Gear Advice: Why We Recommend Walking Poles
If you’ve already joined us on a Large Outdoors walking weekend or challenge, then you’ll know kit often becomes a lively talking point. From admiring someone’s waterproof to debating whether walking poles are helpful or just extra weight, there’s always an opinion to be shared.
When it comes to walking poles, views can (excuse the pun) be poles apart. But here’s our take:
Walking Poles Are Not a Cop-Out
Let’s start by clearing up a common myth – using walking poles is not cheating.
Research from Northumbria University has shown that using poles can reduce muscle soreness and help maintain muscle function. In short, they can reduce the load on your joints and muscles, especially when descending steep slopes.
We see this first-hand on trips like the Yorkshire Three Peaks or our hillier social weekends. Poles help reduce pressure on the knees, support your balance on uneven terrain, and give added confidence on rocky or muddy sections. On longer days, they also help distribute effort more evenly across your body, reducing fatigue.
While poles aren’t part of our compulsory kit list, we highly recommend them for both challenge events and relaxed walking weekends, particularly if you have knee sensitivity or feel less steady on uneven ground.
Choosing the Right Walking Poles
There’s a huge range of poles on the market, from budget options to high-spec kit for expeditions. Here are some things to look for:
Adjustable Length: This allows you to shorten the poles for uphill sections and lengthen them for descents. Most people aim for a position where the forearm is horizontal when the tip touches the ground.
Lightweight Materials: Aluminium or carbon fibre are common. Lighter poles reduce strain on your arms, especially on longer walks.
Comfortable Grip: Foam or cork handles are more comfortable on long days.
Shock Absorption: Some poles include built-in shock absorption which can help with impact on hard surfaces or long descents.
Folding or Collapsible: Ideal for packing into a rucksack when not in use, especially on mixed-terrain days.
From experience, you can pick up a good pair with basic shock absorption from around £20. It’s worth trying a few to see what feels comfortable for you.
Extra Benefits and Clever Uses
Walking poles are surprisingly versatile. Beyond balance and joint support, they can also be handy for:
Testing the depth of mud or puddles before stepping in.
Gently clearing brambles or nettles from the path.
Helping maintain rhythm and pace on long flat sections.
Acting as extra points of stability when crossing streams or stepping over rocks.
And yes, they’ve even been jokingly used to keep our trip leaders in check (just kidding – we’re very well behaved!).
In a Nutshell:
Not compulsory, but highly recommended – especially for uneven ground or longer distances.
Help reduce knee strain – especially when walking downhill.
Offer balance and confidence – useful for anyone a bit nervous on rocky or muddy ground.
Affordable options available – start at around £20.
If you’ve been considering poles for your next trip, now might be the time to give them a go. Just make sure you know how to use them properly – and remember, there’s no shame in adding some extra support to your walk.
