When do I absolutely need to use a hiking pole?
Our legs and knees were designed to handle a great
deal of pressure. Everywhere we go and any time we travel we are using the
lower half of our body – even when we are driving a car or getting on and
off a bus, we are moving our legs in order to get to where we need to be.
Because we place so much pressure on our legs every day, they have become
strong enough to handle most of what we can throw at it.
A hiking pole is designed to take the pressure off
of our legs – pressure that we often feel that we can handle on our own. Yet
there is no doubt that using a hiking pole is a great way to make sure that
you are able to withstand the hike. So when does a hiking pole become
necessary? When is a hiking pole valuable enough to warrant its use?
1.
Backpacks and Extra Weight
When people go hiking, they often carry a great
deal of extra weight with them on their back. That extra weight is extra
weight that are legs are not used to supporting. As a result, there is a
drastic increase in pressure that can cause knees and joints to experience a
great deal of strain, and make leg muscles tired much more easily. The
hiking pole takes and distributes that pressure, allowing you to carry extra
weight without a great deal of increased strain.
2.
Long Hikes
On extremely long hikes, the hiking pole is extra
valuable. Anyone that has simply taken a walk on flat terrain for several
hours has felt the pain and pressure that occurs on one’s feet and legs by
the time the walk is over. Hiking is even harsher terrain, and maneuvering
up and down hill only increases that pain. However, if you use a hiking pole
on a long hike, there will be less pressure and you will have an easier time
completing the excursion.
3.
Poor Weather Conditions
When the ground is wet or snowy, or there is loose
dirt, or anything that can cause you to lose your balance and fall, hiking
poles can help keep you standing, allowing you to keep your balance as well
as test out areas before you step foot onto them. In the event that you do
slip and hurt your foot, the hiking pole can take some of the pressure off
the injury.
4.
Weak Legs
Finally, not everyone has the strength to take long
hikes without putting too much strain on their legs and knees. Many people
lose joint strength as they age, and those that don’t may simply be feeling
achy or tired from an event the other day and could use the extra support.
Hiking poles are designed to take pressure off of your legs whenever you
need that pressure reduced, and if your legs aren’t feeling up to full
strength, the hiking pole can help ensure you are still able to make your
climb.
Reducing Leg Strain
Our legs can handle a great deal – but they cannot
handle everything, no matter how fit you are. A hiking pole can help you
reach the top of your climb easily, without experiencing too much strain
over the course of your travels.
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