How to choose a trekking pole
Many people don't know how to choose trekking poles, and they waste their money in vain. In fact, each trekking pole is designed for a specific environment, so there are light and heavy points, buffered and non-buffered, external lock and internal lock.So what factors need to be considered when buying trekking poles?
price:
Entry-level trekking poles are usually made of inexpensive materials, such as 6061 aluminum for the shaft and steel for the tip. but the quality is poor and it is very easy to wear and tear. The advanced trekking poles use better materials, which are expensive but of good quality. For example, the rod is made of 7075 aluminum alloy, 6013 aluminum alloy or carbon fiber material, and the tip of the rod is made of wear-resistant tungsten-manganese alloy.
Hiking routine:
The hiking route determines the intensity of the activity and has the greatest impact on the choice of trekking poles. If you plan to travel light, the weight of the trekking poles is the first factor to consider. Lightweight trekking poles would be the way to go. Of course, many aluminum rods can do this too.If you often travel with heavy loads and require reliable and heavy-duty trekking poles, then the external locking aluminum alloy trekking poles will be the best choice.
Natural Environment:
The natural environment also has a great influence on the choice of trekking poles. If the route environment is wet and cold or the climate is changeable, it is sunny and rainy, then it is best to choose an external locking trekking pole.Because the rod will be wet and slippery after the rod is wet, and the cold environment will cause hand weakness, which will make the internal lock difficult to lock and unlock.In addition, once you encounter a downhill covered by dense forests, you may need to put away your trekking poles and move forward with the help of trees. At this time, it is really a maddening thing that the trekking pole can't be retracted!
Shock Absorb：
Whether trekking poles need to have a cushioning effect has always been a hot topic of debate. For me, I don't like trekking poles with cushioning when hiking. Because most of the trekking poles with cushioning effect are internal locking trekking poles.First, it increases the probability of damage to the internal lock of the trekking pole and the weight of the trekking pole.Second, it prevents the arm from exerting force.Third, it affects the firmness of the ground through trekking poles.The most frightening thing is that when the internal lock is loose, we are likely to mistake it for the buffering effect, causing an accident.
Single VS Double：
Some people might say, "I only use one trekking pole, and I use the other hand to hold rocks and branches."But is this the case? What if you are hiking in the mountains and the ground is undulating and you can't find rocks and branches when you go uphill? Want teammates to pull, get down on one knee and climb up? Neither seems so reasonable.And when going downhill, do you squat down and walk forward with one hand on the ground? It doesn't seem reasonable either.In addition, when you take a step, your body and the ground come into contact with two points: a foot and a single stick. As we all know, the triangle has stability, and the two fulcrums are unreliable.Therefore, it is best to use double sticks when walking on mountain roads. If you are walking with weight, be sure to choose a pair of canes to reduce the stress on the legs and protect the knees. If the route is flat and light, it depends on personal habits to decide whether to use dual poles.
Choice of handle：
When choosing a trekking pole, the handle is an important point. The material and shape of the handle need to be selected according to their actual situation.For example, if you hate the smell and sticky feeling, then you must not choose the rubber handle. Because it does not absorb sweat and tends to form dirt and produce odors.Then, decide to buy a style based on the shape of your hand. Try each trekking pole to see if the handle is comfortable. If there is no problem, hold it for a walk and make sure it won't make you feel uncomfortable. Also, keep an eye on the wrist strap to make sure it's a complete strap with no snaps.
