Trekking pole: Difference between revisions
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'''Trekking poles''' are a common [[hiking]] accessory. When in use, they resemble [[ski pole]]s as they have many features in common, such as baskets at the bottom, [[rubber]]-padded handles and wrist straps. Unlike ski poles, however, they are often made in two or three sections and can be extended and retracted as necessary for use. Their maximum length is usually 135 cm (54 inches). |
'''Trekking poles''' are a common [[hiking]] accessory. When in use, they resemble [[ski pole]]s as they have many features in common, such as baskets at the bottom, [[rubber]]-padded handles and wrist straps. Unlike ski poles, however, they are often made in two or three sections and can be extended and retracted as necessary for use. Their maximum length is usually 135 cm (54 inches). |
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Descendants of the common [[walking stick]], trekking poles are usually used by hikers for the same reason — to provide some rhythm to their walking pace. On flat, smooth terrain, that is indeed all they do, and they really aren't necessary. Using them that way can increase the exercise a hiker gets from the trip, and some do want to do that. Some even come with [[spring (device)|spring]]-loaded tips to aid walking under normal conditions. Trek poles are usually made from lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. |
Descendants of the common [[walking stick]], trekking poles are usually used by hikers for the same reason — to provide some rhythm to their walking pace. On flat, smooth terrain, that is indeed all they do, and they really aren't necessary. Using them that way can increase the exercise a hiker gets from the trip, and some do want to do that. Some even come with [[spring (device)|spring]]-loaded tips to aid walking under normal conditions. Trek poles are usually made from lightweight [[aluminum]] or [[carbon]] fiber. |
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But on less certain terrain, or steep slopes, they provide useful lateral stability. They can be used as aids when climbing rocks or boulders, to probe the depth of mud or water and facilitate a crossing. When traversing steep slopes for long distances, some hikers make one pole shorter than the other to make those trips feel more as if they were taking place on level ground. Some can even double as [[tent]] poles on [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] trips. |
But on less certain terrain, or steep slopes, they provide useful lateral stability. They can be used as aids when climbing rocks or boulders, to probe the depth of mud or water and facilitate a crossing. When traversing steep slopes for long distances, some hikers make one pole shorter than the other to make those trips feel more as if they were taking place on level ground. Some can even double as [[tent]] poles on [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] trips. |
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Revision as of 19:45, 5 March 2006
Trekking poles are a common hiking accessory. When in use, they resemble ski poles as they have many features in common, such as baskets at the bottom, rubber-padded handles and wrist straps. Unlike ski poles, however, they are often made in two or three sections and can be extended and retracted as necessary for use. Their maximum length is usually 135 cm (54 inches).
Descendants of the common walking stick, trekking poles are usually used by hikers for the same reason — to provide some rhythm to their walking pace. On flat, smooth terrain, that is indeed all they do, and they really aren't necessary. Using them that way can increase the exercise a hiker gets from the trip, and some do want to do that. Some even come with spring-loaded tips to aid walking under normal conditions. Trek poles are usually made from lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber.
But on less certain terrain, or steep slopes, they provide useful lateral stability. They can be used as aids when climbing rocks or boulders, to probe the depth of mud or water and facilitate a crossing. When traversing steep slopes for long distances, some hikers make one pole shorter than the other to make those trips feel more as if they were taking place on level ground. Some can even double as tent poles on backpacking trips.
Hikers who take to snowshoes in winter find trekking poles especially useful.
When fully retracted, they can easily be stored in the side pocket of a backpack.