Why do We Need Trekking Poles?

Trekking poles are special walking sticks for those who are doing active sports or tourism. People have always used walking sticks: disabled people, shepherds, and aristocrats of the 19^th century. A cane is also popular in works of the fantasy genre, when an old wizard walks with a large cane in his hand. People realized that for long walks they need to create an additional point of support in order to more efficiently distribute weight and relieve stress from the legs.

The Leki Company presented trekking poles in their modern form in 1974. They named the model “Makalu” after the famous mountain. After that, many different companies started to produce trekking poles. They became very popular throughout the world and to this day continue to be one of the most important parts of the hiker’s and mountaineer’s equipment.

Why do You Need Trekking poles?

Walking with a heavy backpack is a huge pressure on your spine and legs. Especially when walking on slopes, it is very difficult to maintain balance, relying on only two points – the legs. The muscles of the legs and back are very tense. Because of this, you quickly get tired. When walking, trekking poles distribute part of the load on the arms and thereby relieve tension in the legs and spine.

While walking with trekking poles you will always have the third supporting point. This helps you to keep the balance of your body even better. Moreover, during the pauses you can have rest by leaning on your poles.

Perhaps trekking poles are not necessary for one-day short hikes. However, during multi-day difficult trekking, when you have a heavy backpack, they are irreplaceable. Many people think that trekking poles are not obligatory, that they are unnecessary and they disturb them. We assure you that it is not true. Of course, you have to get used to walking with poles in order to control the movement of your hands and feet simultaneously. However, once you get used to them, you will see how they help you with walking.

Types of Trekking Poles

Traditional trekking poles can be telescoping, meaning that they have some segments that can be adjusted in length.

The relatively new folding poles are similar to tent poles. The individual parts are attached to each other with an elastic rope, which stretches and connects these parts. This variant was originally intended for Nordic walking and light hikes. However, trekking poles gradually became widely spread among alpinists and hikers due to their light weight.

However, these poles have one disadvantage – you cannot control their size.  This is very important especially during mountain hikes, when you have to control the height of the poles depending on the declivity. That is why we suggest choosing telescopic trekking poles.

Types of locks and grips

The locks can be with a screw or valve.

The screw lock has a wedge-shaped mechanism on the inside, almost like wall plugs. This is an old mechanism with almost no advantage over valves. The snow may freeze inside such mechanism and make it difficult to control your poles. While you are walking, the poles can unfold. In addition, they are heavier.

The trekking poles with valve locks are much easier to adjust, even with gloves. They are lighter, more reliable and durable. It is better to choose such trekking poles.

Unlike the ski poles, trekking poles can be longer, so you can hold them in different positions. These poles can also have additional grips. It is very convenient during long hikes, especially when you are going down the slopes of the mountain and cannot change the length of the poles. In this case, you can control your poles by just changing the position of your hands. You should control the length of the poles in a way that your elbows and forearms form a 90° angle. This position is the most effective and convenient.

Trekking poles are mainly made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. CFRP provides the same durability, but weights incomparably less. However, it is more expensive. If you are going to take short hikes, you do not need to buy poles made of carbon. However, if you are planning to take part in a long and difficult trekking you will certainly need them.

Usually the grips for poles are made of rubber, natural cork, neoprene, polyurethane or EVA foam. The grips made of cork, neoprene and EVA foam are more comfortable. Due to their soft and porous surface, they keep you warm in winter and absorb sweat in summer. Cork is the best option as it breathes well and always keeps your hands dry. However, you should be attentive, because in cheap models they use a lot of glue. That is why they lose their breathing functions. If it is possible, try to buy a more expensive model.

The Structure of Trekking poles

Trekking poles usually have special round tips at the bottom. They prevent your trekking poles from being stuck in snow or sand. There are bigger disks for snowy surfaces, in order to distribute the weight correctly. Small tips are usually used for sand and other simpler conditions.

The tips of poles are usually made of strong alloy, such as cobalt and wolfram. The tip should be strong and stable towards strikes. The serrated appearance provides a firm grip. After the tip wears out, you need to change the poles or their tips if they are replaceable, as it is unacceptable to use such poles.

Trekking poles sometimes have depreciation system, in order to reduce pressure when you are leaning on the poles. During long hikes, your hands may get tired. This depreciation system eases the load and your hands do not hurt as much. However, we should note that this system makes your poles heavier.

Many mountaineers do not like this type of poles. They say that due to its depreciation system, they cannot feel the ground and they waste more energy.

However, we suggest you to try all the options and find the one that suits you best.

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