Are Trekking Poles Worth It? Pros, Cons & Who Should Use

Trekking poles are a pair of adjustable walking sticks with grips, wrist straps and tough tips. Used together, they give you two extra points of contact, adding stability on wet roots, scree and snow, easing long descents, and setting a natural stride on the flat. Plenty of hillwalkers won’t leave home without them; others reckon they’re just extra faff to carry. If you’re unsure which camp you’re in, you’re in the right place.

This guide weighs up the benefits and drawbacks, shows who gains most and when to skip them, and summarises what the research says about energy, speed and joint loading. You’ll find advice on choosing materials and designs, getting length and straps right, technique for ups, downs and river crossings, plus care, travel and value. By the end, you’ll know whether poles are worth it for your walking—and how to pick and use them with confidence.

Why hikers use trekking poles: key benefits

If you’re weighing up are trekking poles worth it, start with what they do best. Poles share some load with your legs, add traction and balance, and help you lock into an efficient rhythm. With a heavy pack on steep ascents or long descents, they turn awkward steps into controlled, confident ones. Research roundups note you may burn a little more energy, but often gain stability, less joint stress, quicker pace and lower perceived effort.

• Lower joint strain: Offload impact on knees and ankles, especially on downhills and long days.
• Better balance: Four points of contact on roots, scree, snow, ridgelines and stream crossings.
• Pace and posture: Promote an upright stance and a steady, meditative cadence.
• Heavy-pack control: Brace on steep terrain and during slips or stumbles.
• Circulation boost: Hands stay elevated; pole use helps reduce hand swelling on climbs.
• Probe and protect: Test water depth and ice; feel for hazards before you commit.
• Multi-use gear: Substitute for tent poles, pitch tarp porches, or rig drying lines.
• Wildlife deterrent: Clack poles to make noise or raise them to appear larger.
• Upper-body workout: Engage arms and chest for a more balanced effort.

When trekking poles can be a hassle: drawbacks to consider

If you’re asking are trekking poles worth it for every walk, the honest answer is no. Even fans admit there are days they stay stashed. Poles tie up your hands for scrambling or quick photos, can add small but noticeable weight when carried, and using your arms does tend to burn a bit more energy. There are also cost, durability and leave-no-trace considerations to weigh.

• Faff and hand-tying: Repeatedly stashing and retrieving poles for hand-over-hand moves or rope assists gets old fast.
• Weight and bulk: When you’re not using them, you’re carrying them.
• Extra energy use: Pumping poles generally expends more energy, even if stability and pace improve.
• Cost: Good poles aren’t cheap.
• Durability trade-offs: Carbon is light but can snap; aluminium usually bends and is heavier.
• Leave No Trace: Carbide tips can scratch and gouge rock; use caps where appropriate.
• Travel hassle: Most airlines require poles to be checked, not carried on.

Who benefits most (and when to skip them)

If you’re wondering are trekking poles worth it for your hiking, they pay off most when stability and control matter. Poles shine with heavier packs, on steep climbs and descents, and wherever footing is uncertain. They also help keep an upright posture and steady rhythm, and many walkers feel less joint stress and effort as a result.

• Best candidates: Backpackers with heavier loads; hikers tackling long, steep ups and downs; anyone on slick roots, scree, snow, narrow ridgelines or frequent stream crossings.

• Seasonal users: Winter hikers who want extra balance and a way to probe snow or ice; coastal walkers on seaweed-slick rock.

• Practical multitaskers: Those using trekking‑pole shelters or who like a consistent hiking cadence and reduced hand swelling.

• Maybe skip (or stash): Scrambles or routes with rope assists where you need free hands; short, flat, well‑made paths; photo-heavy days; minimalist hikers training balance and core; sensitive rocky terrain where carbide tips could damage rock (use caps or carry).

What the research says about energy, speed and joint load

The clearest pattern across studies and expert reviews is a trade‑off: trekking poles usually raise energy use a little, but many hikers move faster, feel steadier and report less effort overall. That’s why the question “are trekking poles worth it?” often comes down to whether you value stability and control over pure energy economy on easy ground.

