-2015, 02:40
I didn't think they were necessary until I tried them on a week hike on the PCT. Now they're part of my essentials gear. Very glad, many times for many reasons, I had the on my AT thru hike.

VTATHiker
05-14-2015, 04:56
A less exciting benefit of poles, but the reason I tend to bring poles even if it's flat terrain, is less swelling in the hands. Having the poles to hold and having your hands elevated to hip level tends to eliminate uncomfortable hand swelling when you walk all day.

RED-DOG
05-14-2015, 10:20
I have thru-hiked the AT three times and all three times i did it without the use of treking poles, i stopped using poles when i was 14 to me treking poles is like training wheels sooner or later you have to take them off.

so NO treking poles is not important on a thru-hike.

ccartertn
05-14-2015, 10:32
I'm no thru-hiker, merely a weekend warrior, 2 or 3 night trips. I don't have poles yet as I am still debating it with myself. However, I always spend the first few miles looking for a good walking stick! It usually stays with me throughout the weekend. Anyone else do this or merely carry a single pole or staff? It definitely helps me going downhill on a technical trail.

Wülfgang
07-23-2015, 15:06
Like others have said ....it depends. That's pretty much the answer to all backpacking gear questions.

I find they get in the way on narrow overgrown trails, flats, and roadwalks. On wider trails, rocky trails, and steep trails (especially descents) they are a lifesaver. And a KNEEsaver.

I end up carrying them half the time and using them the other half of the time. Plus I need them for my tent.

BirdBrain
07-23-2015, 15:56
A less exciting benefit of poles, but the reason I tend to bring poles even if it's flat terrain, is less swelling in the hands. Having the poles to hold and having your hands elevated to hip level tends to eliminate uncomfortable hand swelling when you walk all day.

I was going to post the same benefit, but decided to read all posts first to see if anyone else already said this. My hands swell if I hike without poles for much more than 10 miles. Not sure if this is an indicator of anything. However, they never swell if I use poles.

Another Kevin
07-23-2015, 17:19
Like others have said ....it depends. That's pretty much the answer to all backpacking gear questions.

I find they get in the way on narrow overgrown trails, flats, and roadwalks. On wider trails, rocky trails, and steep trails (especially descents) they are a lifesaver. And a KNEEsaver.

I end up carrying them half the time and using them the other half of the time. Plus I need them for my tent.

If I expect a lengthy (more than a couple of miles) roadwalk, I carry the rubber tips for my poles, because I find that in trail runners, I welcome them on roadwalks as well. Otherwise, my feet swell from the beating they take on the pavement in lightweight trail runners. Poles take a lot of the impact.

I stow them for rock scrambles, really dense brush, or places where I need my ice axe. Otherwise, I'm pretty much using them whenever I hike.

And take what I say with a grain of salt, since I'm clueless about long distance hiking. I'm a weekender and section hiker with knees that aren't as young as they used to be.

Pie Guy
07-23-2015, 17:44
Two poles were my going up and down helping hands on Mt. Washington...

foodbag
07-24-2015, 15:39
They're a real knee saver and might help prevent young knees from becoming old knees before their time.

Wyoming
07-25-2015, 18:08
As many posts have shown the uses are many and varied. One not mentioned and likely not an issue for you (yet) is balance. As one ages the ability to maintain excellent balance declines. The poles save us older folks, even ones like myself who never used poles when I was young and have well over 10,000 miles of hiking in, from countless falls and slips. I also have another age issue now that the poles help with. My eyes have gotten to the point where they do not change focus well (this is the bifocal, trifocal thing) and I just do not see the little tiny rolly rocks like I used to. I step on them a lot now and they make your feel slip and the poles help tremendously in recovering balance, protecting ankles which are starting to roll from the rock, and falling. In my 5 hour hike this morning this kind of slip happened to me several times.

While I am pretty confident that every older hiker should be using them there are certainly a lot of younger folks who can get away with not (like I did). But there is a price to pay for not using them and almost all of those who do not will pay a price for it. But then again I told my kids that they should take note of how well their parents could hear and think about that when they are cranking up the music. That advise didn't work for me or for my parents.

Notsurejoe
04-20-2016, 01:52
On the trail now 273miles, first few days I didn't have poles. Then my brain kicked in and said 4 points of contact is better than 2. If your young and dumb don't use them, if you want to keep walking later on in life use them. Mostly it's people who don't know how to properly use them that say they slow u down or are a pain. A few days of proper usage and any one can be trucking up and down with less effort and more balance.

Mouser999
04-20-2016, 09:16
I got a pair at Walxxxx for $17. Not the lightest but they have lasted 2 years so far. I don't hike without them

Trance
04-20-2016, 09:44
Poles will save your ass if you trip or take a bad step..... not to mention they help you knees a bit on the downhills.

RockDoc
04-20-2016, 09:53
You don't really need two, they can be a bit of a handful until you learn the arachnid walk.

One will often save you from a fall. It doesn't need to be chrome-moly-titanium-graphite-neodynium-$$$ composite. There's nothing wrong with wood.

peakbagger
04-20-2016, 10:03
Thanks for the feedback.

I carried my poles on a lot of the flat stretches down south but got good at switching over to them whenever ascending and descending. I don't know how folks do PA without poles.

Roboman
04-20-2016, 10:58
I have several bulging discs in my back which cause me quite a bit of pain. Using walking sticks has saved my ability to get out on the trail. When used correctly they greatly relieve the strain on my lower back.

rafe
04-20-2016, 11:15
For me, very useful on typical AT terrain, meaning rocks, roots, mud, streams, and moderately pitched uneven ground.

Less so on extreme steeps or on flat terrain, eg. road walks, meadows, hedge rows, balds, boardwalks, gravel paths, etc.

gbolt
04-20-2016, 21:44
They are great for knocking long sticks out of the way and to the side of the trail. Especially the ones that curl up and start to Rattle! :eek: