One of the most frequently asked questions by beginner hikers is whether or not to buy trekking poles? This has to be decided individually. Our task is to tell you about the purpose of walking sticks, the benefits and proper methods of choosing these products.
Why do I need trekking poles?
An important purpose is to reduce the strain on the musculoskeletal system. Basically, the joints suffer from prolonged walking, and the poles also significantly reduce the load on the back and calf muscles.
- They are needed in medium and heavy trekking, on long backpacking trips;
- Provide stability, the hiker does not have to make an effort to keep his balance,
provide an extra point of support
; - Help you to overcome difficult parts of the way, such as wading across a river, climbing on stony or slippery terrain;
- During descents of any complexity reduce the load on the knee joints.
How to choose walking poles?
When choosing, first of all, you need to consider the height of the tourist. In case you are taller than average, make sure the poles are not too short. The handle of the product should fit well in the hand, the loops will help to adjust the position of the handle. If your body weight exceeds 90 kg, you should refuse ultra-light models, and choose something heavier.
Stick tips should be made of hard alloys, unlike plastic and steel, they are stronger and more reliable. Before buying, it is important to check the fixation of all mechanisms. Don’t forget that models for winter trekking must have reinforced ring attachments.
Modern products can consist of several segments (2 to 4), which telescopically fold into each other. When assembled, the length of the stick does not exceed 60 cm, so the set does not take up much space in the backpack. The poles are used in hiking, mountaineering and during movement on difficult terrain.
The main part of the product are the locks. Their purpose is to fix the hiking stick in the unfolded state and protect it from folding at the time of high load. Today you can find two basic types of such mechanisms: latch and screw.
Advantages and disadvantages of trekking poles
Despite the obvious advantages of walking poles have a number of disadvantages. But first let’s look at the merits:
Reducing the load
on the lower torso (back, joints, knees);
Extra stability
especially on routes with stony or slippery terrain;- Protection from injuries and falls;
- Increases
speed
movement during descent and ascent; - Assistance in setting up the tarpaulin.
Of the disadvantages can be noted:
The extra weight
in addition to the backpack- From the strain of the sticks.
arm muscles can hurt
if they are untrained.
How to walk properly with sticks?
There is no one correct movement technique. Everyone chooses it individually, adjusting the features of the stick to himself. In general terms, the nature of the movement remains natural, while climbing sticks are shortened, and while descending – extended, if the path lies through the traverse, one stick is shorter than the other.
It is necessary to pay attention to the hand fixation: do not squeeze the handle too hard, the emphasis will go on the knuckle, in this case the hands will not overload and hurt, if you are afraid of blisters, you can wear gloves.
Some popular models of trekking poles
Price category
The basic principle here is that the lighter and stronger the poles, the more expensive they are. It is better to choose mid-priced trekking poles, too cheap product is unlikely to cope with its duties. Quality trekking poles will last longer, provide the necessary support, and you will not 
of the pittance. The leaders in the production of such hiking sticks are brands Gelert and Karrimor, but to the luxury segment can be attributed products Komperdell.
GELERT TRYFAN
The English hiking brand Gelert offers a classic hiking stick. Material – aluminum alloy; maximum length – 136 cm; availability of three sections; included snow cover nozzles.
KARRIMOR TREKKER
Another British brand Karrimor, which specializes in the manufacture of equipment and gear for trekking and mountaineering, offers its trekking poles. The material is an aluminum alloy. The stick consists of 3 sections; maximum length – 134 cm, in the folded state – 64 cm. Lightweight option for hiking and mountain trails. The eccentric lock provides quick adjustment and good support.
Komperdell C3 Carbon Powerlock
The ultralight Komperdell brand 3-sectionmodel is made of carbon and Titanal.HF (innovative aluminum alloy). Despite the lightweight design, the poles are suitable for extreme trekking, hiking and mountaineering.
