Trekking Poles And Walking Sticks
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you're going downhill.
What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You can use them as defense against wild animals as well. I use a walking stick to rest my head on from time to time, and I also use it as a monopod for steadying the camera.
Do You Need Trekking Poles?
What if you don't have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.
Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you'll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and it's fun to poke at things, but it's not a necessity. For what it's worth, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesn't recommend trekking poles.
If you decide to use them, consider the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. They're made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! That's is half the weight of the nearest competition.
Walking Sticks and Other Options
I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick - a good reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.
You can use bamboo to make good light hiking staffs. It's stronger than it looks, so use a piece that's only about 3/4" thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.
Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. It's best if you remove the baskets, especially if you're hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com
MORE RESOURCES:
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Maples for Autumn Colour
As the weather cools in late summer and the days shorten noticeably so the deciduous trees and shrubs begin to withdraw chlorophyll from their leaves in preparation for the winter shutdown. With less of that vital green pigment to mask them, the other colours within the leaves begin to show through.
No Artificial Ingredients Indeed
Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am left feeling extremely grateful for not only the well-received rest and relaxation with family; I enjoyed exhilarating experiences previously unimaginable.Costa Rica's ad in this Sunday's New York Times includes the
tagline "No Artificial Ingredients.
Camping Stove Performance: Ease of Use & What to Avoid
Important information about camping stoves..
How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet
You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND help the planet..
Stay Out of That Old Mine!
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world. That dark opening in the hillside beckons, tantalizes, excites.
Holidays in Goa
Sun, Sand and Surf - an apt description for Goa? But Goa is much more. Ancient temples and old churches? Yes.
Bird Watching Tips
Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around the world. It's fun and relaxing at the same time.
Mystic Seaport Captured - Links to Our Past Guide, Part 3
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known as The Museum of America and the Sea, the seaport is an entertaining journey through 19th century nautical life.
The American Picnic - Make Yours Memorable
We love spending time outdoors and if you are expecting a large group; you need to be somewhere you can accommodate all of the people. A picnic can be anything you want it to be.
Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations - The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire has a gorgeous vista at every turn, oodles and oodles of family vacation fun, and a visit to the home of the world wind speed record. Just keep reading to discover a remarkable trip on your White Mountains vacation.
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park
If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is that place. Of all Croatia's eight National Parks, Plitvice is the oldest and most visited.
Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at the Visitor Center overlooking the great Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, Alaska. Before me was a beautiful scene.
Hawaii Volcano Tour
A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,
and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round.
While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The Big
Island is where all the action is.
Amazing Trek Across TIbet!
Today Bookpleasures and Sketchandtravel are pleased to have as our guest, Brandon Wilson, author of Yak Butter Blues.In 1992, Brandon and his wife Cheryl travelled 40 days from early October to the end of November in 1992 over 1000 kilometers travelling along the ancient pilgrimage route across Tibet.
Camping For Fun
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax. But before going camping you will need to purchase camping equipment one of the better places to get the gear you need is at camping world.
Cycling in Europe: There's More to the Tour de France than Lance
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started. This three week cycling race is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and undoubtedly the toughest on the individual participants.
Visiting the Last Paradise on Earth - Costa Rica
I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others would love to visit, to unwind from their busy and hectic schedules. Most recently I visited Costa Rica, a place which can be best described as one of the last paradises on earth.
Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will be at or near the top of the list every time.But what about the national parks and game reserves within the country itself? Which are the best to visit because they can't all be equally good.
True North & Magnetic Declination - A Trick to Make it Stick
Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating your way through the wilds with map and compass.Yet it's a tricky thing to remember, at least the way it has traditionally been taught, using an addition / subtraction method.
Old Sturbridge Village - Links to Our Past Guide, Part 2
Once described in a 1950 article as "The Town That Wants to Be Out of Date," Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a lovingly recreated village of early 19th century New England. You'll be whisked back to the dawn of modern commerce and experience what life was like in a typical New England Village of that time.
|