Aluminum tubing is very durable and can take an amazing amount of bend before giving in (refer to tent poles). Practice until it feels natural. Sweat and body oils from bare hands tend to make the rubber a bit slippery. Tips do wear out over the miles, especially if you hike on a lot of rock. The pole snapped right above the tip section. A standard M6 camera can mount on the top of the hand grip. The tension cord can develop a bit of stretch with use; it needs to be re-tensioned from time to time, which is no big deal and can be done in the field. Use for muddy trails or walking in sand dunes. Grip shape and fit is important, too. Some hikers inevitably get blisters while using hiking poles, often from strap rub that develops with sweaty hands. Most baskets can be replaced with a simple twisting motion without any tools. Always rinse with fresh water and let the parts air dry before assembly. Pole tips can become worn and lose traction. Womens REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles with Foam Grip. However, many hikers, snowshoers, and cross country skiers prefer rubber in the winter as the rubber doesnt absorb water and offers good grip while wearing gloves. They also use a twist lock fitting. As the pole reaches the limit of its forward arc, let the tip touch the ground. While this technique may help you keep your balance, it adds no power to your walk and is hardly a smooth, efficient motion that uses little energy. With poles in each hand, its inconvenient to grab the camera for that once-in-a-lifetime shot, or grab a quick snack from the hip-belt pocket. Upon inspection, we found the lower section was slipping ever so slightly. If the poles collapse with the lever closed, the tension is too loose. With more points of contact, hikers are less likely to slip from loose footing or lost balance, and those moments are less likely to turn into falls. People returned with poles in their luggage from hiking in Europe where trekking pole use was common. Maintained trails or bushwhacking/rock hopping? If you feel a hot spot developing on your hand or fingers while using poles, stop and put some first aid tape or duct tape on the spot before it develops into a blister. Then take a few short hikes on varied terrain until it starts to feel like second nature. Pay particular attention to the pole locking mechanism, whether twist lock or lever lock. There are basically two types of pole designs for hiking: poles that extend and collapse by sliding sections similar to a telescope and poles that can fold up, similar to tent poles with cord holding them together (quality hiking poles use a strong, durable kevlar type cord material). However, dirt and moisture can build up inside the poles, which can result in them being stuck and no longer adjustable or reduce internal friction causing the pole to collapse (typically at a most inconvenient time). These poles are good for occasional day hike use near home but not for heavy backpacking in rugged terrain and remote locations where you need total reliability. Check the warranty before purchasing. Our product experts are happy to provide you with the parts you need and the assistance you deserve. Baskets are typically round or snow-flake shaped tough plastic pieces located just above the flexible tip joint. Some flexible tips are designed to break away from the pole before the pole breaks, adding some peace-of-mind if youre many days into the outback. Initially, 3-section poles were produced with aluminum shafts. There are also delicate and rare alpine plants that dont take to being poked by a hiking pole. However, a walking stick is not a hiking/trekking pole. He left the tip in the glue-like mud and hiked on using one pole. Give care to your poles a few times a year, particularly before and after multi-day trips. Cascade Mountain Tech Twist Lock Trekking Poles. Foam can absorb some moisture, which could feel very cold in the hand in winter conditions. Check the availability of replacement parts and warranty service before purchasing. We hiked 5.5 miles to our destination on a moderate, mostly dirt forest trail. Use a soft cloth for cleaning, especially the inside of the tubing where the poles connect. Quality hiking poles are not cheap. Many poles will have a little ledge molded into the bottom of the grip to help keep your hand in place. Depending on terrain, you will need to pay some attention to where you set the tip of the pole, being careful to avoid crevices, holes, tree roots, rocks, and other obstacles. Angled grips or straight grips? Good quality poles use three different grip materials or a combination of them: foam, rubber and cork. Its common to see sticks conveniently placed by hikers at creek crossings for community use. There are packs made by Osprey that have Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment loops so you can stow a pole on the fly. The plastic sheath was meant to prevent damage to the cord but a number of users have reported cord breakage over time (read long-term user reviews; it occurs with some brands more than others). The mechanism adds weight and complexity. He became quite frustrated and vowed to return the poles to the store where he bought them, which fortunately has a rather liberal return policy. Folding hiking poles can use a lever lock on the top section and a push button lock on lower sections. The locking mechanism adds some weight to the poles and takes a few moments to adjust to length. Fortunately, straps are easily adjusted. They are used to prevent the poles from sinking into soft surfaces (mud and sand) or slipping into cracks between rocks or roots. The prices of premium aluminum and carbon fiber poles are basically in the same price range, $130-$200, with carbon being on the higher end, though there is a lot of price overlap depending on features. It is wise to check the pole connections before and during the hike so you wont be surprised by a collapsing pole. In addition to being a hiking aid, poles have a number of other uses. Some hikers may prefer using a light grip on the handle, and some will prefer the fingertip grip with weight on strap method. I see this method most often on ultralight, single piece carbon fiber poles. If