• Energy cost: Expect a small bump in oxygen use because your arms are working.
• Speed and pacing: Reviews note equal or slightly faster speeds thanks to a smoother rhythm and better propulsion.
• Perceived effort: Despite higher energy burn, effort often feels lower due to improved balance and posture.
• Joint loading: Evidence and field experience point to reduced stress on knees in descents when poles are used well.
• Shock features: Studies comparing shock‑absorbing vs standard poles often find minimal differences.
• Context matters: Benefits grow with heavier packs, steep ups/downs, and unstable surfaces; technique and correct sizing amplify the gains.

How to choose trekking poles: materials, designs and grips

The right poles match your terrain, pack weight and travel habits, which is why “are trekking poles worth it?” often hinges on the build you pick. Focus on three choices: shaft material, folding/adjustment design, and grip. Get those right and you’ll feel the benefits without the faff.

• Material

  • Carbon fibre: Ultralight and stiff; great for fast walkers or stashing until tricky ground. Downsides: pricier and can snap under high load.
  • Aluminium: Tough and better value; more likely to bend than break, which can save a tumble. Slightly heavier.

• Design

  • Telescoping: Most adjustable and tent‑friendly for trekking‑pole shelters; a touch heavier.
  • Tri‑fold (Z‑style): Lightest and most compact; ideal for airline travel and quick stowage.
  • Fixed length: Rare for hiking; awkward to pack and adjust, so usually skip.

• Grip

  • Cork: Most comfortable; wicks sweat and resists hot‑spotting.
  • Foam: Soft, affordable, and comfy; wears faster than cork.
  • Rubber: Durable but can feel sweaty and blister‑prone on warm days.

• Nice‑to‑haves

  • Reliable locks (lever or twist) that don’t slip.
  • Simple, non‑spring poles: Shock absorbers add weight and aren’t essential for most hikers.

If you carry weight, value compact travel, or plan shelter use, these choices will make your poles feel “worth it” from day one.

Essential accessories: tips, baskets and caps

The right add‑ons can turn a good pair of poles into great trail tools, and they often decide whether you feel are trekking poles worth it on any given day. They boost grip on awkward surfaces, protect trails and luggage, and let you adapt quickly as conditions change.

• Carbide tips: Standard, grippy on rock and ice, and replaceable when worn. Most brands offer screw‑on or push‑fit replacements; carry spares on long trips.
• Tip covers: Blunt and sheath the carbide point for storage and airline travel, preventing punctures and snags in bags; they also reduce rock scarring on sensitive terrain.
• Rubber caps: Slip‑on pads for pavements and urban approaches. They protect carbide tips, cut noise, and are the most Leave No Trace‑friendly option on bare rock.
• Baskets: Screw‑on discs that stop poles plunging into sand, mud or snow. Pack wider powder baskets for winter and smaller trekking baskets for boggy paths and beaches.

Sizing and setup: get length and straps right

Dialling in fit is what makes poles feel natural — and often decides whether trekking poles are worth it. On level ground, stand tall with the tips by your feet and set the height so your elbows sit at roughly 90°. That neutral length promotes upright posture and easy balance. If you’re over 6 ft, choose poles that extend to at least 51 in (about 130 cm) so you’ve headroom for fine‑tuning on steeps. Then set the straps so your wrists, not your fingers, take the load.

• Set a neutral length: Adjust both sections evenly until your elbow is at 90° on flat ground.
• Tweak for terrain: Shorten slightly on steep climbs; lengthen slightly for descents; on traverses, lengthen the downhill pole and shorten the uphill one.
• Use straps correctly: Hand up through the loop from below; the strap lies between thumb and forefinger to cradle the wrist.
• Relax the grip: Let the strap carry body weight; avoid a “death grip” to reduce fatigue and blisters.
• Lock it in: Close levers/twists firmly without overtightening; recheck with your pack on and readjust if needed.
• Balance the sections: Keep similar extension in upper and lower segments for strength and compact stowage.

