A few years ago, my family of lifelong hikers decided to explore the depths of the Grand Canyon, a hike that required considerable training.

Winters in the mountains are long, and while skiing requires a level of good fitness, hiking seven miles down an uneven, steep, and rutted trail covered in mule leftovers is a whole different experience. A face shot in fresh pow is easier on the body than tripping on a mule biscuit and slamming down on hard sandstone. There's also the skier's knee disease to consider when taking on a long, uneven downhill trek. 

Skiing down hill and hiking down hill have two completely different effects on the human body. For one, a long hike requires carrying all your basic needs to survive the endeavor: a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camera, binos, food, clothing, toiletries, and water—lots of water. That's not even the half of it, and I pride myself on being an efficient packer. I'm not one of those who takes the kitchen sink. Did I mention water, lots of water? 

Anywho, we all took on our training schedules with glee. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but we trained with our sights on the big down and the big up.

My brother, who has spent half his life hiking and exploring the Sierra Nevada, kept grilling me about what gear I planned to bring on our big adventure. 

"Everyone needs sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Never approach a rugged downhill without hiking poles. Don't forget the sunscreen and a wide-brim hat. Be prepared to carry water, a lot of water."

It all sounded good to me; I am in the hiking, skiing, and outdoor business. But I hate hiking with poles. They are one more thing to carry, one more thing to accidentally leave by the wayside. What if I did leave my poles strewn across the trail, and a mule gets tangled up, slips in his xxxx, and breaks a leg? The poor thing would be put to death right there on the spot. No, I'm not taking hiking poles.

March came quickly, and we made for the Grand Canyon. The weather was perfect—not too hot and not too cold. The clouds over the rim's skyline were breathtaking. 

The morning of check-in at the ranger station included weighing the packs. YES! My pack was the lightest of the group. I had everything I needed and nothing more. I had lots of water and a minimal selection of apparel. Did I mention I had a lot of water? 

As we were heading out to catch the trailhead shuttle, the range shouted, "Hey, where are your hiking poles? You'll need hiking poles; the downhill is tough on the knees and hips." I smiled and waved, "I've been hiking for years; I never use hiking poles."

Our trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the climb out was stunningly beautiful. Several times, the majesty of what lay before me brought tears to my eyes, and ____ so did the pain in my hips and knees. I will never take on a long, up-and-down trek without hiking poles again!

SAVE YOUR KNEES . PURCHASE HIKING POLES HERE

Lots of considerations when purchasing hiking poles. Carbon fiber or aluminum shafts, cork or rubber grips, inter-changeable basket. We can help you sort through the options.