Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are an essential tool for moving with heavy loads over rough terrain in the backcountry. But they’re not just for expedition mountaineers in the Himalayas. Many recreational hikers have long known that trekking poles help keep pace and posture on outdoor jaunts of any length.
If you haven’t used trekking poles before, you may be amazed at how they seem to make the miles go by quicker. No matter your price range or favorite activity, Sunny Sports has a pair of poles for your next hike.
What are trekking poles for?
More than a few old-school hikers have scoffed at the use of specialized trekking poles. What’s wrong with just using a good, old-fashioned walking staff that you find along the trail?
But the specifics of trekking poles are very different from one-handed walking sticks. When you’re traveling for miles with 50+ lbs of gear on your back, trekking poles allow you to use your upper body and core to distribute that weight more evenly, reducing abrupt forces on your knees and ankles.
There’s much more you’ll do with these tools, though. They’re great for crossing streams, helping keep your balance on slippery logs and stepping stones. They can also turn you into a quadruped when you need to lean into dicey thigh-deep currents. Plus, they work as tent poles, emergency first-aid splints, and in the case of high-end Black Diamond models, backcountry ski poles. The only tool with more uses than your trekking poles is probably your Swiss Army knife.
Why is one pair of trekking poles triple the cost of another?
There are some nice features of high-end trekking poles by Black Diamond or Leki that many hikers value, including spring-loaded shock absorbing tips, interchangeable snow baskets, lighter weight, and greater durability.
But for recreational hikers who just want to see how trekking poles feel while putting away the miles, there is nothing wrong with quality mid-range brands like Kelty. They’re still a huge improvement over walking sticks.
What size of trekking poles do I need?
Trekking poles can come in fixed-length or adjustable-length models. To find the right length for you, hold your elbow at a 90-degree angle and measure the distance from your thumb to the ground.
