🥾 How I Figured Out Trekking Poles Aren’t Just “Extra Gear”
Okay, real talk—when I first saw people hiking with trekking poles, I thought they looked... kind of overprepared. I mean, do we really need sticks to walk?
Fast forward to a brutally steep climb in the Himalayas, where I was red-faced, my legs were shaking, and I was slipping every third step. A kind stranger handed me their spare pair of poles, and I swear it was like flipping a switch. I felt instantly more balanced, less wrecked, and suddenly not completely regretting my life choices.
That was the day I learned that using trekking poles the right way is a total game-changer, especially on uphill and downhill trails. Here’s everything I’ve picked up along the way, without the fluff or the “SEO bot” vibes.
🏕️ Why Trekking Poles Are Worth Their Weight (Literally)
Let’s bust the myth that they’re just for old hikers or long-haul thru-hikers. Nope. Whether you’re going on a day hike or a five-day trek, here’s what I’ve personally noticed since I started using poles regularly:
- Better Balance—Especially when you hit loose gravel or muddy inclines.
- Way Less Knee Pain—I used to feel every downhill step in my knees. Now? Much better.
- Upper Body Engagement—You’re working your arms too, not just your legs.
- Less Slouching—I stay more upright and breathe easier.
- Steadier Rhythm—It’s kind of like having a beat to walk to.
Honestly, if you’ve ever struggled on trails, trekking poles might be the underrated tool you’re missing.
⛰️ How I Use Trekking Poles Going Uphill
My first few tries with poles going uphill were a mess. I either poked too far ahead or kept stabbing awkwardly at rocks. Here’s what I finally figured out that works:
🔹 1. Shorten Your Poles
On steep climbs, I always shorten mine by around 5–10 cm. When my elbow sits at a right angle, it feels way more natural. Longer poles on an incline just throw off your balance and push you backward.
🔹 2. Keep Them Close
Don’t go for some wild, dramatic stab. I place the pole tip a foot ahead of my lead foot—just enough to help push off, not drag.
🔹 3. Push With Power
Use your triceps, not just your legs. The push helps lift your weight forward like a mini boost. I used to pull with my arms (wrong move), and that only led to sore shoulders.
🔹 4. Strap In Properly
Loop your hand up through the strap, then grip the handle. That way, the strap bears your weight instead of your grip doing all the work.
👉 Need solid uphill poles? These are the ones I trust on steep climbs.
🏔️ How I Handle Poles Going Downhill (Trust Me, This One Matters More)
Downhill trails used to wreck my knee, especially with a pack. Now, I do this instead:
🔹 1. Lengthen Poles Slightly
I extend my poles 5–10 cm so they touch the ground before my feet do. Makes descents feel way more secure.
🔹 2. Pole First, Then Step
If the pole plants before your foot lands, it absorbs part of your weight. I used to do it the other way around—big mistake. It’s a huge relief for the joints.
🔹 3. Stand Tall, Don’t Lean Back
Leaning back on a steep trail feels natural, but it actually throws you off balance. I try to stay upright and let the poles do the bracing.
🔹 4. Side-Step Switchbacks
On very steep trails, I zigzag like a skier. It reduces impact and gives me more control with the poles guiding me.
💡 Want poles built for rugged descents? Check out these downhill-ready ones.
🔧 My Quick Pole Setup Cheat Sheet
Here’s how I adjust poles depending on terrain:
| Trail Type | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Flat Ground | Adjust the elbow at 90° |
| Uphill | Shorten by 5–10 cm |
| Downhill | Lengthen by 5–10 cm |
If your poles have a shock absorber feature, here’s the move:
- On Climbs: Turn off the shock to get a better push.
- On Descents: Turn it on to save your joints.
🖐️ Grips, Straps & Keeping My Hands from Dying
This might sound nitpicky, but after hours on the trail, your hands really feel it.
- Use the wrist straps properly. Don't just dangle your hands through them.
- Relax your grip when possible. I used to hold mine like I was fencing.
- Choose foam or cork handles—they don’t get as sweaty.
👉 These have breathable grips that my hands appreciate on hot hikes.
🧭 When I Use Trekking Poles (And When I Leave Them Packed)
✅ I Do Use Them:
- On long inclines or descents
- While carrying a heavier pack
- On muddy or slippery trails
- When I need to keep a steady pace
❌ I Don’t Use Them:
- On scrambles where hands are more helpful
- On short, flat hikes
- In areas with delicate terrain, I don’t want to disturb
🧠 Advanced Tricks I Use on Tough Trails
🔸 1. Double Plant
I sometimes use both poles together—especially on steep climbs when I need that extra push.
🔸 2. Alternate Rhythm
I sync the left pole with the right foot and the right pole with the left foot. Helps me find a smoother flow and reduces awkwardness.🔸 3. Light Vault
Not Olympic-style—but for hopping over a puddle or log, I’ll use the poles to stabilize as I step or hop over.
💸 Real Talk: What Trekking Poles Cost (And Which Ones I’d Actually Buy)
| Type | Best For | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Aluminum | Day hikers | Durable, cheap | $25–$45 |
| Carbon Fiber | Long hikes | Super light, absorbs shock | $70–$130 |
| Folding (Z-Style) | Travel & trail running | Ultra compact, quick to deploy | $90–$150 |
| Premium Ergonomic | Multi-terrain use | Anti-shock, cork grip, quick-lock | $120–$200 |
🛒 Here are some solid options under $50 that I’ve actually used and liked.
🏁 Final Take: Use Your Poles Well or Don’t Bother
If your trekking poles are just dragging behind you or used like hiking accessories, they’re not helping. But with the right height, technique, and rhythm? Total trail allies.
Once I dialed in how to actually use mine, my hikes felt smoother, my knees hurt less, and I didn’t feel as exhausted at the end. Give them a real shot. They’re more than just sticks.
👣 Need new poles? These are my go-to picks that won’t break the bank but get the job done.
❓ FAQ – Quick Answers from the Trail
Q: How tall should my trekking poles be?
A: Flat ground? Elbows at 90 degrees. Adjust 5–10 cm up/down for hills.
Q: Do I need the wrist straps?
A: Yep. They help shift weight off your grip, reducing fatigue big time.
Q: Are pricier poles really better?
A: Depends. If you’re doing long hikes or care about weight, carbon fiber is worth it.
Q: Should I use poles on every hike?
A: Not always. Flat, short trails don’t always need them.
Q: Can they actually prevent injury?
A: 100%. They’ve saved my knees countless times on downhill trails.
