The Benefits of Using Hiking Poles for Hikers

I'm a hiker and I'm an advocate of hiking poles. I probably have been using hiking poles for hiking for about the last seven or eight years. Prior to that, I had all kinds of issues with balance, with aching feet and with sore knees. And while I have no empirical evidence to show that hiking poles have made my hiking experiences better, I just have more confidence while hiking when I have a pole or two in my hand(s). And I just seem to hike better.

Now that I think of it, I can't recall how I began using hiking poles. What I do remember is that I once had a very bad case of plantar faciitis, a painful foot malady that made hiking very difficult. Part of my problem was my poor choice of footwear.

What seemed to help me deal with not only plantar faciitis but also helped me to be a better hiker was my transition to trail running shoes (I used to wear cleated football shoes to hike) and the use of hiking poles.

Hiking poles have helped me in several ways. First, the poles give me added propulsion as I make my way along trails, especially flat sections. The added pushoff I get from the poles assists me in moving forward with greater speed (if speed is my goal) and facility.

Second, the poles also provide a bit of an upper body workout. Sure, the workout isn't akin to lifting weights, but my shoulders and back do get more work than if I were hiking pole-less.

Third, while hiking uphill, especially on steep inclines, the poles help me to keep my upper torso more erect and because I do less slouching over, I can breathe with more ease and hence have become a better uphill hiker.

The poles also are excellent for helping maintain my balance. While hiking the rugged and extremely muddy Koolau Summit Trail on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, for example, I used two poles, and these were invaluable as I hiked through thick, overgrown sections and mud bogs that challenged my balancing skills. The poles also helped me to vault over mud puddles akin to a pole vaulter in track and field using a pole to vault over a high bar.

Probably the best thing about hiking poles for me is for descending. Now, at 6'4, 260 pounds I'm a big guy. When I am hiking down steep hills, gravity is definitely my enemy. What helps me greatly are my hiking poles, which provide not only a balance assist, but also take off a lot of stress and strain that normally would be inflicted on my knees and feet. On hikes I've done that involved steep descents, I could feel the difference the next day (pain!) when I hiked without a pole.

I have used Leki and Komperdell brands of hiking pole. I have also used "natural" poles fashioned out of branches from trailside trees, usually guava or strawberry guava, species known for having hard, strong, straight limbs.