Young, old, tall, short, strong, or weak, it doesn’t matter who you are; trekking poles designed for hunters are an essential piece of equipment for packing heavy loads. When it comes to hunting in the backcountry, one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences is successfully harvesting wildgame like elk, bear, or deer. After the adrenaline of the hunt wears off, the real work begins: packing out the meat. Whether you're trekking through steep alpine terrain, dense forests, or rugged valleys, carrying quartered elk or a heavy load is no easy task. That's where a solid set of trekking poles can make all the difference.

Trekking poles have often been regarded as essential gear for backpackers and mountaineers, but they’re equally indispensable to the hunter. PEAX Equipment's trekking poles are engineered to offer stability, reduce strain, and improve balance while you’re carrying an awkwardly weighted load over challenging terrain. In this post, we’ll explore the value of trekking poles for hunters—particularly the Backcountry Elite, Backcountry Pro, and Backcountry Z trekking poles—and how they can make packing out heavy loads safer and more efficient.

CHALLENGES OF PACKING OUT AN ELK

Elk hunting is no walk in the park. After a successful kill, hunters can be looking at upwards of 100 pounds to pack out per trip — often over several miles. You may have to make multiple trips, lugging gear, meat, and antlers through dense brush, steep hillsides, or rocky landscapes. To successfully manage this, maintaining balance and stability is critical. A misstep while carrying that much weight could result in injury or damaged gear.

That’s where trekking poles come in. They can distribute some of the weight you’re carrying, improve balance, and provide stability, which reduces the risk of falling or overloading your muscles and joints.

HOW TREKKING POLES REDUCE FATIGUE AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY

No matter which PEAX trekking pole you choose, each model significantly reduces fatigue and increases your efficiency during the pack out. Trekking poles engage your upper body, transforming your hike into a full-body effort. This redistribution of effort means that your legs alone aren’t carrying the full burden of the weight, and the energy expenditure is more evenly spread across your body.

This is especially important for hunters. Elk hunting requires stamina and endurance, and when you’re hauling hundreds of pounds of meat, spreading the work between your legs, core, and arms can be the difference between a successful pack out and a trip cut short by exhaustion.

Additionally, trekking poles help stabilize your gait. With four contact points on the ground—your feet and poles—you can better manage tricky footing on rocky, uneven terrain or slick surfaces. The increased stability not only reduces the risk of falls but also helps you maintain a smoother, more consistent pace, saving energy over long distances.

INJURY PREVENTION: SAFEGUARD YOUR BODY

One of the most overlooked benefits of using trekking poles is their role in injury prevention. Hunters often navigate unpredictable and rough terrain when retrieving their game. A misstep could lead to sprains, rolled ankles, or worse, and nothing cuts a hunting trip short like an injury.

Trekking poles provide extra points of contact with the ground, helping you avoid slips and falls. They can also reduce the impact on your knees and lower back—common areas of injury when carrying heavy loads. The poles absorb some of the shock that would otherwise be transferred to your body with each step. This is crucial when you’re descending steep hills or navigating rocky areas with extra weight on your back.

In short, trekking poles aren’t just about making the pack out easier; they’re also about protecting your body from the strain and potential injury that comes with hauling a heavy load over challenging terrain.

VERSATILITY BEYOND THE PACK OUT

Trekking poles aren’t just for the pack out. They serve a range of functions that make them a versatile tool in your hunting kit. Whether you’re crossing creeks, navigating dense forest, or climbing steep ridgelines in pursuit of your quarry, trekking poles can provide stability and support every step of the way.

In addition to their primary use, trekking poles can also be used to set up emergency shelters, clear brush, or as a mono pod to help with glassing. Their versatility makes them an indispensable part of any hunter's gear, providing more than just assistance during the toughest part of the hunt.

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR EVERY HUNTER

When you’re packing out an elk or carrying any heavy load during your hunt, the benefits of trekking poles are undeniable. From reducing strain and fatigue to preventing injury and improving stability, PEAX Equipment's trekking poles—whether you choose the Backcountry Elite, Backcountry Pro, or Backcountry Z—will support you every step of the way.

Don't let the difficulty of packing out your next elk be the thing that keeps you from fully enjoying the hunt. Equip yourself with trekking poles that will make the journey back to your truck or camp more efficient, safer, and significantly less taxing on your body.

PEAX Backcountry Elite Trekking Poles: Engineered for Durability and Stability

The Backcountry Elite Trekking Poles are PEAX's top-tier poles, designed for the hunter who faces the toughest terrain. When you’re shouldering an elk quarter and trying to make it back to your truck or camp, these poles give you the reliability and performance you need.

The Backcountry Elite poles are made with a hybrid construction of premium carbon fiber and aluminum, which offers an exceptional balance between weight and strength. Each step you take with these poles helps distribute the weight of your pack, reducing the stress on your knees, hips, and lower back. For a hunter hauling a heavy load, this reduction in strain means fewer aches and more efficient movement.

Their adjustable length allows you to tailor the poles to your height and specific terrain. On steep uphill or downhill treks, you can adjust the poles to ensure the right posture, reducing fatigue over long distances. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to stow or strap to your pack when not in use, yet durable enough to handle the extreme pressure exerted during the pack out of a big-game animal.

Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles: A Balance of Features and Strength

While the Backcountry Elite are the top-of-the-line option, the Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles offer hunters a more lean and essential choice. Made with a hybrid construction of premium carbon fiber and high-quality aluminum, the **Backcountry Pro** poles are the lightest option with exceptional durability and strength.

When packing out heavy elk quarters, this hybrid construction provides peace of mind, knowing they can withstand rugged abuse. The Backcountry Pro’s are perfect for hunters who prioritize durability and affordability but still want the added balance and support that trekking poles provide.

The Backcountry Pro poles feature an adjustable, telescopic design, allowing you to adjust them for uphill or downhill trekking as needed. With a flick-lock system, these poles can be securely locked into position, so you don’t have to worry about them collapsing under pressure. The ergonomically designed handles provide comfort for long hikes, helping reduce hand fatigue while offering a firm grip—even in wet conditions.

Whether you're crossing a river or scaling rocky ridgelines with 100 pounds on your back, the Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles will support you every step of the way.

Backcountry Z Trekking Poles: Ultra Packable for Mobility and Fast-Paced Hunts

For those hunters who prioritize speed and minimalism, the Backcountry Z Trekking Poles are a lightweight, ultra-packable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. These poles are ideal for hunters who want to stay agile and light on their feet, while still benefiting from the stability that trekking poles provide during a heavy pack out.

Made from carbon fiber and aluminum, the Backcountry Z poles are collapsible and designed with a unique foldable system, making them compact and easy to stash in a backpack or day pack. These are perfect for hunts where you must quickly cover long distances before settling into a stand or stalk.

While ultra-packable, the Backcountry Z poles don’t sacrifice on strength. The carbon fiber construction ensures they can handle the weight of a pack loaded with elk quarters or gear. The foldable design also means you can deploy them in seconds when you need extra stability for steep or uneven terrain.

For hunters who value mobility and the ability to cover ground fast without sacrificing pack space, the Backcountry Z Trekking Poles are the go-to choice.