Hiking and trekking poles can be used in two ways. First, using poles you take strain off of knees and ankles and give yourself more balance. Second, you work the upper body to burn more calories per mile, while actually feeling like you are exerting yourself less. Burn more, feel less. Using the right technique is essential, and these poles come with instructions. As with shoes, which pole is best in an individual choice. The following poles are all of good quality.
1. Leki Trail Trekking Poles
Wendy Bumgardner © 2005
These 3-section poles can be adjusted for height - to share them or to modify for up and downhill trekking. The positive angle grips are comfortable. They telescope down small enough to pack in a suitcase for travel. I bought a pair to see me through a mountain walking vacation and it was money well spent to provide stability on the trail. Removable snow or trail baskets.
2. Black Diamond Contour Trekking Poles
Pricegrabber ©
Collapses down to 25 inches for packing. Non-slip foam grips and padded webbing for comfort. FlickLock adjustment system for securely changing the height of the pole.
3. REI Traverse Trekking Poles
Pricegrabber ©
REI is a name I trust for outdoor gear. This is their store brand of trekking poles and come at a value price for the regular version, which is also available in a junior version for youth. They are 3-section adjustable poles that collapse down to 26 inches for packing.
4. Exerstrider OS2 Fitness Trekker
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Two-piece telescoping aluminum alloy fitness walking poles. Compacts down to 31" for travel. Fits any user 3'11" to 6'2". "Paw" tip perfect for street or sidewalk use. Comes with Exerstrider instructional video and manual.
5. Leki Makalu Anti-Shock Trekking Poles
Anodized aluminum shafts have internal springs to absorb shock on rough ground. Telescopes from 28" to 56" for packing and adjusting to users and terrain. Ergonomic soft grips.6. Exerstrider AT/S All-Terrain
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Two-piece adjustable/telescoping fitness and trekking poles. This model features a carbide tipped ferrule for use on ice, packed snow, gravel or in wilderness trails. In addition to the cushion grip tips, it comes with removable small baskets for walking on gravel road, sand, wooded areas and fording streams, and large baskets for skiing or snow shoeing. Comes with manual and video.
