How to choose and use trekking poles

When you are already passionate about tourism and mountaineering, you are looking for how to make your transition even more pleasant and comfortable. Tourist trekking poles are increasingly used in this direction.

The poles balance and distribute the load. Through them, the fulcrums are no longer just on both legs, but on a total of four limbs. They can prevent falling or slipping, which would save us a lot of headaches.

The trekking poles contribute to your walking rhythm, with them your transition will be longer and your breathing will be more even. Then the option to take your breath away remains only when you discover another amazing view.

Trekking poles advantages

To enjoy the adventure in which we are involved, we must choose the most suitable for us sticks. Their size is determined by multiplying our height by 0.68. +/- 5 cm difference is allowed.

1. Telescopic or not.

The first advantage of folding trekking sticks, of course, is that we can put them in the backpack at any time. So at times when our hands need to be free, we will not wonder where to support them.

When climbing, for greater stability, we can adjust the length of the poles and shorten them. Respectively, when descending slopes, in order to reduce the tension in the knees and ankles, we lengthen them.

Folding trekking poles can also be gripped under the handles when you need a shorter stick.

2. The trekking poles should be light but strong. In no case should they put extra weight on you. At the same time, they must provide you with maximum security. The optimal option for the material here is aluminum or carbon.

Aluminum is a strong but heavier material. When loaded, it bends but cannot break.

Carbon fibers are the lighter and more expensive option. Their strength can be relied on, but they break easily under heavy loads.

3. Convenience in gripping the poles is also important. To make them feel like an extension of our hands, their handles are anatomical. There are different shapes and designs and it is best to feel before buying.

The handles of the poles can be made of cork, foam or rubber. The first two materials absorb moisture well on the hand and limit slipping. The rubber handles insulate from the cold, which makes them suitable for winter hikes.

4. Some hiking poles come with built-in shock absorbers. They help absorb shocks. There are different systems for their operation. If you want to protect your ankles, knees and thighs as much as possible, shock absorbers are a must. They absorb the shock of bouncing on uneven terrain and downhills.

How to use tourist trekking poles

Tourist trekking sticks have a proven need over time. From a medical point of view, they save the knees 25% of the load. With their purchase we provide greater security and convenience during the transitions.

In addition to support and protection when climbing and descending, we can use the sticks in many other situations. With their help you will build a shelter or use them as medical splints in case of emergency.

When the terrain is unpredictable, we use sticks to check the depth of water, the strength of glaciers and bridges. With them we make our way through the dense vegetation and check the stability of the stones. So we can move confidently and confidently to our top.

Unpleasant cobwebs on the road are easy to remove with sticks. If we are bothered by noise in the bushes, they are on the line for a quick check.

So, when we have already chosen our hiking poles, we are one idea more ready for our favorite trek. We arrange for an early departure and cheerfully say: "Hey, don't forget the sticks!" We are calm that we have thought of everything.

All we have to do is wish each other beautiful moments and an easy trip!

Photos: Alpina, Husky, personal archive