Pros and Cons of Using Trekking Poles

 Trekking poles, also called hiking sticks or hiking poles, provide many benefits to hikers when used correctly. Trekking poles are designed to provide additional stability when hiking and to spread out the weight load from your legs to your arms.  Hikers in the backcountry who encounter knee pain on hills or when carrying a heavy load can benefit from using trekking poles for reducing the amount of stress on the knees and joints.

Pros of Using Trekking Poles

The following are some of the most common advantages of using trekking poles:

• Reduces knee pain, especially when descending

• Increases endurance 

• Increases climbing power

• Helps in crossing soft ground

• Adds balance when crossing streams or rivers

Our knees can take a beating supporting our body weight during a lifetime of normal activities. Hikers that add additional pack weight and hike longer than usual put additional stress on muscles and joints especially caused by ascents and descents. It is not surprising that many hikers suffer from knee pain. Using trekking poles correctly can greatly reduce the amount of stress on your knees when hiking, especially on steep hills. 

Cons of Using Trekking Poles

The following are some of the most common cons of using trekking poles:

• Can be ineffective with poor technique

• Increases your total expenditure of energy

• Can add to erosion

• Keeps your hands full

Poor technique is probably the most common reason that hikers do not get the most benefit when using trekking poles. Adopting a useful technique and using your poles correctly is the only way to gain the advantages that trekking poles provide.  Many people may not also realize the extra energy required to hike with poles. If you are concerned about carrying a heavy load and the stress on your knees and joints, using trekking poles can be well worth the effort. If your body tires quickly however or you experience cardiovascular limits, exerting extra energy may be a hindrance. 

Check with the experts at Cascade Mountain Tech for more information on choosing the right trekking poles for you and using them correctly. Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of high-quality trekking poles in aluminum, carbon fiber and 3K carbon fiber for exceptional strength and durability in many lightweight options. 

Cascade Mountain Tech is your one-stop for quality hiking and camping gear such as trekking poles, lightweight packable camping chairs, mummy sleeping bags, rotomolded coolers and more. We believe that outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone. Contact us to learn more about the many advantages that come with using our trekking poles.