Faster, More Controlled Speed
Hiking poles help propel you forward, and allow you to climb up tall rocks or steep inclines.
"Walking with poles can help you establish and maintain a consistent rhythm, which can increase your speed," says Max Neale, review editor for OutdoorGearLab.com. "This is especially true on flatter, non-technical terrain."
More: Survivalist Tips Campers and Hikers Should Know
Adjustable Height
Unlike a walking stick from the side of a trail, trekking poles can be adjusted according to size, ranging from 24 to 55 inches. With one set in your family, multiple people can use them at the correct size. At the right height and angle, you have the best range of motion and control.
To find the right height for you, put your arms at a 90-degree angle. You should be able to hold the poles with your arms in this position.
Multi-Purpose
Hiking poles are best used to stabilize and distribute weight, but the benefits don't stop there. Matt Misterek, a writer for The News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash., used poles for the first time on a rigorous hike along the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainer National Park. He quickly became a believer of their many uses.
Misterek suggests the following ideas:
- Use your poles to tap out a cadence on the trail to keep your hiking party in sync.
- Wrap strips of duct tape near the top for quick unspooling during adhesion emergencies.
- Mount your camera on one of the handles.
- Prop up a sagging tent at your campsite.
With multiple uses, you get more than just hiking poles; you get a valuable tool to improve many aspects of your hike.
More: The 7 W's of Hiking Safety
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