In praise of the trekking pole

I'm not a gear guy, at all. I'm big on borrowing, thrifting and making do. Suffice to say, the big outdoor gear brands don't get much of my money.

You just don't need much gear to go day-hiking, either. Even when my son and I hiked up Mt. Bierstadt in Colorado this summer, we were being passed by folks in street clothes!

Having said that, there is one piece of equipment that I've had with me on almost all my walks this summer and fall. And I'm to the point where I pretty much won't go on any kind of legit hike without it.

And that piece of gear is - drum roll please - walking or trekking poles.

Now, for years I had seen usually "older" folks walking with trekking poles, usually on the road or paved trails, and I wasn't a fan of the look.

But if I had a dollar for every time my trekking poles saved me from wiping out on the trail this summer and fall, then I'd have more than enough money to buy another pair.

Extra stability on the trail is just one of the many benefits of using trekking poles, though. It has been shown that hiking with trekking poles also protects knees (especially when walking downhill), improves power and endurance when walking uphill, and will reduce accumulated stress on feet, legs, knees and back.

And even though trekking poles aren't advertised as weapons, when my son and I were out in Colorado, and we were on trails that warned of possible bear, moose, mountain lion, and/or rattlesnake encounters, I was happy to have a trekking pole with me to at least poke at something, if necessary.

Even my 18-year old son, who has great knees and can outrun me (in case of bear attack), is on record as saying that he doesn't like hiking without a trekking pole.

Of course, any stick you find in the woods that's about the right height and stoutness will work as a walking stick.

But trekking poles have several advantages that are worth noting. They are lightweight, and many brands collapse down to a short length, which makes them easy to transport. Using the straps on the handles also allows you to keep a loose grip while making it easier to propel yourself forward. Needless to say, there is no shortage of brands of trekking poles to choose from. If you've got questions or want to try a pair of trekking poles before purchasing them, or both, stop by Shawnee Trails Wilderness Outfitter on West Freeman Street, next to Quatros. There is a nice selection of trekking poles at the store.

Certainly, a pair of trekking poles would make a great, practical Christmas gift, either for yourself or a hiker on your Christmas list; one-size-fits-all and they are guaranteed (by me) to make any hike safer and more enjoyable.

• Mike Baltz has a PhD in biology from the University of Missouri and writes about changing the world from his home in Carbondale.