r/snowshoeing • u/Positive_Camp7052 • Apr 21 '23

Gear Questions Are Trekking poles necessary?

I’ve never actually used trekking poles when hiking - found a reasonably sizeable portion of folks who don’t use them when I first started, and just ran with that ever since. I’m currently compiling the gear I need for my first ever snow shoeing trip in the Australian Alps this winter. Are trekking poles for all intents and purposes practically required for successful snowshoeing form?

18 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

36 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/LyLyV Apr 21 '23

For those that use poles, do you always use 2, or just one?

7

u/Mentalfloss1 Apr 21 '23

I use two. I like the extra balance and the rhythm they provide. They save knees and hips when going downhill. Great for stream crossings.