Why I Never Hike Without My Walking Sticks — And You Shouldn’t Either

From Forest Finds to Mountain Treks: Why Nordic Walking Sticks Are Your Perfect Hiking Companion

I’ve loved walking sticks long before I even knew what “Nordic walking” was. When I was a kid, going on trails with my dad, he’d always find me two solid sticks from the forest floor — one for each hand, “just like the grown-ups,” he’d say. I’d march proudly behind him, pretending I was on some great expedition. Looking back, maybe I just liked the feeling of rhythm and balance, or maybe it was about being taken seriously on those adventures. (Yes, I’m that old — back then, you didn’t buy trekking poles; you found them.) Eventually, I upgraded from forest finds to my first proper pair of Nordic walking sticks — and never looked back.

The Unexpected Benefits of Hiking with Walking Sticks

It Runs in the Family My parents are in their 70s and still hike regularly — from Sunday strolls in their hometown park to more adventurous getaways. And they never leave home without their walking sticks for hiking. Not only do they help with balance, but they’re also fantastic for posture and engaging the upper body. My mom swears by them for keeping her back straight and her arms toned. Plus, hiking poles offer extra support on uneven ground or during longer hikes — and make any walk feel like an intentional journey. They’ve taken their sticks to the mountains, the seaside, forest trails, and even on city breaks. It’s like their unofficial motto: No trip without the sticks. And honestly? Same here. I’m already on my second pair.

My Adventures with Trekking Poles Around the World

My Walking Sticks Have Been to More Countries Than Most People From my local weekend trails to the Alps in Austria, the Karkonosze Mountains in Poland, and even to Norway’s iconic Preikestolen, I’ve trusted my trekking poles to get me safely and steadily to the most breathtaking viewpoints. And don’t get me started on the Everest Base Camp trek — without them, I don’t think I would’ve made it. They became my rhythm, my support, and sometimes, my motivation. Just one tip: always pack extra tips. I’ve lost them more than once, especially in Nepal. And make sure to adjust them to fit the terrain — rubber for pavement, metal for forest, snow baskets for winter. Your knees and your ankles will thank you. This is a great way to reduce knee pain while hiking.

Nordic Walking Sticks: Not Just for the Pros

Not Just for “Serious” Hikers One of my favorite things is hiking with friends — and seeing how walking sticks change the vibe. Whether we’re doing a full-day trail or a couple of hours in the hills, group hikes become more fun (and less exhausting) with sticks in hand. They help keep the pace, add rhythm to conversations, and honestly, they just make you feel like a badass. Even kids love them. Some of my friends’ little ones personalize their sticks with stickers, paint, and names. It becomes part of the adventure, part of their identity. And watching a five-year-old power walk with tiny poles is one of the cutest things ever. This shows that hiking poles are good for beginner hikers too.

What to Look For in a Great Pair of Walking Sticks (Your Buying Guide)

If you’re thinking about getting a pair (or upgrading yours), here’s what matters:

1. Durability & Strength You want something that can handle rocky paths, wet forest floors, and the occasional clumsy fall. Look for solid materials — either strong aluminum or carbon fiber (lighter but pricier). Consider what material is best for hiking poles for your needs.

2. Lightweight Feel Every gram counts on long hikes. Lighter hiking poles reduce fatigue and make your walk smoother.

3. Comfortable Grip Cork, EVA foam, or rubber — it’s personal preference, but the grip should feel secure and not cause blisters. Try out different types and see what works best for your hand size and sweat level. Think about which hiking pole grip feels most comfortable for you. I personally always choose cork.

4. Adjustable Length Being able to shorten your poles for uphill and lengthen them for downhill is a game-changer. Make sure the locking system is easy to use and doesn’t slip. This answers the question of should I get adjustable hiking poles for hiking?

5. Anti-shock System (Optional) Great for those with joint issues or if you do a lot of hiking on hard ground. Some systems can be turned off for soft terrain. Consider if you need anti-shock hiking poles.

6. Swappable Tips Look for poles that come with or allow for different tips: rubber ends for pavement, metal for trails, baskets for snow or sand.

7. Wrist Straps  Good straps make it easier to transfer weight without gripping too hard. Adjustable ones let you find the right tension.

