I am 80 years old and have been hiking seriously since I was eight years old. I always preferred to have both hands free while hiking. I don't dispute the statistical benefits of trekking poles, but they are not for me. However, in my work as a forester I often carried a "Jake" staff for mounting my compass or marking plot centers when surveying boundary lines or cruising timber. I used the "Jake" staff as a walking staff in between compass settings or sample plots, just because I had it with me. Now in old age I hike with one of my many hand-carved homemade wooden staffs.
@@csn583 Sort of similar, not quite identical, and only for me now at almost 81 years old. My homemade staffs are around five feet long, for good reasons. They are most useful for breaking cobwebs spanning the trails in early morning. A long staff is nice for, but not needed for, hiking downhill, as I learned how to walk down mountains without a staff in the 1950s (probably from Horace Kephart's Camping & Woodcraft book of 1916-17, or perhaps from my 1918 edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. Years ago, when fording swift streams, if I didn't have my "Jake Staff" with me for professional purposes, I would cut a long pole on site to use for stability and to probe for holes & hidden rocks while crossing. Also, when crossing lakes on thin ice, I used to cut a pole about 10 to 12 feet long, which I carried horizontally in case the ice gave way under me (which, luckily, it never did). Now I sometimes carry a collapsed $10 trekking pole on my walks around town to fend off mad dogs; it is very useful for that. Such are the fond rambling memories of an old woodsman.
I've done a lot of hiking, not Jupiter's number of miles but both the AT, PCT, part of the AT again and a million shorter hikes - almost all without trekking poles. I've tried to force myself to use them and maybe I'm just too stupid or maybe too used to the rhythm of using poles with cross country skiing, but I find it really hard to adjust to the poles. I'm used to walking (and earlier also running) on trails and off trail and placing my feet in the right places is almost automatic. With poles I suddenly have two more things to decide where to place. Not a big deal on easy trails, but as soon as there are roots, rocks, puddles etc etc the poles actually slows me down. There are of course exceptions like when it's icy/slippery or very steep, but that's usually a really small percentage of a hike. As I've gotten older the benefits particularly on downhills have made me use trekking poles more, but it still doesn't feel "right".
I use trekking poles for all the reasons you list, but there is one more for me, and that is my hands swell when I hike, but when I use poles, I have no swelling.
I have noticed that too(good to know i am not the only one). If my arms are just loosely swinging by my sides, the blood seems to rush to the ends, and my hands get puffy. I never get that way with trekking poles.
Some people use extra straps with a loop at their end, connected to the shoulder straps on the pack, to put their hands in these loops, to keep the arms elevated and avoid such swelling. Instead of poles.
It's a big and strange world of gear out there! Might as well find the most fun option. For me that is that minimalism and taking some small risks here or there, for others it's the camp chair and fancy stove. It's really awesome how different two backpacking kits can be, and it's only getting better every year with all these new cottage companies cropping up
"Do things your way, and have fun." "..but for now, I'm going to do what makes me happy..". In a society wrought with "I'm right and you're wrong.", Jupiter, your attitude is such a relief and joy to hear. Thanks.
They are a hassle to deal with sometimes, but I really like them for water crossing. Both when going in the water, and when using a fallen tree or log. The tips dig right into the slippery, mossy wood, and make it so much easier and safer.
Here’s a huge reason, maybe reason number 2 on my current hike. Dogs (and other animals). On roadwalk heavy trails like the Florida Trail, having trekking poles can feel very assuring against aggressive dogs
I really appreciate your scientific and nonjudgmental approach to the trekking pole "debate." After hiking several trails with and without poles, the more I use them, the more I like them. The first time I used poles, I didn't have great technique, and they felt mildly helpful and perpetually cumbersome. After I dialed in my technique (thanks Chase Mountains/Nordic Walking) and used them for several thousand miles, they've become immeasurably more helpful This year I'm planning on walking a few Camino (Frances, del Norte, Ingles, possibly Portugues?), the PCT, and maybe some sections of the CDT, and I'm bringing poles every time!
I could never quite get the hang of using two poles, but now that I'm over 50 I picked up a trekking stick from REI (basically a short single pole) and it has been a godsend to protect my ankles on rocky or rooty inclines/declines and balance during water crossings. Who knows, maybe you'll be a single pole dude.
I started using trekking poles a few years ago (after resisting for a long time) & realized how great they are! The older I get (I’m 50) the more my knees appreciate the help poles afford them.
I imagine 90 percent have them, not use them. Of those that use them, how many only use them occasionally? I tend to always carry a set on my pack. I use them when I'm crossing a sketchy stream, walking on slicker surfaces, maybe when I'm bonking at the end of the day or to prop up my tarp. 90 percent of the time, I don't use them. As far as force goes, I altered my gait to reduce the force transmitting to my knees and back. Downhill, I try to bend my knees more like i would riding a hard tail mountain bike, and I land on my midfoot or forefoot while avoiding heel strikes.. Uphill, force isn't really much of an issue. As far as speed goes, I go quite a bit faster without poles. And the metronomic pace of using poles really detracts from the natural flow that the trail provides.
Better to have than not I guess! Or better to use them occasionally than never. Someone else commented about a trip they took where snow was much worse than what they expected in their planning, and just having the poles on them was very helpful. Me, I just gotta be so stupid careful if I were to run into the same situation as I don't carry them at all
@@JupiterHikes The vast majority of the time, mine are in the side pockets of my old GoLite pack. When asked why I carry them and don't use them, I just explain they're for ballast to keep my pack balanced and they weigh much less than the set of 5 lb dumbbells I used before I got the poles. Another time they come in handy is if you roll an ankle or twist a knee. That little bit of support can mean the difference between hiking out or being rescued.
I just started using trekking poles a few years ago & really like them! In addition to the stability they provide & the weight they take off my knees, they also give my arms a great workout.
I’m doubtful about those studies. There is so much variation in every step taken here in the Scottish Highlands, I can’t even begin to imagine how anyone would design an experiment to evaluate the benefits of walking with or without trekking poles. As an example of what I’m thinking about, lab experiments have “proved” that you can’t lose weight by exercising and yet my friends and I have all lost some weight while exercising in the real world. Trying to make an investigation replicable runs the risk of divorcing it from reality. Having said that, I was stunned to find how much poles with small baskets help spread the weight while hiking across soggy, wet, peaty ground. I sank in much less. Also, poles help when the ground is so tussocky that you can’t see where you are putting your feet. A thought-provoking video. Thank you for posting it.
