Should You Use Hiking or Trekking Poles? The Best and Worst Times

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I have three questions to ask when you're thinking of bringing hiking poles on your next adventure. But first, let's talk about if hiking poles are worth it on the trails and the potential impact they can have when you're out on a big hike.
3:06 The Fact I Found Most Crazy
5:36 The Three Questions
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[@brainfry]

Very cool video, just came across your channel from it. My family just started the process of getting seriously into hiking, and got everyone a set of adjustable poles. The hand swelling is seriously an underrated & not talked about aspect of using poles, if you have circulatory issues even more so. So far we've found having super easy to adjust and also having an easy way to attach it to your pack when you don't want to use them makes using poles super fun. Almost adds a layer of "strategy" to the hikes. Anyway look forward to more of your content!

[@wildrfitness]

You are so right, and so smart to get the adjustable ones for the whole family! You are right about the strategy part, sometimes a friend will pull theirs out and I will grab mine too! Thanks for watching and for the comment :)

[@kevindecoteau3186]

I'm 65 and these days my balance is a challenge at times, I almost always bring poles when I go for a walk or hike just as a safety thing.

[@wildrfitness]

The added proprioception from poles is so helpful! and the confidence they give me too!

[@paulgibby6932]

Thanks for this. I fell 4 times coming down from Mt. LeConte in Tennessee. I finally grabbed a stick as a staff and was so much more stable from that point on. Definitely recommend poles especially for downhill and when you're tired. p.s. Keep up the guitar-playing

[@wildrfitness]

Glad that they weren't bad falls! Having poles on those steep downhills is super handy. And thank you, I will for sure! 🙂

[@cswalker21]

Super interesting topic, thanks! Unless I know I'm staying on tame terrain I almost always bring my poles. When they make it out of my pack is when the terrain gets steep and rocky, but like you said I put them away if I get to something steep enough to require scrambling. The only other consideration I have is if there is snow and ice present. If it's slick, sometimes I like to have them even on flat terrain in case of slips.

[@wildrfitness]

great point- even having them- just incase is a great idea!

[@15halerobert]

i use poles for everything. In any situation my poles keep me from falling on my fat butt

[@wildrfitness]

Glad they work well for you and help you enjoy more time outside!

[@johnowens7800]

Stop showing single pole usage, this is very inefficient and not how poles should be used. Yes more calories are used due to the number of muscle groups involved but the body is working at an overall lower intensity - think of it like your upper and lower body as seperate engines involved when powering you over the terrain but at lower output / revs compared to lower body maxed out, leading to further, faster and less overloaded. That said technique is crucial and most people have no idea. With practice steep loose terrain is much safer and quicker with poles but this is analogous with less breaking when MTB ing - takes practice. In some long distance races they are called cheat stick's for a reason and banned.

[@wildrfitness]

I will update this video as I get some footage, we are still early season here so I had to use the little bit of pole footage that I had in the archive, even though I take 2 when hiking for myself and the research I cite was for 2 pole usage! Thanks for you comment and input!