Walking Poles
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What's the best walking pole for hiking?
Walking poles, also called trekking poles, are turning into many hiker's best friends. Especially for hikers who are hitting middle-aged or older, walking poles can make hiking both easier on the body and better for it in terms of exercise. They're especially good for hikers because you're often walking in rough terrain, which can cause pain and puts a lot of stress on the joints in the body. They also decrease the burden of your backpack, which can often weigh enough that it hunches you over - walking poles give you more support and a more comfortable hike.
You should be aware that there is another kind of walking pole called a "nordic" walking pole. These are designed to make sure that you get more of an aerobic workout when walking. Nordic walking poles are basically for people who want to get more exercise out of their hike - they make it harder, not easier. Younger people who want to burn more calories should take a look at these.
The following walking poles are those designed to make your hike easier:
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Kaito Anti-shock Walking Pole for Hiking - This is a walking pole designed specifically for hikers to reduce the shock on your knees and joints. It's a pretty good one in the moderate price-range. The stick is "telescopic" which just means you can adjust it to a length that is comfortable for you. It's also got a compass, a thermometer, and a snow disc that you put on the end if you are in snowy or muddy terrain to give you traction. It's lightweight and works well for the price - only about $22 and available online here. |
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Crescent Moon All-Season Walking Pole - This walking pole is a good, adjustable pole that can change heights but can also adjust the shock absorption depending on whether you're on a hard or soft terrain. It's designed so you can use it in any season - you put on a disk if there is snow. It's designed to help you balance better and walk longer without running out of steam. The one problem is I can't tell from their description whether you're getting one pole or two, but my guess is one given that the weight is listed as a little over a pound. It costs about $50 and is available online here. |
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LEKI Ultralite Anti-Shock Walking Poles - LEKI is a maker of really good quality, really expensive walking poles. This is a pair of two poles, and they only weigh 18 ounces between the two of them. The handles are mainly cork (to cut down on the weight) and they absorb shock from rugged terrain. They're also designed to "self-correct" if you try to put it down on uneven terrain so that you can keep your balance. These are some of the best walking poles you can buy, but they obviously cost more - about $130 for the pair. You can get them online here. |
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