Trekking pole or hiking staffs are today considered
essential equipment for trekkers, hikers and backpackers especially those who
indulge in multiday trips in different terrains. The main purpose of these
poles is to offer stability and support to your legs, knees and ankles on any
type of terrain.
This does not mean that lesser energy will be needed
when backpacking trekking poles and staffs are used to maneuver your way as you
will be using your arms more than when you move around without trekking or
hiking staffs and poles. It will however distribute the use of energy in a
manner that will help in enhancing your walking endurance during trekking.
Trekking Pole Differentiation
By differentiation, here I would like to explain the
two type used in hiking, trekking or backpacking termed as poles and staffs.
Trekking Poles – These are made available in a pair
and used in tandem. Their main purpose is to offer more stability to the trekker’s
knees. These poles are available in both adjustable and non adjustable length,
while some offer other features such as springs that absorb the shock further
reducing the impact.
Hiking Staffs – Also known as walking or travelling
staff, this is a single pole often used and efficient in flat terrains. Also
these are used when you hike with little to no load on your back. These too
come in adjustable size versions and with shock absorbing features. Some
advanced models also contain a camera mount that is fixed under the handle
area, to be readily used as a monopod.
Trekking Pole Features
- Adjustable – in order to offer varied stability required on different terrains, most of the poles offer the adjustable feature. These poles can be adjusted from a length of 24 inches to as much as 55 inches long. These poles are often required to be smaller when moving uphill and longer when moving downhill. These poles should not be mistaken with folding trekking poles, as their size remains the same. These poles only fold into a smaller size facilitating there carrying and packing.
- Shock Absorbing Feature – These poles help considerably when moving downwards or coming down a steep hill. The poles have internal springs installed inside that absorb much of the shock and transfer a lower impact on the knees. This feature can also be turned off when not required. These type of poles are recommended for those who suffer from damaged hips, knees or ankles. This feature however adds on to the price of the poles making them costlier compared to other pole types.
- Standard Poles – These are poles that do not have shock absorbing capability and thus are lighter and belong to the relatively cheap trekking poles category compared to others. Even though they lack the shock absorbing capability however they do offer the same support and balance characteristics.
- Ultralight Poles – This feature offers the less swing weight advantage making it quicker and easier to move around. If you are on a long duration trek, use of this kind of poles equals to lesser fatigue. Also these are easier to pack owing to lighter weight. The main determinant of how light weighted poles are, depend on the material used to make the pole shaft. Generally poles weighing less than a pound are considered as being in the ultra light weight category.
- Camera Mount Feature – Some poles come with a built in mount for cameras to be placed in and used as monopods.
Major Trekking Pole Parts
The Grip
The Extended grip
The Wrist Strap
The Shaft
The Locking Mechanism
The Basket and
The Tip
This is a general break down of the kinds,
types, features and parts of a trekking pole.
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