View Full Version : Do I really need trekking poles?
seattleboatguy
03-09-2017, 08:43
During the last week in February, I did some day hikes in the Rockfish Gap area, between Meadow Mountain south of Reeds Gap (milepost 832.6) to the Wildcat Ridge parking area (milepost 865.8). I have never tried trekking poles, and on these day hikes, I never felt I needed them. Are there other sections of the AT where the need for trekking poles is more obvious?
Lone Wolf
03-09-2017, 08:46
i've never used them but i've only done 5 thru hikes. never thought about them while walkin'
soumodeler
03-09-2017, 08:55
It's one of those things where some people love them and others could care less.
Go pick up a $20-$40 pair at Walmart or a sporting goods store and try them out. See if you like them. Most people I have talked to that tried them have never gone back to not using them.
Personally, I love mine. Not only for the support they offer while hiking, but also for the dual purpose of being my tent poles.
Most hikers, particularly as they get older, appreciate the benefits of hiking poles. SNP is one of the most mellow sections of the AT, so yes, I'd consider them less important there than elsewhere. Not quite a necessity*, but generally quite useful.
(*Clearly not necessary, as there have been hundreds if not thousands of AT completions without them.)
BTW, I finally found those $30 CF trekking poles at my local Costco and nabbed a pair. Someone here at WB posted about them ages ago, but my local Costco didn't have 'em and knew nothing about them. So finally they showed up, out of the blue.
Hiking poles are necessary. How else am I gonna hold up my tent?
Seriously, they are not required but I always hike with them. I can't count how many times they've saved me from falling.
Studies have shown poles reduce lower body injuries. http://www.cooperinstitute.org/2011/02/do-trekking-poles-make-a-difference/
You may not, but I sure do now, I was young once a long time ago, not so much now. They have saved me from a face plant or two and my sore knees like them too.
Rex Clifton
03-09-2017, 09:06
Sometimes I get sick of using them so, my suggestion, is to get a lightweight pair. This way you can carry them without adding too much weight to your pack.
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Sarcasm the elf
03-09-2017, 09:12
During the last week in February, I did some day hikes in the Rockfish Gap area, between Meadow Mountain south of Reeds Gap (milepost 832.6) to the Wildcat Ridge parking area (milepost 865.8). I have never tried trekking poles, and on these day hikes, I never felt I needed them. Are there other sections of the AT where the need for trekking poles is more obvious?
It's worth mentioning that I rarely use trekking poles when I day hike, when I'm just walking without a pack I do quite well without them. On the other hand when I go backpacking I am suddenly strapping an extra 20-40lbs onto my back and throwing off my center of gravity, then I find them to be extremely valuable for keeping pressure off of my knees and helping with my balance.
You certainly don't need them unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. I love using them on downhills, uphills they can help a little bit, though on flat ground I feel the actually get in the way and I usually collapse them and carry them on level stretches. That's just me though, YMMV.
Secondmouse
03-09-2017, 10:17
BTW, I finally found those $30 CF trekking poles at my local Costco and nabbed a pair. Someone here at WB posted about them ages ago, but my local Costco didn't have 'em and knew nothing about them. So finally they showed up, out of the blue.
recently? they were never in my store and they're not on the website..
Old Hillwalker
03-09-2017, 10:20
I use them at times to help with balance when carrying big loads. However, I find that I cover distance much more slowly when using hiking poles, and they are impossible if having a dog on leash. Many times here in the Whites I end up throwing them either up down places where as the "Brits" say you are putting hands to rock. Definitely in the way when it becomes "scrambly".
cmoulder
03-09-2017, 10:22
Buy some cheap ones and try them.
There's no shortage of advice (and all-out wars of words) on the "proper" way to use them, and most people's preferences change over time. I've used them a fair bit and have come to prefer my very light (3.6 oz) MYOG poles, no straps, and like Ender I don't use them on flats, but I use them on downhills for big steps (hops, really) and use them a lot on uphills. I also use them to support my shelters... ZP Duplex and MLD Duomid.
ScareBear
03-09-2017, 10:25
Costco puts them on display every spring, along with other seasonal merchandise...
