Is two poles really better then one?

[Sierra Echo]

I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it!

[Lone Wolf]

I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it!

i don't get it and never will

[Mountain Wildman]

For me it's a matter of balance, I used a Hickory stick for 25 years but was always a little unbalanced, Now with a set of Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork handle poles, Balance is once again restored to the universe!!

[Sierra Echo]

I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!

[Rocket Jones]

Try it for yourself and make up your own mind.

[Ender]

Try it for yourself and make up your own mind.

Exactly... poles work for some folks, and don't work at all for others. I use two poles because I have less than great knees, and it really reduces the strain on them going downhills (for me). For other people though, they just get in the way. Try two poles out and decide then.

[Mountain Wildman]

I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!

.

It's funny you should say that, I was thinking about it while I was camping this past weekend, I remember once crossing a stream by using randomly located large stones, I did the arms out like an airplane to balance myself as I hopped from stone to stone trying to keep my balance on the slippery moss covered stones, I thought, Wow, That would have been much easier if I had Trekking poles back then.
And one time, using my very solid 5 foot tall hickory staff, I tripped descending a very steep hill and had to put most or all of my weight on the staff while grasping it with both hands, What followed was me swiveling around that one anchoring point (The Hickory Staff) and contacting with the ground anyway, While the contact was significantly reduced to just touching and not slamming onto the ground, I think having the two trekking poles could have avoided the fall altogether, Like have 4 legs instead of two. But, The staff would definitely make a better tool to fend off animals and I could probably knock a coyote out with it or any other aggressive animal or at least keep it at bay.

[Graywolf]

I have always hiked without poles until last year. I bought a pair of Alpine poles, cheap but worked. I wont go with out poles again. They really help save pressure off the knees. And balance..

Graywolf

[weary]

I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!

That's been my experience. Plus two poles just generally get in the way. I tend to use a farmers' three legged milking stool as a guide. On rough terrain, and primitive milking parlors, three legs are the proper number in my experience.

[Elder]

Yes, unquestionably.
Propulsion, balance, braking, rythm.
Lots of shock off your feet, legs, and back. More with shock absorbing poles.
Posture, especially uphill.

Using two ploes (correctly, straps etc.) compared to either one pole or none...an average of 6% fewer footsteps per mile
This a based on a combination of longer more relaxed stride and no hesitant steps for up/down. YMMV, usually more!
Lots of advantages.
Get the best..Leki!, of course, I am the Leki guy

[DavidNH]

Two poles are absolutely positively better than one.

balance when crossing streams'
help to maintain hiking pace
with two poles you can set up your tarp tent, one pole you can't (at least with the Squall model that I have.

Descending steep trail in white mountains you want two poles


DavidNH

[Sierra Echo]

an average of 6% fewer footsteps per mile

Ok I'm gonna bite. How do they make you not only maintain your speed but also make you take less steps??

[Sierra Echo]

.

And one time, using my very solid 5 foot tall hickory staff, I tripped descending a very steep hill and had to put most or all of my weight on the staff while grasping it with both hands, What followed was me swiveling around that one anchoring point (The Hickory Staff) and contacting with the ground

LMAO that sounds kinda like me today~!!!
I was sitting on a low to the ground rock with a 30 lb pack on.
I start to get up by kinda leaning to my right side and the pack made me spin on around!!

[SonrisaJo]

I am a total klutz and have a bunch of small scars from bad falls I took back when I used just one stick. I've been using the same Black Diamond poles for 5 years now and have not a single scar from any fall. Best $60 (ish?) I ever spent on gear.

Two poles are necessary for me, but like I said, I am a total klutz.

[Mags]

I hike with one pogo stick....and sing this jaunty tune...

[Sierra Echo]

I hike with one pogo stick....and sing this jaunty tune...

eeyore was not in your jaunty tunes video. I am disappointed.

[Wise Old Owl]

[Mountain Wildman]

LMAO that sounds kinda like me today~!!!
I was sitting on a low to the ground rock with a 30 lb pack on.
I start to get up by kinda leaning to my right side and the pack made me spin on around!!

See, There you go!!
Two sticks are better than one!!

[Elder]

Ok I'm gonna bite. How do they make you not only maintain your speed but also make you take less steps??

As stated..longer, relaxed stride, no hestation on ups/downs.

just think..in 2179 miles you step right over 130+ miles!

I wonder which day?

[Sierra Echo]

Its probably gonna be a few weeks before I go on any major hikes. I'm getting some tattoo work done tomorrow on my ankle and I don't want my socks to rub it while its healing.