Why Should You Use Hiking Poles?
By Mats Lundkvist
Why should you use poles is perhaps the first question that may strike in your mind especially when you are a beginner. To get the right answer for this question you need to consider two things i.e. Safety and Comfort. poles are just balancing sticks which help you maintain good balance that is closely related to your overall safety and comfort. When you use two poles you move as you have four legs which allow you better comfort and safety. Experts say that by using poles you switch to 4x4 mode of driving, using your two legs and two hands.

As far as safety is concerned, a pair of poles helps you prevent frequent fall downs on uncertain tracks, avoiding aches in ankle or knee or even back; and here comfort is pointing towards the convenience in walking such as maintaining right walking posture and pacing using two extra legs.

Although it is personal preference and an individual decision to use poles but they can prove to be very helpful for you during your hiking. You must use poles especially when you are on your first hike. And, I think next time you will yourself carry these sticks with you by seeing their countless benefits.

Thousands of people who have already used (or still using!) poles for years could not be wrong and this is the reason that poles are considered the traditional way to move on uncertain tracks while maintaining good stability. Although, poles have countless benefits but below given are some significant benefits which enforce us to use them every time we go on and trekking:

Safety- Safety is the main reason of using poles. poles, in reality allow you the extra pair of legs to maintain good stability on the uncertain trails and when crossing fast streams or difficult terrains. Without having poles you may fall down that may end up in injuries and accidents, and if you don’t fall even then ache in knees or ankles is a common mishappening you may face. When you have poles with you, they keep you safe by preventing fall downs, bad steps which may cause of sprained ankle or knee.

Indeed, safety and convenience are the main reasons of using these and trekking poles. Let’s see some other benefits/advantages of using them.

Weight Distribution- poles or staffs help us to reduce weight on our feet and legs. The modern design of the pole distributes the weight evenly on the whole body instead of legs. According to one estimate poles can reduce 15% of weight from your legs by spreading it on the arms and other parts of body. As they act like your legs so they also bear some of the weight. Especially when you are climbing on a steep hill, the poles bear much weight than in normal walking so the percentage of weight may rise even further.

Pacing- When climbing on a steep hill, you will find your poles more helpful for pacing yourself. I have personally seen their advantages to pace my steps. No doubt, poles can easily speed you up by acquiring your weight and by allowing you to maintain good stability. You can maintain your speed without having so much huff and puff (needless to say more sweat!). And finally you will find that you have won over the trail without so much effort that really hurts. Certainly you will not feel pain in your back because poles allow you to walk in your natural position.

Comfort- with poles feels comfortable because you can walk in your natural posture while

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