‘I don’t need them – they’re just for old people.’
Sadly, that’s a familiar refrain when it comes to walking poles. And although you may not strictly need a pair in order to go out on a hike, there are numerous benefits to using them, however long or short your walk, and over whatever terrain.
Of course, once you own some walking poles, it’s a good idea to learn how to use them effectively and efficiently. There are simple techniques for trekking uphill, downhill and on the level, and plenty of video advice on all three online. You can also try out Nordic walking with a pair of poles.
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And you never know when a pair might come in really handy. Hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc a few years ago, I slipped while traversing a precipitous icy slope and had I not been able to jam a pole into the snow before I’d slid too far I’d have gone plummeting down the mountainside…
What are the benefits of walking poles?
There are plenty of benefits to using walking poles on your next hike. For a start, you’ll find yourself covering the ground faster, being able to walk further and feeling less fatigued when doing so. One of the reasons for this is because poles provide you with support as you walk, spreading the work to muscles in the upper part of your body, taking some of the strain off your legs. Walking poles also slightly reduce the amount of impact your body takes every time your foot hits the ground. That’s something your ankles, knees and hips will thank you for.
Poles help straighten your posture too. This is especially true when walking uphill with a rucksack on, when hikers have a tendency to slouch – a bad habit that may lead to back problems. Furthermore, your poles offer you another two points of contact with the ground, which may help to keep you from falling over on slippery surfaces like mud, snow and ice, or when making your way across a stream on algae-covered stepping stones.
How do you choose walking poles?
The type of walking pole you choose is entirely down to whatever suits you (and your wallet) best. Factors to consider include weight, packability and size. We also tested some of the best walking poles on the market.
Handle: plastic, EVA (which feels like foam and so gives a softer grip) or cork (which is moderately absorbent).
Strap: the traditional loop around your wrist or a comfy glove strap.
Tip: steel or tungsten carbide (the latter being less prone to rusting).
Packability: some poles are foldable while others pack down like telescopes.
Weight: most standard poles are made mostly of aluminium but ultralight carbon fibre models are available, becoming increasingly expensive the lighter they get.
Size: poles come in many different lengths so make sure you buy a pair that’s suitable for your frame. Staff in your friendly local outdoors shop should be able to advise you on this.
Main image: Getty
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