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AFFORDABLE QUALITY HIKING EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS

 

 

What makes walking poles so useful?

Hiking poles are for many walkers, an essential bit of kit.

They have been around a long time. In years gone by, it was handy shaped stick found while walking through a wilderness. Over time, people would design custom made wooden staffs as a fundamental piece of walking equipment. Nowdays, they are made with Aluminium or Carbon fibre materials that perform well in all conditions.

They are designed to give stability and support

 

on tricky uneven terrain.

Walking poles as they are often called, help with balance, which lessens stress on knee and ankle joints.

They help increase power on steep climbs and reduce strain on thighs and legs on downward slopes.

The upper body also benefits with support of the torso, shoulders and arms. It's said that they reduce joint strain by up to 30%.

The hiking pole is also useful for prodding the ground in front of you to make sure that it's firm and safe to step on to.

 

 

When choosing a pole, you need to check that it's the correct length for your height.

Measure the length needed by bending your elbow at a 90 degree angle. The distance from the elbow to the ground gives you the preferred length of pole.

 

 

WHAT WALKING STICK SHOULD I BUY?

 

There are a few different designs of pole, each with their pros and cons.

 

 

FEATURES TO CONSIDER: ADJUSTABLE POLES:

 

When walking on a totally flat surface, it's okay to use a fixed length pole. If you plan on taking a walk on hilly and steep terrain, an adjustable pole comes in very useful. They can be shortened on an ascent and lengthened on a down slope.

 

 

NON ADJUSTABLE:

 

Perfect for the flat level hike where the length of the pole need not be changed. They are often lighter than the adjustable poles, as the have less mechanisms in their structure.

Not suited to steep slopes where you need to adjust the length.

 

 

FOLDABLE:

 

The foldable pole works much like tent poles.

There are several sections of the pole connected with KEVLAR cord running through them.

The downside of foldable is that you can't adjust the length.

You won't therefore get the help that the adjustable gives on uphill and downhill challenges.

However, there is a benefit on parts of a treks where you need to use hands and feet. It can be quickly be folded down to around 30 to 60 cm and stored into your backpack.

 

 

FOLDABLE/COLLAPSABLE

 

Here you have the best of both worlds.

The length is reduced in the same way as the foldable with the KEVLAR cord running through the sections. It has an added advantage in that the section nearest the grip is collapsible. If required, it can be extended to around 8 inches.

 

 

SHOCK ABSORBERS

 

These are anti shock spring mechanisms set inside the poles. They are helpful for taking the stress from hands and elbows especially on down slopes.

On upward slopes, they're not so useful. Many poles therefore have the option to turn the shock absorbers on and off as required.

 

 

HIKING POLES LOCKS

 

Locks are to be found on poles.

They are important in that they prevent the pole from suddenly collapsing.

The adjustable pole has usually two or three locking mechanisms spaced along it. Being able to make the pole shorter or longer is useful for setting it to your height and as mentioned, ascents and descents.

Non adjustable have a locking mechanism that fixes the pole when extended and unlocks to reduce the poles length for storing away.

 

 

ALUMINIUM OR CARBON FIBRE SHAFT

 

Aluminium made shafts are tough and reliable.

They take a lot of stress and although you may see them bend, they're unlikely to break.

The Carbon fibre option suits those who want a lighter pole. They are more prone to splintering and breaking however.

The Carbon pole is generally the more expensive.

You will need to take these factors into account when deciding which suits you best.

 

 

 

FOAM/ RUBBER/CORK GRIPS

 

Grips are made with these three materials and all offer good handling of the pole. EVA Foam are soft on the hands and absorbs moisture from your hands. Rubber grips are suited to colder conditions as the material helps insulate your hands.

Cork will keep your hands less sweaty and is more suitable for hot, humid trekking conditions.

 

 

POLE TIPS

 

Usually made from steel or carbide, they provide essential grip to the ground, even on snow and ice. It's a good idea to protect them with rubber tips.

This will increase the longevity of the tip and prevent damage to your gear when packed away.

 

We've chosen the best Five all round Trekking sticks based on hundreds of review scores and comments made by walkers who use them regularly.

 

With our selection of poles, you'll find the right match for your individual needs.

 

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