{"id":726,"date":"2021-08-04T22:59:24","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T22:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moderndayexploring.com\/?p=726"},"modified":"2021-10-03T07:30:56","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T07:30:56","slug":"can-you-use-just-one-hiking-pole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/can-you-use-just-one-hiking-pole\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use Just ONE Hiking Pole?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Hiking poles are generally sold in pairs. They are probably meant to be used as a pair then. One hiking pole for each hand. But what if a pole breaks mid-hike? Should you put both poles away? Or can you carry on hiking with just one hiking pole?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people prefer to use just one hiking pole when hiking. Hiking with one hiking pole does not have to be restricted to when one of yours breaks on the trail. The deciding factor is usually a personal preference in the debate between using one hiking pole and a pair of hiking poles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It just depends on what you, as a hiker, are more comfortable doing. Some hikers swear by the one-pole method, while others are fully committed to being four-legged hikers. Getting out in the wilderness and experimenting with the different options is one way to figure out where you stand in this debate. But before you head to the trail, here are a few things to keep in mind while you are still on the fence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking poles bear some of the weight that your ankles and knees would otherwise carry. Although using two hiking poles is probably more effective than using one, using one hiking pole is better than using none!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When crossing rivers, snowy conditions, or hiking down steep scree slopes, using just one hiking pole is equally as effective as using two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking poles can serve as a gentle workout for your arms, making hiking a full-body workout. You might have to switch arms occasionally when using one pole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On an uphill, hiking poles can help prevent you from bending forward at the hips. This correction to your posture means that your glutes stay activated. Staying upright also means that you can better plan your route, and your lungs can fully expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many hikers, this is the main advantage of using one hiking pole. Only using one hiking pole means that you always have one hand free for snacks, the GPS, a map, a dog leash, or (in extreme conditions) an ice ax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major advantage to only using one hiking pole is that it saves on weight while still giving you all the advantages of using two hiking poles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using just one hiking pole feels more natural for the many hikers who have grown up walking with sticks picked up along the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often only buying a single hiking pole is cheaper than buying two hiking poles. You could also buy a pair of hiking poles split the price with your hiking partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The great thing about using just one hiking pole is that it gives you most of the functionality of hiking with two poles, but you only have to carry half the weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking poles bear some of the weight that your knees and ankles would otherwise carry. Even though one hiking pole will bear some of this weight, it won\u2019t bear this weight symmetrically. Although you might be able to lean on a single hiking pole with both hands in technical and steep conditions, this is not possible when walking longer distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some hikers find it easier to find a walking rhythm when they are using two hiking poles. This rhythm might be harder to find when using only one hiking pole. But the good news is that walking with one pole is less prescriptive than walking with two \u2013 so you are free to find your rhythm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where using two poles can help you pull yourself up a steep incline, one step at a time; only using one pole is a lot less effective on the uphill.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits to using one hiking pole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros to using just one hiking pole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cons to using just one hiking pole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n