If you can't find them, they are these....
https://www.cascademountaintech.com/Twist-Lock-Hiking-Poles-p/1006.htm
And, yes, you absolutely must use hiking poles on the AT or you will be cited by the Pole Police. They are also a requirement for summiting Whitney. And, you absolutely must wear the pole loops in case of a fall....:rolleyes:
cmoulder
03-09-2017, 10:28
I use them at times to help with balance when carrying big loads. However, I find that I cover distance much more slowly when using hiking poles, and they are impossible if having a dog on leash. Many times here in the Whites I end up throwing them either up down places where as the "Brits" say you are putting hands to rock. Definitely in the way when it becomes "scrambly".
That's a good point... gotta know when to put them away. I've seen people trying to use their poles on really steep stuff where the poles actually made for a dangerous situation.
Uncle Joe
03-09-2017, 10:55
Get a broom and a mop. Turn them upside down and hold them in each hand. Stand on a scale and hold them like trekking poles, resting them on the floor. Don't push, just rest them. Look at the scale. That's one reason why. You're distributing weight with each step. Now imagine ascending and pushing down on those poles. Over the long haul that will no doubt add up. Throw in stability and it seems a good idea to use them.
Slo-go'en
03-09-2017, 12:08
If your just doing casual day hikes, then no, you don't need poles. But at your age (64) if you start doing multi-day or multi-week backpacking trips over more rugged terrain, then you would quickly appreciate hiking poles.
ldsailor
03-09-2017, 12:17
I use trekking poles. As an older hiker, they help with balance, and sometimes going up steep steps or boulders, they help me pull myself up.
Last October on the trail covered with leaves, they prevented me numerous times from going down as I slipped on the wet leaves. The one time I didn't use the poles (carried them with one hand as I walked along), I stepped on a rock covered with wet leaves and fell face down into another rock. Got a black eye from that one and cracked my glasses.
Braveheart_SOBO13
03-09-2017, 12:48
I found my poles invaluable in Maine and NH with the steep downhill terrain and for balance with the roots and rocks.
I thought they looked stupid. Then I used some. Now I look stupid with them every time I go out. They really help my knees.
Secondmouse
03-09-2017, 13:33
Costco puts them on display every spring, along with other seasonal merchandise...
If you can't find them, they are these....
https://www.cascademountaintech.com/Twist-Lock-Hiking-Poles-p/1006.htm
And, yes, you absolutely must use hiking poles on the AT or you will be cited by the Pole Police. They are also a requirement for summiting Whitney. And, you absolutely must wear the pole loops in case of a fall....:rolleyes:
thanks. they have a flip lock version also. I found them on Amazon for $48, which is not so much for carbon fiber/cork handle flip lock poles but I was hoping to find them cheaper yet, at Costco... :D
No, trekking poles are a luxury. You dont "need" them.
Old Hillwalker
03-09-2017, 13:52
For a bit of Scottish humor about the use of hiking/trekking poles click on the link below. Note that this article appeared early on in the history of ski pole on the hill, so keep tongue in cheek please. And remember this is "British" humor.
http://web.archive.org/web/20071013163314/http://bubl.ac.uk/org/tacit/tac/tac29/jaccuse.htm
Feral Bill
03-09-2017, 14:36
It's a personal preference thing. I like using a single pole, for the tripod effect. I have a hand free for photography, drinking water, and whatever. I also use the pole for my tarp, when on the ground.
Do I really need that $700 cuben fiber SUL tent? I say yes. My accountant and Suzie Orman says maybe not. My GF says no. Than the GF says lets go out to eat at that NYC Vegan restaurant where all the celebrities hang out where appetizers start at $25 and a fresh mango juice is $14. I say, "so you're paying?"
Same thing with trekking poles.
devoidapop
03-09-2017, 15:37
Some hikers are true mountain goats. They don't need poles for balance and prefer free hands. I am not one of those hikers. I trip, slip, and stumble my way through life. My poles have saved me from big falls on steep descents many times.
LongBlaze2019
03-09-2017, 15:50
I use then because they save my knees!
AlyontheAT2016
03-09-2017, 16:17
If your pack weight is more than 20 lbs, then yes. Your knees will thank you.
TX Aggie
03-09-2017, 18:01
If your pack weight is more than 20 lbs, then yes. Your knees will thank you.
