Single trekking pole

Jake T

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 14, 2017
Messages
128
Does anybody only pack one trekking pole? I normally carry 2. But last year on my packout I found that I only used 1 so I could have one hand free for whatever I needed.

My whole reason for carrying poles is to help with the packout, but why pack two if I’m only going to use one? I rarely use them any other time.

Flawed logic to ditch one?
 
Joined
Oct 8, 2019
Messages
2,956
The extra few ounces are nothing. I regularly use one (nice to move away anything that can poke or bite you) and keep a second in my pack.

Using two is very nice when packing out in uneven or unstable terrain. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the body as well.

Nice to have in case of first aid. Not everywhere has something suited to making a splint. And if your one breaks then you have nothing.
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2021
Messages
417
Sound logic. I think you answered your own question. Do what makes sense. Personally I wouldn't carry and extra anything that wasn't a required piece of gear... leave your backup in your truck.
 

fngTony

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 18, 2016
Messages
5,721
Does anybody only pack one trekking pole? I normally carry 2. But last year on my packout I found that I only used 1 so I could have one hand free for whatever I needed.

My whole reason for carrying poles is to help with the packout, but why pack two if I’m only going to use one? I rarely use them any other time.

Flawed logic to ditch one?
I like having two because I use them with my stride to cover ground faster or help with steep hills.
Sound logic. I think you answered your own question. Do what makes sense. Personally I wouldn't carry and extra anything that wasn't a required piece of gear... leave your backup in your truck.
I think this is the first post I’ve seen from you that wasn’t a meme 😅
 
Joined
Jan 22, 2016
Messages
1,251
Location
Missoula, MT
I pack two but surprisingly a lot of the time only use one pole. Usually because i have my bow in the other hand. If i committed to only taking one pole it wouldn’t bother me most of the time, just comes down to personal preference and the type of terrain you are going into


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Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
367
Mainly pack 2 because of the Quick Sticks attachment. In fact they spend most of their time in the side pouch of my pack besides the initial pack in and out.


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Archerichards

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 25, 2019
Messages
139
Last summer I spent two full weeks backpacking in Wind River Range, WY, heavy packs and lots of miles. I carried only one trekking pole and moved it from hand to hand as needed in case of obstacles, etc. One was all I needed, and I never wanted for a second one. I am 64 years old.
 

sargent

WKR
Joined
Mar 7, 2017
Messages
1,272
Location
Pennsylvania
On backcountry hunts, I carry one pole. It's half the weight of two poles :unsure:. I use it for pitching my shelter, packing in before the season, hiking in the dark, packing out the first meat load, and occasionally break it out for sketchy downhill sections where a little extra support is needed. When I'm actually hunting, the pole is folded in the pack. On long distance, non-hunting hikes and heavy pack outs, I bring two for better balance and speed. I don't think the "two is one, one is none" mantra applies in this case since there are generally lots of sticks to choose from if your one pole breaks.
 

khel

FNG
Joined
Nov 11, 2016
Messages
44
Location
WI
I carry one for hiking and running on difficult trails. Hauling heavy packs - I would use 2 for sure.
 

jp08ee

FNG
Joined
Jan 17, 2023
Messages
15
I carry two but have never actually used both. As others have said, nice to have if ever needed and not much weight to it.
 

S.Clancy

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2015
Messages
2,495
Location
Montana
I only use 1, I like having a free hand to negotiate terrain, move stuff, etc. I use an alumium one for this reason, they don't break
 

Dave0317

WKR
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
431
Location
North MS
Came across this as I was considering the same thing. I rarely, almost never, use two to walk. The main time I need two is when I have packed my Mountain Shelter LT that sets up with two poles. I normally carry a bow or rifle in one hand and I have significant hiking/rucking experience without a trekking pole or hiking stick being an option (military related stuff).

So, when I got into western hunting, posts here on Rokslide convinced me poles are a good idea for hiking and that led to also choosing a shelter that requires trekking poles. Now, I’m definitely questioning the conventional wisdom of that.

May end up with a tarp and just one trekking pole that is largely for the shelter and may get used occasionally for hiking. Definitely decided that for me, when I want to go light and mobile, I don’t need two.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2020
Messages
334
Location
North Louisiana
I only use one but can see two being nice for the pack out.

Never even thought I wanted one until I found one left behind at a trail head and picked it up to try out. Game changer for packing heavy through deadfall.
 
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