youre still unsure about trekking poles, borrow a good pair and give them a try, or buy them from a place that will let you return them (whether 30 days or 365 days) if youre not satisfied. Grips that dont have any angle to them may put pressure on your wrist and forearm tendons by forcing them into an unnatural position, but much of that factor can be mitigated with efficient technique (More on technique later in the article). Now push down with your palm on the strap (amount of force is hard to feel, but say 30 pounds for an idea). Plastics can develop hairline fractures over time which can fail at the most inconvenient location (most companies will repair your poles for a small fee). All of our baskets work with any and all Cascade Mountain Tech poles! Telescoping hiking poles have been around since the 1980s and are well proven. The more efficient your hiking pole technique, the less energy you will use. I can see the appeal to hikers with nerve ending issues, arthritis, or some other health-related challenge. Our product experts are happy to provide you with the parts you need and the assistance you deserve. However, carbon fiber poles have been used successfully for years by experienced long distance hikers on all the major long trails (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail) and all the major mountain ranges. Flipping a poisonous snake out of the way also isnt a good idea a 4 foot long copperhead can strike longer than the length of its body in 1/10th of a second. Three-section poles were carried by ski shops and outdoor specialty stores, but poles really took off when they got the stamp of approval from outdoor magazines like Backpacker and Outside. Rainier during the summer of 2004. As far as pole material, much depends on where you are hiking and what features make you happy (or irritate you the least). Forget the nomenclature and get what fits your hand comfortably. Womens REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles with Powerlock Adjustment. As the use of poles grew, people wanted something more than a fixed-length snow sports pole. Do your poles often sink into sand, mud and other soft terrain while youre hiking? As long as you give the pole section locking mechanism some care, aluminum poles can last several decades. The best poles attach the tip to the pole with a strong yet flexible material making the pole more durable and specially designed to flex up to 30 degrees without bending the pole shaft. I would recommend that you use these for day hikes just incase there are some durability issues. A few grips are molded with knuckles between the intended finger placement; however, if your hands dont fit the molded grip, youre out of luck! A trekking basket/mud basket is fairly small, about 1.6 inches/4 cm in diameter, and prevents poles from sinking deep into mud, sand, and slipping into cracks between rocks, roots, or footbridge planks. Contactus today if you have questions or fill out thecustomer service request form. But more than that I want pole locks that do not slip, wiggle, corrode, or break. The tip ends up behind you before lifting it to reset for the next step or glide. Once you get used to the twisting motion it goes quickly enough. Up until that point, I thought only old people and hikers with bad knees used hiking poles (and now Im old and have bad knees!). Some grips will have an index finger bump as an aid for holding the pole. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Since that time, hikers without poles have become the minority. Im sure you can come up with other clever uses. There are places where some decry the use of poles, especially in fragile soil areas that are easily eroded. The use of hiking poles has exploded since the 1990s when they were seen by most American hikers as a novelty. Some companies, such as Black Diamond, do have rubber tips intended for trail use. The hiking poles helped me maintain my balance and footing while I crossed talus slopes and rock slides. L.L.Bean Hikelite 4-Season Poles with Rubberized Grip. Some poles are sold in a womens version, meaning they have smaller grips. REI Co-op Traverse Telescoping Trekking Poles. As mountain trails often have switchbacks, a lower grip lends itself to quickly changing direction versus stopping to adjust pole length. No compass, hidden compartment, or LED light. Rattlesnakes are only slightly slower. Hiking poles tend to get caught up in brush and laurel. Komperdell fixed it for the price of postage. Fortunately, there is an efficient way of using poles that has been proven over many decades. Consider the investment over time in years of use and it comes out to just a few dollars a year or a few cents per mile. Telescoping poles are 23-28 inches long when they are collapsed. The downside is locking mechanisms can break or freeze up -some are more reliable than others. Typically it becomes noisy, rattling at every strike. Respect the limitations of each material, take a bit of care, and youll get many years of use out of your investment. When you grab the grip, the strap should have just enough tension to allow you to slide your palm over the strap while holding the hiking pole with just your thumb and index finger. They weigh very little, come in various sizes, and are easy to install or remove without tools. The advantage of folding hiking poles is they are only 13-16 inches long when collapsed for packing. Yes, my friend should have read the instructions before using the poles on a trip, but like you and me, he is human. The anti-shock mechanism is most often a metal spring. Nearly every hiker Ive run into over the years who had such poles eventually locked the mechanism in the off position because they got tired of the rattling noise. Poles in the cheaper spectrum, caveat emptor. Great for general exercise, but not necessarily desirable for hiking. Be aware to notice such places often there will be a sign noting the fragile area. Friction locks the poles at the length desired. Properly designed and adjusted straps offer support for your weight (versus having the grip of your hand take all the weight), make the pole easier to swing with your walking cadence, and keep the poles from slipping away from