One of the benefits I've found with poles, as someone who doesn't hike nearly as much as some other people, is that I can engage more of my upper body muscles on climbs. Setting the poles shorter, it almost feels like climbing a ladder, since you can do a lot of work with your arms. Helps a lot if you're not in the best of hiking shape 😂
trekking poles are not only crazy versatile but also cheaper than knee replacement. walking with poles just take more time to get adjusted to than most folks give em.
I use my cherrywood staff, made it myself from a cherry tree branch picked up in 2014. Seasoned for 6 years before stripping, sanding, varnishing. It's seen some miles and is the right height to use as a shelter support. Also has a bit of a hooked end, which helps forage berries etc high up.
Im not sure if you have. Ive been watching your videos on and off for years. But you should do like in depth video from when you set up your camp to when you head out in the morning. I know it would probably be super minimal and not much of a video lol. but still cool to see your entire process unedited or sped up when you make camp. Great videos
I've thought about this, and have included more in recent videos like what you want. Specifically the video from the san diego trans county trail, or a lot of footage of campsites in the superior hiking trail videos. Part of my problem is that the majority of the time I setup camp after dark, and that wouldn't be much of a fun video! But check out "Testing New Gear on the San Diego Trans County Trail" and you'll see more of this kinda thing
I almost never carried hiking poles during my 32 years of backpacking and what I learned was how to balance myself. Instead of a 'crutch' I was forced to learn how to walk down a slippery, rocky 10 ft section of trail...spoiler alert... bend knees, take really short steps, angle your feet to brace against the vertical edge of the trail, keep moving so your center of gravity is already on to the next step if you start sliding. One example of a valuable skill that I doubt pole carriers would think of. That gave me such a feeling of freedom and self-sufficiency to really look at a situation and figure out for myself the solution. No bad things happened to me without poles. It is not automatic that you must have them. Of course the idea of feeling the need to walk 20 miles in a day was never a thought. 6 to 10 miles in mountains was more than enough to really savor what you are seeing...isn't that the point of getting away from your usual world of stress and electronics and breathe deeply and slowly?
I get it. My first hikes were in the '60s so trekking poles weren't really an option. And I'm 100% with you on the freedom/unencumbered thing. But as an old guy with a beat up body and a couple of strokes behind me, the poles are a must. My joints like the poles on downhills and my quads like them on uphills. But the biggest thing for me is balance. I hike alone and the no-falling part of trekking poles is what finally sold me. They've saved my tottering, old butt from getting muddy/wet/damaged more times than I can tell you. Fellow old folks; think American Express and don't leave home without them.
I have poles but only break them out when crossing water or ascending/descending steep terrain. And of course to hold up my Zpacks shelter. But, there are plenty of times when camping with friends that I dont bring poles and instead use sticks to hold up my shelter.
I couldn't have done my 2016 thru of the AT without them. With that said, I broke one, and for a week I walked without them, and it was so liberating. I found a sense of balance that was missing when I had them. Still, I will always bring them.
They've saved me from getting wrecked pretty badly more than a few times + safely increase my speed by +10%. I know a lot of hikers, especially newer ones, are hesitant to use them because of they feel it's a "bad look"... but I'd say they're nearly as helpful (to me) as good hiking shoes. I recommend everyone carry at least one, especially because you can get them easily under 7oz (some are even under 4oz).
Walking thru tall grass I often use only one pole to tap the ground in front of me to potentially ward off snakes that are hidden. They are also handy to protect from dogs or even other wildlife you might encounter. One can really be handy while silk blazing. And finally, at night while one is used to hold up my tent, I lay the other by the outside entrance as my security blanket for things that go bump in the night.
My friend carries just one pole, he uses it for rivers, but also at the end of the day when he's more tired, or if he wants to change things up a bit. Can be useful, hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for this Jupiter. I never used poles for many years of hiking and then hit the big half century, and have since tried them out and realised that they help me quite a bit mainly on downhills. The annoying aspect is where to put them when you're going uphill and have to grab tree roots etc to pull yourself up- its annoying to have to keep taking off the pack to stash them in side pocket etc. I like them for crossing rivers, it feels a bit safer. Happy hiking!
I hate trekking poles. They are cumbersome, distracting, and yet another item to fuss about. A lot of times i see hikers just carrying their poles and not even using them. If i need something to stabilize while crossing a creek, there is always a dead branch that i can be ready made into a temporary stabilizer to crossing a river. Snow maybe different, but i have yet to desire a pole to cross snow . It is a minimalist thing. If i don't need it, why force yourself to use it? Hiking the PCT, people asked me if i lost my poles. My fellow hikers don't seem to understand that you can, and people have been doing it for millennia, hike without poles. Trekking poles are useless in thick brush or scrambling (using your hands) up or down a slops. Maybe i lack brain compacity to concentrate on feet and poles? I find my mind and body are freer if i don't have to think of where i need to place the pole while walking. I really like being hands free.
I may be one of those you've seen carrying the poles which I do when the trail is flat. But on steep uphill and downhill, I find them invaluable. Also river crossings and snowfield crossings. I've done a lot of backpacking the North Cascades where there are snowfields during the entire hiking season (which lasts about 2 1/2 months!). I used to carry an ice axe for the snowfields, but I found that I'm just not comfortable crossing steep snowfields, so the ones I do cross trekking poles do the job. So I no longer carry an ice axe, too heavy!
I was just using a good stick from the trail but made a tent that uses a hiking pole so I use one pole if I'm not doing a hike-a-bike. Two seems like a lot of hardware to me but I haven't tried it. Mostly helps me with keeping balance to have at least the one.
I like to use one very long wood pole. I am 5'10" and the pole comes up to about my nose. It weighs about a pound. I think it is willow, and I have also used bamboo. I find it super helpful for stream crossings and downhills - you can kind of catch yourself with it. Thanks for the video!
I use trekking poles but I'm turning 75 in a few months, but I don't use them all the time. They give me a bit more thrust on uphills and better balance and confidence on the dreaded downhills. But I do some very steep downhills where I put the poles away because they just become an extra risk factor. My worst falls seem to have happened on level ground not using trekking poles.
I kinda feel the same way about poles as Jupiter. However, I do use 1 pole for my tarp shelter...and at 62, I like the extra stability while hiking. So, I compromised and carry ONE trekking pole.
