Common Complaints About Trekking Poles? (And How to Overcome Them)

Trekking poles are hailed as essential gear by many outdoor enthusiasts, praised for improving stability, reducing joint impact, and increasing pace. However, they are not without their critics. For every hiker who swears by them, another finds them cumbersome. Understanding the common complaints reveals that many are not inherent flaws but often issues of improper use or selecting the wrong equipment.

1. "They're Just Extra Weight and Hassle"
The most frequent grievance is that poles add unnecessary weight to your pack and complicate your hike. Constantly adjusting them for different terrains or stopping to strap them on when you need your hands free can feel like a chore. This complaint is valid for those on well-maintained, flat trails where the benefits are minimal.

The Fix: Consider collapsible, lightweight carbon fiber poles if you’re a weight-conscious hiker. For hikes with mixed terrain, use quick-adjust levers for faster changes. Remember, their primary value is on steep descents, river crossings, and uneven ground—times when a little "hassle" can prevent a serious fall.

2. "They Disrupt My Natural Rhythm"
Some hikers find the arm motion required for poling awkward, arguing it interrupts their natural gait and breathing rhythm. This often stems from incorrect length adjustment or a lack of practice.

The Fix: Ensure your poles are the correct height. A standard rule is that your elbows should form a 90-degree angle when the tip is on the ground. Practice on easier trails to build a fluid, rhythmic motion where the pole becomes a natural extension of your movement.

3. "They Get in the Way and Are Noisy"
Poles can snag on roots and rocks, and the constant click-clack can be annoying to you and your companions. They can also be cumbersome when you need to use your hands for scrambling, taking photos, or checking a map.

The Fix: Develop awareness and lift your poles slightly to clear obstacles. For noise, rubber tip covers are excellent for damping sound on rocky surfaces. Finally, get into the habit of quickly stowing them on your pack’s daisy chains when your hands are needed elsewhere.

4. "My Hands Get Tired or Swollen"
Maintaining a grip on the poles for hours can lead to fatigue, and some users experience hand swelling from reduced circulation.

The Fix: This is often due to gripping too tightly. Modern trekking poles come with ergonomic, molded grips and removable straps designed to bear the weight through your wrists, not your grip. Use the straps correctly—slide your hand up through the bottom and then grip—to transfer the load efficiently and relax your hold.

5. "They're Just Another Piece of Gear to Buy"
For beginners, the cost of a quality pair of poles can be a barrier, leading to the perception that they are a non-essential luxury.

The Fix: While good gear costs money, view it as an investment in your long-term joint health and safety. You don’t need the most expensive model; reliable, durable aluminum poles are available at a reasonable entry point. The potential savings on avoided knee injuries are significant.

The Verdict: Are They Worth It?

While these complaints are understandable, most can be mitigated with the right knowledge and equipment. The key is to recognize that trekking poles are a tool, and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on the user. For challenging, technical, or long-distance hikes, their benefits in stability, endurance, and injury prevention overwhelmingly outweigh the initial annoyances. Give them a proper try on the right terrain, and you might just become a convert.