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Trekking Poles: Optional or a Must Have?
A practical look at where trekking poles help most, how to use them properly and when you may be better off carrying them rather than using them.
Understanding the Benefit
Optional on some trails. Valuable on others.
Trekking poles are sometimes associated with steep mountain routes or experienced hikers, but their usefulness is much broader. They can improve stability, provide extra control on uneven terrain and help share some of the work involved in climbing, descending and carrying a loaded pack.
They are not essential for every hike. On smooth, level trails they may provide little practical advantage. As terrain becomes steeper, rougher or more technical, their value becomes easier to notice.
Quick Answer
Usually Optional
- Short walks on smooth, level trails
- Well maintained paths with secure footing
- Situations where you prefer to keep your hands free
Most Useful
- Steep climbs and long descents
- Loose, wet or uneven terrain
- Stream crossings and difficult footing
- Hikes with a loaded backpack
Why Hikers Use Trekking Poles
Stability, Support and Load Sharing
The main value of trekking poles is simple: they give you two additional points of contact with the ground. That can improve stability and give you more options for managing changes in terrain.
Stability on Uneven Terrain
Roots, loose rock, mud, snow and uneven trail surfaces can quickly challenge your balance. Trekking poles provide extra support as conditions change and can be particularly useful when stepping over obstacles, moving across loose terrain or recovering from a minor misstep.
Less Lower Body Loading on Descents
Long or steep descents can place significant demands on your knees and legs. Properly planted poles allow your arms and upper body to share some of the load while providing support as you step down. They do not remove the physical demands of descending, but they can help reduce lower body loading and make it easier to maintain a controlled pace.
Help When Carrying a Backpack
A loaded backpack changes your centre of mass and adds work for your legs. Trekking poles can provide additional stability and allow some of the effort involved in climbing and descending to be shared with the upper body. The benefit can become more noticeable as pack weight, distance and trail difficulty increase.
Where Trekking Poles Help Most
Use Them When the Terrain Demands More Control
Steep Climbs
On sustained climbs, trekking poles let you engage your arms and upper body rather than relying entirely on your legs. A controlled push through the poles can help maintain forward momentum and establish a steady hiking rhythm. This does not necessarily reduce total energy use because your upper body is also working, but it can distribute the effort across more of your body.
Long or Technical Descents
Descending loose or technical terrain requires control as much as balance. Placing the poles slightly ahead of you can create additional contact points before you commit your weight to the next step. This can be useful on scree, loose gravel, wet surfaces and uneven rock steps.
Stream Crossings and Difficult Footing
Trekking poles can help you probe water depth, test submerged footing and establish stable contact before transferring your weight. The same approach can be useful on wet rocks and narrow trail sections. Poles should never be treated as a reason to attempt a water crossing or section of trail that is otherwise unsafe.
Most Noticeable Benefits
Getting the Most From Your Poles
Adjustment and Technique Matter
Trekking poles work best when they are adjusted properly and allowed to follow your natural walking motion. A few basic habits can make them more comfortable and effective.
Start With the Right Height
On relatively level ground, a useful starting point is an elbow angle close to 90 degrees when the pole tip is on the ground beside you. Adjust from there for comfort and body proportions. Many hikers prefer slightly shorter poles uphill and slightly longer poles downhill.
Use the Wrist Straps Properly
Insert your hand through the bottom of the strap and bring it down onto the grip so the strap supports the heel of your hand. This can reduce the need to squeeze the grip tightly and helps transfer force through the strap.
Keep a Natural Rhythm
On normal terrain, avoid reaching excessively far forward with each pole. A relaxed alternating pattern that follows your natural walking stride is a good starting point. Adjust your placement when the terrain becomes steeper or more technical.
Optional or a Must Have?
The APEX Verdict
There is no single answer for every hiker. The terrain, distance, pack weight and your own comfort level all matter more than a simple yes or no.
Optional If...
You are walking a short, smooth and well maintained trail where footing is secure and the terrain places little demand on balance or descent control.
Worth Carrying If...
Your route includes steep climbs, long descents, loose or technical terrain, stream crossings or a loaded backpack. In these conditions, poles can become one of the most useful tools in your hiking kit.
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