Be careful with twirling them. I also do that, and one time I flung it about 15ft in the air like a dancers baton, and missed the catch. The metal tip stuck me in the hand and I started bleeding everywhere. Yeah, I know, I am an idiot lol. I do really love them though. I am a gym rat outside of hiking, and they also help me feel like I am getting a little bit of an upper body workout too, so that it isn't just all legs all day.
Like already mentioned when I use poles (trekking, not stripping) my hands don't swell at all or as much. Another reason is I can use said trekking pole to move danger noodles off the trails for their safety and mine. Or I can use them for defense if need be. They have many uses beyond the ones they are advertised for.
I never used poles until I got into my mid fourties, but they have been a real boon for me as I have got older. I tend to stow them if I am on a long flat section, and on plenty of climbs, because as you say, I enjoy the freedom of not being encumbered. But they are absolutely clutch for me on downhills. I slip and fall at the best of times, and the last place I want to get hurt is out in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, the philosophy of "do whatever works for you" is always good advice. 😊
Thank you for offering good information while still stating that the option is totally up to each person. I use my trekking poles. They have saved me from falling several times and they make those technical trails that I enjoy a bit easier.
I, too, don't like trekking poles, but I, too, am an aging man. I've found that I love the black diamond distance carbon z poles. I don't use them all the time, and they are soo light that I hardly notice when they're strapped to my pack or my chest strap for a quick stash. They are expensive, but for the lightest and quickest to assemble poles, it's worth it imo. Some people complain about durability but I hiked the TA with one pair (that also doubled as my tent poles) and never had a problem!
Nicola Giovanelli, Lara Mari, Asia Patini, and Stefano Lazzer have a more recent study from their one being cited here (2022 vs 2019) titled Pole Walking Is Faster but Not Cheaper During Steep Uphill Walking. it doesn't seem to be a correction, rather this time it's done off the treadmill and up on a mountain, and examines maximum effort.
Found the study, here is the Conclusion : In the examined condition, athletes should use poles during steep uphill maximal efforts to obtain the best performance. Conversely, during submaximal effort, the use of poles does not provide advantages in uphill PW (pole walking)
It’s maybe also just what one is used to - I’m much more likely to trip myself up if I use them while walking at a normal pace, I just feel clumsy while using them. But I do always bring a single one in case of snow or if I’m facing a very very steep descent through slippery, muddy or loose, gravelly terrain. I go mountaineering a lot, so a lot of the time I’m using my hands on the rock and it’s super annoying to keep having to pack them up, get them out again etc. but it’s good to have the one for sticky situations and as a tent pole!
Agree on all points. Plus: Especially when hiking downhill they take a lot of the pressure from the knees and if you work with the poles a little more, it is basically like a full body workout also leading to better posture. Helps your shoulders and spine. I was super doubtful in the beginning, tried them a few times, put them away and now after years of back and forth always use them. True game-changer.
Due to chronic pain I use poles almost 100% of the time, even flatlanding in Florida. What's funny is I end up being able to hike further and faster with less pain than most of my hiking buddies.
I believe hiking poles are very beneficial for a hiker because they provide stability (esp. on downhills, stream crossing, and snow crossings), help relieve knee pressure if you use them correctly, and can help provide a slight forward movement action and cadence when you want to zoom straight ahead. A misnomer about poles is that they have to be expensive, I have had my Black Diamond aluminum poles for 20 years and beat the %$#@ out of them and they cost only $50. The expensive poles on the market, while feel and look good, may not last long with heavy duty use. I went through 3 Komperdells in 2 months.
A lot of the aluminum poles are super cheap compared to carbon ones, and will last a whole lot longer too! Some of them are even lighter weight than many of the carbon
Im 67 trekking are a must for my wife and I they keep us on our feet. They provide additional proprioceptors which helps with balance. Unfortunately I have bad shoulders and can only use 1. I constantly switch poles from right hand to lleft
I've tried trekking poles, but I just hate carrying them, I don't like having them in my hands, I always find myself wanting to get rid of them. Just a preference I guess.
I use one pole only for a couple reasons. 1) it leaves one hand free to grab snacks or cameras or whatever so you have less to juggle. 2) In areas that lack trees etc I can still set up my tarp with a good ridge using the pole. 3) It gives me the necessary stability when doing river crossings or snow etc so I'm less likely to fall, granted 2 poles would give more support but you get most of the benefit with only one and having a free hand is still potentially helpful. 4) you still get some of the impact reduction for your body, not as much as two but more than none. 5) when stowed in your pack one pole weighs half as much as two. 6) you have a handy weapon for fighting off those hungry thruhikers and other wildlife. 7) One pole looks less goofy than two.
I have never used trekking poles, but usually try to find suitable piece of wood as a staff. They are very handy in rough terrain and stream crossings, but tend to get in my way at other times. I also tended to lose my found staffs by the end of the trip, so another reason to not buy expensive poles.
Im omnipolar, single pole only. Having seen so many Frenchmen in tights in the Himalayas and REI groups clad in gortex in the Sierras, furiously double poling on the trails, I just dislike the vibe. But, chacan a son gout, as they say.
In Australia spider webs across the track are no match for a trekking pole. Snake paranoia also requires some type of weapon in your hand, aka trekking pole. I think I get a little momentum push forward from my arms muscles that are otherwise doing nothing all day. Thank you. Ray.
I never felt the need for them except when coming down Rainier and Kilimanjaro. When dealing with so much decline at once it was just too much for my knees. Luckily I had poles with me. And now that I'm pushing 60 I think it's probably just a good preventative measure to use them regularly, especially when I can use them for my shelter now. hyoh
Tried the trekking pole thing also, but being an old military guy, the only item I carried in my hands was a my rifle. Could never get use to the poles, like having my hands free when I hike. I even tried a hiking staff, but I just cradled it in my arms like my weapon. Old habits die hard I guess.
I like hiking with 1 pole. Two poles is too much of a hassle and they are more of a hinderance to me. Hiking with one pole gets me in a nice flow and rhythm, especially going up hill. Getting out the pole is also a kind of mental cue for me, "hiking has begun". I'm in hiking mode with the pole.
I refused to use trekking poles for years. Then I finally started using them at age 45, and my knees thanked me. I think it's analogous to riding a bike with clipless instead of flat pedals. It takes some getting used to, but once you start, you don't want to go back. Now it feels wrong if I don't have trekking poles while hiking.
Also, trekking poles train your arms which are normally just dangling around during hiking :D And because of that he need to train using them, because you will feel it otherwise.
