To trekking pole, or NOT to trekking pole? | Miranda in the Wild

I know this is three years later, but I coincidentally have just taken delivery from REI of my first new set of trekking poles in 25 years. I have been using a homemade wooden hiking staff for a long time after loaning out my last pair of trekking poles some 12 years ago, but my first mountain hike since the beginning of the pandemic up a New Hampshire trail strewn with broken granite taught me that at my age, closer to retirement than graduation, and with my injuries to knee and back, I can longer hike safely without trekking poles with carbide tips to ensure my stability. A head strike on those sharp rocks from a fall could easily have meant instant fatality. It's my first purchase from the co-op in about 9 years, I think, though I've been a member for nearly 30 years. The REI Outlet just happened to have exactly what I needed at the best price I could find.

I am a proud non trekking poler. Useless sticks that look goofy lol

Real hikers don't rely on hinking sticks or poles. It's just a fashion statement.

I use trekking pokes because I tend to fall a lot.

Is there any point to just using one trekking pole? Does just using one offer much advantage?

as someone whos backpacked for a couple years now, I pretty much use my trekking poles half the time. it really depends on how I'm feeling the trail.

Love my trekking poles that I was given this Christmas!
I am almost 74 so I feel so much more confident using them!!

I think trekking poles are silly for most people with more basic hikes. Obviously terrain and other things can warrant usage. But for the most part I don't need 1.5-lb aluminum sticks to help me walk - which my legs have always done quite well. Yeah it can distribute weight a little bit, but it adds weight and the need to jack with them the whole time. I'm sure others may disagree, but even if you rely on the trek pole to support your tent, just be aware you might look a little silly on the trail.

Trekking pole really comes down to providing you the best ability to navigate ANY trails. Obviously 4 points of contact is way better than 2 points. And I’ve been in situations where trekking poles saved my life in water and in loose gravel. HYOH if you want to use them on the sidewalk go right ahead.. and if you think you don’t need them even on a flat even trail with no trip hazards with 20+ LBs on your back, I guarantee after a couple miles you’ll wish you had them. My philosophy is if you’re carrying weight use them

I used to think trekking poles were a waste of space and energy. But after the birth of my daughter, they helped me get back out on the trail! I see why they’re so helpful now. :)

I have a friend that uses trekking poles and it’s been a great advantage for him. I gave my trekking poles to a now ex-girlfriend of mine which further solidifies that I am not in need of them currently

Never found a need for trekking poles. Just another unnecessary item companies convinced people to spend money on.

The upper body component is probably not to be dismissed

I recommend Leki poles .The problem with 7075 Aluminum ( Black Dimond ) is bad corrosion resistance . Leki Aluminum is better in that regard . Also Leki Speed lock is better then BD flicklock or Flicklock pro since you can easily adjust tension while ascending and descending and they are more grippy . But Black Dimond poles are o.k just Leki is more specialized since all they do is trekking poles. I prefer Leki.

According to Pubmed nordic poles or trekking poles on flat terrain has zero benefit to our knees or any joint in relation to normal walking . The only time poles are of any benefit is while descent or ascent by adding stability and reducing pressure on the knees . In flat surface it has zero benefits to the knees .

But you didn't show the big long term benefit: let's see those triceps and shoulders.

Still trying to find a good solution for ditching one or both poles quickly and quietly for wildlife photography. If that's the primary purpose of a day hike, I'll often just single-pole it with my Kelty Snapshot, (Boo, Kelty, bring it back or I'm never buying your stuff again.) but when backpacking I usually prefer a matched pair of poles, and getting them out of the way without spooking a deer or bird can be tricky.

I don’t bring them solely for the sense of superiority over other hikers

Can you comment on telescoping vs folding styles? I'm new to poles and am curious.

This has to be the only Miranda video in existence where she doesn't talk about poop.

I use them to descend...helps alot

I CAN'T STAB PLANTS!? THAT'S THE ONLY REASON I BOUGHT THEM!!

You actually make trekking poles interesting.
Very much enjoyed your presentation and your humor.
Your Canadian friend,
Liam

i use trekking poles with my tent. before that i used a tarp and a self made hiking staff. depending on the terrain i might carry/use both. besides they come in handy with some wild life. so each to their own. stay strong stay safe have fun. JMHO

My knees stopped hurting after a descent since I started using hiking poles. That's reason enough for me to use them. But they are useful for multiple more reasons.

You need to show why the straps are necessary and why you bring your hand up from below since most people do not know. First, if you trip the pole will fall away from your grip so you don't get caught up in it and break your thumb. Secondly, the weight of pushing down is mainly on your wrist and not strictly on your grip. P.S. Yes, poles can be an asset when walking on flat ground to help you maintain a quicker pace that gives you a great cardio workout.

I only have modified ski poles. 😶

No question about it. YES, trekking poles.
I put them off to my peril for decades because I thought they were corny, but found myself almost always using a stick I'd find in the woods anyway. I had to eventually cave in and get myself a pair and I'll never go back. For crossing water, navigating through some technical stuff and for really extending your comfort level while walking, they are musts.

I have alway been the straggler in my hiking group, because of my nad knee, but for the first time today i tried trekking pole. I actually was first in the lead and had to stop for the other to catch up. I'm never going on a hike without them again

👍👍

I'm a one trekking pole guy which means less weight to carry and my poles last twice as long, because they come as pairs normally and when one wears out I immediately have a brand new one at home.

This girl is annoying

I'm over 70, and poles really help me feel secure on rough parts of the trail. They absolutely save your knees on downhills. Fun, informative video. Thanks.

I was "anti trekking poles" but now that I'm only 25 and on my third knee surgery I decided it was finally time to preserve my knees! Trekking poles are a game changer.

You can also poke the bear with them.

I spent a good part of my life, my career, hiking on trails. That and a couple of bad falls screwed up my knees and one ankle. There are days that I don't need much more than a stick, and days when I have a choice of trekking poles or stay home. I really do hope all of you stay out there long enough to need some kind of support like that. It's a badge of a life well lived.

Leaves forest bedded down slope

You’re funny

You can use your rubber bootie to cover your spike. They are also good when using in civilization. You don’t want to damage your spike on a sidewalk.
Oh and yes I’m a pole guy. Mine even have a handle I can attach a camera to.

I’m paranoid about my knees getting too worn out to hike when I get older, so I use trekking poles.

I use old, wooden broom handles. Sometimes one, sometimes two. Tie hand straps out of rope. Zero cost. Light. Strong enough. Gives me stability. Lets me push brush out of my way. Shoos away snakes and coyotes and would give a grizzly bear chopsticks or an after dinner toothpick if it chose to eat me. LoL

I enjoyed this video! And decided to give them a try to help stabilize my weight & balance and to be less sore at the end of the day. And, yes ma’am, I will be a good steward of the outdoors and I will not stab plants…

Just did my 1st hicking trip short one since I retired from the military feel great 👍 I enjoy your videos keep them coming until next time be safe.

Black diamond tickets tips are rubber and it works better

Everyone told me I NEEDED to use poles on the Inca Trail so I rented some. I absolutely hated them! It was by far the hardest hike I’ve ever done but I didn’t find they worked for me at all.

The burps are the best part of these videos.

I just tried trekking poles out for the first time on a steep mountain hike. They really saved my knees and it was a good arm workout. They also were cumbersome, and a lot of times got in the way. BUT, my knees are perfectly okay today after 8 miles of hiking steep terrain, so I think I'll continue using them.