I am debating whether or not to purchase trekking poles. I think they will really be useful, but I'm concerned about encumbering my hands — I want them free. I hope you can share some ideas from your experience. If I do buy some poles, what brand and model would you most recommend for function and durability?

Paolo Defensor

Expert Answer:

I am an enthusiastic convert to using hiking poles, especially in the steeper and more rugged terrain where I hike. I appreciate the additional balance, along with the security and reduced knee stress on downhills. Being a cross-country skier, I'm used to obtaining some propulsion from poles and I have an automatic poling rhythm that helps a little when hiking.

However, some words of warning. The poles do reduce knee stress on downhills, but this means the stress has to be going somewhere else — mostly your shoulders. It's an unaccustomed upward force, which, when coupled with the downward force of your pack straps, can cause problems. When I used poles for the first time on a testing backpack trip five years ago, I made the serious mistake of using them too vigorously, too soon. I suffered excruciating neck and arm nerve problems that are still somewhat evident. So — start gently and let your body get used to the new stresses gradually. Another potential problem occurs in bad weather - your hands are out in front and fully exposed, instead of being pulled up inside your sleeve at your side. Carry waterproof gloves and liners, and learn to put up with water creeping up your sleeve!

When I need my hands free in a scramble, I find that I can just let the poles dangle from the wrist loops. For bushwhacking, a small carabiner lets you clip the wrist loops to your hipbelt to allow the poles to drag behind, leaving hands free to move the branches aside. Just don't pull too hard if a pole jams — you may lose a basket.

As for specific makes, I'm currently enjoying the new Leki Makalu poles with angled grips and adjustable shock-absorbing springs ($130). These offer a choice of softer or harder shock absorption, and this does reduce — but not eliminate — shoulder stress.