Weekly Blog #8 - You have mail...or a bounce box!
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posted: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
It's time to gloss over a completely optional, yet 100% indispensable piece of trail equipment: hiking poles.
Sponge remembers it like yesterday. He had taken an Uber from Charlottesville, Virginia to Rockfish Gap - where he would start his journey north. It was your standard, non-picturesque starting point....its only unique feature was a simple informational signpost about Shenandoah National Park. But as Sponge took the obligatory selfies (as one always takes before starting something big), he got some company.
A group of hikers, fresh from a resupply run at nearby Waynesboro, strode into the pass. And one was visibly shaken. He paced back and forth, talking on a cell phone while his companions sat on the curb and took a load off. One, noticing the puzzled expression from Sponge let out a hearty laugh
"Lost his poles," he said, pointing back the way they had come. "We think he probably left them in our ride."
Unwilling to disembark until he knew what would come of this, Sponge stuck around a few minutes. The phone calls seemed to be going no where, and the three companions of "Poleless" (never learned his actual trail name) were getting antsy. They had their sights set on a big mileage day, but it would have to include some steep climbs. Eventually, one volunteered to stay behind and help his friend find them - the other two braved ahead. Were they ever reunited? Hard to say - as everyone in that group pretty much but Sponge in their rearview pretty quick.
But the moral of the story was pretty clear: for those initiated, hiking poles matter!
Sponge just recently upgraded his hiking poles to these. Their cork grips and tri-folding small profile are huge upgrades from is original poles - a $20 pair of aluminum poles purchased from Walmart. Granted, that pair is still in Sponge's "back-up box" - they are still 100% functional and have survived hundreds of miles of hiking and some pretty unique instances of wear an tear.
So, the immediate question new hikers may be wondering: why are hiking poles so darn important to Sponge (and Poleless!)?
One word: Stability.
Hiking poles give their users support when they "dig in" for steep climbs. Much like a four-legged animal has extra traction - so too do you when your poles are planted. You can also take breaks on SUPER tough climbs, leaning on your poles to catch your breath.
Then there is DOWNHILL mode. Sponge never realized how critical his poles were on declines until he met the steep drop-offs on the Appalachian Trail. He often found himself using his poles to 'catch' himself when starting a slide from loose gravel - or he used them as anchors to dig in and control his downhill speed.
Finally, hiking poles are invaluable for what their multi-purpose abilities.
Here's a quick Top 10 list:
1) Many ultralight tents use a pair of hiking poles as their main support system - saving weight on collapsible poles.
2) Obstacles in your path, like tree branches? Swipe away with your poles and avoid damaging your arms or legs.
3) Not sure how deep that patch of water or mud is? Insert one pole and see- before taking a blind step.
4) Need to hang just one or a few pieces of laundry to dry? Use your anchored poles. This works incredibly well with hats or socks.
5) In a face-off with an animal or harmful individual? Use your poles as makeshift weapons. It sounds crazy until you're attacked by a crazy grouse!
So, as you can see, there was a good reason for "Poleless" to be distraught. Hopefully he and his sticks had a happy reunion. If not, Sponge is confident he has new poles treating him well. May yours be just as cherished on the miles of trail to come...
Note: Clicking products in this blog will take you to Amazon product pages. Sponge receives an affiliate commission from purchases made from these clicks.
Double Note: Sponge will NEVER link products he does not stand behind. Also, Sponge has NEVER received free products or special treatment from companies whose products are shown.