Walking poles, also known as trekking or hiking poles, are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a variety of advantages over walking with just your own two feet, such as increased stability on rocky terrain, assistance with steep climbs, and enhanced overall posture. Whether you decide to use one or two poles, though, is up to you. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of each approach, as well as some tips and considerations which can help you to make the right decision.
Benefits of Walking Poles
Whether you use one or two poles when trekking, there are lots of benefits. Firstly, they can make it much easier to navigate uneven terrain and take on steep climbs and tricky descents. This can help to improve your overall stability and balance on your route. Additionally, using walking poles also helps to spread the load of carrying a heavy pack if you’re travelling with one. This can reduce the strain on your back and legs when you’re on the move.
Walking poles can also help with injury prevention. Many people who suffer from knee pain while running find that walking with poles can help to reduce the strain on their injured joints. It can also help with improving your overall posture, particularly in relation to your arms. As a result, trekking with walking poles can be of benefit to those with chronic back pain.
Types of Walking Poles
The types of poles you choose to use will depend largely on the kind of terrain you’re trekking on and what you need from them in terms of weight and support. Standard walking poles generally utilize either a telescoping or folding design. Telescoping poles are adjustable, meaning that you can make minor changes in height on the trail as needed. Folding poles are usually a bit lighter, but not as easy to adjust if you need to change the height mid-trek.
If you’re heading into technical terrain, then there are more specialized styles of poles available. These include ski poles with more aggressive tips, as well as ice-axe style poles which are designed specifically for icy conditions. Ultimately, the type of pole you choose will depend on the kind of surfaces you need to traverse.
How to Choose the Right Pole
When selecting your walking poles, there are several factors you need to consider. Firstly, decide on what type of pole is suitable for your terrain. You’ll then need to measure the height – telescoping poles can be adjusted on the trail if needed, but folding models need to be selected according to your exact height requirement. It’s also important to consider the weight of the pole – this is particularly important for those going on longer treks.
Finally, take a look at the grips and straps. A wide and comfortable grip will help to prevent any discomfort during long hikes. Additionally, look for straps that can be adjusted easily; some straps feature Velcro fastenings for this purpose. As with any outdoor equipment, it’s important to make sure that your poles are of a good quality otherwise they are likely to break during rough terrain.
Tips for Using Walking Poles
Using walking poles correctly can take a bit of practice at first. The most important thing is to keep your arms straight and your hands in front of your body at all times. Make sure that there is a slight bend in your arms – this will allow you to adjust easily when putting more or less force on the pole during more challenging sections.
As well as keeping your hands in front and elbows bent, it’s important to practice regular form exercises when trekking with poles. This means standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms bent at a 90-degree angle at all times.
Common Mistakes When Using Walking Poles
One mistake people often make when using walking poles is to swing their arms too widely. This can lead to reduced stability and balance on uneven surfaces, so it’s important to be aware of how much force you are applying through the poles. Additionally, many people also forget to adjust their straps correctly before heading out on their adventure – this too can reduce their stability and comfort whilst trekking.
Storing and Maintaining Walking Poles
Storing and maintaining your walking poles is an important part of making sure they perform at their best during each and every trek. Many people forget that their poles require proper cleaning after each use – this should include proper drying of the handles and shafts in order to prevent any build-up of allergens or dirt which could affect their performance over time.
In terms of storage, many folding models break down into two or three pieces which can be stored easily in a backpack or suitcase. Telescoping models should be locked into place locked before being put away for storage – this will ensure that they stay firm during transit.
Cost Considerations When Buying Walking Poles
The final consideration when it comes to buying walking poles is cost – as with any outdoor gear, there is a wide range of prices available depending on quality. A good pair should cost somewhere between fifty and two hundred dollars – any cheaper than this may mean that you are compromising on quality, which could lead to issues with durability over time.
Ultimately, whether you opt for one or two walking poles should depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider carefully different types available, as well as where and how you will be trekking. By doing thorough research into the various features of each model – such as weight and support levels – you should be able to find a set that works best for you.