When i was younger i felt i didnt need poles. Once i got into my 50s they became indespensible. Jupiter, as you get older your balance, agility and reaction time deteriorates and i think you will ultimately come to use them.
Ultralight cult tip. Take off the baskets. Only use for them is the really big sizes on snow. They always get caught up on roots and plants and just sink into mud anyway.
Sacrificing a small amount of efficiency for the sake of increased enjoyment makes a ton of sense. It's almost as if the absence of poles is a "luxury item" for you.
I have never once had a problem with finding a stick or tree or bush. But on this hike my partner is carrying trekking poles, so if we need them, they're there. Other hikes though and I've never used or needed them
Trekking poles are awesome. HOWEVER, I see sooo many hikers holding them incorrectly. With the strap down they just reach through the loop and grab the handle. I'm sure there are many videos out there on the correct way. With the correct way, you can put a lot of weight on the poles, especially when going downhill.
That number was taken from three very large surveys of CDT and PCT thru hikers, with a sample size of 2,500 people. They showed that for three years, on those two trails, that 97% of those surveyed used trekking poles. A smaller survey of Appalachian Trail thru hikers (400 participants) also shows about 95% trekking poles use. So taking the three surveys together, that's about 3,000 people all attempting to walk more than 2,000 miles in one go across the country, and only a very tiny minority of them were not using trekking poles. This is certainly not indicative of 'hikers' as a whole, but it is for thru hikers.
😊 Thx for the great video! 👍 I have a love/hate relationship with poles … so I compromise and take just one. It’s perfect! Helps with all those things you mentioned AND leaves one hand free at all times for everything else (food, camera, toothbrush, etc.). It’s a win-win ❤
Team no poles here! I can see the benefits, but there's also drawbacks to using poles too. Potentially, ankle ligaments and tendons become stronger without using poles. Using poles burns more calories, which could either be a positive or negative, depending on your perspective. Most of all, personally, I like to have my hands free: Easy to grab onto rocks; Easy to get my phone for photos/videos/navigation; Most importantly, easy to reach for snacks! Also, no annoying clacking noise from pole tips on rocks 😅
@@JupiterHikes Yeah, that would be good. There's definitely positives and negatives to both. As with so many things, a lot comes down to personal preference. Great content, as always 👍
Once I went trekking pole I never went back. Another bonus is my hands don't get swollen anymore from hanging down below heart level and swinging. Great video Jupiter! 🌻
I'm on and off with trekking poles. I used them for a while after I had a fall that broke my finger. But lately, I've brought them and just left them in my pack. Dead weight. Still there are these times where they are incredibly useful. On loose steep rock where you want to test things. Water crossings. Snow , as you said. I suspect my next hike will be wet and slippery so I will probably bring them and actually use them.
I use 1 (one) trekking pole and I use it only while tough descends or if I need extra stability e.g. on a snow or muddy terrain. Also I use it to erect my tarp. However I like to walk with free hands and I mostly hated poles when I wanted to take a photo or when I am filming. Somehow I believe that human bodies were evolved in millions of years for a reason and moving without such support is the most natural way of walking. One hint: people who walk with poles all the time, are actually gradually diminishing their natural sense for stability and this may lead to uncertainty when walking on narrow ridges etc.
downhill, yep! that's when I use them. uphill if steep, yep! I use them and find them especially helpful when I'm carrying a full pack and the trail is steep enough that I need to resort to the rest step. Poles are a huge help when doing the rest step. Stream crossings, yep! Walking in the water on slipper rocks for a while (like in Aravaipa Canyon), mandatory yep! Hiking across snowfields, definitely yep! Hiking on a flat trail or one with very gentle uphill or downhill slope, nope. I just carry them, one in each hand, held roughly at the midpoint of each pole. If I know I'm facing a long flat stretch of more than a mile, I'll put them on my pack, but most trips they are in my hands for the whole trip.
It took me some time to get used to trekking poles but they just made sense to bring along to set up my non freestanding tent. Now I have grown accustomed to them and I have found they are very useful in keeping suspect dogs away from me which is an issue where I tend to day hike.
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for watching!! I hope you (and your poles) are planning some great hikes for this year!
PCT starting 4/6 - with poles!
Tour du Mont Blanc! Need to fix my meniscus injury first though. Will def be using poles!
I am 80 years old and have been hiking seriously since I was eight years old. I always preferred to have both hands free while hiking. I don't dispute the statistical benefits of trekking poles, but they are not for me. However, in my work as a forester I often carried a "Jake" staff for mounting my compass or marking plot centers when surveying boundary lines or cruising timber. I used the "Jake" staff as a walking staff in between compass settings or sample plots, just because I had it with me. Now in old age I hike with one of my many hand-carved homemade wooden staffs.
So, they are for you. A staff is identical to one trekking pole.
@@csn583 Sort of similar, not quite identical, and only for me now at almost 81 years old. My homemade staffs are around five feet long, for good reasons. They are most useful for breaking cobwebs spanning the trails in early morning. A long staff is nice for, but not needed for, hiking downhill, as I learned how to walk down mountains without a staff in the 1950s (probably from Horace Kephart's Camping & Woodcraft book of 1916-17, or perhaps from my 1918 edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. Years ago, when fording swift streams, if I didn't have my "Jake Staff" with me for professional purposes, I would cut a long pole on site to use for stability and to probe for holes & hidden rocks while crossing. Also, when crossing lakes on thin ice, I used to cut a pole about 10 to 12 feet long, which I carried horizontally in case the ice gave way under me (which, luckily, it never did). Now I sometimes carry a collapsed $10 trekking pole on my walks around town to fend off mad dogs; it is very useful for that. Such are the fond rambling memories of an old woodsman.
I've done a lot of hiking, not Jupiter's number of miles but both the AT, PCT, part of the AT again and a million shorter hikes - almost all without trekking poles. I've tried to force myself to use them and maybe I'm just too stupid or maybe too used to the rhythm of using poles with cross country skiing, but I find it really hard to adjust to the poles. I'm used to walking (and earlier also running) on trails and off trail and placing my feet in the right places is almost automatic. With poles I suddenly have two more things to decide where to place. Not a big deal on easy trails, but as soon as there are roots, rocks, puddles etc etc the poles actually slows me down. There are of course exceptions like when it's icy/slippery or very steep, but that's usually a really small percentage of a hike. As I've gotten older the benefits particularly on downhills have made me use trekking poles more, but it still doesn't feel "right".
