|
Hiking Poles - Main Features GuideLet’s get to grips with the different features of hiking poles. In this section we give you a summary of the key features available and help you choose your preferred trekking poles.By the way for some great deals on poles have a look at Gearzone. Wrist StrapAn important feature (though a lot of hiking poles and walking sticks do now have a strap there are some that don’t). A wrist strap allows the best weight transfer technique, prevents aching wrists and tired, blistered hands as you can apply a lighter grip on the handle.For more information on how best to use wrist straps to take the strain see Using Trekking Poles tips and techniques page. Straps are usually 1 inch (3 cm) nylon webbing with various degrees of padding and/or Nubuck to make them more comfortable. GripCommon materials used for the grip on the handle are hardened variations of cork, rubber, foam and plastic. Plastic on cheaper poles I have found to be hard and slippery when wet. Rubber reasonably comfy though not as much as cork.We would recommend hardened cork for best comfort and it also feels much more natural in your hand. Hardened foam is also comfortable and non-slip when wet. Additionally, some poles have lower grips fitted (or lower handle extensions) that allow you to slide your hands lower on the pole to effectively make the pole shorter. These are great for quickly changing your grip position to help stomp up ascents. HandlesSome additional options for handles are below:
Telescopic SectionsWhen hiking through thick bush or when scrambling you may want to stow your poles on your rucksack. Poles that reduce in length really helps prevent them snagging or jamming between rocks when on your rucksack. You simply use the telescopic sections to adjust the pole’s length down from fully extended to fully compressed. Depending on the hiking pole this can be from 55 inches (140 cm) down to 23 inches (59 cm).Telescopic sections also give you the adjustability to set the pole to the length most suitable for your height. Plus they give you flexibility to change the length for particular sections of your hike i.e. shorten them to stomp up long ascents or make them longer on steep descents and help with balance. For tips and techniques on the above points, see the best way to use poles as well as guidance on setting the height in the Using Trekking Poles page. Points to consider on telescoping hiking poles:
Telescopic varieties mainly come in either two or three sections. Two sections usually allow the pole to be compressed to approximately 36 inches (92 cm). However, three sections offer the shortest, fully compressed length. Depending on the make this can be as short as 23 inches (59 cm). This length makes them ideal for attaching to your rucksack where they will be out of the way. Even better they will fit inside a good sized rucksack.
Locks on Telescopic SectionsTelescopic sections are a great feature. Yet changing their length, especially mid hike, with the more common twist lock can sometimes be awkward in wet or cold conditions especially if you have to take your gloves off to adjust it. When the locks fail / slip, and on occasions they do, the sections compress down on you just as you put your weight on the pole.There is an alternative flick lock available. This is a handy lever you can easily and quickly open and close to make length adjustments, even with gloves on. Additionally, the sections tend to slip much less than those using twist locks. Weight / MaterialsModern lightweight walking poles are commonly made of either Aluminium or Carbon Fibre. When you are considering the weight of your gear, Carbon Fibre does have the edge over Aluminium.Shock AbsorbersSome hiking poles have springs in the telescopic sections to reduce the impact on your wrists, elbows and shoulders and are of most benefit when descending. Shock absorbing poles will frequently cost more.The poles I am using now are Black Diamond Alpine CF.They are a three section, carbon fibre pair (and Black Diamond’s lightest hiking poles). The pair weigh 1 lb 1 oz (498 g), compress down to 25 inches (62.5 cm) and fit nicely in to my rucksack when I need them to. They have lower grip extensions and soft top knob handles that provide help on ascents and descents. Plus they use the flick locks I mentioned above, which is the main reason I updated from my comfortable cork handled Leki’s.Take Black Diamond's lightweight Pure Carbon poles, ($129 for a pair at mountain Gear - click on the image below), straight into the backcountry for some good times - whether you're snowshoeing or AT skiing, this versatile pole minimizes weight with interior fluting in the grips and light materials while maximizing strength. Adjust the simple FlickLock system for the perfect pole height and keep your poles attached to your wrists with the lightweight webbing straps. Features: Get the light weight of 100% pure carbon poles complete with Efficient Series grips that have fluted interiors to provide even more weight savings Even when you're double poling, you won't lose your poles thanks to the Efficient Series straps that use lightweight webbing and plastic ladder lock buckles to keep them in place Lightweight grips extensions provide quick, secure choke-ups Never stick your poles too deep with the 4-inch wide powder baskets Dial in the height with the FlickLock adjustment system Specifications: Weight: 1 lb 3 oz Material: 100% carbon fiber Extended: 37 - 57 inches Sections: 2 Sold as: pair
|
