Back to towns in A Guide to Travel Advice and Tips
Trekking Poles Best Practice
How to get the most out of your trekking poles is one of the
biggest concerns while considering buying a new pair or using
your existing trekking poles. To get most out of your trekking
poles, you need to consider two things: First, various “types
of trekking poles” to suit your preference, style, ease of use
and of course budget! Second, to know about various features of
your trekking poles and how to use them effectively to get most
out of them!
Before discussing the above mentioned points, let’s see what
exactly these trekking poles are.
Trekking poles, hiking poles or hiking staff are much similar
to ski poles. Trekking poles are nothing but balancing sticks
used for balancing the weight distribution and shock over four
limbs (2 legs and 2 hands), instead of two (2 legs). Those who
are experienced hiker or trekker already know that while
trekking our two legs are not enough to maintain good stability
on the uncertain tracks and we need extra balancing support to
offset the load on our feet and legs.
Hikers and trekkers are using these trekking poles since years
and therefore these are considered to be the traditional way to
maintain good stability on uncertain tracks. According to many
experts, trekking poles were very popular in many European
countries for years, but nowadays many Americans have also
realized their countless benefits and started using them. Some
of their potential benefits are: pacing, balancing, guiding,
stability, weight distribution and reduction to ease-out
unnecessary pain in the legs and knees along with others. But
when we talk about immediate benefits then trekking poles are
designed to provide extra stability and to spread the load on
your legs onto your arms. Trekking poles can substantially
decrease pain in the legs and knees especially while going
uphill or downhill.
Let’s see various types of trekking poles. Frankly speaking, at
their very basics, trekking poles can take many forms, ranging
from single staves made from found wood (called primitive
poles) to pairs of adjustable poles made from lightweight
composite materials (called sophisticated poles, usually
expensive ones!). In the age of fashion, style and technology,
these days there is large variety available in the market to
woo their customers. But, you should be very careful, focused
and research oriented while buying a pair of trekking poles. Of
course, it is better to seek expert advice if you aren’t sure.
Otherwise also it is better to buy some cheaper trekking poles
in the beginning, so that you can see, judge and correlate
their functionalities with your exact requirements. Never ever
get seduced by the stunning features (usually unnecessary like
camera mount and compass!) if you aren’t sure what exactly they
mean. In my view, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive
models for such tangible benefits. However, if budget is not
the problem, you can go ahead and buy these expensive models as
well. Choice is entirely yours!
Well, when it comes to various features of your trekking poles
and how to use them effectively, it becomes a little tricky.
Needless to say a daunting task for the beginners!
Undoubtedly, it is very subjective in nature when it comes to
use them effectively. Literally, you can get as much as you
want from your trekking poles, it all this depends on your
using techniques. Instead of using just one pole, always use
poles in pair to improve usability, balance and stability. If
you have adjustable trekking poles then set the length of the
pole according to your height and working conditions such as
when you are climbing uphill short length may be more useful
and while coming down the hill, long pole may be more
comfortable. Remember, nobody can tell exactly what is right or
wrong length, so it all depends upon you and type of trekking
poles you are using. Adjust to any length which is comfortable
to you, so that you can walk in the most natural position
without unnecessary bending and leaning. It is quite obvious to
keep your trekking poles behind you when climbing uphill (to
push you upward) and when going downhill keep them before you
to balance your weight.
Guys! Don’t get afraid of these trekking poles as these are to
support you instead putting some extra ounce in your backpack.
If you have got a pair of good quality trekking poles and you
know how to use them then perhaps half of your battle is won.
To suit your exact taste, preference, budget and other
requirements there is a perfect pair of trekking poles
available in the market. All it needs a fair ground work to
find a suitable pair for you. You can reap different benefits
from your trekking poles and they may prove more usable but all
this is possible when you select the right pole according to
your personality and physical requirements.
When you select your poles be careful because not all poles are
created equally. Pay attention to the grip which is the point
which is held by your hand. Similarly, there are many types of
anti-shock systems available in trekking poles to absorb
unnecessary shocks to your wrist. Another important
consideration is the type of baskets used. Depending upon the
type of trekking surfaces like hard, soft, mud, snow, there are
different types of baskets available in the market. Baskets are
fitted on the end of the pole and should always be used because
the basic idea of using baskets at the end of the pole is to
stop the pole sinking into mud, snow, ice and sand. If you
prefer high end comfort then look for a pole with anti shock
system. When you are adding trekking poles to your outdoor
gear, there are many features you need to understand first
(some of them are discussed above but list can go even further
depending upon your requirements and the manufacturing
company). Otherwise they will be nothing more than a burden on
your back and a hole in your pocket.
All the best…have a happy trekking!
About The Author: http://www.mytrekkingpoles.com Take a load
off and climb every mountain
|