I use trekking poles for all the reasons you list, but there is one more for me, and that is my hands swell when I hike, but when I use poles, I have no swelling.
Agree, my hands swell, too, if I don't use trekking poles.
I have noticed that too(good to know i am not the only one). If my arms are just loosely swinging by my sides, the blood seems to rush to the ends, and my hands get puffy. I never get that way with trekking poles.
Some people use extra straps with a loop at their end, connected to the shoulder straps on the pack, to put their hands in these loops, to keep the arms elevated and avoid such swelling. Instead of poles.
The hand swelling is a cause of dehydration. Use electrolytes and drink appropriate amounts of water and it will likely go away
Me too
I love how you are always encouraging to find what works best for each individual.
It's a big and strange world of gear out there! Might as well find the most fun option. For me that is that minimalism and taking some small risks here or there, for others it's the camp chair and fancy stove. It's really awesome how different two backpacking kits can be, and it's only getting better every year with all these new cottage companies cropping up
"Do things your way, and have fun." "..but for now, I'm going to do what makes me happy..". In a society wrought with "I'm right and you're wrong.", Jupiter, your attitude is such a relief and joy to hear. Thanks.
They are a hassle to deal with sometimes, but I really like them for water crossing. Both when going in the water, and when using a fallen tree or log. The tips dig right into the slippery, mossy wood, and make it so much easier and safer.
Here’s a huge reason, maybe reason number 2 on my current hike. Dogs (and other animals). On roadwalk heavy trails like the Florida Trail, having trekking poles can feel very assuring against aggressive dogs
I really appreciate your scientific and nonjudgmental approach to the trekking pole "debate." After hiking several trails with and without poles, the more I use them, the more I like them. The first time I used poles, I didn't have great technique, and they felt mildly helpful and perpetually cumbersome. After I dialed in my technique (thanks Chase Mountains/Nordic Walking) and used them for several thousand miles, they've become immeasurably more helpful
This year I'm planning on walking a few Camino (Frances, del Norte, Ingles, possibly Portugues?), the PCT, and maybe some sections of the CDT, and I'm bringing poles every time!
I could never quite get the hang of using two poles, but now that I'm over 50 I picked up a trekking stick from REI (basically a short single pole) and it has been a godsend to protect my ankles on rocky or rooty inclines/declines and balance during water crossings. Who knows, maybe you'll be a single pole dude.
I started using trekking poles a few years ago (after resisting for a long time) & realized how great they are! The older I get (I’m 50) the more my knees appreciate the help poles afford them.
I imagine 90 percent have them, not use them. Of those that use them, how many only use them occasionally?
I tend to always carry a set on my pack. I use them when I'm crossing a sketchy stream, walking on slicker surfaces, maybe when I'm bonking at the end of the day or to prop up my tarp. 90 percent of the time, I don't use them.
As far as force goes, I altered my gait to reduce the force transmitting to my knees and back. Downhill, I try to bend my knees more like i would riding a hard tail mountain bike, and I land on my midfoot or forefoot while avoiding heel strikes.. Uphill, force isn't really much of an issue.
As far as speed goes, I go quite a bit faster without poles. And the metronomic pace of using poles really detracts from the natural flow that the trail provides.
Better to have than not I guess! Or better to use them occasionally than never. Someone else commented about a trip they took where snow was much worse than what they expected in their planning, and just having the poles on them was very helpful. Me, I just gotta be so stupid careful if I were to run into the same situation as I don't carry them at all
@@JupiterHikes The vast majority of the time, mine are in the side pockets of my old GoLite pack.
When asked why I carry them and don't use them, I just explain they're for ballast to keep my pack balanced and they weigh much less than the set of 5 lb dumbbells I used before I got the poles.
Another time they come in handy is if you roll an ankle or twist a knee. That little bit of support can mean the difference between hiking out or being rescued.
I just started using trekking poles a few years ago & really like them! In addition to the stability they provide & the weight they take off my knees, they also give my arms a great workout.
I’m doubtful about those studies. There is so much variation in every step taken here in the Scottish Highlands, I can’t even begin to imagine how anyone would design an experiment to evaluate the benefits of walking with or without trekking poles. As an example of what I’m thinking about, lab experiments have “proved” that you can’t lose weight by exercising and yet my friends and I have all lost some weight while exercising in the real world. Trying to make an investigation replicable runs the risk of divorcing it from reality.
Having said that, I was stunned to find how much poles with small baskets help spread the weight while hiking across soggy, wet, peaty ground. I sank in much less. Also, poles help when the ground is so tussocky that you can’t see where you are putting your feet.
A thought-provoking video. Thank you for posting it.
One of the benefits I've found with poles, as someone who doesn't hike nearly as much as some other people, is that I can engage more of my upper body muscles on climbs. Setting the poles shorter, it almost feels like climbing a ladder, since you can do a lot of work with your arms. Helps a lot if you're not in the best of hiking shape 😂
Helps to keep arms(somewhat) in shape on long hikes too, because I'm definitely not going to be working out my upper body otherwise!
trekking poles are not only crazy versatile but also cheaper than knee replacement. walking with poles just take more time to get adjusted to than most folks give em.
Hi I had a knee replacement about 1 1/2 years ago. Working well ATB
I use my cherrywood staff, made it myself from a cherry tree branch picked up in 2014. Seasoned for 6 years before stripping, sanding, varnishing. It's seen some miles and is the right height to use as a shelter support. Also has a bit of a hooked end, which helps forage berries etc high up.
Im not sure if you have. Ive been watching your videos on and off for years. But you should do like in depth video from when you set up your camp to when you head out in the morning. I know it would probably be super minimal and not much of a video lol. but still cool to see your entire process unedited or sped up when you make camp. Great videos
I've thought about this, and have included more in recent videos like what you want. Specifically the video from the san diego trans county trail, or a lot of footage of campsites in the superior hiking trail videos. Part of my problem is that the majority of the time I setup camp after dark, and that wouldn't be much of a fun video! But check out "Testing New Gear on the San Diego Trans County Trail" and you'll see more of this kinda thing
@JupiterHikes I will do that thanks for replying!
