Trekking Poles and Erosion

“Does anyone know if the use of trekking poles contributes to trail erosion? I was hiking this weekend and this question came into my head.
I use trekking poles, and was just wondering about the erosion thing.”

“I could see how it could if the path was a narrow single-track and one wasn't careful to plant the polls ON the trail and instead into vegetation on the side. I'm always cautious to keep my poles planted on the path, and suspect most others do the same.”

“The mere act of walking on a trail can contribute to erosion and trekking poles certainly add to it, especially on slopes.

I had not given that much thought.

I will still use my poles, however. I hope the degree is minimal.”

“The impact is minimial when you look at all the other forms of erosion. Taking into consideration just some of the human related forms like the 'toe draggers' ' the heavy soled hikers' , 'horses' , 'shortcutters', 'poor trail maintenance' and then included the nature forces of wind and rain I think my little 'patch of torn earth' is minuscule in comparsion. Plus many of the poles have eco- friendly tips nowadays for the most part.”

“Last year I was hiking on the AT in GA and ran into some club members doing maintenance. They said their biggest problem was trekking poles. When the thru-hikers come through the first part of the year they really tear up the ground and then the following rains cause lots of erosion.

That's what THEY said and I'm no expert. But, I will say that since then I've put rubber tips on my poles.”

“that should do it”

“I agree on the rubber tips being a good choice - it also makes the poles much quieter - no more scraping on rocks when you miss your pole plant.”

“I put the rubber tips on from the get-go, since somebody suggested it would be a good idea. Hey, it was a good idea! Thanx!”

“Rubber tips sound like a good idea. They must be available at a gear store.”

“They're available at Sierra Trading Post for less than five bucks a pair, plus shipping. I got mine when I ordered the Komperdells.”

“one item to note on rubber tips - as tango proved in sipsey the tips do come off under some circumstances of normal hiking - you may want to super glue the rubber tips on - unless you plan on using the same polls in winter and thus need to change the baskets - that may be difficult to do if the rubber tips are glued on.”

“Always use your rubbers!!

I do it for noise reasons. I can't buy the erosion thing.”

“My Pole included Rubber Tips as part of the original equipment~!!
What I probably should oughta do is super glue the handle to my hand. Maybe I wouldn't lose so many..”

“Yeah? Well if that bothers ya, think about this. Farting contributes to the greenhouse gas effect, LOL. Guess ya better hold it in there, homey. And while yer at it, ya better not crap either, cause we all know THAT pollutes the environment. I guess my point is that the small marks we make on the environment as backpackers will have no impact long after we return to the dust whence we came. Get over it. The Earth will survive, WE are the ones who will pass on.”

“After losing a pair of rubbers in mudholes, I now glue them to the pole tips. I use contact cement...much easier to twist loose when I need the poles for x-country skiing or snowshoeing.”

“Hiking erodes trails. You should all stop!”

“LOL @ bacpac!!
I have come to realize that the deep lug soles on my boots really tear into the trail tread. I am going to have to start using slippers so that I will do a little less damage.
Root word of slipper is slip, fall down, cut feet!!!”

“Hike barefooted!!”

“Hike nekkid!”

“I put ruber tips on my fingers, but I couldnt get anything done!”