One of the many benefits of living in northern Nevada is the access to many hiking trails. If you have been on any serious hiking trail, you probably noticed quite a few are seasoned hikers. You can usually spot them by their moisture-wicking active wear and their trekking poles. As it turns out, trekking poles provide a variety of benefits to seasoned and amateur hikers alike. In general, the poles enhance stability and provide your joints with additional support.

Trekking poles reduce the impact of hiking on knee joints and leg muscles. A study published by Dr. G. Neureuther in 1981[1] proved that using poles while walking reduces the pressure strain on the opposite leg by approximately 20%. A study in 2000 found that using poles caused the heart rate to increase slightly and caused a decreased lower leg exertion when going uphill[2]. The increased exertion caused by using trekking poles is offset by reduced impact on leg muscles and joints. The poles also promote a whole-body workout by engaging the arms in addition to the legs.

In addition to providing your legs with support, trekking poles help with stability. The trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range are often along slippery granite or loose rocks. The trekking poles can help you maintain balance while traversing steep or unstable terrain.

Ultimately, it is up to individual preference on whether or not you should use trekking poles. Whether or not you use trekking poles, it is always a good idea to hike with water, food, a first aid kit, and a friend.  

[1] Neureuther, G. “The Ski Pole in Summer.” MMW Munch Med Wochenschr13 (1981): 513-4

[2] Knight, Christopher, and Graham Caldwell. “Muscular and Metabolic Costs of Uphill Backpacking: Are Hiking Poles Beneficial?” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 12 (2000): 2093-101

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