Hiking poles, or more commonly referred to as trekking poles, are one of the most overlooked tools in a camper’s arsenal. They provide stability through rough, wet, and dangerous conditions and help to ensure stability during a hike.
However, many campers dislike using hiking poles. Whether due to a sense of pride or a simple lack of knowledge, hiking poles can be a great addition to your camping gear and can make your trip more enjoyable. Below, we are going to discuss and review how to use hiking poles for camping and help you determine whether or not camping poles are right for you.
What Are Hiking Poles?
Hiking poles, trekking poles, or hiking staffs are standard pieces of equipment which help walkers, hikers, campers, trekkers, and backpackers trek across terrain. Though they commonly come in a pair of two, you may feel more comfortable with a single hiking staff.
These tools are used while walking and offer added support and stability on your hike. Whether you are hiking and camping through one of the national parks or are preparing for an upcoming one-night camping trip, hiking poles can help you to be more prepared and resilient on your trek.
Benefits of Hiking Poles While Camping
It’s no secret that hiking poles can help to provide you with added stability and support on your camping trip and hike. With rocky, uneven, wet, and slippery terrain, hiking poles can help you to maintain proper footing and avoid slips and falls.
In addition, hiking poles can help you to reduce fatigue and stress on your joints. Without hiking poles, the stress of the hike can impact your feet, legs, and knees. This can result in soreness and long-term injuries which may continue to plague you long after the hike has completed.
Similarly, hiking poles can be used while camping to provide a more overall level of fitness. Without hiking poles, the stress and impact of a hike will fall squarely on your legs. However, by using a hiking pole, you can more evenly distribute that stress across your whole body.
Lastly, hiking poles are particularly effective and useful while overnight hiking. Not only will you be able to gain more stability and. support, but you will be able to use the hiking poles to gauge depth, clearance, and elevation.
Types of Hiking Poles
Hiking poles generally come in two features. The first is a pair of hiking or trekking poles. These are typically sold as a pair and used simultaneously on a camping or hiking trip. Most hiking or trekking poles can be adjusted in length and may also include internal springs which absorb shock during your hike.
The second is a simple hiking staff. Cue images of Gandalf from the Lord of the Ring’s. a hiking staff is a single pole that is particularly effective on flat terrain. It is also generally adjustable and may also include shock-absorbing features.
Determining Proper Hiking Pole Length
If you are going to utilize a hiking pole, then it is important to consider the length of the pole before jet setting to your next camping trip. To use a hiking pole properly, your elbows should be bent at 90-degrees while holding the poles with the tips on the ground.
For adjustable hiking poles, you should choose the length based on your height. If you are over 6-feet, then you should choose a hiking pole that has a maximum length of 51-inches. If you are under 6-feet, then most hiking poles will be adjustable to your specific needs.
However, if you are looking to purchase non-adjustable hiking poles, then the below outline will help you decide which hiking poles are best for your needs.
- Under 5’1” – Get a 39-inch non-adjustable hiking pole
- Between 5’1”-5’7” – Get a 43-inch non-adjustable hiking pole
- Between 5’8”-5’11” – Get a 47-inch non-adjustable hiking pole
- Over 6’ – Get a 51-inch non-adjustable hiking pole
Best Features of Hiking Poles
While the features of hiking poles may seem relatively straightforward, manufacturers have begun adding more and more features for added ease of use. Below are some of the best features of hiking poles:
- Adjustable – most hiking poles are able to adjust in length. This is done to not only conform to the individual user, but to also help with stability on different terrains.
- Foldable – foldable hiking poles are some of the most popular hiking poles on the market. They are able to fold into themselves and are a quick and convenient way to bring long hiking poles on your camping trip.
- Shock-absorbing poles – shock-absorbing poles provide internal springs which absorb the shock and impact as you walk downhill. This feature can be turned off when not needed.
- Ultralight – ultralight poles are easier to swing and make moving more effortless and quicker. These hiking poles are also easier to pack and help reduce overall fatigue.
- Camera mount – some hiking poles have built-in camera mounts which allow the poles to be used as a monopod.
- Wrist straps – lastly, many hiking poles have built-in wrist straps which can help to provide further stability and grip as you embark on your hike.
Hiking Poles Material
Generally, hiking poles come in one of two different material types. Either aluminum or composite. Aluminum is typically more durable and the more economical option. These poles weigh between 18-22 ounces. However, under heavy stress, aluminum hiking poles can bend.
Composite hiking poles are either made fully or partially of carbon. These hiking poles are generally lighter in weight but are also the more expensive option. Weighing between 12-18 ounces, composite hiking poles are great at reducing vibration but have a higher likelihood of breaking or splintering.
Using Hiking Poles Properly While on a Camping Trip
Admittedly, there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using a hiking pole. However, through simple practice, most people are able to grasp the general motion relatively quickly.
- Alternating poles and legs – the proper way to use a hiking pole is to plant the hiking pole as you step with the opposing foot. So, if you are stepping forward with your right-foot, you would need to plant the hiking pole with your left-hand. Alternatively, if you step with your left-foot, plant the hiking pole with your right-hand.
- Double planting – when ascending steep hills, it may be beneficial to plant both hiking poles directly in front of you and take two steps forward. You can repeat this motion as you continue to climb up.
- Walk naturally – when using hiking poles, it is best to walk naturally and maintain your normal arm swing.
Additional Benefits of Hiking Poles
While hiking poles are great for added stability and support, they can also be used to help you negotiate and navigate terrain. This includes trekking and hiking over foreign or rough patches of terrain. Similarly, hiking poles are particularly useful when trekking through streams or rivers, providing you with added support as you wade across.
In addition, hiking poles can be used to gauge the depth of bodies of water. What may appear to be a simple puddle, may in fact be deeper than first envisioned. A hiking pole can help you to gauge depth and to know before you go.
Lastly, hiking poles can help you to trek over large rocks and logs. Simply plant the hiking pole on the rock or log to provide you with additional support as you climb over the obstruction.
Conclusion
Hiking poles are one of the most overlooked and dismissed items by campers, hikers, and walkers. However, their benefits greatly outweigh their perceived stigma. From added support and stability to distributing stress across your body, hiking poles are a must have for anyone looking to further enhance their camping trip.