Thought the whole 'hiking poles are a gimmick' thing was true until my knees gave out on the Superior Trail

For years I swore hiking poles were just extra weight to carry. I figured my legs were fine without them. Then last summer on the Superior Hiking Trail near Lutsen, my right knee started popping on every downhill around mile 8 of a 14 mile day. I borrowed a friend's cheap Leki poles for the last stretch and honestly it felt like someone took 40 pounds off my back. Has anyone else had that moment where a piece of gear you dismissed turned out to actually be worth it?

2 comments

2 Comments

grace891d ago

Calling them a "crutch for people who never bothered to strengthen their legs" misses how they save your knees on long downhills.

thompson.reese1d ago

Wait, are you saying poles actually helped with your knee pain though? I've always seen them as more of a crutch for people who never bothered to strengthen their legs properly, lol. Honestly, I still think they're overrated unless you're carrying a heavy pack or have existing joint issues.

-1