5 Reasons You NEED to Use Trekking Poles

In this video, Tayson, and other members of the Outdoor Vitals team, breaks down 5 reasons why you should be using trekking poles (or hiking poles) as a hiker or a backpacker if you aren't using them already. The reasons include Feeling like it's hiking in 4-wheel drive, the weight savings you get when you can pack a trekking pole tent as opposed to a free-standing tent, the added stability that can help you traverse mountain streams or rocky terrain, the protection it can grant you from wild animals (or whatever you need to shake a stick at), and the added protection from injury via the added stamina trekking poles can grant an adventurer. Not only are those reasons for using trekking poles discussed, but Tayson gives a bonus tip for picking out the trekking pole that's right for you, and tells you about OV's new deal with Komperdell for Live Ultralight Members.

Membership (which includes access to the Komperdell Poles):

00:00 Intro
00:37 Hiking in 4-Wheel Drive
01:00 Weight Savings
01:48 Stability
02:11 Protection
02:43 Injury Prevention & Increased Stamina
03:05 What to look for when buying Trekking Poles

For great hiking and backpacking gear, check out the links below:

Backpacks:

Shelters:

Sleeping Bags:

TopQuilts:

Underquilts:

Sleeping Pads:

Hammocks:

Pillows/Balaclavas/Booties:

Jackets and Hoodies:

Pants/Shorts:

Dragonwool:

Merch:

Membership:

[debbilermond]

Woo Hoo! Glad to see you guys encouraging hikers to use trekking poles. I have a bad back, bad knee and will be 69 this Summer and have used trekking poles for close to 30 years (before that a maple walking stick I made). Number 3 is tops on my list for stability, especially when I carry a 30 lb. backpack over logs, rocks and water obstacles. I don't care if young people look down on me for using them. I would rather have an enjoyable hike/backpacking trip with trekking poles than try to look macho without them.

[waltere.mellin]

I use forearm crutches when I go hiking, but then I'm disabled due to a spinal injury. I'm trying to seriously think about what I need. And can do without. Because I really want to go backpack camping. I really enjoy your videos, and they are helping me in my decisions. And there's lots of beautiful country here in eastern Montana

[swnorcraft]

I have used trekking poles for years. If you are carrying a backpack, you need the stability and the extra pull you get from involving your shoulders in the hiking process. My hands used to go numb hiking without poles. Now more of my body is much better. All of that said, most You Tubers I have watched with poles don't know how to properly employ their poles in a consistent manner. If you elect to carry an item in each hand for miles and miles, you owe it to yourself to learn proper said.
Thanks for

[Suncity]

Since I’d carry it anyway but don’t want to dig in my pack if needed, I wrap about 2 ft of leukotape around the upper section of one stick and about 3 ft of speed tape around the other. Used both on the trail for blisters and repairs.

[HisGraceHisGlory]

I totally agree, trekking poles are a MUST have!

[LostAgainwithJim]

I was anti-trekking poles for YEARS. And then I rolled my ankle pretty bad on a thru hike of the TRT. I had poles on that trip, basically because my wife demanded I carry them, but wasn’t using them when I got injured. After the injury I used them to help ease the pain as I hobbled to the next road crossing. I’m pretty certain if I’d been using them, I could have avoided the injury and finished the trail.

[journeyman]

Solid reasons. I don't always use them but when I do they are definitely handy.
Nate

[cottontalesfromthetrail]

I use them for many reasons, but especially to clear spiderwebs out, move small branches, limbs off the trail and most importantly I use them as a safety item to move snakes off the trail.

[toesockoutdoors]

Trekking poles are the most valuable piece of gear for me. I’d feel like I was hiking naked if I didn’t have them. I did a video on my channel where i came up with 36 reasons to use trekking poles, but I still haven’t gotten some of my friends to buy in

[tomaswmitchellphotography]

Yep I love my trekking poles and usually have two pairs in my vehicle. My wife won’t use them unless it gets really steep but I always use them.

[brad]

I like mine for river or log crossings. I feel more confident

[hikingwiththeshackletons]

I always use trekking poles when out hiking

[chrisreed]

I'm keeping my eye out for your trekking pole tent to come out! Definitely my next piece of gear to upgrade. If you can figure out how to snap 2 single tents together that would be freaking amazing!!! Then my wife can carry her own tent lol.

[robertestrada]

For me, they help stabilize my core resulting in less fatigue from my pack.

[WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

I use mine as a selfie stick for my hiking videos too.

[jstgoalkeeping]

Idk I’ve used trekking poles a few times and hated it every time, messed with my balance, hands weren’t free to use stuff or do any scrambling, ended up just being extra weight in my pack after I put them away. Only really use for me would be stability in a river crossing.

[elcolonel]

You mention saving weight by using a trekking pole tent. Any recommendations?

[bcbslc]

My experience with Komperdells warranty was terrible. I have Komperdell poles, they were about 1.5 yrs old. The aluminum was turning white and flaking off. I contacted them. They sent my email all around to different people of the course of months. Then I heard nothing. I contacted them again and now they are saying they are out of warranty, and they are cause its been over 6 months since I contacted them.

[waltermclean]

I have two sets of trekking poles and yes they're very important for everything that you mentioned period And even going down a hill it's even important so you maintain your State Building you don't go falling down.

[johnparsons]

You left out the best reason for carrying poles; The use of poles takes about 20-30 % of weight load off of your knees and ankles, even more going downhill. As an older hiker, that is a big deal. I always use poles the minute I step off the pavement whether I'm carrying gear or just walking. If you are older than 40, you are way better off using poles., if just for the stability, and to keep you hiking into your 80's. I have two pair as well, one pair is always in the truck ready to go.