Why You Definitely Need Trekking Poles

Professionals Use Poles

Most might think that trekking poles are for people with bad knees or hips. They might also think that they are only for older folk. However, I can guarantee you that once you try them, you will never want to hike without them.

Not only do they relieve pressure from your legs, and especially your knees, but they allow you to go further, higher and for longer out on your adventures by distributing your weight between your upper and lower body. They improve your balance when you have a heavy backpack on and can even help you cross rivers and streams by providing much needed support. No one wants to fall into water, mud or even simply on hard rock, ouch!

They work wonders on trails where stairs on involved. Like in Nepal on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, and even in Peru on the Salkantay Trail and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I particularly love them in the spring when off the beaten track trails are sometimes overgrown, they help by making sure you’re not being scratched by every thorny branch and walking face first into every single spider web.

How To Get The Right Poles

Our suggestion here at LHO is to get trekking poles made of aluminum or carbon. The former will be more durable, and the latter will be lighter. The handle should be made of cork or foam, avoid rubber handles as they won’t absorb moisture at all and are much less comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Poles should be either retractable or foldable so that they can easily be packed when not in use.

Don’t Over Think This One

We hope we’ve convinced you to make your first trekking pole purchase! They’re required on most of our adventures, and we’re sure you’ll use them on your personal adventures as well. Trust us when we tell you that you’ll be making all your friends jealous, and your favorite adventure partner will be borrowing a pole from you on every single outing until you buy them a pair.