Trekking Poles: Benefits not understood unless used

GEAR OF THE MONTH
Trekking poles
In this issue of Cross the Line, we bring to you one of the most important gear without which almost all treks are incomplete. You probably guessed it; we are indeed talking about Trekking Poles!
Trekking poles usually absorb a part of the impact that your body will normally sustain, especially while you are moving downhill. A study conducted in the Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that trekking poles reduce the compressive force on your knees by at least 25%. Thus, your body becomes lighter without a substantial amount of weight on your knees during hiking. Since you will be using your arms more when using trekking poles, there is a better energy distribution that increases your endurance.
Trekking poles

Key benefits

  • Provide better balance and footing
  • Decrease the amount of stress on your legs and joints during downhill hikes
  • Distribute the body weight uniformly to arms, back, and shoulders during uphill climbs and reduce leg fatigue to help ascend quickly
  • Help in crossing difficult terrain consisting of - loose rocks, mud, loose ice, ice sheets, snow, boulders, slippery surfaces, tree roots, stream crossings, etc.
  • Help in establishing a walking rhythm.
  • They are invaluable during winter travels.

Standard trekking poles bought from reputed shops are more dependable than tree branches which are often used as makeshift poles which may snap and cause heavy injury while hiking steep terrains.

There are mainly three types of poles - 

  • Telescopic or adjustable poles
  • Foldable trekking poles, and
  • Fixed length poles.

The adjustable trekking poles are the classic ones that contain two to three telescopic sections - the extensions of which can be controlled by an internal or external locking mechanism. While the internal locking mechanism often tends to malfunction due to the twist lock complications, tend to slip while being wet or cold, and are prone to icing in the winters, the external locking mechanisms are far better.

 

Telescopic or collapsible poles are easily resized for different people, can be resized during an uphill or downhill climb, and can be adjusted and easily packed.

Some of the best trekking pole recommendations are -

  1. Foxelli carbon fiber trekking poles
  2. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles for men and women, etc.

Foldable trekking poles consist of 3 sections, 2 of which are held by a high-tension rod in the middle. These are lightweight and easy to pack.

Some of the best trekking pole recommendations are -

  1. Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles
  2. Trekology Trek-Z trekking poles, etc.

Fixed length trekking poles are stiffer and lighter and contain a single section or less sections compared to others. They are difficult to pack and prone to getting damaged during transportation.

In India, Decathlon carries all the different types of trekking poles described here.

A trekking pole consists of the following parts -

  • strap
  • grip
  • shaft
  • locking mechanism
  • snow basket
  • rubber or carbide tip.

You should also consider weight of the pole and pack size, whether it is unisex or gender-specific, brands and manufacturers, price, etc. before selecting the ideal pole.

While trekking, you should shorten the size of your pole when going uphill and increase the size when going downhill. However, while walking on a flat surface keep your poles straight on the ground with your elbows at right angles to the ground. These postures should be maintained while walking with poles. 

We recommend using a pair of trekking poles on all your hiking and trekking adventures.

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