How to Select Trekking Poles

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as well as keep in shape but for many people the strain on their lower joints, especially on long descents, is quite painful. Trekking poles are a great tool for taking some of the strain off your lower extremities as well as adding stability on steep ascents and descents.

Instructions

1. Take a moment to decide what type of hiker you are.Whether you're a casual or an avid hiker can determine which trekking pole features are appropriate for you. Someone who hikes only once or twice a year would likely be satisfied purchasing a less expensive trekking pole with fewer features than someone who hikes every weekend. Before you go shopping for trekking poles, ask yourself these questions. Do you typically hike on flatter surfaces or on steep slopes? Is the terrain you usually hike on very rocky or is it softer soils? Do you hike off trail frequently? Are you a heavier hiker who would likely use the trekking poles for full weight-bearing support while going downhill? What is your budget?

2. Use your hiking style to determine what type of shaft material is appropriate.Trekking poles typically are constructed in three materials; aluminum, titanal (a stronger alloy than aluminum), or carbon fiber. Each has its own benefits and price points.Aluminum trekking poles tend to be the least expensive but typically are the most prone to breakage. They are lightweight but have a tendency to be noisy as the tip strikes the ground which some people find annoying. They also tend to transmit more fatiguing vibration into your forearms. For a casual hiker they offer a good value. Titanal poles are more expensive than regular aluminum poles but offer significantly greater strength. Many heavier hikers who support most of their weight on their trekking poles during steeper descents find the greater strength to be more secure and durable. Titanal poles are as noisy as standard aluminum but are typically available with more features.Carbon fiber trekking poles are usually the lightest available but are also the most expensive. Their lighter weight can be beneficial in two ways. They are less fatiguing to carry and have a lighter "Swing Weight," which can often allow a hiker to use a simple wrist flick to synch them to their stride. Carbon fiber is very strong, but its strength can be compromised if the surface is nicked or cut.Some trekking poles made of any of the listed materials have an elliptical shaft which gives them greater strength as well as better fore/aft stiffness.

3. 

   Grip the poles to find out which material is most comfortable in your hands.Trekking pole gripes are usually made of three materials: foam, cork or a dual density synthetic. Simple foam grips are the least expensive, and they offer adequate cushioning in most circumstances.Cork grips are a natural product and have better moisture absorption than synthetics. When cork grips get damp, they tend to remain grippy to the touch.Dual density synthetics offer softer cushioning where appropriate with firmer inserts in places, typically on the top for better support.All types of grips are available with extensions below that give a wider array of possible hand positions while hiking steep or uneven terrain.Some grips are available with shick absorbers built in. While these do add weight to the trekking poles many users find that they significantly reduce fatigue.

4. 

   Extend and retract the poles to determine which shaft lock mechanism is easiest for you to use.The least expensive trekking poles have a twist lock mechanism for extending and retracting the shafts. In most cases, twist locks work well but they can be problematic in some situations. In extreme cold the materials that comprise the twist lock can contract at different rates; so much so that it may not be possible to get a secure lock. Generally this is just annoying but can be dangerous if a trekking pole collapses unexpectedly. Also, twist locks can become very difficult to unlock if they are locked at a different temperature than when you try to open them.Flick type locks can be adjusted to compensate for temperature differences and are very easy to use. They may need an initial adjustment with a screwdriver so that they lock with the proper amount of force; once adjusted they tend to hold securely.

5. Decide what other features will be useful to you.Some trekking poles are available with a variety of basket sizes. Larger baskets can be very helpful when using the poles while snowshoeing in deep snow.Tip cushions, which are similar to the cushions found on the end of a cane but sized to fit the end of the trekking pole, can be used to keep the tip from digging into loose soil. Additionally they can make a trekking pole quieter as the tip hits the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Spend some time walking around the store with different styles of trekking poles before purchasing a pair. Most stores will gladly allow you to do this.

• If possible, rent a pair of trekking poles similar to the model you are interested in. Using the pole in a real world scenario is the best way to determine if they'll work for you.

• Trekking poles can assist with balance, but you should not depend on them completely. Doing so could cause a serious fall if a locking machanism was to fail.

Resources

• Black Diamond Equipment
• Leki Trekking Poles
• Mountain Safety Research
• Komperdell Equipment
• Recreational Equipment Inc.