Technique basics: uphill, downhill and flats

Good technique is what makes poles feel natural and efficient — and often decides whether you’ll say “are trekking poles worth it” after a day out. Think small, controlled steps, poles close to your body, and let the straps carry the load so your hands stay relaxed.

• Uphill: Shorten the poles slightly. Plant close to your toes, opposite arm to stepping leg, and drive gently through the strap to help you stand tall. Keep plants short and under your shoulders to avoid overreaching.

• Downhill: Lengthen a touch. Plant a fraction ahead of your feet to “brake”, keep knees soft, and take short, quick steps. Don’t stab far out in front — keep tips close to your centreline for better control.

• Flats: Use a neutral length and a light touch. Set an easy rhythm — foot, pole, foot, pole — placing the pole near your back foot to nudge you forward. Relax your grip and let the straps support body weight to reduce fatigue.

Stream crossings, snow and wind: advanced techniques

These are the moments when poles really earn their place and answer the question are trekking poles worth it. In fast water, on firm neve or in howling gusts, treat your poles as mobile anchors you can trust, not just metronomes. Keep movements small and deliberate, and test what you can’t see before you commit bodyweight.

• Stream crossings: Use both poles as anchors, probing for depth and slick rocks before each step. Keep three points of contact at all times (two feet and a pole, or two poles and a foot) and shuffle across with short, secure moves rather than big strides.

• Snow and ice: Fit snow baskets before deep or soft snow. Probe ahead to check for crust, hollows or ice, plant more vertically for support, and take compact steps. On traverses, shorten the uphill pole and lengthen the downhill one for a stable rail.

• High wind: Shorten poles slightly and widen your stance. Use them like outriggers—plant firmly before exposed gusts, keep tips close to your centreline, and move in short, controlled steps to stay upright.

Leave no trace, etiquette and safety

How you use poles matters as much as whether they save your knees. If you care about Leave No Trace and trail harmony, a few habits make a big difference—and can tip the answer to are trekking poles worth it towards yes. Keep your movements tight, protect rock from scratching, and think about others when space is tight or views are shared.

• Protect rock and gear: Fit rubber caps or tip covers on bare rock and in sensitive areas to prevent gouges and reduce clatter.
• Tread lightly: Avoid stabbing steep, friable slopes; place tips close to your feet to limit erosion.
• Mind your swing: Keep poles low and close when passing; point tips down and away from people and dogs.
• Stash when needed: Put poles away for scrambles or ladders where free hands and firm holds are safer.
• Wildlife sense: Make noise with poles to alert animals if visibility is poor; never prod or approach wildlife.

Travel and storage: flying with poles and packing them

Air travel is the one place where even die‑hard users ask “are trekking poles worth it today?” Because security rules are strict, you’ll want a clean, compact pack‑down and protected tips so your kit and luggage don’t get damaged. The good news: a few simple tweaks make flying and storing poles painless.

• Checked bags only: Most security agencies (e.g., TSA) permit trekking poles in checked luggage, not carry‑on.
• Protect the tips: Fit tip covers, or wrap points in duct tape, cardboard, foil or a plastic bag to prevent punctures and snags.
• Go compact: Tri‑fold poles pack smaller and fit travel bags more easily; telescoping poles also collapse well if evenly shortened.
• Bundle safely: Strap the pair together before packing to avoid scissor‑action inside your duffel.
• Home storage: Use tip covers when stashing poles in cupboards to protect walls and gear.

Care and maintenance: cleaning, repairs and replacements

A little upkeep goes a long way to keep poles smooth, silent and dependable — and can be the difference between “are trekking poles worth it” and a frustrating rattle. After muddy or sandy days, give shafts, locks and tips a quick rinse and wipe so grit doesn’t chew through mechanisms. Let them dry fully before collapsing, and check wear items regularly so you can replace them before they fail mid‑trail.

