Twelve tips for hiking sticks

July 8, 6:17 PMBay Area Hiking ExaminerSusan Alcorn

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Examiner writer Susan Alcorn descending Mt. Kilimanjaro (with poles)

Hiking poles are growing in popularity in the U.S. and for several good reasons; some may be obvious, others less so. Gone on the days when I was greeted by comments such as, "Where's the snow?" when hiking down the trail.  

Use hiking sticks (poles) for:

1. Lessening the impact on your lower body's joints and muscles, and for increasing your upper body workout

2. Maintaining greater stability when walking on tough terrain — including loose rock, ice, snow, or muddy patches.

 3. Providing extra "legs" when making stream crossings.

4. Fending off threatening dogs or cows, or distancing yourself from rattlesnakes.

5. Looking taller if you should encounter a mountain lion or bear.

6. Keeping your hands from swelling when temperatures climb.

7. Allowing you to switch to lighter shoes — trail runners instead of hiking boots.

8. Splinting a broken arm or leg

9. Moving the branches of a trailside shrub to have a look before you sit down

And, here are some uses you may not have considered:

10. Twirling as a baton while hiking along (great entertainment)

11. Draping your wet laundry when clotheslines aren't available.

12. Propping up a tent or creating a ceiling support for a snow shelter

One of the most accomplished backpackers in the country is Andy Skurka. Twenty-eight-year-old Skurka has completed the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop and the 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route as well as many other long-distance trails.  He was named the 2007 “Adventurer of the Year” by National Geographic Adventure. Skurka says, "I do not hike anywhere without my trekking poles."

For more information on the advantages of hiking poles, check out:

Trekking Poles 101

Trekking Poles and Their Surprising Uses

Sticks and Stones: the pros, cons, and uses of trekking poles

For additional mention of hiking poles by Hiking Examiner Susan Alcorn:

Hints for Hiking Safely

Camino Packing List for Hikers

10 Hints for Hot Weather Hikes

Happy trails, Backpack45