https://www.reddit.com/r/14ers/comments/bymxcv/should_i_bring_trekking_poles_to_hike_bierstadt/
created by margotiii on 09/06/2019 at 17:51 UTC*
9 upvotes, 11 top-level comments (showing 11)
I’m planning on hiking my first 14er in two weeks on Saturday June 22nd.
When I originally scheduled this, I thought there’d be way less snow in late June, but all the All Trails reports from yesterday say snow shoes were a must.
I have snow shoes and micro spikes and like winter hiking, but Bear Peak in Boulder is probably the steepest thing I’ve hiked in the winter and the overall elevation even at the summit is still low (less than 9,000 I think)
All this background to ask, should I bring trekking poles for Bierstadt in a couple of weeks? I don’t own poles and have never used them. Honestly, I never got why young people with good knees ever use them.
Is there something I’m missing with trekking poles that make them more useful at higher elevations? Would you recommend getting a pair for my hike in a few weeks? Or would snowshoes/ micro spikes be enough for a comfortable, moderately experienced hiker, with good balance?
EDIT: consensus is in on trekking poles. I’ll definitely give them a go on my next hike. It sounds like they add a lot of efficiency, and when hiking long distances at high elevations, I’ll take every little bit I can get.
Comment by Theo_Belk at 09/06/2019 at 17:56 UTC
25 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Sticks are good for anybody regardless of age or ability. They help with balance and with slippery situations. Try them out and see if you like them. Can’t hurt.
Comment by 7piecechicken at 09/06/2019 at 18:00 UTC
24 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I’ve found that hiking with trekking poles takes a lot of the work away from your legs and keeps you from getting too fatigued. This gets you up and down the mountain a lot faster. It also really helps with recovery as your legs won’t be as sore for the days following your hike.
Comment by madmattd at 09/06/2019 at 18:23 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It’s a personal thing in non-snowshoeing situations. They help with descents and I find they take a lot of load off not just the knees but the legs in general. But some folks just don’t like them, which is fine.
If snowshoeing (doubtful you’ll need those in 2 weeks other than possibly through the willows but you never know - things are melting fast now that Spring actually appeared for more than 2 days), they are hugely helpful to not face plant. Or am I just really climbed? ;)
Comment by [deleted] at 09/06/2019 at 18:19 UTC
5 upvotes, 2 direct replies
REI will rent you a pair for $16 for a few days. Give them a go.
Comment by DeeJayEazyDick at 09/06/2019 at 22:12 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I used to think why do people use those? Now I am a believer. I use them for hiking and hunting, have got a lot of my friends started on using them as well. My fiance said she wouldn't have been able to do quandary without them. I can really tell the difference on the descent where you have more impact on your knees and ankles.
Comment by urfouy at 10/06/2019 at 01:19 UTC
5 upvotes, 1 direct replies
My fiance loves gear so I got him a pair of hiking poles for his birthday a few years ago. At the time I felt the same as you: why do young people ever use these things? But I got them for him anyway because he loves all types of outdoor gadgets and I figured poles were something he wasn't likely to buy himself.
Fast forward a few years and we both love the hiking poles. They make everything so much easier: going up, coming down, glissading, and pointing at distant objects.
Comment by honestlyluke at 10/06/2019 at 00:36 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I never hike without them anymore. If you’re using them properly and stop using them after a few miles you can definitely tell a difference - aka, it sucks to not use them.
Comment by gusty_state at 10/06/2019 at 05:10 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Young guy with good knees here. I can usually cover 30 miles/day while backpacking but I use them because they save my knees and my energy. If I'm taking more than a minimal camelback (~10 lbs), I take the poles. They help a lot on descents and if you're doing large step ups, especially with a heavier pack. I started with just using them for backpacking and snowshoeing but I'll take them on 14er trips as well because I tend to carry enough that they help. At higher elevations it's much nicer to lean on them while you're catching your breath than to try to find something to lean or sit on.
The only time I carry a heavier pack without them is for climbing because the approaches tend to be very short.
Comment by [deleted] at 10/06/2019 at 04:31 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m younger and felt self conscious the first time I started a hike with them but I will never go back. I actually only use one (the other one I loan to my frequent hiking buddy whom I also converted) and really like having the support of the pole as well as the free hand
Comment by Leatherhead_jarneck at 10/06/2019 at 12:39 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Another vote for sticks. Besides the other benefits, they are the shiz for keeping balance on stream crossings.
Comment by eltroyo28 at 10/06/2019 at 00:29 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This is strictly preference. Up to you.