If you don't use trekking poles, don't worry. We don't think you are going to fall down.

If you do use trekking poles, ask yourself why? Who told you that you needed them? Did they sell you on benefits that you don't actually realize?

I'm not down on trekking poles. I own a few pairs myself, and use them regularly.

However, I am down on listening to the trekking pole echo chamber where unsubstantiated claims bounce around like a Super Ball:
 

• "Trekking poles make you more stable." - do you even know what this means? Are you unstable without them? What happens if you don't use them? Do you fall over?
• "Trekking poles save you energy." - OK, so by adding trekking poles to your pack, you can decrease your food weight? Are you more spry when you get into camp in the evening?
• "Using trekking poles allow you to carry a shelter that doesn't need poles." - What about ditching the trekking poles and just carrying a shelter with poles that are probably going to be lighter than your trekking poles?

These are just a few of the questions I have when it comes to talking about trekking poles.

I am very interested in helping you discover the answers to these and more questions about trekking poles.

Trekking Poles: Member Q&A Livestream Event

So join me this Friday February 25 at 6 PM US Mountain Time for our next Member Q&A Livestream:
 

• Trekking Pole Design, Use, and Applications (Member Q&A Livestream)

How to Submit Your Questions

These are live Q&A events. I'll deliver a keynote presentation, and then answer your questions.

You can submit your questions about trekking poles by replying to this email, or replying to this tweet or this instagram post.

Happy Trails,
Ryan Jordan
owner/founder/publisher