Both the hiking pole vs. walking stick provides additional stability and support when you are on the trail. But which one is better? Let’s read to explore!
Hiking Pole vs. Walking Stick: Comparison Table
Both walking sticks (or staffs) and Trekking poles offer extra stability and support when you’re out on the trail. But which one is the most advantageous?
Let’s look at the two head-to-head, trekking pole vs. walking stick, and see if there is a clear winner.
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Walking Stick |
Hiking Poles |
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| Technique |
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| Support |
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| Packability |
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| Versatility |
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| Average Price |
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What Is The Difference Between Hiking Pole vs. Walking Stick: Head-To-Head Comparison
Hiking Pole vs. Walking Stick has actually come with unique pros and cons that serve a specific purpose. Let me walk you through the core differences between these two categories.
1. Cost
One of the aspects that hikers are most interested in is the cost involved.
You can get an affordable pair of trekking poles for about $30 and over $150 for a lightweight and high-tech pair.
Otherwise, it is possible to buy a wooden hiking staff for just $15. But you won’t lose any money if you get one stick from the woods.
The winner is the hiking staff.
2. Packability
When it comes to transporting your staff or poles, the adjustability of a trekking pole makes it easy for you to put it in your backpack.
Nowadays, hiking poles can be folded up neatly to fit in the smallest backpacks when not in use. It means you don’t have to hold them in your hands constantly during your journey.
On the other hand, the hiking stick is typically longer. Moreover, as you cannot fold it, the only way to carry it is to hold it by hand.
Since you can’t put the hiking stick in your backpack, it doesn’t work well if you have to do any scrambling that requires both hands.
But if you use a stick from a tree, you can toss it and find another one afterward.
So it is no surprise that trekking poles are the winner in this category.
The winner is the hiking poles.
3. Versatility
Trekking poles are typically adjustable, so you can adjust them to the proper length for the body’s proportions. You can also adjust them when going uphill and downhill.
Furthermore, some tarps and tents can work with trekking poles as tent poles. So you may consider trekking poles to lighten your load.
Hiking staffs are not versatile as they are not adjustable and cannot be utilized as a substitute for tent poles.
So there’s no doubt that hiking poles are the winner in this category.
The winner is the hiking poles.
4. Technique
Walking with hiking poles can encourage you to utilize your whole body when walking.
It may allow you to conserve energy and be more efficient. Also, it allows you to speed up and burn more calories.
Although it may take you some time to get used to the hiking poles, they do not require any training and so much skill to master.
On the flip side, a hiking stick probably doesn’t improve your walking technique. While it doesn’t hinder anything, you have to walk asymmetrically.
A hiking stick can cause you to lean to one side or limp, which affects your gait, slows you down and expends more energy.
The winner is the hiking poles.
5. Support
As you use two trekking poles, they will help you maintain your balance better.
When you stumble, you have a good opportunity of catching yourself before going down as you have one hiking pole in each hand.
Although a walking staff may give you some support, you will not receive the even support as a pair of hiking poles.
If you fall towards the side that is not holding the walking stick, there is a high chance you will lose your balance and fall.
Hiking Pole vs. Walking Stick: Which One Is Better?
When you are deciding between the hiking staff and trekking poles, it is clear that the answer depends on your needs.
If you want something that can give you good support when hiking, improve your walking technique, and put in a backpack when not in use, you can’t go wrong with hiking poles.
Although hiking poles can be pricey, a lot of excellent budget selections are available out there.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something for light support and looking like one wizard, a hiking staff is the way to go. You can also use a tree branch in the forest as a hiking stick.
FAQs
The answers and information below will help you gain more insights into the traits and qualities of the Hiking Pole vs. Walking Stick.
Is a Walking Pole Better Than a Walking Stick?
Although both items increase the base of support and assist the lower body, hiking poles aren’t ideal substitutes for walking sticks as their fulcrum isn’t as strong, and their base might not deliver traction on slippery ground.
Are Walking Sticks Good for Hiking?
Utilizing walking sticks will lower the accumulated stress on the feet, knees, legs, and back by sharing the loads evenly across your whole body. It is especially true if you carry a heavy backpack on your back.
Can You Use Trekking Poles as Walking Poles?
Trekking poles can assist you in walking on various terrain with confidence.
These poles are one of the standard hiking accessories that are valuable for anyone who needs more stability and balance. So using trekking poles as walking poles is basically okay.
Are Hiking Poles Bad for Trails?
You can use hiking poles on trails because they provide stability and balance.
But they may tear up soft soil, damage trailside vegetation, and scar rocks. Fortunately, you can minimize those harms by following a few tips:
- Do not utilize trekking poles when you do not need them, and avoid using them in soft conditions, such as loose dirt or mud.
- You should use rubber tips. The metal carbide at the ends of your hiking poles can leave ugly scars, but you can attach rubber tips to your poles to minimize this.
Do You Need 1 or 2 Walking Poles?
When utilizing walking poles, many people use two poles, but it is not uncommon to only carry one.
A downside is that if you use one pole for a prolonged period, you will work out one side of your body more than the other, leading to an imbalance.
Do Walking Sticks Help With Knee Pain?
Utilizing walking poles will lower knee pain and improve hill-climbing endurance and power.
These poles can also help with balance when crossing boggy or soft ground or passing rivers, scree running, and doing any activity that puts extra strain on the balance.
Do Hiking Poles Slow You Down?
If your purpose is to move as fast or as far as possible, hiking poles can slow you down.
You are constantly pumping your arms and utilizing muscles in your upper body to support yourself.
You will burn more energy than you would without poles. Over time, you may tire out faster, resulting in reduced miles.
Is One Walking Pole Enough?
Hiking with one walking or pole tick will give greater advantages than not utilizing a hiking pole at all. A single hiking pole is better than no pole at all.
But utilizing two poles enables you to get a more symmetrical workout, deliver more balance, improve endurance, and boost your speed.
Are Walking Sticks Good for Seniors?
Older adults have found that walking poles may lower load-bearing weight on their hips, knees, and spine. With very basic training, they can enjoy the outdoors and get exercise.
So using walking sticks should be recommended for elderly people who have balance disorders and the hazard of falling.
Do Hiking Poles Work Out Your Arms?
In addition to building muscles and strength training, the use of hiking poles can lead to more toned and leaner arm muscles.
As the resistance is not overly large, your arms will enjoy a gentler strength training workout.
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