What this solves
Two trekking poles vs one is a 230 g question that determines whether you finish the descent without pain or hobble into Daocheng on a bruised patella. The science is real — published studies put pole use at a 25–30 % reduction in knee compressive load on steep descents. The decision depends on how much descent, how heavy your pack, and whether you've already got a knee you don't trust.
Your descent profile
How to read the result
The bars compare relative compressive load on your knee joint at the end of a Yading descent day, assuming an 11 kg pack. "No poles" is the baseline (100 %).
One pole off-loads ~12 % on the downhill knee — useful if you also use a trekking umbrella in the other hand.
Two poles off-load ~25 % — the asymmetric case (both poles on the downhill side) gets to 30 %, but two poles on both sides is more practical for stability on uneven ground.
A knee-joint "spike" of 100 %+ vs 75 % is the difference between a quiet descent and three days of stairs-avoidance back in Chengdu.
Limitations
FAQ
A: One pole takes 70 % of the load off two poles — useful for selfies & saves 230 g. Two poles is the right answer for > 1,500 m of descent or any knee history.
A: 230 g saved is real. For Tanggu La (where you carry a pole up a 1,500 m climb too) it pays off. For inner Kora only, no.
A: Yes — ¥30/day, mostly Decathlon. Quality is fine. The lock mechanism on rental poles often slips — always tape the lower section.
A: Yes — they offload grip pressure. Push through the strap. Don't death-grip the handle.