you (like sliding downhill into a place that cant be reached). I do clean the inside of the pole tubes once in a while, which helps the compression fitting maintain a good grip as well as to release when I want it to. The lower sections of the pole are held in place by a super strong Kevlar cord, typically in a plastic tube sheath. LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Pole displaying Adjustable Strap. So, what strap length is just right? Either way is fine. The major pole manufacturers have solid warranties and really stand behind what they sell, as do some of the big outdoor retailers. Snakes outside of the USA and Canada should not be messed with (or any snake in the Everglades thinking of pythons), much less four legged predators. The widespread adoption of hiking poles in the USA spread through several avenues of experience. Snow baskets are much larger, about four inches/10 cm in diameter. The philosophy of use may be the same, but the difference is how they are used and the adjustability they offer. My Leki Makalu Ti aluminum poles have been going strong since 2004, covering thousands of miles and dozens of trips on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. Rubber grips are very durable and grip well in cold conditions. Admittedly, most people just grab the pole by the grip, palm first, and start walking while planting the pole ahead and picking it up as they reach the pole. Carbon poles are fine for spider webs, but I dont think Ill be whacking anything with them in case theres rock or tree stump hiding. Foam is used on poles at all price points, but not all foams are equal. That is awesome service from both companies! Despite its great strength, the kevlar cord that holds the poles together has been known to break at internal friction points. Experienced hikers with sensitive skin often wear fingerless gloves to reduce friction. Some poles (usually the expensive ones) have a covered section beneath the hand grip for grabbing the lower part of the pole (choking down) in steep-sided traverses where the pole on the uphill side needs to be shorter than the pole on the downhill side. Flats do not mean easy hiking flats could be rocky, boggy, swampy, muddy, or sandy. Though the cord can be replaced, it resides inside a protective plastic sheath that makes replacement complicated. Occasionally a manufacturer (such as Leki and Black Diamond, for this example) will experiment with a new anti-shock idea.. As he had no room to leverage the pole out, he gave it a strong pull while using a twisting motion on the grip. Leki MICRO VARIO COR-TEC TA Trekking pole with rounded grip top for palm comfort. Plus, hiking pole summer baskets also help prevent mud and dirt from splashing up onto you! Free shipping to the lower 48 states on orders $60 and over. Notice how the pole swings forward with your arms of its own accord. Several highly recognized studies (including the Journal of Sports Medicine) have shown that hiking poles can reduce stress on the knees by at least 25 percent and up to 40 percent. Note that temperature changes can affect the tension, more so on aluminum poles, so be sure to check before use, especially on cold mornings. We will notify you when this product becomes available. Local trails or the outback? Quality poles focus on doing the job efficiently and dont need gimmicks for marketing. The strap may be either too loose or too tight. Quality carbon poles from a quality manufacturer are not cheap. A pole section can be used as an arm or leg splint for broken bones. For high-quality and affordable baskets that provide outstanding support in sand, dirt and mud, search no further than Cascade Mountain Tech. The use of poles went from enigmatic to being cool. What is difference in hiking is the pole is shorter to take advantage of your arms natural swinging motion (versus having to lift the pole tip to plant it ahead of your body). Purchase of 1 unit includes 2 Sand/MudBaskets. Oops! Leki Snowflake Trekking Pole Snow Baskets for Packed Snow or Deep Powder. I want highly reliable poles for a variety of terrain and weather conditions around the world. Now slide your hand up through the bottom of the strap. Carbon fiber hiking poles began to appear as materials in science progressed. I soon got my own set of trekking poles and never looked back. They add about an ounce to a pole over a twist lock system. Adjust the other hiking pole and hold it the same way. There are those that believe hiking poles can cause ecological damage. Manufacturers then started making three section carbon fiber poles with thicker tubes for strength and better lamination for durability. I dont know anyone that has given it a try, but it sounds promising with no real downside other than adding an ounce to the weight of each pole. My first experience with real hiking poles was mountaineering school at Mt. They have never failed or seized up. The pair weighs 16 ounces. 2009-2022 Fit For Trips . The cam lock consists of 3 parts the lever, the collar, and the tension adjuster. Of course, hiking sticks have been around since ancient times. When you easily have half or more of your weight pressing on the top of the pole, its not a good time to have the grip grinding away at your palm! However, the Kevlar cord has been known to break at friction points (despite the plastic liner) and the lower section will sometimes need adjustment due to slight cord stretch. These days, premium hiking poles have an ergonomically angled grip (lower price poles typically have a straight grip). But, it does show the weakness of using carbon fiber poles. Metal lever locks are durable and often found on premium poles. Compression fittings tend to be used on less expensive poles yet they weigh less than lever locks. If youre a dedicated hiker and will use them regularly, its worth getting the models with premium features. It is wise to check the connections once in a while. I have read of people having issues with push button locks, but the fix appears to be keeping the lock mechanism and hole clean. Hold both poles with the tip just a couple of inches off the ground. It can help stabilize your camera for a long shot, but is no substitute for a serious photographer.