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How to Choose Trekking Poles
By Staff Writer
Trekking poles have become standard equipment for many hikers, trekkers, backpackers, and snowshoers. The reasons why are simple: They enhance your stability and support on all types of terrain. When shopping for trekking poles, your key considerations should be weight, price, shock absorption, shaft construction, and the type of grip
Trekking poles offer provide better balance and footing.
On downhill hikes especially, they decrease the amount of stress on your legs and joints.
On uphill climbs, poles transfer some of your weight to your shoulders, arms and back, which can reduce leg fatigue and add thrust to your ascents.
They make crossing streams, loose rocks, and slippery surfaces such as ice and snow patches easier and safer.
They help you establish a walking rhythm.
They can push back overhanging vegetation from the trail and probe soggy terrain for holes and boggy spots.
There are many types of Trekking Poles, some of the most common are:
Antishock poles: These offer internal springs that absorb shock when you walk downhill. With most poles, this feature can be turned off when it's not needed such as when you're walking uphill. The antishock feature is recommended if you have weak or damaged ankles, knees, or hips.
Standard poles: These do not have the antishock feature and are lighter and less expensive as a result. While they don't absorb as much impact as antishock poles when going downhill, they do provide a similar level of balance and support.
Compact or women's poles: These are shorter and have smaller grips for hikers with smaller hands. They are easier to swing because they weigh less and are also simpler to pack. Youth poles for kids are also available.
Hiking staff: Sometimes called a walking staff or travel staff, this is a single pole that's most effective when used on relatively flat terrain and with little or no load on your back. They may also include a built-in camera mount under the handle that can be used as a monopod.
Locking Mechanisms
Trekking poles are identified by their 2 or 3 interlocking sections. This adjustability (which typically ranges between 24 to 55 inches) lets you adapt the poles to your height and the terrain. If you're exceptionally tall or short, check the size range of each model to make sure it suits your body.
Most poles use a twist-and-lock system in which you find the desired length and then twist the pole hard to the right to hold.
Grips:The shape and feel of a pole's grip varies from brand to brand. Some grips are angled or positioned into the upper pole section so that they are ergonomically at a neutral angle. This can improve comfort and pole compactibility. Others feature grips that extend down the shaft, allowing you to grasp the poles more easily on short uphill sections. Keep in mind that many brands designate left- and right-hand poles on either the grip or the strap. Several materials (or a blending of materials) are used:
Cork: This resists moisture from sweaty hands, decreases vibration and best conforms to the shape of your hands.
Foam: This absorbs moisture from sweaty hands and is the softest to the touch.
Rubber: This material insulates hands from cold, shock, and vibration, so it's a popular choice for cold-weather activities. The downside is that it's more likely to chafe or blister sweaty hands, so it's less suitable for warm-weather hiking.
Using Pole Straps Effectively
Since wrist straps bear much of the load, it's important to use them correctly. Be sure to put your hand up through the bottom of the strap, not down from the top, before grasping the grip. Adjust the strap so it fits snugly around your wrist.
If you injure an ankle or knee while hiking, poles can double as an emergency crutch or even a makeshift splint.
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