hiking poles/ staffs

[WSG]

I currently use a hiking staff of wood that Ive made myself and was wondering if someone can explain the pros/cons of hiking poles (the ones that look like ski poles) that you buy. Ive always used a single staff and never thought two would be better but I wanted to get the idea behind it if i could.

[DavidR]

I used to see people hiking with poles and think it was silly. Then I tried it out and I don't go without them. Mine have springs inside that allow them to act like shock absorbers. The tips can be fitted with different feet depending on the terrain; sharp pointed for hard slick mud or clay, a blunt for general use, and a large foot for snow. I find these useful in crossing water and helping me keep my balance on stones or such if the water isn't too deep. The main thing I like that they can be life savers. I slipped coming down a very slick hard packed bank in Sipsey valley and my pole went about 2' onto the ground allowing me to stop my fall and potential injury. The pole was ruined, but I was ok. The advantage over wood imo is that the aluminum poles are very light and usually collapse for easy carrying, say when you're having to climb up a rockface and don't need a large stick in the way.

[JC785]

I have a set of Leki Summit trekking Poles and love them.  They reduce a lot of stress on your knees by using  a lot of upper body strength to propel forward which takes pressure off your knees and ankles. They also have a shock system built in the pole and compact down to carry on your pack if you don't want to use them. Also cork handles are better IMO than rubber, rubber tends to get slick.

[SmokeDiver]

Trekkin poles help you stabilize on rough terrain. The load distribution actually decreases the load bear on your feet by up to a ton by the end of a hike. You can last much longer on poles than without them. Also, trying to burn calories? You will burn more but be less tired using the poles. I believe it was an article in Outside magazine that talked about it, you burn more energy aerobically because of the load bearing added to the arms, but you will save yourself from exhaustion by distributing your energy over more load points.

[auwesman]

Also if you're using trekking poles correctly you put a great deal of weight on to the straps using your forearms.  So every step you take you get a small push with your arms from leverage and you barely have to use your hands to grip.  A wood staff you will have to fully grip with your and and all weight will be distributed onto your hand rather than your forearms.
This is why a lot of black diamond/Leki poles have a soft foamy forearm strap.  I've been using some black diamond poles for a few years and can't imagine doing an uphill climb without them.  I used to use some walmart poles and they worked just fine as well but had a more abrasive strap.

[SmokeDiver]

Even with those walmart poles you could always stitch a little spare fleece from an old jacket or blanket over the straps and make them much more comfortable.

[auwesman]

Very true.  They're cheap so if you want to find out if you like trekking poles without making a huge investment, that could be a start.  I know target used to have some that had cork handles also.  I know my Black Diamonds breached $100 but that was after I wore the walmart pair completely out and I knew I'd get the use out of an expensive set.

[McDowra]

My Bride and I both use one pole and wouldn't consider going without them. Using a pole even if you don't put weight on it will make you more stable. It does this by giving your brain a third reference point, actually had my dad's neurologist at UAB explain this to us and I am living proof she was correct. 

[ednotmilkman]

Thanks for the tip, auwesman, about using the straps instead of gripping with hands.

I never thought about trying it that way. I've never put my hand in the strap because I use only one pole and switch it from side to side depending on which side is downhill and just to give one arm a break.

[Pathfinder]

My Bride and I both use one pole and wouldn't consider going without them. Using a pole even if you don't put weight on it will make you more stable. It does this by giving your brain a third reference point, actually had my dad's neurologist at UAB explain this to us and I am living proof she was correct. 

What a novel idea, McDowra.  I'll get a neurologist to explain to my wife that I have a brain.  Great suggestion!

[AlabamaDan]

I have a 4' wooden staff I hike with.  I find it really useful.  I use it to

-catch myself if I start to slip
-keep my balance going across water crossings
-push branches and bushes back
-sweep spiderwebs down
-measure the depth of water
-extend my reach to help someone up an incline
-prod under something
-lots of misc stuff...

I also like the rythym it gives me when I'm walking to hear the sound of it hitting the ground.  Mine is wrapped with some rope for a handle and I have a loop that goes on my wrist.  I also personalize it with medallions from places I go.  My kids and I all made one and enjoy having them.  My kids have stuff hanging on theirs by a caribiner like a little pouch with band-aids, compass. 

The two poles for long hikes might be more functional, but we enjoy our old fashioned staves.