The VA says you're fine. If you needed trekking poles, you would have been issued trekking poles.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170309/d05e499c2bfc20dcf6c2e6d473459b28.jpg
recently? they were never in my store and they're not on the website..
Yes, maybe three weeks ago. They never were a catalog item, or I'd have ordered them.
scrabbler
03-09-2017, 20:50
Yes, maybe three weeks ago. They never were a catalog item, or I'd have ordered them.
You can get them on Amazon for a few $ more, or on Ebay for a few $ less. Just search on carbon trekking poles.
cliffordbarnabus
03-10-2017, 01:05
need? nope.
extremely beneficial? yep.
MacGyver74NC
03-10-2017, 01:08
I'm relatively young, early 40s, and outside of some creaky knees in rekatively good trail shape. I thought trekking poles were silly for a guy like me till I tried them. My big take aways are ... 1). They truly do save your knees on downhill. 2). I can motor on ascents...it gives you that extra hmph in your step to maintain a decent pace. 3) Lastly and most important...Learn how to properly adjust/use the straps on the poles. There are plenty of videos on YouTube to show you how.
Great thing about poles is you can fold em up or compress them and stow them on your pack so you have them when you need them.
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MtDoraDave
03-10-2017, 08:04
Another vote for yes. But don't take our word for it, try them for yourself and see if you like them.
I was reluctant at first, having recurring rotator cuff issues. I bought a cheap pair at Walmart, and found they didn't hurt my shoulder, but did help with trips and momentary balance loss. They are great for spider web removal. They keep my hands from swelling. They allow me to go with a lighter tent; one that utilizes them as tent poles. They help take weight off my knees on down hill sections, and help on the uphill sections, too.
After losing tips on my walmart poles, I bought a pair of the Cascade Mountain Tech poles - the ones with the foam grips and flick locks, for only a little more than the walmart poles cost.
Compared to much of our gear, they aren't very expensive.
If you find you don't like them, stop using them. Sell them to someone else or keep them for a friend to use.
Mandatory equipment as far as I'm concerned. So many uses beyond saving knee-wear. Just a few examples, they make sketchy stream crossings much easier, tap them together to warn bears of your approach, brush aside overgrown trail growth, prop up a small tarp, you get the idea.
As a person who chooses not to use them, I think you should use them and they help tremendously. :-?
All those hikers couldn't be wrong. My hikes serve a dual purpose of getting my legs ready for some trail races I do, so I avoid the poles. But once those days are behind me, I'm gonna get a pair. The one downside I have seen though is they are a bit of a pain anytime you need both hands such as scaling a tricky section on all fours.
The one downside I have seen though is they are a bit of a pain anytime you need both hands such as scaling a tricky section on all fours.
Yes, that happens, but pretty rarely. Maybe some stretches in the White Mountains and Mahoosucs. That's why most poles are made to collapse so that that they can be stashed. In super steep stuff I often stash one or both poles so that my hands are free. They get stashed when I'm hitching into or out of town.
ScareBear
03-10-2017, 18:02
Most backpacks have a way to stow your poles on the outside of the pack while you scramble away...
cmoulder
03-10-2017, 18:19
Most backpacks have a way to stow your poles on the outside of the pack while you scramble away...
Yes, this is truly a non-issue. Easy to stow, or just hold in one hand briefly if the scramble isn't too long or technical.
Sarcasm the elf
03-10-2017, 23:21
BTW, I finally found those $30 CF trekking poles at my local Costco and nabbed a pair. Someone here at WB posted about them ages ago, but my local Costco didn't have 'em and knew nothing about them. So finally they showed up, out of the blue.
Costco puts them on display every spring, along with other seasonal merchandise...
If you can't find them, they are these....
https://www.cascademountaintech.com/Twist-Lock-Hiking-Poles-p/1006.htm
And, yes, you absolutely must use hiking poles on the AT or you will be cited by the Pole Police. They are also a requirement for summiting Whitney. And, you absolutely must wear the pole loops in case of a fall....:rolleyes:
I was at my local Costco today and saw them as well. I don't need a pair since I'm happy with my BD poles, but they looked decent.
38529
cmoulder
03-11-2017, 08:44
I was at my local Costco today and saw them as well. I don't need a pair since I'm happy with my BD poles, but they looked decent.
