Many a hiker who has turned up a nose at the use of walking aids changes his tune after trying them out on the trail. When used properly, hiking canes and poles can dramatically reduce the strain on knees and backs during tough treks. Careful selection and technique in the field are key to getting the most benefit.
Definitions
With respect to the common vernacular, there is plenty of gray area when it comes to distinguishing between hiking “poles,” “canes,” “staffs” and “sticks.” The modern hiking pole usually refers to a lightweight, telescopically adjustable support aid made from aluminum or carbon fiber. While a cane can mean a daily walking support for those of limited mobility, a hiking cane is usually thicker and longer. It might be a found piece of wood – a length of alder or oak adopted at the trailhead, for example – or an ornately carved work of art. Synthetic hiking canes often come in the form of a pole, adjustable or not, frequently equipped with a mount for cameras.
Length
A hiking cane is longer than the traditional walking cane to account for variable terrain. Many people find the use of a cane most comfortable with their elbows set at a 90-degree angle – in other words, with the forearm set parallel to the ground. Having a cane that extends several inches above your fist – in contrast to the traditional walking cane that tops out as a curved handle at the hand level – is a good idea, as it gives you more robust support and accommodates the vagaries of steep slopes. When ascending a hillside, you’ll hold the cane lower down, maintaining roughly that 90-degree elbow angle. To have the same configuration on a descent, you’ll need to hold the cane higher up its length. As with any hiking aid, the key is to find something suitable to your own personal preferences and needs.
Application
On level ground, a single hiking cane often serves admirably. Crossing more rugged landscapes, two canes are usually better: They enhance your support and balance out the strain. A pair of canes is especially handy when crossing streams; a hiker in this situation can wield them as extra legs against unsure footing and insistent current. Remember that with the bolstered bracing of canes comes the same potential for misplacement as a foot set wrong. This is particularly so in rough terrain like a talus jumble: Crevices in boulders easily wedge canes, so move slowly and precisely if using them here, taking the time to test out “footholds” as you go. Indeed, it may be easier to use the cane as a balancing rod when crossing rock piles, allowing you to more lightly jog from boulder to boulder.
Trekking Poles
A carefully selected wooden cane can certainly be sturdy and durable, not to mention beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Modern trekking poles offer the advantage of consistency, being, in their finest form, lightweight but strong. The telescopic and locking nature of most poles means you have a more precise method for setting their length, which often makes it easier to find an ergonomic setup.
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