Many a trailhead sign has one or two primitive walking sticks, plucked as loosed branches from the ground, leaning against it for the next hiker in need of one. More and more, both neighborhood strollers and backcountry explorers use one or two modern, synthetic trekking poles to provide extra support---and for a variety of other purposes.
Reducing Strain
The major use of walking sticks and trekking poles is to support one's body while hiking or even strolling. Some evidence suggests that properly used poles, incorporated into a rhythm of locomotion, lessens strain on the user's legs. A 1999 study by Schwameder et al., published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, showed reductions in knee-joint strain during downhill walking when trekking poles were employed. A 2000 study by Knight and Caldwell, printed in the American College of Sports Medicine's journal, found that users of trekking poles lugging heavy backpacks took fewer and longer strides than those without poles, perceived less exertion and reduced muscle activity in the lower extremities. Critically, to extract the most benefit and avoid unnecessary strain and exertion, the walking stick must be used correctly, which means choosing one of a proper length, or adjusting a telescopic trekking pole to the right height, and heft. While individual comfort may vary, it is often desirable on level terrain to hold the pole such that your forearm is parallel to the ground, at a right angle with your upper arm.
Traversing Terrain
Walking sticks lend critical support when traversing uneven or potentially dangerous terrain. For example, they can be employed when ascending, descending or forging across steep slopes, balancing the body in its unsteady passage and bracing against potential tumbles. In these cases, never commit your weight to a pole before testing the substrate with its tip; this helps identify loose rocks inappropriate for support. Poles also come in handy in stream-crossings. In addition to testing for unstable footing and fortifying your balance, they can be used to gauge upcoming depths---a great way to avoid unpleasant and risky plunges in unexpected drop-offs.
Miscellaneous Benefits
Walking sticks can be used to erect tarps as minimalist or emergency shelters on backpacking trips. They greatly aid mushroom-hunting: Using them to brush aside heavy groundcover can reveal hidden fungi in the duff. Similarly, for the cross-country hiker or the traveler of an unmaintained trail, they can be brandished in thick vegetation to clear a way through. In extreme cases, trekkers can use a walking stick to ward away threatening animals like aggressive, unleashed dogs.
References
- "Journal of Sports Sciences"; Schwameder et al.; December 1999
- "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise"; Christopher A. Knight, Graham E. Caldwell; February 2000
- REI: How to Choose Trekking Poles (and Hiking Staffs)
- "The Backpacker's Field Manual"; Rick Curtis; 2005
- "Hiking & Backpacking: Essential Skills, Equipment, and Safety"; Victoria Logue; 2005
Member Comments