Walking sticks are an age-old companion to humans. These simple yet powerful tools have always been beside us, offering support, stability, and strength. Today, trekking poles continue this legacy. Equipped with advanced features, they have evolved to meet the demands of modern adventurers while staying true to their essential role - providing the support we need on the trail.
Hiking poles, the modern evolution of walking sticks, offer a plethora of benefits that make them an essential accessory for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are considering adding trekking poles to your adventure kit or just bought a new pair, let’s go through some key benefits they bring to your backcountry journey.
Support, Stability, and Guidance for Every Step
Many things have changed since ancient times, but the core function of providing support and stability is still as essential today. These sports accessories provide two additional points of contact with the ground, helping stabilise your body, especially on uneven or slippery terrain. Whether you’re crossing streams or rocky areas, they’re here to give you that extra boost to tackle the trickiest ground.
Second, your knees will be thankful you brought these sports accessories on the hike. They assist in distributing the workload throughout the body by including your upper body in the activity. Knee pain during and after hiking is one of the most common problems experienced by hikers but with the right support, you’ll be able to hike longer distances without feeling as fatigued.
Thirdly, trekking sticks can be your guide on every trail. They can be used to test the depth of water, snow, or questionable terrain. Before stepping into the risky terrain extend your trekking pole and gently probe the bottom to see if the ground beneath is solid and stable.
Beyond being a walking companion, trekking poles offer a plethora of not-so-popular benefits. A good pair of walking sticks can do a thousand and one jobs, including things that they aren’t supposed to do,
For instance, in emergencies, they can double as makeshift tent poles for tarp or tent setups. Also, they can be used as a deterrent tool against wildlife. You can make loud noises to frighten off bears and snakes, by slamming the poles together or tapping them against rocks.
Though not the main purpose, trekking poles can be used to make yourself appear larger. This can also help frighten off some animals.
What to Consider Before You Buy
There are many walking sticks for sale on the market today, each with different features and quality levels. Because of this, choosing the best ones for your hiking trip can be challenging.
Choose Your Shaft Wisely
If you’re looking for high-quality and durable poles that won’t let you down, you should focus on models made with strong aluminium shafts. Shafts made from tough yet lightweight aluminium can withstand rough terrains and provide long-lasting durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Moreover, aluminium models are resistant to rust, making them ideal for use in wet or humid conditions, such as rainy or coastal areas. To keep your aluminium trekking poles in good condition after hiking in wet condition, wipe them down with a cloth immediately after use.
Grip It Right
Next, poles with ergonomic grips reduce strain and won’t slip through your palms when you need them the most. These are designed to fit comfortably in your hands. The way the poles feel in your hands depends on the type of grip material.
Cork grips fit well to the contour of your hands and resist moisture from sweaty palms. Choose this type of grip if you tend to sweat a lot or plan to hike in warm weather.
Rubber poles are perfect for cold-weather conditions since they can insulate your hands from shock, vibration, and cold. On the downside, they’re less suited for warm-weather trekking.
Foam is another popular option. Foam grips provide excellent cushioning, and are comfortable to hold, especially on long hikes. However, they are less durable than cork or rubber and may wear out or break down faster.
Store it Smart
Another important feature to look for in trekking poles is easy transport and storage. Some models can be folded together with the touch of a button. This makes it convenient to pack them in your backpack or attach them when not in use.
Additional Features
Finally, straps are an important addition to consider when choosing hiking poles. Using them can help you walk in a more relaxed way by eliminating the need to grip the handles too tightly. This can save you energy, which is vital during extended hikes.
However, if you're on short, easy hikes or prefer flexibility, poles without straps may be a better option. Without straps, you can quickly drop the poles when needed, like when you need to use your hands for climbing, balancing, or other tasks.
