The ultimate guide: why you should use hiking poles on your next trek

Are hiking poles just an optional accessory, or a true game-changer for your time on the trails? Whether you are planning a challenging alpine ascent or embarking on a serene multi-day hike across Europe, the question of using trekking poles frequently arises among our travelers. At Grand Angle, we have been pacing the trails since 1983, and we have seen firsthand how the right gear fundamentally transforms a walking holiday. Far from being a burden, a well-adjusted pair of poles acts as a natural extension of your body, offering crucial support, balance, and rhythm.

In this guide, we dive into the biomechanical and practical reasons why hiking poles deserve a permanent spot on your day hike packing list. From protecting your knees on steep descents to establishing a steady pace on long-distance routes, discover why our local experts and guides highly recommend them for your future adventures.

1. Protecting your joints and muscles
2. Improving balance and stability on uneven terrain
3. Boosting endurance and establishing rhythm
4. Safety and versatility beyond walking
5. Expert tips: how to properly use your poles
6. Hit the trails with Grand Angle

Protecting your joints and muscles

One of the primary reasons experienced hikers swear by trekking poles is the significant reduction of stress on the lower body. When you walk, particularly with a loaded backpack, your knees, hips, and ankles bear the brunt of gravity and impact. Scientific studies and on-the-ground experience consistently show that using poles can reduce the compressive force on your knees by up to 25%.

This benefit becomes critically apparent during long descents. By planting your poles ahead of you, you transfer a portion of your body weight and the shock of each step into your arms and shoulders. If you are prone to joint fatigue or are planning consecutive days of walking, poles are a reliable way to preserve your body and ensure you wake up ready for the next stage of your journey.

Improving balance and stability on uneven terrain

Navigating technical trails requires focus and agility. By using poles, you effectively increase your contact points with the ground from two to four. This quadruped-like stability is incredibly reassuring when crossing loose scree slopes, navigating mud, or stepping over slippery roots.

For example, if you are tackling the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, you will frequently encounter rocky, undulating paths where precise foot placement is essential. Poles act as stabilizing anchors. They are equally invaluable during river crossings, allowing you to gauge the water's depth and maintain your footing against the current before committing your weight to a submerged rock.

Boosting endurance and establishing rhythm

Hiking is often viewed as a lower-body activity, but introducing poles transforms it into a full-body workout. As you actively push off the ground with your poles, you engage your pectorals, latissimus dorsi, and triceps. This upper-body engagement helps propel you forward, taking some of the workload off your quadriceps and calves.

Furthermore, poles naturally encourage a steady, metronomic walking rhythm. On long, continuous ascents, such as those found on the Tour du Mont Blanc, finding and maintaining a consistent pace is the key to endurance. Coordinating your breathing with the rhythmic planting of your poles helps regulate your heart rate and prevents early exhaustion.

Safety and versatility beyond walking

Beyond their biomechanical advantages, hiking poles are versatile tools that enhance your safety on the trail. If you ever find yourself on some of the most difficult treks in Europe, your poles can be used to probe the depth of late-season snow patches or test the stability of a makeshift bridge.

They can also serve to gently brush away wet vegetation after a rainstorm, preventing your trousers from getting soaked. In emergency situations, a rigid pole can even be repurposed as a structural support for an ultralight tarp tent or as a makeshift splint for a sprained ankle.

Expert tips: how to properly use your poles

Owning a good pair of poles is only half the equation; knowing how to use them makes all the difference. For more detailed advice on gear selection, you can read our guide on choosing your hiking poles. Meanwhile, here are the fundamental techniques our guides share with travelers:

Uphill vs. Downhill Adjustments

On flat terrain, your elbow should form a 90-degree angle when the pole tip rests on the ground. When you face a prolonged uphill section, shorten your poles by 5 to 10 centimeters to avoid straining your shoulders. Conversely, lengthen them before a steep descent so you can plant them firmly ahead of you without bending forward and compromising your posture.

Mastering the wrist straps

Many hikers simply slip their hands down into the straps, which limits their effectiveness. The correct method is to pass your hand up through the bottom of the loop, then bring your palm down to grip the handle over the strap. This technique allows you to rest your weight directly on the strap, relieving your grip and preventing hand fatigue over long distances.

Hit the trails with Grand Angle

Hiking poles are far more than a simple accessory; they are a valuable ally that provides comfort, safety, and endurance, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you prefer the independence of self-guided hiking holidays or the shared experience of a guided group, preserving your energy ensures you can enjoy every landscape to the fullest.

Since 1983, Grand Angle has been organizing active, authentic travel experiences across France and Europe. If you are ready to put your poles to the test and embark on a well-crafted walking itinerary, we invite you to explore our carefully designed routes or contact our team to start planning a trip tailored exactly to your pace and aspirations.