Hiking poles: Do you need them? Is it better to walk with or without?

What are the benefits of walking with trekking poles? Advantages while hiking

Hiking with trekking poles offers a range of benefits. Here are the main advantages hikers can enjoy:

• Better balance and stability: poles act as extra points of support, helping to improve your balance on all types of terrain. Whether crossing a muddy patch or descending a slippery slope, they help reduce the risk of falls.
• Reduced strain on joints: especially on descents, trekking poles absorb some of the impact and relieve pressure on your joints (knees and ankles). Studies show they can reduce stress on the lower limbs by up to 30% on steep slopes. The result: less knee pain after long descents and better long-term joint protection.
• Workload distributed across the whole body: hiking with poles engages your upper body muscles (arms, shoulders, back) as well as your legs. This helps to spread the workload across the whole body, easing pressure on the leg during tough climbs and allows you to hike longer without exhausting your calves. On steep ascents, pushing off with the poles can even help you progress more efficiently.
• Improved posture and circulation: using trekking poles encourages a more upright posture. This opens up your chest, making it easier to breathe. In addition, keeping your hands at grip height (rather than hanging by your sides) improves blood circulation in your arms, helping prevent finger swelling that some people experience on long hikes without poles.

In short, hiking with poles offers real advantages—from added comfort to long-term health benefits. Don’t hesitate to try a pair of trekking poles on your next outing to feel the difference. You’ll find a wide range of lightweight and adjustable trekking poles available at Glisshop, suitable for all types of hiking.

What are the disadvantages of walking sticks?

Despite all the benefits, using trekking poles also comes with a few drawbacks worth keeping in mind:

• Bulky and hands always occupied: using poles means carrying extra gear. Even when they’re foldable or lightweight, it’s still extra weight in your pack when not in use. Plus, your hands are always holding the grips, which can make it awkward to read a map, drink, take photos, or use other accessories. While you can temporarily hold both poles in one hand or attach them to your pack, this usually means stopping.
• Requires some learning: walking efficiently with poles takes a bit of practice. You need to find the right arm-leg coordination, adjust the length depending on the terrain (shorter for climbs, longer for descents), and make proper use of the wrist straps. Without the right technique, you might not benefit fully—or worse, tire out your arms unnecessarily. For example, incorrect use of the straps or gripping too tightly can lead to wrist or hand pain. The best approach is to practise on shorter hikes to get the technique right.
• Not suitable for some technical terrain: in high-altitude mountain environments or on very steep paths, you’ll often need your hands free (for scrambling, ladders, via ferrata, ice axe use, etc.). In these cases, poles become a hindrance and must be folded and stowed on your pack. Simply put, on highly technical routes, it’s often better to leave the poles behind.
• Environmental impact and regulations: metal pole tips can damage fragile trails by repeatedly piercing the ground. On popular paths (such as coastal trails or in protected areas), this contributes to erosion and vegetation loss. That’s why you may hear that trekking poles are banned in some nature reserves. In practice, poles are rarely completely forbidden—it’s often enough to use rubber tips to meet guidelines and avoid damaging the terrain.

That’s not to say hiking without poles is a mistake! Walking without poles can feel lighter and freer—you’re not carrying any gear in your hands and you fully engage your natural sense of balance. Many seasoned hikers even prefer going without poles on easy trails or short outings, so they can enjoy the scenery with their hands free.

Is it better to hike with one stick or two trekking poles?

Do you need to use a pair of trekking poles, or can you make do with just one? In truth, it all depends on your hiking style and personal preferences.

It’s perfectly possible to hike with a single trekking pole, especially on easy trails or when you’re not carrying a heavy load. Many walkers choose to use just one pole—like a traditional walking stick—on gentle strolls. The advantage is that you keep one hand free for other tasks (such as holding your water bottle or camera).

However, with only one pole, your support and balance are less symmetrical. You’ll only have one extra point of contact instead of two. If you go for this option, remember to switch the pole between hands regularly to spread the workload evenly between both arms and avoid tiring just one side. Also, make sure to use the wrist strap on the side you’re using to avoid dropping the pole and to ensure effective, relaxed support.

Using two trekking poles remains the most common choice for more demanding hikes, as it allows you to take full advantage of all the previously mentioned benefits (maximum stability, balanced load distribution, and so on). In short, one pole may be enough for occasional or very easy walks, but once the terrain becomes more challenging or the hike longer, a pair of poles offers invaluable support. If you hike regularly, it’s well worth investing in a good pair: choosing the right poles (material, length, folding or telescopic system, grip type, etc.) makes a big difference in comfort and performance.