Compact Trekking Poles

Compact trekking poles are something that every hiker should have when traveling long distances over rough terrain. While using a tree branch will certainly get the job done, it might be a good idea to invest a bit of money and buy a synthetic pole. You will be glad you did.

The main reason you’ll want a synthetic model over an old-fashioned tree branch is due to the fact that these poles allow you to distribute pressure more equally across your entire body when hiking. This causes the upper body to take on more of the workload, leaving the legs with less strain on them. Such a distribution of force results in less fatigue, thus allowing you to hike further or faster.

This might not seem like such a big deal at first. However, when hiking long distances, improved pressure distribution gives you an increase in speed while helping you exert less energy at the same time. Using a synthetic pole will also reduce the wear and tear on your knees. Hiking long distances with a heavy backpack and sleeping bag can take a big toll on your knees over time. Because of this it’s important to reduce the impact of the hike on your body as much as possible.

There are a number of different kinds of manufactured hiking sticks sold. Which one do you choose? Finding the right one is not always an easy task. Here are some tips for locating the correct one for you.

First, look for adjustable poles with a variable length. Some people prefer fixed length designs because they are simple and lightweight. However, adjustable models are not that much heavier and they have other benefits that negate their increased weight.

The primary benefit of an adjustable design is the fact that you can change the height to match the kind of terrain you are traveling across. Also, you can fold them up and put them in your backpack when not in use, which makes them easier to transport to and from the hiking trail and easier to store when not in use. In other words, they are far more convenient.

Each end of the pole you select should come with good gripping ability. The upper portion must have excellent quality rubber. This will prevent them from becoming too slippery when they get wet from an unexpected downpour. A good design will also have an adjustable wrist strap that lets you hang onto your walking pole in case you suddenly lose your grip. This is an important consideration for those who are hiking near a cliff ledge.

The last thing you need to consider is the material your walking pole is made from. The majority are made from aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon designs are both light and strong at the same time and are often considered the best on the market. Unfortunately, the carbon fiber models are more expensive than their aluminum counterparts.

Before making a purchase decision on one of these hiking accessories, it’s best to shop around to find the best deal. A well-made design will last for many years and give you many miles of hiking enjoyment.