38529
I have for some time felt a bit guilty for parroting the recommendation for folks to buy these without actually having used them myself. Skurka's a great guy and uber knowledgeable, but it never hurts to see for yourself.
Wife and I aren't members of Costco so I got some on Amazon prime for $44 and change... still pretty cheap for carbon poles.
I used them on a quick overnighter with a newbie friend of mine (who was also using them) and on a short dayhike with my dog... grand total of 17.6 miles, lol... and they seem pretty darn decent although they do rattle a bit. And Skurka's recommendations (http://andrewskurka.com/2015/long-term-review-cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-poles/) to change out the plastic cam nuts (sooner) and tips (later) are spot-on, although it's far too early to tell if the ones I bought have the non-durable tips or the durable ones that some have reported.
The pole sections operated smoothly and the flicklocks worked well. We used them to pitch our shelters (Duomid and LHG Solo) and they worked fine.
ScareBear
03-11-2017, 13:39
After seeing Skurka's Sierra Design's High Route 1FL, a 2pound 5ounce single-person tent, I no longer have any reason to value his opinion on ultralight hiking. Either he completely sold out or he's completely mad....37 ounce one-person tent...ULTRALIGHT????? Ummmmm......yeah....no. No f'ing way. Worst yet, that weight is WITHOUT POLES. FFS....what a brick...nice design work, Skurka...
OMG. Doesn't sound like he's selling out!
He starts off his review in context openly stating he's able to self critique imperfections.
Imperfections: A self-critique of the Sierra Designs High Route Tentby Andrew Skurka (http://andrewskurka.com/author/andrewskurka/) on JUNE 22, 2016 in SHELTERS (http://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/gear/shelters/), SIERRA DESIGNS (http://andrewskurka.com/section/sierra-designs/) 41 (http://andrewskurka.com/2016/sierra-designs-high-route-tent-imperfections/#comments) TAGS: HIGH ROUTE TENT (http://andrewskurka.com/tag/high-route-tent/)
It’s not perfect, and — depending on your trip conditions, personal preferences, and recreation budget — it may not be the most appropriate shelter for you. In a perhaps refreshing change of tone, I’d like to discuss real and perceived flaws of the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL (http://goo.gl/14SHSo), and in some cases explain why they exist.
http://andrewskurka.com/2016/sierra-designs-high-route-tent-imperfections/
ScareBear
03-11-2017, 14:22
OMG. Doesn't sound like he's selling out!
He starts off his review in context openly stating he's able to self critique imperfections.
Imperfections: A self-critique of the Sierra Designs High Route Tent
by Andrew Skurka (http://andrewskurka.com/author/andrewskurka/) on JUNE 22, 2016 in SHELTERS (http://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/gear/shelters/), SIERRA DESIGNS (http://andrewskurka.com/section/sierra-designs/) 41 (http://andrewskurka.com/2016/sierra-designs-high-route-tent-imperfections/#comments) TAGS: HIGH ROUTE TENT (http://andrewskurka.com/tag/high-route-tent/)
It’s not perfect, and — depending on your trip conditions, personal preferences, and recreation budget — it may not be the most appropriate shelter for you. In a perhaps refreshing change of tone, I’d like to discuss real and perceived flaws of the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL (http://goo.gl/14SHSo), and in some cases explain why they exist.
http://andrewskurka.com/2016/sierra-designs-high-route-tent-imperfections/
The tent is a bad joke. Very bad. He knows it. Hence, the "real and perceived flaws" little article of his that starts off with an obvious nod to the imperfections. It's nonsense. The width of the interior net is only 30 inches....essentially useless for any 25 inch pad. Useless. The best he could do with 2 pounds 5 ounces was a 30 inch floorspace width? Crazy stupid bad design. The BA CSUL2Platinum weighs an OUNCE LESS, has TWICE THE FLOORSPACE, IS FREE STANDING and THE WEIGHT INCLUDES THE POLES. It's also double-walled. Sorry. Aint buying the snakeoil. Seriously, who would buy this POS brick?????
cmoulder
03-11-2017, 19:24
Personally, I would reserve such vitriol for something I had actually used. :o
I think Skurka's comments and the give-and-take in the readers' comments section reflect an openness to discuss its shortcomings and strengths. Not my cuppa joe but some people seem to have had good experiences with it in some demanding conditions.