How Walking Sticks Benefit Different Hikers

Different Needs for Different Folks Over the years, I’ve seen how walking sticks can make a huge difference for so many different people. It’s not just about walking — it’s about making every journey feel safer, more enjoyable, and less tiring. Here are a few examples that hit close to home:

• Seniors: I remember my parents, in their 70s, feeling a bit unsure on their first few hikes after they retired. They were so used to walking on their own two feet without any assistance. But once they got their hands on a set of lightweight, ergonomic sticks, it was like a whole new world opened up. My mom, especially, swears by how they give her confidence and help her maintain a steady pace on uneven ground. Those sticks aren’t just tools — they’ve become a symbol of independence. It’s amazing how a simple piece of equipment can bring so much peace of mind.

• Kids: Not too long ago, I took a family hike with a few friends and their young children. It was adorable to see how much fun they had with their little poles, decorated with stickers and bright paint. Adjustability was key — kids grow quickly, after all! But it wasn’t just about the fit; it was about the adventure. The poles gave them a sense of purpose, of being part of the grown-up crew. They may have been small, but they were walking with big confidence. And for the parents, it was a relief to know that their kids had that extra support.

• People with balance or joint issues: For my friend Mark, who’s had knee issues for years, those anti-shock systems on the poles were a game changer. At first, he was skeptical, thinking they were just a gimmick. But after a couple of hikes, he told me, "I didn’t realize how much extra strain I was putting on my knees before." The reduced impact made a huge difference, especially on rough trails. And the two-pole system? He couldn’t believe how much more balanced he felt with both hands free to help stabilize him.

• Heavier hikers: For many years, I was one of them. I’ll admit it — I wasn’t exactly light as a feather. But that didn’t stop me from taking on some serious hikes. One of my proudest moments was finally making it to Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, in Norway — a trek that was no easy feat. The rocky terrain, the steep inclines, and the long hours on the trail all took their toll. But what really made a difference was having the right poles. I swapped out my old set for reinforced, heavy-duty sticks with strong locking systems, and suddenly, I had the support I needed. They didn’t bend or slip under my weight, and I could push through the toughest parts of the hike with confidence. It wasn’t just about getting to the top — it was about proving to myself that, even being heavier, I could conquer these challenges. Those poles became my lifeline on that journey, and they’ve been with me on many more since then.

• Short or tall people: And then there’s my friend Tom, who’s a solid 6'5". He used to struggle with poles that just couldn’t extend far enough for his long stride. After a bit of trial and error, he found the perfect pair with a great range of adjustment. It’s one of those simple things that make a world of difference, because not all poles are made with everyone in mind. Whether you’re shorter or taller, it’s all about getting the right fit — and once you do, it’s like the trail opens up to you in a whole new way.

Each of us has a different walking style, and our needs can change depending on our experience, age, or physical condition. But one thing’s for sure: walking sticks aren’t just for the hardcore hikers. They’re for anyone who wants to walk with ease, comfort, and confidence — no matter the terrain or the distance.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Hiking Poles?

I’ve got two solid Amazon recommendations depending on your style and budget (still both are below 50$, so quite affordable)

💪 Option 1: Classic and Reliable 

• Black color only 
• Super durable 
• Comfortable grip (elegant one, I would say) 
• Ideal for those who want a clean, simple, strong design 
• Light and easy to use

👉 Simply click here and take a look: ATTRAC Trekking Poles Classic, available on Amazon

My mom still swears by the older version from the same brand — she adores them. When my father decided to upgrade to the newer version (exactly the one you have here), she refused to part with her trusty old ones. But her birthday is coming up… and I think it’s time for her to experience the upgrade!

🌈 Option 2: Lightweight & Colorful 

• Comes in multiple color options 
• Slightly lighter 
• Most popular grip shape 
• Fun for those who want personality and performance 
• Very budget friendly! 

👉 Simply click here and take a look: KINGGEAR Nordic Walking Stick, available on Amazon

Your Next Adventure Awaits with Walking Sticks

Whether you’re walking through your city park, hiking the Rockies, or heading for an international trek — walking sticks might just become your new best friends. They certainly are mine.

This content, of course, includes affiliate links (I am an Amazon Associate) for products I use and love -If you take an action, such as making a purchase directly from them, I will earn some money for coffee (with no extra cost for you), which I can promise you I will enjoy while writing more posts with tips concerning traveling. Still I assure you - all opinions remain my own.