I almost never carried hiking poles during my 32 years of backpacking and what I learned was how to balance myself. Instead of a 'crutch' I was forced to learn how to walk down a slippery, rocky 10 ft section of trail...spoiler alert... bend knees, take really short steps, angle your feet to brace against the vertical edge of the trail, keep moving so your center of gravity is already on to the next step if you start sliding. One example of a valuable skill that I doubt pole carriers would think of. That gave me such a feeling of freedom and self-sufficiency to really look at a situation and figure out for myself the solution. No bad things happened to me without poles. It is not automatic that you must have them. Of course the idea of feeling the need to walk 20 miles in a day was never a thought. 6 to 10 miles in mountains was more than enough to really savor what you are seeing...isn't that the point of getting away from your usual world of stress and electronics and breathe deeply and slowly?
I get it. My first hikes were in the '60s so trekking poles weren't really an option. And I'm 100% with you on the freedom/unencumbered thing. But as an old guy with a beat up body and a couple of strokes behind me, the poles are a must. My joints like the poles on downhills and my quads like them on uphills. But the biggest thing for me is balance. I hike alone and the no-falling part of trekking poles is what finally sold me. They've saved my tottering, old butt from getting muddy/wet/damaged more times than I can tell you. Fellow old folks; think American Express and don't leave home without them.
I have poles but only break them out when crossing water or ascending/descending steep terrain. And of course to hold up my Zpacks shelter. But, there are plenty of times when camping with friends that I dont bring poles and instead use sticks to hold up my shelter.
I couldn't have done my 2016 thru of the AT without them. With that said, I broke one, and for a week I walked without them, and it was so liberating. I found a sense of balance that was missing when I had them. Still, I will always bring them.
Trekking poles can be used as rolling pins to work out the leg muscle knots after a long day of walking.
They've saved me from getting wrecked pretty badly more than a few times + safely increase my speed by +10%. I know a lot of hikers, especially newer ones, are hesitant to use them because of they feel it's a "bad look"... but I'd say they're nearly as helpful (to me) as good hiking shoes. I recommend everyone carry at least one, especially because you can get them easily under 7oz (some are even under 4oz).
Walking thru tall grass I often use only one pole to tap the ground in front of me to potentially ward off snakes that are hidden. They are also handy to protect from dogs or even other wildlife you might encounter. One can really be handy while silk blazing. And finally, at night while one is used to hold up my tent, I lay the other by the outside entrance as my security blanket for things that go bump in the night.
I'm considering grabbing one pole to bring on a trip next month for water crossings. Would be my first time using poles if I do. Great content!
My friend carries just one pole, he uses it for rivers, but also at the end of the day when he's more tired, or if he wants to change things up a bit. Can be useful, hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for this Jupiter. I never used poles for many years of hiking and then hit the big half century, and have since tried them out and realised that they help me quite a bit mainly on downhills. The annoying aspect is where to put them when you're going uphill and have to grab tree roots etc to pull yourself up- its annoying to have to keep taking off the pack to stash them in side pocket etc. I like them for crossing rivers, it feels a bit safer. Happy hiking!
I hate trekking poles. They are cumbersome, distracting, and yet another item to fuss about. A lot of times i see hikers just carrying their poles and not even using them. If i need something to stabilize while crossing a creek, there is always a dead branch that i can be ready made into a temporary stabilizer to crossing a river. Snow maybe different, but i have yet to desire a pole to cross snow . It is a minimalist thing. If i don't need it, why force yourself to use it? Hiking the PCT, people asked me if i lost my poles. My fellow hikers don't seem to understand that you can, and people have been doing it for millennia, hike without poles. Trekking poles are useless in thick brush or scrambling (using your hands) up or down a slops. Maybe i lack brain compacity to concentrate on feet and poles? I find my mind and body are freer if i don't have to think of where i need to place the pole while walking. I really like being hands free.
I may be one of those you've seen carrying the poles which I do when the trail is flat. But on steep uphill and downhill, I find them invaluable. Also river crossings and snowfield crossings. I've done a lot of backpacking the North Cascades where there are snowfields during the entire hiking season (which lasts about 2 1/2 months!). I used to carry an ice axe for the snowfields, but I found that I'm just not comfortable crossing steep snowfields, so the ones I do cross trekking poles do the job. So I no longer carry an ice axe, too heavy!
Well said. Its like modifying the body we evolved with. Silly.
@@richardalbitus7229I mean, using the handrails in a staircase will make it easier to climb the stairs
I was just using a good stick from the trail but made a tent that uses a hiking pole so I use one pole if I'm not doing a hike-a-bike. Two seems like a lot of hardware to me but I haven't tried it. Mostly helps me with keeping balance to have at least the one.
I like to use one very long wood pole. I am 5'10" and the pole comes up to about my nose. It weighs about a pound. I think it is willow, and I have also used bamboo. I find it super helpful for stream crossings and downhills - you can kind of catch yourself with it. Thanks for the video!
On my AT hike i saw 3 bad falls by pole users. I fell once. Poles slipped in rocks and dug out of dirt. On stick was good and one hand was free!
I use trekking poles but I'm turning 75 in a few months, but I don't use them all the time. They give me a bit more thrust on uphills and better balance and confidence on the dreaded downhills. But I do some very steep downhills where I put the poles away because they just become an extra risk factor. My worst falls seem to have happened on level ground not using trekking poles.
Yes, BALANCE!
I don't use them, I always lose them.. so I gave up + I don't like them. &, I like my hands to be free.
i never used hiking poles until i had knee surgeries in my mid 50s. now, i hike with them all the time. when i am on flat trails, i just carry them.
I kinda feel the same way about poles as Jupiter. However, I do use 1 pole for my tarp shelter...and at 62, I like the extra stability while hiking. So, I compromised and carry ONE trekking pole.
Same here. ☺👍
Be careful with twirling them. I also do that, and one time I flung it about 15ft in the air like a dancers baton, and missed the catch. The metal tip stuck me in the hand and I started bleeding everywhere. Yeah, I know, I am an idiot lol.
I do really love them though. I am a gym rat outside of hiking, and they also help me feel like I am getting a little bit of an upper body workout too, so that it isn't just all legs all day.
They've definitey saved me from probable broken bones.... I like to stop and rest leaning into them when winded.
Agree. Of the multiple reasons for using trekking poles, that's one of them.
Older hikers like me need them for balance. Which I guess, in turn, helps prevent injury (headers).
Have tried to use them but trekking poles make my shoulder injuries worse.
Like already mentioned when I use poles (trekking, not stripping) my hands don't swell at all or as much. Another reason is I can use said trekking pole to move danger noodles off the trails for their safety and mine. Or I can use them for defense if need be. They have many uses beyond the ones they are advertised for.
