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By Bigbadwolf
15 May 2008 14:42
I've read a little bit about walking poles and I fancy the idea of using them, but how much should I pay for them? Do I buy one or two? And do I buy the compact/telescopic ones? Any advice will be gladly received.
By Country Walking magazine
Many walkers swear by their hiking poles and it’s easy to see why - they aid balance and transfer up to 20% of the walking workload from your legs to your upper body, thereby easing wear and tear on knees and ankles and providing a total-body workout. Prices vary enormously – starting from about £40 per pair, up to the £100 Brasher Provolutions which won the latest test in Country Walking. As with most things, you tend to get what you pay for – more expensive models are often lighter and tougher. That said though, it’s worth trying a few out in the shop as the grip and comfort vary widely and depends on the size and shape of your hands.It’s always a good idea to buy and use two poles – a single pole can help for a bit of extra balance now and again, but walking regularly with just one can lead to twisting, as you lean more weight on the side with the pole and stride unevenly. And compact poles get our vote – the non-telescopic can be stronger as they’re made from a single piece, but they can get pretty cumbersome when not in use. We like being able to squish them down and stow them away, and most telescopic poles have a very secure locking system so you don’t need to worry they’ll give way beneath you.And finally, to keep poles in tip-top condition it’s important to look after them – damp and dirt in the mechanism can cause corrosion. So once you’re home, unscrew or unclip the sections, wipe with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
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Should I use walking poles?
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PWSY16 says
Re: Should I use walking poles?
I have always carried a single pole up till now, and have often found it a big help. Going up I rarely use it, so far anyway, but very often coming down steep slopes and on rough paths I use it, and its great for crossing fords/streams and boggy ground. Doing Trailwalker next year, so going to invest in a good pair.
I have always carried a single pole up till now, and have often found it a big help. Going up I rarely use it, so far anyway, but very often coming down steep slopes and on rough paths I use it, and its great for crossing fords/streams and boggy ground.
Doing Trailwalker next year, so going to invest in a good pair.
12 September 2008 00:46
twiglegs says
Bigbadwolf said - Should i use walking poles. ....end quote........ No, humans are bipeds theres really no need, especially if your walking with me.
Bigbadwolf said -
Should i use walking poles.
....end quote........
No, humans are bipeds theres really no need, especially if your walking with me.
10 September 2008 02:05
It_must_be_this_way says
I have a pair of Leki poles. I only ever use them going down steep descents and then not always. They spend most of the time strapped to my rucksack. That said if I'm away for a week and doing a lot of walking they are most likely to be used on descents. Having suffered from ITBS once I don't want to suffer again!!
30 May 2008 14:59
Dudie says
Numb nuts? I suspect you are still not holding them correctly MATT22. Poles certainly have their uses (use them myself on the odd occasion) but they seem to be becoming like gaiters on the hills now - people use them regardless of whether or not they are appropriate for the conditions. The number of people I've seen tackling scramble sections and struggling because they haven't the sense to put their poles away so they can use their hands effectively is not funny anymore. It is actually possible to walk without poles you know. And it is quite safe to not wear gaiters when ascending Snowdon via the Pyg Track during blazing sunshine in the middle of a heat wave. Right, rant over. Sorry.
Numb nuts? I suspect you are still not holding them correctly MATT22.
Poles certainly have their uses (use them myself on the odd occasion) but they seem to be becoming like gaiters on the hills now - people use them regardless of whether or not they are appropriate for the conditions. The number of people I've seen tackling scramble sections and struggling because they haven't the sense to put their poles away so they can use their hands effectively is not funny anymore. It is actually possible to walk without poles you know. And it is quite safe to not wear gaiters when ascending Snowdon via the Pyg Track during blazing sunshine in the middle of a heat wave.
Right, rant over. Sorry.
30 May 2008 12:59
MATT22 says
Cheers bikerFool thats a great help, no more sore hands for this numb nuts
29 May 2008 21:55
andyyouart
31 December 2009
20:15
I''m looking for a decent flask. I've tried several but they're not keeping warm for long even after pre-warming. I'm going om MT winter skills course in 5 weeks so need to get something good for then.
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