Why poles are essential for trail running, hiking and expeditions



Sticks aren't an accessory — they're a performance tool

Trail running and mountain hiking are evolving rapidly. Distances are getting longer, the terrain more technical, and athletes are constantly looking for ways to move more efficiently, safely, and sustainably. One piece of equipment remains seriously underrated: trail running and hiking poles .

Let's be clear right away:
sticks are not for show.
They're not a gadget, a fashion accessory, and certainly not a "coaching tool for beginners." Used correctly, poles are a performance-enhancing tool that relieves stress on your body, increases your stability, and dramatically improves your speed on steep or technical sections.

👉 Want to take a look at our Mountain King poles right away?
Discover the Skyrunner RaceDay & Ultra in the TTM Shop.

1. Why use sticks?

More power on steep climbs

Using poles activates your upper body while climbing. This allows you to:

  • distribute the effort over more muscle groups

  • you become less acidic

  • maintain a higher pace for longer

For ultra-distances or long mountain days, this is a huge advantage.

Stability on technical terrain

Loose stones, roots, mud, wet grass or snow: one misstep can ruin your pace or safety.
Poles give you two extra points of contact , allowing you to:

  • climbs and descends much more stable

  • moves more confidently

  • you can walk faster without risks

Less stress on knees and quadriceps

During descents, your legs absorb enormous shocks.
With sticks you distribute this impact, which leads to:

  • less muscle damage

  • less knee pain

  • more power in the last kilometers

More efficient posture and breathing

Poles encourage an upright posture. This opens your chest better and makes you breathe more efficiently—crucial for longer efforts.

Suitable for expeditions and alpine environments

In an expedition context, poles become almost indispensable.
On glaciers, snowfields, scree slopes or routes with heavy packs, poles provide:

  • more stability on changing surfaces

  • more efficient locomotion during long approaches

  • safety in case of slippery conditions

  • better weight distribution with heavy backpacks

For mountaineers, this is not a luxury, but essential equipment .

2. Why Mountain King?


Many brands make poles, but few make them like Mountain King — by hand in the UK , with a focus on lightness, reliability and real performance.

Handmade in Europe

Each stick is individually assembled, tested and inspected.
Not mass production, but craftsmanship.

Ultra-light, without compromises

Mountain King manages to build extremely light poles that are still strong and torsionally stiff.
Their models are among the lightest on the market — ideal for fast climbers, racers and expedition athletes.

Compact and race-ready

The folding system is fast and intuitive. In seconds, you can switch between "sticks on" and "sticks away."

Real performance, no marketing gimmicks

Mountain King makes tools, not fashion items.
Their poles are designed for athletes who prefer functional equipment over appearance.

👉 View the Mountain King Skyrunner models here
RaceDay & Ultra are available directly through TTM.

3. Sticks aren't a luxury — they're a skill

Correct use of sticks is a skill.
Whoever has mastered this skill walks:

  • faster

  • more stable

  • more energy efficient

Top athletes don't use poles “because they have to,” but because they provide a measurable benefit .

4. The TTM vision

TTM revolves around one principle: equipment that is mission-ready , regardless of the circumstances.

No mass brands.
No compromises.
Only gear we trust.

Mountain King fits perfectly within that philosophy:
Light, functional, reliable and built for challenging missions — from trail running to expeditions.

5. Conclusion

Sticks are not an accessory.
They are tools that drastically improve your performance, stability and safety — whether you're trail running, hiking, or on alpine expeditions.

Mountain King delivers those tools with the quality and reliability that TTM represents.

👉 Discover Mountain King poles here in the TTM Shop
And choose the model that suits your mission.