Thanks for the clarification 😂
I never used poles until I got into my mid fourties, but they have been a real boon for me as I have got older. I tend to stow them if I am on a long flat section, and on plenty of climbs, because as you say, I enjoy the freedom of not being encumbered. But they are absolutely clutch for me on downhills. I slip and fall at the best of times, and the last place I want to get hurt is out in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, the philosophy of "do whatever works for you" is always good advice. 😊
Thank you for offering good information while still stating that the option is totally up to each person.
I use my trekking poles. They have saved me from falling several times and they make those technical trails that I enjoy a bit easier.
I didn’t start using trekking poles until my knees started begging me to. Such a huge help.
I, too, don't like trekking poles, but I, too, am an aging man. I've found that I love the black diamond distance carbon z poles. I don't use them all the time, and they are soo light that I hardly notice when they're strapped to my pack or my chest strap for a quick stash. They are expensive, but for the lightest and quickest to assemble poles, it's worth it imo. Some people complain about durability but I hiked the TA with one pair (that also doubled as my tent poles) and never had a problem!
Nicola Giovanelli, Lara Mari, Asia Patini, and Stefano Lazzer have a more recent study from their one being cited here (2022 vs 2019) titled Pole Walking Is Faster but Not Cheaper During Steep Uphill Walking. it doesn't seem to be a correction, rather this time it's done off the treadmill and up on a mountain, and examines maximum effort.
Found the study, here is the Conclusion : In the examined condition, athletes should use poles during steep uphill maximal efforts to obtain the best performance. Conversely, during submaximal effort, the use of poles does not provide advantages in uphill PW (pole walking)
It’s maybe also just what one is used to - I’m much more likely to trip myself up if I use them while walking at a normal pace, I just feel clumsy while using them. But I do always bring a single one in case of snow or if I’m facing a very very steep descent through slippery, muddy or loose, gravelly terrain. I go mountaineering a lot, so a lot of the time I’m using my hands on the rock and it’s super annoying to keep having to pack them up, get them out again etc. but it’s good to have the one for sticky situations and as a tent pole!
Agree on all points. Plus: Especially when hiking downhill they take a lot of the pressure from the knees and if you work with the poles a little more, it is basically like a full body workout also leading to better posture. Helps your shoulders and spine. I was super doubtful in the beginning, tried them a few times, put them away and now after years of back and forth always use them. True game-changer.
Due to chronic pain I use poles almost 100% of the time, even flatlanding in Florida. What's funny is I end up being able to hike further and faster with less pain than most of my hiking buddies.
I believe hiking poles are very beneficial for a hiker because they provide stability (esp. on downhills, stream crossing, and snow crossings), help relieve knee pressure if you use them correctly, and can help provide a slight forward movement action and cadence when you want to zoom straight ahead. A misnomer about poles is that they have to be expensive, I have had my Black Diamond aluminum poles for 20 years and beat the %$#@ out of them and they cost only $50. The expensive poles on the market, while feel and look good, may not last long with heavy duty use. I went through 3 Komperdells in 2 months.
A lot of the aluminum poles are super cheap compared to carbon ones, and will last a whole lot longer too! Some of them are even lighter weight than many of the carbon
Im 67 trekking are a must for my wife and I they keep us on our feet. They provide additional proprioceptors which helps with balance. Unfortunately I have bad shoulders and can only use 1. I constantly switch poles from right hand to lleft
I can't seem to get used to them either, but they're always in my pack. They bail me out when I get tired and start slipping (literally)
I've tried trekking poles, but I just hate carrying them, I don't like having them in my hands, I always find myself wanting to get rid of them. Just a preference I guess.
I use one pole only for a couple reasons. 1) it leaves one hand free to grab snacks or cameras or whatever so you have less to juggle. 2) In areas that lack trees etc I can still set up my tarp with a good ridge using the pole. 3) It gives me the necessary stability when doing river crossings or snow etc so I'm less likely to fall, granted 2 poles would give more support but you get most of the benefit with only one and having a free hand is still potentially helpful. 4) you still get some of the impact reduction for your body, not as much as two but more than none. 5) when stowed in your pack one pole weighs half as much as two. 6) you have a handy weapon for fighting off those hungry thruhikers and other wildlife. 7) One pole looks less goofy than two.
I love my sticks. I feel they really help me push for longer days
I have never used trekking poles, but usually try to find suitable piece of wood as a staff. They are very handy in rough terrain and stream crossings, but tend to get in my way at other times.
I also tended to lose my found staffs by the end of the trip, so another reason to not buy expensive poles.
I love this! Hike your own hike (said as a trekking pole user)
Im omnipolar, single pole only. Having seen so many Frenchmen in tights in the Himalayas and REI groups clad in gortex in the Sierras, furiously double poling on the trails, I just dislike the vibe. But, chacan a son gout, as they say.
In Australia spider webs across the track are no match for a trekking pole. Snake paranoia also requires some type of weapon in your hand, aka trekking pole. I think I get a little momentum push forward from my arms muscles that are otherwise doing nothing all day. Thank you. Ray.
Always a treking pole pole user. Sometimes, a single pole will suffice.
I never felt the need for them except when coming down Rainier and Kilimanjaro. When dealing with so much decline at once it was just too much for my knees. Luckily I had poles with me. And now that I'm pushing 60 I think it's probably just a good preventative measure to use them regularly, especially when I can use them for my shelter now. hyoh
Hhmm, I will be on the PCT in just a few days and I will definitely be bringing poles. But who knows , maybe I will ditch them eventually?
Plant Papa
I carry them, but use them sparingly. They definitely help on uphill and downhill stretches. But on moderate grades they just annoy me.
Tried the trekking pole thing also, but being an old military guy, the only item I carried in my hands was a my rifle. Could never get use to the poles, like having my hands free when I hike. I even tried a hiking staff, but I just cradled it in my arms like my weapon. Old habits die hard I guess.
So many times Ives slipped down and caught myself with my trekking poles
I like hiking with 1 pole. Two poles is too much of a hassle and they are more of a hinderance to me. Hiking with one pole gets me in a nice flow and rhythm, especially going up hill. Getting out the pole is also a kind of mental cue for me, "hiking has begun". I'm in hiking mode with the pole.
I use them every hike! Too many injuries and now too heavy of pack haha
Anyone else see that the rocks in the shot starting at 7:23 look like an eagle spreading its wings?
