I was wrong about using trekking poles on flat ground

For years I thought trekking poles were only useful on steep climbs or rocky descents. Last summer on the Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania, I decided to try them on the flatter sections just to see what the fuss was about. After 4 straight days of using them on gradual terrain, I noticed my knees didn't ache at the end of each day like they usually do. The poles took maybe 15 pounds of pressure off my joints with each step, and that added up over 12 mile days. Has anyone else found a surprising use for gear they thought was only for specific conditions?

2 comments

2 Comments

betty_shah7d ago

Started using poles on flat ground myself last year and it's a total game changer for the knees. My lower back stopped hurting after long days too. Honestly felt like cheating at first but now I won't hike without them. Kinda wish I tried it sooner.

brian3037d ago

Wondering @betty_shah, did you have to adjust the pole length at all for flat ground versus hills? I kept mine at the same setting and my wrists started hurting after a few miles. Also, what kind of tips are you using - rubber or carbide?