Poles Attract

Walking poles (sometimes referred to as trekking poles) have become useful aids especially in the hills and mountains.  We look at some helpful tips when walking with poles.

Not so long ago walking poles and those who used them were laughed at.  Now walking poles are used by many, especially on hills and mountains.

For some they offer a greater sense of stability whilst for others they provide health benefits. Through a more upright posture lung function is improved, you can breath more easily and as a result you become tired more slowly. In addition the impact on joints, particularly the knees and spine are significantly reduced. Knee joints are put under a lot of stress when braking as you go downhill and over time this can result in cartilage damage. Studies have show that walking poles can significantly reduce the impact (by up to 40%) and over a three hour walk the load on the joints is reduced by about a ton in weight.

The right choice for you

The choice of poles is not as great as walking boots or coats and it is not so complicated, which makes the task of  buying them fairly simple.  So what do you have to consider?

Most walking poles come in three sections and are telescopic.  This not only allows you to adjust to the correct length but also makes them more compact when transporting.  You can choose between aluminium and carbon fibre construction and each material has its pros and cons. Aluminium is stronger but with this stability comes extra weight. For occasional days of walking the extra weight of aluminium is acceptable but where you might be hiking over a number of days and having to carry everything the lightweight construction of carbon fibre poles might be more important.  Carbon fibre tends to be better at absorbing vibration that travels through poles when they make contact with the ground and this helps reduce the impact on hands and wrists.  Aluminium poles are generally less expensive than those made from carbon fibre. 

Part of your kit

Whichever material you choose and whether you use them for the increased stability, a sense of security or to reduce the impact on your body walking poles should be part of your walking gear just like your rucksack and boots.  Once you start using walking poles on your walks you will not want to be without them.

Correct Usage

  • Make sure that the tips of your poles are placed on solid ground and not on loose stone or soil as there is the chance that they may lose their grip.

  • Do not overreach, especially when going downhill, as there is the potential to slip.

  • Beware of people behind you, particularly when going uphill, as there is the possibility  of poking an eye out.

  • On difficult sections, especially in the mountains, it may be necessary to carry the poles in one hand freeing the other to hold on with.

Advantages

  • Reduces the impact on knee joints and the spine.

  • Improves breathing through an upright posture when walking.

  • Stabilises the gait with the weight more evenly distributed.

  • Reduces tiredness when ascending especially when carrying a heavy backpack.

Care

When you return from your walk your poles may be wet or dirty.

You should always clean and dry the poles, as you would your boots, to ensure they are kept in top condition.  Take the sections of your poles apart (or at least fully extend them) and clean them with a damp cloth or a brush. Warm water is sufficient but you can also use a mild detergent. Leave the poles to dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Never apply solvents or lubricants to your poles.

How to correctly set up your walking poles

  • Going downhill the poles should be extended.

  • When walking on level ground your elbows and hands should be level.  

  • Going uphill the your poles should be shortened.  

  • For short sections of incline it is possible to either grip further down the pole (uphill) or on the top (downhill)

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