We’ve collected the information and compiled a list of the best trekking poles for you. You can read everything about them in the next lines of text.

Top Rated Trekking Poles

Keeping in mind all the requirements of trekkers, the Montem Outdoor Gear Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are built to last. Montem is something you’d call Rolls-Royce of trekking poles. It comprises of tungsten tips and EVA handles made of foam that are more durable than the cork. Montem’s trekking poles are made out of aluminum 7075, which is the same item used for the construction of airplanes. The brand ensures the sturdiest trekking experience for your hiking adventure with it’s innovative, sleek and modern pole design.

The trekking poles come with some excellent grip as they are made of the best quality of material. The grip will not give you any hassle during your journey. It can be extended down the pole when you are hiking uphill, and you can comfortably adjust your grip at any given point of time. The adjustable bolts which are provided allow the user lengthen the height from 24” to 53” allowing so that every user can put it to good use regardless of their height.

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Why Use Trekking Poles?

A study on the use of trekking poles conducted by Dr. G. Neurether in 1981 confirmed that their use reduces the stress on the opposite leg by as much as 30%. Whether you’re a professional hiker or just a trekking enthusiast who likes to spend free weekends in the mountains, relishing breathtaking scenery – trekking poles, or hiking sticks – are paramount to enjoy the complete experience.

Walking poles are an indispensable asset for a devoted outdoors fan. They provide extra stability on rough terrains as well as improving the overall rhythm of walking. Besides that, they have a substantial impact on body posture distributing the strain correctly. This maintains the health of your tendons, muscles, bones and joints.

Using trekking poles decreases the weight supported by the legs by around 5 kilograms for every step you take. While walking on an incline, this measure climbs to 8 kilos per step. It might not seem much on paper, but when you hike for miles on rough terrain with a fat rucksack on your back, every gram counts. Hikers know the importance of reducing the pressure their legs bear while they make countless steps towards their destination.

Proper balance is also one of the key features that walking poles offer. Harsh terrains and unrelenting weather are detrimental for the center of stability – found in the inner ear inside of the head – which makes it arduous to navigate while walking. Adjusting the height of the pole allows it to get extra stability on steep spots, which some hikers endorse. Some poles come with spring-loaded parts which provide extra mobility and decreases the stress on the wrists.

Trekking without the poles increases the risk of injury, knee damage in particular. Aside from the knees, ankles other parts of the lower body are also affected including the lower back and the pelvis area.

Which walking pole to choose?

There is a myriad of different walking poles offered to the customer at the moment. Their materials vary from carbon to aluminum even some heavier metals. Some come with additional features whereas other are just the plain, basic walking sticks. They also differ concerning their impact on the environment. Carbide ends, for example, scratch the surface of stones and make noise which doesn’t make them suitable for nature.

This doesn’t make it an easy job when choosing the right pair of poles for you or your friend. Rest assured, however, because we’ve gathered all the necessary information to help you pick the perfect set of trekking poles for your next trip. In the next few lines, you will get a full review on four best walking pole types. Read carefully and decide on whichever suits you the best, and also goes along with your budget.

Criteria For Selecting the Best Hiking Poles

Extension mechanism and adjust-ability

A long and thorough testing had resulted in a conclusion that external lever-lock mechanism works the best and is the simplest. Twist style locking mechanisms still have their benefits. They are lighter and smaller however the previous are substantially more durable. The “pin-pop” or push button mechanisms are a possible alternative since they offer similar durability and ease-of-use however they do have reduced mobility.

Weight

As already mentioned earlier, the weight of the backpack plays a significant role in the life of a trekker that’s why lighter is always better. A vast majority of poles average around 10 ounces. Exceptions do exist, and they vary 5 ounces up or down. Beginners might find it most suitable to use lighter poles. They don’t provide the flexibility and maneuverability heavier ones do, but they are a good choice.

Comfortability

The way how trekking poles feel in your hands will determine the quality of your walk. Straps, handles, ergonomics are all the factors to consider when picking.

The form of the pole, or the ergonomics, mainly determines the way it lies in your hand. As the Latin phrase goes: “De gustibus non est disputandum,” you can discuss tastes. The best advice for choosing a comfortable rod is to take it in your hands and discover which design and shape suit you the best.

For the hikers who use gloves material of the handle doesn’t play a great role, but it is important for those who prefer direct skin contact. Materials that are used for handles are:

-cork

-rubber, and

-foam.

-Cork is by far the most comfortable material and also resistant to tear and humid weather conditions. It is smooth to the touch guaranteeing no blisters will pop on your hands afterward.

-Rubber handles are more suitable for colder climates and weather. The rubber expands when exposed to heat making it uncomfortable to use. Many hikers didn’t find the rubber pleasurable for warmer occasions.

-Foam is the lightest material and soaks up the most water. Hikers found it excellent for the hotter climate, even under the scorching sun of the Sahara. Durability, however, isn’t its greatest attribute since foam handles are prone to wear and tear quickly.

Packing and Carrying

Although it doesn’t pose a problem for many hikers, no one likes to carry bulky, unwieldy poles. Disassembling it, collapsing and putting it into the bag for carrying can be irksome for some. The folding tent-pole is a relatively new method that has gained a lot of popularity. Telescope poles take more space when folded which is the main reason why they are used less frequently.

Durability

Sticking poles in between rocks, leaning on them can cause it to break unintentionally. While there are no unbreakable rods, some of them are more sturdy than others. This depends on the folding technique as well as the material of the shaft. The most common materials used are aluminum and carbon fiber.

Aluminum ones are a bit stronger and can endure a bit of bending. They are heavier and range from 15 ounces to 25. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is more brittle and can snap under a bit of leverage. Its benefit is its weight, and they can be found around 10 ounces or less.

Summary

Walking poles are indispensable for trekkers and hikers since they reduce the harm done on the lower part of our bodies by the constant pounding of the soles off the ground. It has been proven that using ski poles in a rhythmical manner improves heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption and overall quality of life. Using trekking poles stimulates the upper body musculature – latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, and core – unlike regular walking. A significant benefit is also that using walking sticks, the energy consumption rate increases by 46%, which is perfect for people battling obesity.

When choosing the best walking pole, our favorite is the Hiker Hunger model. It is relatively pricey, but for what it has to offer regarding the build quality – it is worth it. Its rival is the cost-effective Sportsun pole, with a two times smaller price. It too lived up to our expectations, and we surely recommend it to anyone who hikes or walks and wants to relieve some pressure from the legs.

After a full evaluation and a thorough review, Hiker Hunger is the winner and our definite champion. Lightweight construction, cork handles, quick-lock mechanism, are just some of the characteristics which make this pair of rods great. If you want to start walking, trekking, hiking and want to do it in a manner that will benefit your whole body, then a pair of good-quality walking poles is essential. Surf the internet no longer, get you a pair and start enjoying the attractions of nature and the outdoors.