Trekking poles are one of those trail tools you don’t realize you need—until you use them. Whether you're climbing a steep switchback or navigating a rocky descent, trekking poles help maintain balance, reduce stress on your knees, and distribute your energy more evenly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top reasons to bring trekking poles on your next adventure, and exactly when they come in handy.

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), we believe smart design and proper support make every hike more enjoyable and efficient—trekking poles are no exception.

The Science Behind the Stability

Using trekking poles activates your upper body muscles to share the load with your legs. This reduces strain on your knees, ankles, and hips—especially on downhill segments where impact is highest.

Plus, poles help with:

Balance on tricky terrain like loose gravel, river crossings, and uneven rock paths

Maintaining rhythm on long ascents and flat trails alike

Reducing fatigue over long distances, especially with a heavy pack

Paired with a well-fitted pack—like our range of comfortable hiking backpacks by Aarn—trekking poles help your entire body move more efficiently.

When You Should Definitely Use Trekking Poles

While trekking poles are helpful on any hike, they’re especially beneficial in these situations:

1. Steep ascents and descents – Shift weight and protect your knees

2. Heavy pack days – Poles take the stress off your spine and joints

3. Unpredictable terrain – Rocks, snow, and muddy trails call for extra balance

4. Stream crossings – Extra points of contact mean greater safety

5. Multi-day trips – Save energy and reduce muscle soreness

Pairing poles with ultralight backpacking gear or our light camping gear creates a system that minimizes fatigue and maximizes performance on the trail.

What to Look For in a Good Pair

All trekking poles aren’t created equal. When choosing your next pair, consider:

• Adjustable height to match your stride and terrain

• Shock absorption for joint protection

• Strong yet lightweight materials, like carbon fiber or aluminum

• Comfortable grips that reduce chafing and improve control

• Collapsible or foldable designs for easy storage

The right poles should feel like an extension of your body. If you’re planning to shop for hiking daypacks online or build a full kit, make sure your poles integrate with your storage system.

Pair Poles with the Right Gear

Using trekking poles effectively also means choosing gear that complements your movement. A balanced load helps your poles do their job, and our gear is designed with that in mind.

Check out:

• Packs with front balance pockets for better center of gravity

• Options to buy comfortable trekking backpacks that move with your body

• Packs from our lightweight adventure gear store that reduce strain from the start

When poles and packs work together, you’ll hike longer, safer, and happier.

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), we design and supply gear that enhances your outdoor experience—whether you're scaling alpine trails or walking forest loops. Our balance-centric backpack systems work hand-in-hand with your trekking poles to ensure every movement is efficient and supported.

Explore our selection that includes ultralight hiking packs and other ultralight hiking gear, and build your ideal setup. Need to restock essentials? You can also buy camping socks or order camping equipment online from our store. Every piece is tested for durability and crafted for adventure.

Find your perfect match and experience the difference that smart gear makes on the trail. Contact us to get started.