Hiking is a great way to get fresh air and work on your form. If it because more than just a thing you do a couple of times a year, it is a great idea to invest in some poles for greater balance and rythm while hiking up and down hills and mountains.

Yes, you can use ski poles for hiking, but there are poles made specifically for hiking and they are called trekking poles or hiking poles.

Can i use a ski pole for trekking?

Yes, you can use ski poles for trekking and hiking and it is a great way to start hiking with your own ski poles from the garage or buy some cheap used once from a garage sale or flea market.

Hiking or trekking poles can easily be found at prices from $60 and well above $100 and there is no reason to use that kind of money on what simply is an advanced stick, when you are just starting out with hiking. So start as a beginner hiker by using a ski pole if you have them.

When you get more serious about hiking, the difference between ski poles and hiking poles will be more noticeable. Hiking poles are often made adjustable and some with shock-absorbing. These benefits can be great to have when walking in changing terrains and if you have shoulder problems for examble.

Ski poles vs. hiking/trekking poles

There are clear differences, and here i will try to outline some of the differences and benefits of each type of pole.

Benefits of using ski poles for hiking:

Ski poles are made for skiing and you don’t nessecarily use them that much while skiing. They are great for balancing while skiing and they offer som practical use in flat snow terrain, where they can help you move around.

• You may already have ski poles lying around, if not they are very cheap to buy used.
• Great for a beginner in hiking.
• Offer the most important aspect of a trekking pole like: support, balance and rest.

Benefits of using trekking poles for hiking:

Trekking poles or hiking poles are of course made for the same purpose. That means that they are not made with skiing in mind, but with the purpose of walking up and down steep hills and mountains as well as in hilly terrain.

• Lighter in weight.
• Made of more flexible material.
• Many trekking poles are adjustable, so you can get them in just the right height.
• Trekking poles are also made with more shock-absorbing in mind, especially when walking down hill.