[MoBill122]

  My poles were bought from Target for something like $15 each.... but they have lasted well over 1000 miles to date without any problems.  I hike 90% of the time in the north Georgia Mtns and rarely go without my poles.   Wouldn't think of going backpacking without them for sure !  Once you get used to using them, you'll be the same way.

[Rob]

I too use the straps as discribed by Auwesman, When encountering others on the trail that are using hiking poles I am often amazed at how many folks don't use the straps properly and are not aware that on many models like my Leki Makalus' the strap is actually adjustable. I like the fact that on flat terraine, the poles seem to help set a stride and when on slopes help releive strain on my knees. Just be careful when you first start using them. Some models don't offer reliable latches/locks and at best give you a false sense of security and they can collapse under pressure. Get to know the limits of your gear and hike safely.

[WSG]

Some models don't offer reliable latches/locks and at best give you a false sense of security and they can collapse under pressure. Get to know the limits of your gear and hike safely.

This is what always bothered me about the poles. I know what my "stick" can handle and it wont collapse, even as defense against critters if need be.  I definitely see the two pole/strap advantages but i just like the ruggedness of a stick i suppose. Doesn't mean i wont try poles at some time though.

(Maybe Ill put straps on sticks..LOL)

[Mountain Dog]

I used a staff for years.  I now use trekking poles.  Staffs and treking poles are entirely different.  A staff gives you balance and it can be used to help decents.  Trekking sticks do both these and allow you to push yourself along in level or up hill trails.  Used correctly, trekking sticks will allow you to cover more ground faster and with less energy than with nothing or a staff.  The key term is "used correctly."  Watch a cross country skier.  Watch where he places his points and how he pushes.  The points are always placed so that if he pushes, the stick will push his body in the direction he wishes to go.  He does not place them out front only to pick his way across the ground.  The ONLY time the points should advance ahead of your heel is when you want to help your knees going down hill.  Also, the straps should be used in a certain manner.  How? Take your right stick and put your left forefinger through the strap with the pole hanging on the strap away from your body.  Put your right hand through the strap from the outside.  Now, move your right up and to the right to grip the stick.  At this poing, the strap is all you need to hold your weight.  You only hold the  pole to guide the point.  The straps on Lekis are actually designed for the left or right hands.  White on top is for left.  The inside of the straps normally have an L or R.  If you are placing the tip of trekking sticks in the same places you would place a staff then you are wasting their utility and you might as well ditch one and go with a staff.  ONE WORD  OF WARNING.  Get your hands out of the straps if you are in terraine, such as crossing a really rocky area or a slippery creek area, where you might possible fall.  Sticks have saved me many times but I have also found that should I fall, I need my hands free and not encoumbered with a stick I cannot release.

[Rob]

Well said Mountain Dog............

[Pathfinder]

I got my first store bought hiking pole the other day.  It is a neat light weight wooden pole about 55" long.  I found it at Mike's Merchandise.  It was only $6.95.  Can't go wrong with that price.

[jamfan]

I've been using a pair of carbon fiber Black Diamond's for about a year now.  I love them.  I use two poles if I go on my own, and share one with the wife on day hikes or one-nighters with her.  Before that I used the Wal-mart Swiss poles, but after breaking them on the regular, now i'm glad i spent the money on the BDs.  I got them on sale from REI with a coupon, so they were like 89$ for the pair.   I am like others, I thought they were pretty dorky, but once you try it you'll be sold, especially on hills or ridges.  Many times having that pole kept me from busting my butt.

Those cheapie poles are a good way to see if you will like them, but I've always had trouble not breaking them

As they say 3 legs is better than 2, and 4 legs is  better than 3. 

[treenester]

I purchased a bundle of bamboo at the garden center at K-Mart I think for a few dollars, not much. I cut them to the desired length, built up the tips with a little duct tape and added a rubber knob, and prussic looped straps on them. They seem to work fine. Maybe not as strong as poles or a staff, but they are rather sturdy.

[AlabamaDan]

Is there a "right" way to use a staff/pole?

[Cuffs]

there is a "right" way, but you still should use them in the best fashion that works for you

http://www.trails.com/how...3_use-trekking-poles.html

[Rigormortis]

I have a pair of Leki Adventure hiking poles that I have used for the past ten or twelve years, just replaced the carbide tips and expander's a few days ago, they seem to be good as new.