Regardless, my initial impression that the CMT poles are "pretty darn decent" stands. :)
And upon further inspection of the plastic cam nuts, they have brass or aluminum 'inserts' (the plastic is molded around them, most likely) that might actually last a good long while if they are tightened juuust enough to prevent slippage and no more. Easy to see, however, that overcranking them could cause premature failure.
One Half
03-11-2017, 19:53
I just started using poles a couple years back. They really help me now that I know how to use them. And now I am "all in" as I bought a zpacks tent that requires poles for pitching.
ScareBear
03-11-2017, 20:51
Wow....so NOT classy.
Classy? I don't really GAD. But, I'm thankful that I'm not the one who sold my rep and cred on this thing. I gave him a pass on the Victorinox pocket knife ad. This? Pffffft. He made his bed. His sycophants are just that. Bleeding apologists for the master who sold his cred to get paid for putting his name on a 2 pound 5 ounce, 30 inch wide, non-freestanding brick. I think somebody compared that inner net to sleeping in a coffin...quite apropos for both the tent and his rep...
cmoulder
03-11-2017, 21:07
If you're using drugs, stop. If you aren't, start. ;)
That's some first-class, overblown drama queenery there.
ScareBear
03-11-2017, 21:14
If you're using drugs, stop. If you aren't, start. ;)
That's some first-class, overblown drama queenery there.
And, thanks for your addition of precisely....nothing.
You don't like my opinion? My suggestion is that rather than bashing mine, get one of your own and post it. If it's not too much trouble...
johnnybgood
03-11-2017, 21:31
Do I really need trekking poles ?
It's a good thing to have to save the knees on steep downhills. Not exactly necessary on relatively flat hiking sections and they're useless on bouldering sections of the AT up north.
I will say though, this past week my trekking poles became invaluable in a totally new way. After a heart attack befell me while hiking I was left unable to get up on my own power.
Using my trekking poles I managed to pull myself up and then leaned heavily on them to get moving again .
It really comes down to personal preference but the older you get the more useful they become.
Wow. Panties. Bunched. Two whole pounds and five ounces? Seems fairly light to me....
Its funny when the UL guys turn on one of their own.
Classy? I don't really GAD. But, I'm thankful that I'm not the one who sold my rep and cred on this thing. I gave him a pass on the Victorinox pocket knife ad. This? Pffffft. He made his bed. His sycophants are just that. Bleeding apologists for the master who sold his cred to get paid for putting his name on a 2 pound 5 ounce, 30 inch wide, non-freestanding brick. I think somebody compared that inner net to sleeping in a coffin...quite apropos for both the tent and his rep...
I missed that story. Didn't know anyone had their name on a tent.
Find a stick and try hiking with that for the day. You'll save a lot of money that way and by the end of the day when you've decided you don't need hiking poles you won't have a pair of useless poles in the back of the closet. Most people have never needed poles to assist them with walking. I've hiked hundreds and hundreds of miles across all kinds of terrain and never needed poles. I'd need a pretty compelling reason to spend $40 to $100 on a pair of sticks.
Find a stick and try hiking with that for the day. You'll save a lot of money that way and by the end of the day when you've decided you don't need hiking poles you won't have a pair of useless poles in the back of the closet. Most people have never needed poles to assist them with walking. I've hiked hundreds and hundreds of miles across all kinds of terrain and never needed poles. I'd need a pretty compelling reason to spend $40 to $100 on a pair of sticks.
so have I. But I was amazed at how the poles made a difference.
I still don't use them for walking. Or running with a light pack. But hiking with 30lbs or so(or more) they really made a difference for me.
evyck da fleet
03-12-2017, 13:27
Costco puts them on display every spring, along with other seasonal merchandise...
If you can't find them, they are these....
https://www.cascademountaintech.com/Twist-Lock-Hiking-Poles-p/1006.htm
And, yes, you absolutely must use hiking poles on the AT or you will be cited by the Pole Police. They are also a requirement for summiting Whitney. And, you absolutely must wear the pole loops in case of a fall....:rolleyes:
Thanks for the link. I've trashed a pair of BD poles on my thru, BD sent a replacement pole but I've had another on the second pair I bought fail. I'd like to use
the two I have left for long trips but I need something cheaper for training hikes.