Yeah amazing
Well, it is called Eagle Rock… the southern PCT.
I refused to use trekking poles for years. Then I finally started using them at age 45, and my knees thanked me. I think it's analogous to riding a bike with clipless instead of flat pedals. It takes some getting used to, but once you start, you don't want to go back. Now it feels wrong if I don't have trekking poles while hiking.
That is a great analogy to bikes!
Also, trekking poles train your arms which are normally just dangling around during hiking :D
And because of that he need to train using them, because you will feel it otherwise.
When i was younger i felt i didnt need poles. Once i got into my 50s they became indespensible. Jupiter, as you get older your balance, agility and reaction time deteriorates and i think you will ultimately come to use them.
Ultralight cult tip. Take off the baskets. Only use for them is the really big sizes on snow. They always get caught up on roots and plants and just sink into mud anyway.
Sacrificing a small amount of efficiency for the sake of increased enjoyment makes a ton of sense. It's almost as if the absence of poles is a "luxury item" for you.
Most of the time I use trekking poles, but there are times I don't use them,just don't feel like it.
How do you put your tent or tarp up without a trekking pole? Do you always manage to find a stick or a tree?
I have never once had a problem with finding a stick or tree or bush. But on this hike my partner is carrying trekking poles, so if we need them, they're there. Other hikes though and I've never used or needed them
Thanks!
Love my Lekis
Trekking poles are awesome. HOWEVER, I see sooo many hikers holding them incorrectly. With the strap down they just reach through the loop and grab the handle. I'm sure there are many videos out there on the correct way. With the correct way, you can put a lot of weight on the poles, especially when going downhill.
nice😊
As someone with a trekking pole tent , I use em. Otherwise, i wouldn't.
Hiking pole are usefull with agressive dogs
Is there a weed segment ?
Choose to use hiking poles before you NEED to use hiking poles.
Funny. “Here are 10 reasons to use trekking poles, but I don’t use them.”
While I use poles most of the time I find that I hike faster without them
WAKE UP JUPITER HIKES JUST DROPPED ANOTHER VIDEO ‼️
They are a pita. All of Europe doesn’t use them.
European here. True, we don't use them. But, I just started using them and they have some advantages!
i seriously doubt 97% of hikers use trekking poles. maybe 50% at most. besides, they use trekking poles because thats what youtubers told them to do.
That number was taken from three very large surveys of CDT and PCT thru hikers, with a sample size of 2,500 people. They showed that for three years, on those two trails, that 97% of those surveyed used trekking poles. A smaller survey of Appalachian Trail thru hikers (400 participants) also shows about 95% trekking poles use. So taking the three surveys together, that's about 3,000 people all attempting to walk more than 2,000 miles in one go across the country, and only a very tiny minority of them were not using trekking poles.
This is certainly not indicative of 'hikers' as a whole, but it is for thru hikers.
Trekking poles are virtue signaling writ large haha
I'm in the same camp as you. I don't like using trekking poles because I find them awkward.
I also love using poles to "test" the ground in front of me. Especially helpful in deeper snow or while crossing rivers.
Same for me, i like to put my hands in my pockets or loop into shoulder straps. Also i feel like i look way cooler with out them.
Maybe you should use the Community tab to take a pole 😉 on how many of your viewers use them.
Lol
😊 Thx for the great video! 👍 I have a love/hate relationship with poles … so I compromise and take just one. It’s perfect! Helps with all those things you mentioned AND leaves one hand free at all times for everything else (food, camera, toothbrush, etc.). It’s a win-win ❤
Team no poles here! I can see the benefits, but there's also drawbacks to using poles too. Potentially, ankle ligaments and tendons become stronger without using poles. Using poles burns more calories, which could either be a positive or negative, depending on your perspective. Most of all, personally, I like to have my hands free: Easy to grab onto rocks; Easy to get my phone for photos/videos/navigation; Most importantly, easy to reach for snacks! Also, no annoying clacking noise from pole tips on rocks 😅
Maybe in the future I'll have to do a part two :) As I very much agree with your reasons for not using them!
@@JupiterHikes Yeah, that would be good. There's definitely positives and negatives to both. As with so many things, a lot comes down to personal preference. Great content, as always 👍
The calories argument is interesting. I always assumed you burn more calories per hour, not per mile? Since you go faster.
Once I went trekking pole I never went back. Another bonus is my hands don't get swollen anymore from hanging down below heart level and swinging. Great video Jupiter! 🌻
I'm on and off with trekking poles. I used them for a while after I had a fall that broke my finger. But lately, I've brought them and just left them in my pack. Dead weight. Still there are these times where they are incredibly useful. On loose steep rock where you want to test things. Water crossings. Snow , as you said. I suspect my next hike will be wet and slippery so I will probably bring them and actually use them.
I don't use trekking poles, but I probably would if I wasn't caring my tripod and camera for every mile 😆
Big reason for me too, camera in hand every 10 minutes is made a lot easier hands free
I use 1 (one) trekking pole and I use it only while tough descends or if I need extra stability e.g. on a snow or muddy terrain. Also I use it to erect my tarp. However I like to walk with free hands and I mostly hated poles when I wanted to take a photo or when I am filming. Somehow I believe that human bodies were evolved in millions of years for a reason and moving without such support is the most natural way of walking.
One hint: people who walk with poles all the time, are actually gradually diminishing their natural sense for stability and this may lead to uncertainty when walking on narrow ridges etc.
I’m hiking the desert in the winter, there are two additional benefits. Snake probing and holding sharp branches aside. Poles are invaluable!
downhill, yep! that's when I use them. uphill if steep, yep! I use them and find them especially helpful when I'm carrying a full pack and the trail is steep enough that I need to resort to the rest step. Poles are a huge help when doing the rest step. Stream crossings, yep! Walking in the water on slipper rocks for a while (like in Aravaipa Canyon), mandatory yep! Hiking across snowfields, definitely yep! Hiking on a flat trail or one with very gentle uphill or downhill slope, nope. I just carry them, one in each hand, held roughly at the midpoint of each pole. If I know I'm facing a long flat stretch of more than a mile, I'll put them on my pack, but most trips they are in my hands for the whole trip.
Upper body workout and all other reasons mentioned to use poles.
It took me some time to get used to trekking poles but they just made sense to bring along to set up my non freestanding tent. Now I have grown accustomed to them and I have found they are very useful in keeping suspect dogs away from me which is an issue where I tend to day hike.