Are there any cheap alternatives to hiking poles?
When you buy a hiking pole in a store, you are
getting a carbine stick made specifically to handle the pressures of a long
hike. The length is designed to be perfect for your height, the shock
protectors are placed in such a way that there is reduced vibrations on your
arm, the tips are meant to stick into the dirt, and the handles are designed
for comfortable maneuverability.
But when you do not have a hiking pole on hand, you
may want to make one out of the materials you do have on hand. Though you
could try to use a stick that you find at the mountain, chances are you want
to use something that will be more likely to withstand the entire journey,
and it is tough to depend on a stick that you find on the ground to handle
that type of pressure.
So while purchasing a professional hiking pole is a
better decision for those looking to make several hiking trips, those that
are about to leave for an outdoor excursion and do not have a hiking pole on
hand may be able to make use of the following makeshift options.
1.
Ski Poles
Ski poles have many of the same features as hiking
poles. They are not designed for quite the same purpose, they tend to be
heavier, and their baskets and points are designed to handle snow, rather
than rough terrain, but if you have ski poles on hand and are in need of
support for your hiking trip, ski poles do make good temporary hiking poles
(and are easier to borrow from a neighbor).
2.
Shower Curtain Rods
A little longer than you need but more durable,
shower curtain rods are lightweight for their material and can handle quite
a bit of pressure, so they will be able to withstand a long trip. They are
certainly not ideal, as they have no basket and a poor grip, but if you can
plug the bottom end (so that the rod is less likely to sink into the sand or
dirt), a shower curtain rod will be able to handle a single journey.
3.
Broomstick/Mop Stick
Many brooms and mops come with removable shafts in
case you want to replace the bristles. The stick itself is usually quite
strong, made of wood or another powerful material, and does not have the
open hole that the curtain rod does that can cause the stick to sink deep
into the dirt. Broomsticks are not going to be able to handle more than one
or two hiking trips, but they are still a decent alternative to having
nothing on hand.
Makeshift Hiking Poles
Hiking poles were made for several long hiking
trips and journeys, making them the ideal choice for when you go out. But
should you need one and not have a hiking pole on hand, using one of the
above alternatives as a temporary replacement is certainly an option.
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