Do I need trekking poles? No. Are they helpful when hiking high mileage days day after day? Absolutely. Do I need them to walk or do a short training hike in good weather? No. Will I spend $40-$100 to take pressure off my knees, keep me from slipping, falling and possibly getting injured, and hiking more miles meaning more views in a day than I would otherwise? Yes.
TX Aggie
03-12-2017, 14:13
Costco puts them on display every spring, along with other seasonal merchandise...
If you can't find them, they are these....
https://www.cascademountaintech.com/Twist-Lock-Hiking-Poles-p/1006.htm
And, yes, you absolutely must use hiking poles on the AT or you will be cited by the Pole Police. They are also a requirement for summiting Whitney. And, you absolutely must wear the pole loops in case of a fall....:rolleyes:
Amazon also has the quick-lock version instead of twist. Just a few more dollars, but so much mor convenient.
Cascade Mountain Tech 100% Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJP43FA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_89yXyb8CE94KT
ScareBear
03-12-2017, 14:52
I missed that story. Didn't know anyone had their name on a tent.
https://sierradesigns.com/high-route-1-fl/
I'd love to see a chart showing age of folks that reject poles.(maybe also considering fitness level and or experience)
The folks that post comments that basically make the idea of using poles seem stupid, I mean....
My guess is that a high percentage of them are younger folks in great shape.....and maybe the occasional older folk that's in great shape.... or perhaps folks on flat ground
I've never used them....but then my backpacking experience was a long time ago. Since, I've tried to use hiking staffs a few times and just found it awkward and not helpful..... but that was a staff and on day hikes when not carrying a heavy pack. Now that I'm older (and only average shape), and as I prepare to do some backpacking again, I read threads like this with interest.....makes sense in my thinking that I might want to learn to use them.
Elaikases
03-12-2017, 19:19
I'd love to see a chart showing age of folks that reject poles.(maybe also considering fitness level and or experience)
The folks that post comments that basically make the idea of using poles seem stupid, I mean....
My guess is that a high percentage of them are younger folks in great shape.....and maybe the occasional older folk that's in great shape.... or perhaps folks on flat ground
I've never used them....but then my backpacking experience was a long time ago. Since, I've tried to use hiking staffs a few times and just found it awkward and not helpful..... but that was a staff and on day hikes when not carrying a heavy pack. Now that I'm older (and only average shape), and as I prepare to do some backpacking again, I read threads like this with interest.....makes sense in my thinking that I might want to learn to use them.
The poles are much different than hiking with a staff. A completely different experience. And hiking with a pack is much different than hiking without one.
I'd love to see a chart showing age of folks that reject poles.(maybe also considering fitness level and or experience)
The folks that post comments that basically make the idea of using poles seem stupid, I mean....
My guess is that a high percentage of them are younger folks in great shape.....and maybe the occasional older folk that's in great shape.... or perhaps folks on flat ground...
I've seen some folks in their 40's to late 70's who are not necessarily in great physical shape or highly backpacking experienced mindful of how to hike/walk/backpack in a low impact efficiency of motion heedful of protecting the body way not using trekking poles. Then I've seen oodles of 20 yr olds in great physical condition using trekking poles too to great advantage.
Traffic Jam
03-12-2017, 22:10
My height, or lack of, plays a big part in my use of trekking poles. At barely over 5', when climbing, it's much easier to use my hands to push off the ground or to grab roots/branches, than it is to dig my poles into the ground and grind down on them with my forearms. I think it's lowering my center of gravity when pushing off the ground that makes it easier...using more of my core strength (?).
"Climbing" for me includes man-made steps and rocks that most people easily traverse but come to my shins and knees...which is just about any trail with increasing elevation.
I also hike faster without them, relying on my natural gait.
Still, they accompany me on every trip but they are Z poles so are easy to fold up and pack away.
I've found trekking poles to be very useful on uphills and downhills, and certainly stream crossings. My 58 year old knees would not be in as good shape as they are now without them. That said, they are useless to me on relatively flat terrain and I just hold them in one hand or put them away. They are also useless, and potentially dangerous, in very steep, rocky ascents and descents (think parts of the White Mountains). You need two feet and two hands in some of those areas, and trekking poles just get in the way or provide a false sense of security/stability.