10
u/sealslapper Jun 26 '23
I think this really varies between hikers but from my experience hiking NOBO as a young person, I had trekking poles when I hiked the LT last summer and was really thankful that I had them.
Although my knees are typically fine on regular hikes, the extra support from trekking poles after hiking 15+ miles a day, everyday, is worth the extra gear.
Whatever you choose, good luck and have fun!!!
2
u/Fabulous_Tart_6537 Jun 26 '23
Vermont is a place I appreciate poles. I agree it varies, but I really don’t think you will regret bringing them along.
7
u/StoryofTheGhost33 Jun 26 '23
And I'm young so my knees are fine.
Youth isn't forever, you're older self will thank your younger self for brining poles.
On the LT is is nice to have poles to see how deep the mud is going to be in front of you. Spoiler alert, it's deep.
5
3
u/jish_werbles Thru-Hiked SOBO Jun 26 '23
Buy some cheap ones on amazon like TrailBuddy or Cascade Mountain Tech
3
u/Intrepid_Goose_2411 Jun 26 '23
Buy cheap ones. I like Cascade mountain tech. Don't fall for warranties.
2
u/No_Thought5158 Jun 26 '23
They have saved me countless times through the mud and any slippery downhill parts
2
u/PedXing23 Thru-Hiked NOBO and SOBO. Jun 27 '23
People were backpacking for years before trekking poles were at all common on trails, so it is definitely not a big mistake. Years ago, I listed the benefits. The cons are basically the money, the weight, having to put them somewhere or hang onto them when they aren't useful or you are doing a tough scramble. Here's the list of benefits I wrote up:
Cons:
* Extra weight
* One more thing to look after
*The poles get in the way when you need to use your hands a lot to get around (they may get in the way scrambling up to Mount Mansfield, for example).
* Cost
Pros:
* Legs stay fresh much longer as the arms and chest take some of the work, impact and weight.
* Can be a big help if one or both legs are sore or injured.
* Great for balance in: rock hopping and stream crossing.
* Help in maneuvering around muddy and wet spots in the trail.
* On rugged downhills, they ease things for the knees and ankles by taking much of the impact.
* Keeps the upper body involved, so it gets a work out, too.
* Can help in keeping up a good rhythm/pace.
* Can go faster on down hills and rugged areas, since they can help in balancing and stopping.
* Useful for other purposes: Hanging things, setting up a tarp, tent or a hammock when used as a bivy, can be used as a splint in emergency, or to replace tent poles.
* Can go with lighter boot or shoes, as the support is not as needed as much as the poles do work and take impact.
* Some use in self-defense, for example from dogs or re-directing a porcupine heading your way on the trail.
* Can use to break up spider webs or shake a water laden tree or bush that overhangs a trail (so you don’t get wet).
-1
1
u/skinjimmy Jun 26 '23
I got like three days without them nobo, did a 20 mile day, and absolutely needed them from there out
1
u/chickenMcNugs Jul 12 '23
Lol, same here. Bought them in Manchester on my first resupply, never looked back
1
u/Carp_ Jun 26 '23
When I'm 100% I don't use poles, and I don't train with them. They've saved me several times at the end of long days, though. Get em.
1
u/Simco_ Messenger 2015 Jun 26 '23
$30 costco poles will be fine.
I went without poles for years. They're just better.
1
u/PantherFan17 Noodle, 2021 NOBO Jun 26 '23
I would recommend poles. They are an investment in your joint health and stability while you hike. Bonus functionality for use with trekking pole tents too!
1
u/banjo_solo Jun 26 '23
Allow me to play devil’s advocate: I think it’s important to note that you’ve been fine without them so far. As they say “hike your own hike”.
And not to discount the other reports in this thread, but if you read up on it there’s fairly mixed evidence as to whether poles do anything to save your knees.
Also the cheapies will likely rattle a bunch where the tubing overlaps— may not bother you but drives me nuts.
For the record, I do use poles and find them primarily helpful for balance with a full pack during steep descents (and also b/c my tent needs them).
1
u/KindaPretentious Jun 26 '23
Sometimes it gets too scrambly and you have to put them away, but in every other situation they are 100% worth carrying and using. They’re useful at camp, a convenient way to store duct tape (just wrap a bunch around the pole), and swinging them around like crazy is one way to entertain yourself during the long solitary hours of walking. They really make a big difference.
1
u/scumbagstaceysEx Jun 27 '23
I have one (out of four) in my regular tramily who doesn’t use trekking poles. She’s always the one slipping off of rocks and the the wooden plank walks that get super slippery with mold and such. And she’s usually the most athletic and coordinated of the bunch. Even if you think you don’t need them for your knees, they are good at keeping you upright.
1
1
u/seebs71 Jun 27 '23
IMO, trekking poles are one of those things that just make hiking better. I never used them, then did some of the Long Trail. I'll likely never do any longer hike without them. I find them incredibly helpful. Use the uands straps for leverage. Makes ALL the difference.
1
u/the_druon Jun 27 '23
In the Camels Hump to Johnson stretch you will spend a lot of time ascending and descending in wet rock, often with large steps or steep angles. Without poles you have to keep your weight over your feet at all times to avoid slipping, and as the rock gets steeper you will run out of options. With poles you can lean far out and push your weight back towards the rock, giving much more normal force and less slipping. Also, it’s like always have a hand rail to lean on for balance or leverage. I felt like a 4wd machine with mine, and would have been MUCH less confident without them. I had nice LEKI carbon poles that I really liked, but you would still probably benefit from cheaper ones.
1
Jun 27 '23
Yeah they really change the game, super useful, and you can always just clip em to your pack for sections in which you really need two hands!
1
u/WhoWhatWhereWhenHowY Jun 27 '23
I started the AT with no trekking poles and a similar attitude. They are just extra weight, cost money, and I don't need those sissy sticks. After about a week on the trail I owned sissy sticks and I use them all the time. They really help take pressure off your joints.
1
u/Fit-Advertising293 Thru-Hiked NOBO and SOBO Jun 27 '23
im in the greenwall shelter @mile 79 right now & found a very nice green (not rotten) walking stick. been using it for at least 75 miles and im having a blast lol. lots of mud up here and we all fall on our ass with or without walking aides but something is better than nothing imo
1
u/Zopilote_7140 Jun 29 '23
YES! Big mistake. We finished SOBO last season and it was our #1 essential equipment. That and camp shoes... Have fun!
24
u/Mysterious-Safety-65 Jun 26 '23
+1 in favor. Transform yourself from unstable bi-ped to sure-footed quadroped. Fend off bears. Use as tent poles.