Do not allow your age to be the deciding factor in regards to whether or not you carry and use trekking poles on the trail. Plainly, that would be foolish.

Trekking poles will save your body both now and later down the line. Get over the fact that you feel like they are for old people and embrace all that they can do to create a more comfortable, less jarring hike.

For anyone who has ever hiked, it is understood that the descending can be the most impactful on your body. You feel it in your knees, hips, and ankles more than any other part of the trek. Sometimes even, especially at the end of a multi-day loop, it feels like you are hobbling back to the car because your body is so fatigued. Every downward step feels like your lower half has become the mountain’s lunch. You are tired and this sometimes creates a sloppy technique. You may be more careless with where you step or place your foot vs. a heightened awareness closer to the beginning of your journey.

This is where trekking poles are key. They are your friend – one who will have you in mind when things get rough. In using trekking poles correctly, you are able to lessen the impact of a downward step on your body. The poles absorb some of the impact for you, allowing you to step more lightly, easing up on your ankles, hips and knees.

The benefits do not stop there. Trekking poles also allow their users additional points of contact strengthening one’s stability and balance. In the mountains, you are going to find a variety of terrain, some much more technical than other sections. You may be navigating down a steep section with boulders that are five feet in height or taller. This is an optimal time to place your poles down on the ground below and ease your way down without the jarring of a jump from that high up. Your body will thank you.

With all of this said, there will be times that you stow your poles away and do not use them. That is okay too. There will be times when the trail is smooth and pretty fast moving. These times may be less necessary for poles, but you could also use them on this terrain if desired.

Lastly, we found that our trekking poles were highly useful when crossing rivers. We did not find that we crossed rivers too often, but when we did our trekking poles helped to provide us a better idea of how deep certain areas were. Sometimes the water is rushing so fast that you cannot see the riverbed below you. Feeling around with your trekking poles offers the ability to gauge a certain area’s depth. That way, there are no surprises when you step down. The last thing you want is to be submerged in deeper water and in turn, in an unsafe, high risk situation. Firmly placing your poles in the water creates an anchor. River crossings can be extremely dangerous and one wrong move can lead to injury, and not to be dramatic, but sometimes even death. Crossing as safely as possible is key – trekking poles can help aid in this.

Long story short, get over the fact that you are not invincible. Your age does not matter in the mountains. Your body will be affected no matter how young or old you may be. Trekking poles will be your friend – do not be above using them or at least trying them. Honestly, we did not think we were going to invest in trekking poles initially. After talking with a REI professional and purchasing a pair for each of us, we will never turn back. We’ve realized the benefits first-hand and can promise that you too will reap the benefits if you give them a whirl.