Quick question about hiking poles? Do you use them when you go on a hill walk/ moderate hike. We’ve recently begun some mountain hikes in the area. We’re pretty new to the activity and were told we should use hiking poles for safety.
I find they just slow you down when climbing. Not sure they have any added benefit on the way up.
I can see how they might come in handy on a steep desent. Help prevent a slip and a fall. But we seem to spend most of the time just carrying them around. recently I’ve been just hooking them to a carabiner on my backpack and taking them along for the ride.
Considering retiring them completely.
Any thoughts??
I take them with me. They help with leverage on steep hills and boulders. I dont want to be out on a trail injured.
1 Like
Hi Dahlia, that’s as good a reason as any.
I always take one sturdy skiing pole with me anywhere I go.
Not just to help myself on rough terrain, but to deter dogs, jerks and any wild aggressive animals too or even livestock. Trust me, aggressive dogs know well what the pole is for, had saved me more than once.
1 Like
Good idea Cordelisse.
Have you ever had to use it??
Yes, of course, I had to, but not in direct contact situations: swinging and hitting the pole on the ground usually sends sufficiently strong message. The mere presence of the pole acts as a deterrent too.
1 Like