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TREKKING POLES

WORTH IT?

Do you really need trekking poles for hiking? Are they worth the money and awkwardness of having your hands full? What are the pros and cons? Tap to find out!

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More "oomph" on the climbs Balance for rocks or stream crossings More active upper body / something to do with your arms

Advantages of Hiking Poles

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Harder to take pictures, eat snacks while holding poles Can feel like unnecessary extra work on flat and smooth trails Another piece of gear to spend money on

Disadvantages of Hiking Poles

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Personally I don't use trekking poles on short day hikes or smooth and easy trails. I do use hiking poles for backpacking trips and rough rocky terrain.

When to Use Trekking Poles

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For more on how to use trekking poles effectively, swipe up to see the full post at Exploring Wild.

This interactive trip planning guide is packed with checklists, key questions, and recommendations to take the worry out of planning your first or biggest backpacking trip.