• Keep locks clean: Open sections, wipe away grit, and re‑assemble firmly so clamps don’t slip.
• Dry before stowing: Moisture trapped inside sections can cause stink and stuck joints.
• Replace wear parts: Most poles take screw‑on carbide tips and baskets; spares are easy to carry.
• Grip and straps: Wipe cork/foam and wash straps to prevent salt build‑up and chafing.
• Field fixes: A bent aluminium tube may limp you out; a snapped carbon section is usually a retire-and-replace.

Cost and value: are trekking poles worth it for you?

Value depends on how and where you walk. If you carry a heavier pack, face big ascents/descents, cross streams, hike in winter, or use a trekking‑pole shelter, the stability and control usually make the purchase feel like money well spent. If your routes are short, flat and well‑made—or you’re often scrambling—your answer to “are trekking poles worth it?” may be no or “only sometimes”.

• Best value buys: Aluminium poles for durability and price; they’ll usually bend rather than snap if stressed.
• Pay for lightness: Carbon fibre trims weight and feels lively, but costs more and can fail suddenly under high load.
• Design for your life: Tri‑fold packs smaller for travel; telescoping suits tent‑pole use and broad adjustability.
• Skip extras: Shock absorbers add weight and cost with little proven benefit for most hikers.
• Small add‑ons, big wins: Tip covers, rubber caps and spare tips extend lifespan and protect luggage and rock.
• Personal equation: If poles help you hike farther, steadier and with happier knees, they’re worth it; if they live on your pack, they aren’t.

One pole vs two, and using poles with shelters

One pole vs two

Two poles are standard because they boost balance, rhythm and control — especially with a heavy pack, on steeps, or during stream crossings. A single hiking staff can suit easy paths or photo‑heavy days when you want one hand free, but you’ll lose stability and load sharing.

• Use two: For steeps, rough ground, winter and water crossings — maximum stability and joint relief.
• Use one: On mellow trails, light packs, or when you need a spare hand for the camera or quick scrambles.
• Bottom line: If you’re asking are trekking poles worth it for tricky terrain, two almost always beat one.

Using poles with shelters

Many ultralight tents and tarps pitch on trekking poles, letting you leave tent poles at home. Adjustable telescoping models make hitting a shelter’s set pitch height simple, and caps help protect fabric from sharp tips.

• Choose adjustability: Telescoping poles are the easiest for precise shelter heights.
• Mind the tips: Fit tip covers when poles contact fabric to avoid punctures.
• Set before stake: Dial pole length first, then tension guylines for a clean, solid pitch.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most frustrations with poles come from small setup or technique errors. Fix these and you’re far more likely to answer “are trekking poles worth it?” with a confident yes. Focus on a neutral length, relaxed hands, correct strap use, terrain‑aware adjustments and considerate tip choice; stash poles when free hands are safer. These quick wins reduce effort, protect joints and keep trails and rock in better condition.

• Wrong length: Elbows not near 90° on level ground.
• Ignoring straps: Hand up from below; let the wrist carry load.
• Death‑grip: Squeezing handles causes fatigue and blisters.
• Overreaching plants: Stabbing far ahead; keep tips close to your centreline.
• No terrain tweaks: Not shortening for climbs or lengthening for descents/traverses.
• Uneven sections: Over‑extending one segment weakens the setup and stow.
• Loose locks: Failing to snug levers/twists so poles slip under load.
• LNT lapses: Bare carbide on sensitive rock; use rubber caps or tip covers.
• Wrong tool, wrong time: Keeping poles out on scrambles or ladders; stash them.
• No baskets in soft ground: Sinking in snow, sand or bogs instead of fitting baskets.

The bottom line on trekking poles

Bottom line: poles trade a touch more energy for a lot more stability, control and often happier knees. They’re most worth it with weight, steep ups and downs, rough footing, winter and water. They can be faff on scrambles or short flat paths, and travel adds hassle.

If you’re on the fence, borrow a pair for a test hike. If they help you walk further, steadier and with more confidence, keep them; if they live on your pack, leave them. When you’re ready, choose a build that matches your terrain, size them well, and carry tip covers and baskets so you’re trail‑ and travel‑ready. For dependable hiking kit to round out your setup, explore Take a Hike UK.