HIKING POLES
Hiking poles are simply walking sticks, and although used to aid formal hiking rather than everyday walking the principle is just the same. They take many forms, ranging from single staves made from found wood to pairs of sophisticated height-adjustable poles made from lightweight (and expensive!) composite materials. This text is aimed at the user, or potential user, of purpose built trekking poles, which either are, or are similar to, ski touring poles which have been popular with walkers in the Alps for many years now. The information may be of use to other users who favour more traditional staves, but it's concentrated on the specifics of ski-type poles.
 New MTN 3 Sec Adjustable Walking Trekking Pole Sticks B Latest Price: US $14.95 |
 Anti Shock Cane Trekking Hikking Walking Stick Pole Latest Price: US $.99 |
 9 LED Anti Shock Trekking Hiking Walking Stick Pole Latest Price: US $.99 |
 Anti Shock Cane Trekking Hiking Walking Stick Pole Latest Price: US $.99 |
 New MTN 3 Sec Adjustable Walking Trekking Pole Sticks G Latest Price: US $34.95 |
 HIKING POLE Walking Stick Anti Shock Trekking LED Light Latest Price: US $.89 |
 Extra Long Trekking Hiking Walking Stick Pole Cane Latest Price: US $.99 |
 AntiShock Cane Trekking Hiking Walking Stick Pole Black Latest Price: US $.99 |
 Camera MonopodHiking Walking Stick PoleCompass Red Latest Price: US $7.99 |
 Camera MonopodHiking Walking Stick PoleCompass Blue Latest Price: US $7.99 |
 Camera MonopodHiking Walking Stick PoleCompass Silver Latest Price: US $7.99 |
 Camera MonopodHiking Walking Stick PoleCompass Black Latest Price: US $7.99 |
Hiking poles, like any hand-held walking support (sticks, crutches, zimmer frames etc.), are designed to provide extra stability and to spread the load on your legs onto your arms. Many people feel no need for this support when hiking, but there's a substantial minority who suffer for their pleasure in the backcountry, usually from knee pain, and they usually encounter it on hills and/or carrying heavy loads. If you end your days wishing your knees or whole legs were in better shape you may well benefit from using poles, as you can lower the amount of stress on them by taking the weight onto the poles through your arms.
The following lists summarise the main pros and cons of hiking poles...
PROs
- reduce knee pain
- increase hill climbing power
- can increase endurance
- aid crossing soft ground
- can aid balance for activities like river crossing, scree running, etc.
CONs
- financial outlay may be required
- increases total energy expenditure
- keeps hands full
- get in the way on technical sections
- often ineffective due to poor technique