Trekking Poles - General

I have divided this guide to choosing a trekking pole into 3 sections: 1) Why trekking poles are useful. 2) How to choose between the different styles of trekking pole. 3) How trekking poles should be used. WHY TREKKING POLES ARE USEFUL Particularly if you are a walker who spends a lot of time on steep terrain, trekking poles can be an invaluable aid to balance and support. Going uphill, trekking poles put some of the strain from your hamstring on to your arm muscles, making it less tiring on your legs to do those hill climbs. Going downhill, when there is much strain on the kneecaps to keep you upright, trekking poles ...  Read the complete review

Go to any popular mountain nowadays and you will see a peculiar sight. Walkers, climbers, hikers, ramblers; call them what you want but they all seem to click their way along paths with expensive looking sticks flailing in all directions. This is the age of the trekking pole. The latest must have gizmo will cost you around £60 for a decent pair with suspension and shock absorbers. The science behind them is impressive, if you believe the manufacturers claims. By bringing your arms into use you reduce muscle fatigue on the way up and, more importantly, reduce knee damage on the way down. They take quite a bit of getting used to, but when you do they ...  Read the complete review