Overview of Walking Pole Features
Walking pole manufacturers have worked hard to
ensure they are able to create powerful walking poles that can take the
proper amount of force off of your knees and legs, as well as withstand many
of the elements. Over time they have evolved to have interesting features as
well, including their own whistles and camera stands. But despite all of
these changes, most walking poles come with fairly standard features that
can be seen on essentially every walking pole.
1.
Shaft
Of course, ever walking pole has a shaft that makes
up the majority of the pole. The shaft is most often made of either aluminum
or carbon fiber. In general carbon fiber is a little better for most hiking
trips. Aluminum poles have a tendency to bend and break, and they also
conduct electricity better, so if you are walking in thunderstorms or areas
where lightning is possible, the poles can represent a danger. Carbon fiber
still conducts electricity, but not nearly as well.
2.
Handle
Walking poles are designed with a good grip that
makes it easy to hold onto the pole for a long period of time. This grip can
be made of rubber, plastic, or something else that is easy to handle. It
also may have a wrist strap connected to it to make sure that the pole
doesn’t fall off your arm as you walk (also allowed more freedom of
movement).
3.
Tips
The tips of hiking poles may be plastic, rubber,
carbide, and aluminum. They also generally come in three different styles –
rubber, single point, and chiseled. Most of these tips are ok for any
purpose, but rubber is best on frictional/hard surfaces, chiseled works well
across all conditions, and single point is designed more for icy travelling.
4.
Baskets
Hiking pole baskets are designed to ensure that the
pole does not sink too much into the ground when you walk. Baskets are found
on almost every pole, including those that are used in Nordic walking,
despite the unlikelihood that the pole with sink into the concrete. Still,
in the event where you need the pole for some type of outdoor activity, it
is much better to have a basket than not have one. Baskets can often be
replaced on poles depending on weather conditions.
5.
Anti-Shock System
Most poles also come with their own installed
anti-shock system. This takes some of the vibrations and pressure from the
walk away in order to reduce arm tiredness and improve overall comfort with
the pole. The anti-shock systems are one of the primary reasons that users
of these poles enjoy these poles more than standard walking sticks.
The Basic System
Each of these parts can be found on basic walking
and hiking poles. Many of these poles come with additional features, such as
extendable/retractable shafts, as well as various weather baskets, etc., but
on any walking pole you find in the store or marketplace, you will very
likely find each of these parts to be present.
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