Walking Polls: The Best Budget Trekking Pole
Walking or trekking poles are common pieces of equipment used by hikers, ramblers and many other outdoor groups to assist them with stability through rough or wet terrains. They are light, cheap to purchase, long lasting and are considered an essential tool for both hiking and mountaineering. ‘Nordic Walking’, a type of walking which specifically uses trekking poles, has shown that their usage provides extensive health benefits over other types of brisk walking which do not use poles, such as resting heart rate and blood pressure; the reasons for this are potentially to do with the stability and rhythm that they help the person using them to maintain. Often made of a lightweight but durable metal like aluminium or carbon fiber, the maximum length of a pole is 54 inches and is often composed of two or three sections that can be retracted, extended and collapsed for transportation. Some poles have spring loaded sections, which can be useful if walking on a regular terrain; this designs helps to reduce strain on the wrist. We look at the best budget trekking pole.
Of course, the benefits of trekking poles go far beyond their use in Nordic walking! Though the original purpose was to help individuals hiking across rough terrain maintain lateral stability, other practical uses have been found, through trial and error, by hikers and campers. Some of these uses include the following-
Use as a probe-
an interesting way to use your trekking pole is as a probe. If you encounter a seemingly shallow river on your travels, stepping straight in to it could be disastrous- not only could you potentially get wet, you could also become injured. Gaging the depth of a river, a puddle or even quicksand using your pole is safer than using your leg! It can also be used to check stability of structures you may be unfamiliar with, such as ice bridges, so you can assess how much weight the structure can take safely.
Deflectors-
when trekking through a dense woodland, you may find yourself coming up against unpleasant foliage that can cause injuries or stings, such as blackberry bushes and stinging nettles. Your pole can push these out of the way and can minimise injuries. They can also be used to swipe large spiderwebs positioned across your path.
Defence-
depending on where you are on the globe, you may find yourself in woodland or other areas where you are more likely to encounter predators or dangerous animals. A sturdy trekking pole can double up as a defence tool to ward off bears, dogs and other wildlife. If you encounter a venomous animal, such as snake, a pole can provide a safe way of moving it out of your way at a safe distance.
Shelter-
if you are staying outdoors overnight, a trekking pole can double up as a replacement tent pole if your original pole breaks. They are sturdier and more rigid that traditional tent poles, and are less likely to break in high winds or if a branch falls on your tent- providing a safer and stronger shelter.
Medical-in the worst case scenario, when yourself or someone you are traveling with sustains a serious injury, such as a broken leg, you can use the walking pole as a splint, to support their injury until you are able to get medical attention.
