How much do trekking poles cost?
The costs of trekking, hiking and walking poles can
vary considerably by size, style, features, and brand. The range can be
quite extensive – with some poles costing as little as $20, while others are
as much as 10 times that amount, valued at approximately 200 dollars or
more. As with any type of outdoor product, what you get depends a great deal
on the price you're willing to shell out for it. Here is a handy table
showing what you can expect with each of the price ranges for most hiking
and trekking poles.
Hiking Poles Under $40
·
Generally made out of aluminum.
·
Usually come with no/basic shock
resistant system.
·
Handles are made of wood, plastic or
something slightly less comfortable.
·
Heavier than some of the other,
lightweight models.
·
Rarely come with additional features.
·
Single pole or adjustable.
·
Single point tips.
Despite the lack of “impressive” features on the
poles under $40, inexpensive walking poles are surprisingly solid, giving
you a fairly impressive pole for the money. It will be unlikely to have any
of the more unique features of other poles, and may be made with cheaper
materials, but some of the inexpensive poles can withstand some harsh
conditions, and many still have adjustable heights.
Hiking Poles Between $40 and $100
·
Designed with greater stability and
shock resistance for downhill climbs.
·
Most often come with three section
adjustable sizes and push lock systems.
·
Grips are made out of rubber, cork, or
more comfortable materials.
·
More lightweight than their inexpensive
alternatives.
·
Replaceable and removable
baskets/parts.
·
Materials designed for reducing
chaffing, corrosion resistance, etc.
Once you get within this price range, the value of
the poles goes up dramatically. These poles are often made with durable
material that reduces corrosion, with grips and wrist straps that are
unlikely to cause discomfort on your hands and wrists, as well as jagged
point tips made of longer lasting carbine materials.
Hiking Poles Over $100
·
Ultra-lightweight with powerful
anti-shock systems.
·
Carbide flex tips and interchangeable
weather resistance baskets.
·
Thermal grips for keeping hands at an
appropriate temperature.
·
Bonus features such as whistles,
compasses, etc.
·
Single hand adjustable shaft lengths.
Hiking and trekking poles that cost over $100 are
designed for the avid outdoorsman. They come with all of the features that
you need to maximize your outdoor experience, they are made with some of the
most durable materials on the planet (including carbon designed specifically
for long lasting pole use) and combine easy adjustability with extreme
comfort. Everything from the handle to the tip is designed with long lasting
support and comfort in mind.
Which Pole to Get
Hiking poles are one of the few items that are
still very useful even when you take the inexpensive route. Those that are
not going to be in the outdoors very often will find these poles to be
highly capable of handling their hiking and walking needs. But those that
have a little extra to spend and would prefer extreme convenience,
durability and comfort during their hike could benefit greatly from the more
expensive hiking poles available.
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