There are loads of reasons you need trekking poles. The most obvious is that they simply make hiking or running much easier, particularly if you’re covering significant distances or carrying a shed-load of weight. Studies suggest that the strain trekking poles take away from your legs is a little less than 10%, which doesn’t sound like loads. However, if you’re running 100 miles or thru hiking for several weeks, suddenly this seemingly minor benefit is massive.
However, the reasons you need trekking poles goes way beyond just helping your legs out. Like all the best outdoor equipment, poles are multi-functional tools that are useful when crossing rivers, negotiating snowy terrain or even when erecting a shelter. Plus, they have myriad uses in an emergency, including helping you to look bigger to make that mountain lion think twice about approaching. Just imagine how Gandalf vs Balrog would have ended if the grey wizard hadn’t had his staff! It doesn't bear thinking about.
