To trekking pole, or NOT to trekking pole? | Miranda in the Wild

I love trekking poles. I use one all the time and carry the second just in case I need it. For me, it reduces a lot of pain away from my knees while descending, both poles assist climbing on steep terrain. At 60, I thought my days on the trail are over, the biggest benefit, I can now enjoy the outdoors once again.

I like that they keep my hands up which keeps them from getting swollen from swinging them back and forth. They also work for checking geocaching areas for snakes.

Topic suggestion: Leave No Trace. It’s just really sad to see how many people don’t know about it or don’t follow it

I met Miranda at Urich Cabin on the PCT last year when she was doing a little REI trail magic for thru-hikers. Such a sweetheart and such a delight to talk to!

I used to trail run, and loved hiking. But then one run my knee decided "well, I’m done." And now hikes meant knee pain and swelling for days after. Even short three mile hikes were too much. I got trekking poles last year, and it is enough to take the pressure/weight off my knees that I can hike again! I will forever be thankful for trekking poles allowing me to get back out there.

I am 58 with back and knee issues so i started using poles over 10 years ago and they have had a profound positive affect on my hiking posture and significant relief to my knees so I am an advocate for what ever technology keeps me moving forward in my adventures...as far as people passing judgment on those who use them has yet to be seen by me but i'm sure there are those who practice hyper self absorbed behaviors and to those I say.....go #$#@ yourselves and live your own life

I always brought them on hikes with lots of elevation and left them home on short, or flat hikes. Then, last year a guy (not with our group) fell and busted himself up pretty bad while I was leading a group of cub scouts on a short hike. After administering some first aid, the guy was able to walk the 2 miles out with the help of a walking stick one of the scouts lent him. He probably couldn’t have walked that far without one. Now, I bring my trekking poles on every hike.

“Like a little goat human” hilarious.

Being the klutzy sort who can tip over just standing still, I love my trekking poles for all sorts of trails, even flattish ones. I made sure to practice with them in town A LOT before I went off into the woods, so that the movement was pretty natural; really glad I did!

I'll carry a single trekking pole on day hikes in Florida. It's the perfect spider stick & I'll use it to search for snakes in flooded portions of the trail. A trekking pole is also a wonderful tool when navigating muddy terrain.

Miranda has so much personality and it's amazing. Some outdoor YouTubers are so dryyyy. Miranda makes it FUN

You’re a delight.

Now I feel like REI needs to sell a "little goat human" hiking themed shirt.

Actually, there's no question! I refer to trekking poles as "four wheel drive for humans." I love my titanium (ultra-lightweight), shock absorbing trekking poles that I purchased from REI years ago. I always use the included rubber tips on rocky terrain, as well as the included bales in leaves and snow. I lead hikes and offer my second set of trekking poles to any participant who'd like to try them out. I've never had a bad comment about them, even though this set are aluminum and not shock absorbing, although the rubber tips and bales are still all there!

Using a tracking pole is like someone constantly pushing you in the back to help you move forward. It increases your stability and speed. Even with one taking pole it allowed me to move much faster.

Great video. Keep them coming!!!!

Yes, Trekking poles are a very useful splinting component. Because you can vary the length of each of them they are particularly useful for legs. And...lots of people have them, so you're not carrying in components thta have only one use. Highly recommend that everyone take the opportunity to do a Wilderness First Responder class. NOLS or WMA both have a great curriculum.

I always enjoy Miranda's videos. Having hit 60 this year, I think it might be time for me go to Trekking poles.

Great information. I just posted a video of my last trip( 20 miles up a moutain, no trekking poles) i regretted not having them. Totally worth the weight and price.

Hi Miranda, great video again. When I got into the outdoors many years ago I fell into the why would you ever use those things camp. However, as I got older, especially after getting arthritis in my hips I have seen the benefit. Over the years the science has won me over. The amount of stress you take off of your hips and knees is amazing. It also makes you more stable. For all that I was using them incorrectly for years. Since learning how to use them properly I have truly become a convert. I am even considering taking up Nordic Walking. However if I hear one more person say 'Where are your skies?' I may lose my sense of humour!!!!!