What is a hiking pole basket for?
Considering how valuable they are for long hikes,
hiking poles are surprisingly simple tools. They consist of only a few
parts, and though they are designed with materials that make them more
valuable than simply picking up a stick off the ground, the fact that a
stick serves as a not-ineffective alternative simply shows you how simple
the design of a good hiking pole is.
One of the few parts that isn't clear for people,
however, is the hiking pole basket. These “baskets” are not baskets at all
in the traditional sense. Instead, they are small, round pieces of plastic
at the bottom of the pole (just above the tip) that are designed to help you
with your walk, hike, or trek.
Purpose of the Pole Baskets
Hiking pole baskets are specifically designed to
ensure that the pole does not sink deep into the ground that you are hiking
in. When you are walking across muddy, wet, snowy, sandy or generally
unstable terrain, a straight pole without a basket has a tendency to sink
very deeply. A sinking pole will disrupt your walking flow (if your pole
sinks too deeply, it may get stuck), reduces the risk of your pole breaking
(when your pole is deeply sunk into the ground, pushing your pole forward
could destroy the shaft), and ensures that it is able to stay in place and
maneuver easily with each step. Poles also provide a very small barrier for
reducing the risk of slamming the tip into your foot or off your ankle.
Pole baskets experience a great deal of abuse
because they are so low to the ground, often scraping against rocks and
other objects. But these baskets are also a vital tool for helping you use
your hiking pole correctly and ensuring that it doesn’t break.
Types of Pole Baskets
Pole baskets generally come in two sizes:
·
Small
·
Large
The small baskets are designed for regular terrain,
rather than heavy snow. Their smaller sizes makes it easier to carry them
through large brush, rocks, and other areas where a basket represents a
minor inconvenience, since when not protecting you from sinking the baskets
can get caught on nearby objects.
In snow (and very muddy/slippery terrain), the
larger baskets do a better job of helping reduce sinking, because they are
able to gather more surface area and help prevent the pole from going deep
within the snow and ice. Although larger baskets may run the risk of getting
caught on various items, those that are travelling in deep snow benefit from
the extra support.
Baskets Play an Important Role
Many people that use hiking poles for less rough
terrain may find pole baskets to be generally superfluous. But at any time
on your hike you may come across a loose or sinking area, and the basket
will be right there to make sure your stick does not sink into the dirt.
They are an important part of any hiking pole.
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