Got some Black Diamond trekking poles for hiking this summer. Family is avid day hikers in the mountains. Annual family trips. The past few years, have had sore quads/knees on the descent. Anyone find these useful or just a marketing gimmick?

I'm actually researching them for a hike in Big Bend laster this year.

I find that descending is terrible on my joints and they say using poles spreads the weight around.

I also would love some insight.

Huge fan of them. And yes, just as much (if not more) on the downhill than the up hill. Learning to use them is very easy. Make sure you use the wrist straps correctly to give you leverage. I find it fun, too.

Typically, I start a hike (or long trail run) with them in my pack. Then pull them out when the grade gets hard.

I have the Black Diamond carbon ones so they are supper light... but I think the regular ones are fine too.

def not a marketing gimmick. I rarely hike with poles (unless i'm doing a multi day with a heavy pack), but I definitely use them in mountainous ultra marathons. Learn to use them properly, otherwise, its kind of a waste.

What's the technique?

I used to make fun of people who used them. But after using them for a trail race in Colorado, I bought some black diamond folding carbon poles.

I don't use them frequently though, it's dependent on distance and terrain.

AggieOO said:

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def not a marketing gimmick. I rarely hike with poles (unless i'm doing a multi day with a heavy pack), but I definitely use them in mountainous ultra marathons. Learn to use them properly, otherwise, its kind of a waste.

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And don't trip over them.

I did my first overnight hike without poles. Was shocked how badly the downhill portions were bugging me at the end (uphill remained fine).

Got Black Diamond poles and it really takes wear iff your knees. Not a gimmick- they help a ton!

I've used trekking poles for over 20 years. Not a gimmick. Your knees will thank you, your back will thank you, etc.

Used mine religiously until TSA at Love Field stole them in security so just be aware that could happen if you aren't checking them. I had traveled with them on my pack for years with no issues even directly post 9/11 but a militant supervisor in Dallas took them a few years ago. An outlier but something to be aware of.

They are a must. Great for balance with a heavy pack, and a godsend for your knees going downhill.

Use them correctly. Hand goes up through the strap, and then down on the grip. Going downhill, hold the top of the pole in your palm.

Edit: depending on your use and pack situation, you might prefer telescoping poles vs folding. I find they are easier to secure to my pack. I find that carbide tips work best for everything.

We hiked about 75 miles through Patagonia a few years ago, and other than the windbreaker, the poles are in my top two most important items to bring if you're going to Patagonia in March. They aren't a gimmick, they're necessary.

I'll echo what most others are say. Trekking poles are definitely worth it. Bought some a few years ago, and always take them with me now when I go hiking. If you are carrying any heavy loads, they especially help with stability.

Not a gimmick - On flat smooth terrain their not very noticeable, BUT everything else they are big help. Your knee's ankles and feet will thank you, especially on rocky/steeper declines.

I remember I finally got a good pair when I lived in CO and hiked some of the 14ers....it made the descent much easier as already mentioned.

Ok... I'm looking at retirement. Want to do a lot of hiking and camping. I know I know im just a dumb meat head, but I have ran a marathon. I can't compete with guys like OO. Got tons of respect for a lot of you guys as well.

But...

Screw all of you. Yalll just cost me 200 bucks. You guys say X about certain things... im smart enough to listen.

My and my beautiful wife's poles just came in.

So hiking in Arizona and in Utah th last two years, it was the descent that really bothered my joints.

i hoping poles will help.

Ordered these for a trip to North Cascades National Park last year

https://a.co/d/0ckbRuYh

They are awesome and I'll never go on a long hike without them

My wife and I both took sets of Komperdells with us to Patagonia. They helped a ton on icy/snowy rocks. The slopes on the hills were so significant that while they helped a ton, my knees still ached for days.