Outdoor Sports – products, apparel, footwear and gear

Trekking Poles

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Why are so many global warming events canceled because of cold?

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A North Pole expedition meant to bring attention to global warming was called off after one of the explorers got frostbite. The explorers, Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen, on Saturday called off what was intended to be a 530-mile trek across the Arctic Ocean after Arnesen suffered frostbite in three of her toes, and extreme cold temperatures drained the batteries in some of their electronic equipment.
"Ann said losing toes and going forward at all costs was never part of the journey," said Ann Atwood, who helped organize the expedition.

On Monday, the pair was at Canada's Ward Hunt Island, awaiting a plane to take them to Resolute, Canada, where they were to return to Minneapolis later this week.

Bancroft, 51, became the first woman to cross the North Pole on a 1986 expedition. She and Arnesen, 53, of Oslo, Norway, were the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001.
Ken, climate is weather, duh.

I have wondered the same kind of thing. We recently went through 20 below zero temps in Iowa, where I am from. My tongue-in-cheek joke at the time was to invite the global warming nuts here.

Then, at that time, they would be sent outside in a t-shirt and shorts and have to stay out for an hour or so. I would then invite them inside and express interest in hearing from them about how warm our globe is. LOL

Taking a hike? Bring some trekking poles

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Hiking is great exercise, but all that climbing up and down can result in some sore muscles. Add some trekking poles, however, and that soreness could be lessened, a study found.
Gossamer Gear Light Trek 4 Trekking Poles

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Trekking Poles – To Pole or Not To Pole

Anyone who has been hiking recently is aware that trekking poles have become standard equipment with most hikers and backpackers.  I have been hiking and backpacking for many years and as far as equipment is concerned, I've always been a proponent of the old "tried and true"; I was reluctant to change what had always worked for me.  When I first started seeing hikers and backpackers using hiking poles, it seemed to me that the poles were just one more thing to carry.  Also, I didn't like the idea of having my hands tied up while covering rough terrain.  However, as I got older, and old knee injuries started to inhibit my hiking capabilities, I decided maybe it was time to consider a hiking stick of some kind.  Every year, while hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, I would see more and more people (young and old) using trekking poles, and thought "there must be something to this".  So, I started researching  -  hiking sticks, hiking staffs, hiking poles, trekking poles… To my delight, I found a single trekking pole that would also double as a camera mono-pod!  Since I am also an avid nature photographer, (who didn't mind carrying four pounds of camera equipment while backpacking), I decided that with its dual purpose of walking stick and mono-pod, it just might be worth taking along.  Needless to say, after using it on one trip, I was completely sold on the idea!

Should All Backpackers and Hikers Use Trekking Poles?

If you're still one of the hold-outs, reluctant to try trekking poles, read on to see the benefits you are missing.

Benefits of Trekking Poles

• Enhance your stability and support on all types of terrain
• Provide better balance and footing
• On downhill, hikes – Decrease the stress on your lower limbs (According to a 199 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine, trekking poles can reduce compressive force on the knees by up to 25%.)
• On uphill climbs – Reduce leg fatigue by transferring some of the weight to your shoulders and arms (It's like having four legs instead of two!)
• Make crossing streams, lose rocks, and slippery surfaces easier and safer
• Can be used to push back vegetation (especially stinging nettles!) from the trail
• Can be used as probes for holes and boggy areas
• Dual poles help establish a walking rhythm
• The "hands above the heart" position, necessitated by the poles, improves circulation and lowers heart rate
• The raised position of the hands and the addition of the swinging motion help to keep your hands from swelling
• The reduction in muscle soreness and fatigue may prevent accidents which tend to happen when you get tired

Additional Practical Uses

• Can be used as support poles for a tarp shelter
• Can double as an emergency crutch in case of injury
• Is a great place to store duct tape for on-the-trail repairs
• Some can be used as camera mono-pods

Disadvantages of Trekking Poles

• One more thing to carry
• Increase your energy expenditure
• Occupy your hands making them unavailable to grab a tree limb if you start to fall, or do simple things like check your map or have a snack

Do The Benefits Outweigh the Disadvantages?

To me, the answer is a resounding YES!  Every hiker or backpacker will agree that the above-listed advantages are definitely worthwhile.  As for the disadvantages, if you consider all the benefits as well as the additional practical uses, I think you will agree that it is worth adding this extra item to your "must-have" backpacking gear.  The new light-weight trekking poles weigh in at only around 7-8 ounces each, and can be collapsed and stuck in the side of your pack when not in use.  The increased energy required by the swinging of the poles is outweighed by the decrease in climbing energy and fatigue that the poles afford.  The fact that they occupy your hands is a little more difficult to resolve, although the wrist straps do allow for some use of the hands, even if it is a little awkward.

Conclusion

To me, the question is not "To Pole or not To Pole", but rather "Two Poles or One".  While I am totally convinced of the benefits of using at least one pole (in fact, I now take mine along even on day hikes), I still am not ready to relinquish the complete use of both my hands!  I know that using just one pole may eliminate the rhythm and perhaps the cardio benefit, but what can I say?  It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.  It took me many years to take up one trekking pole; maybe on my next hike, I'll try using two poles and be sold on that idea as well.

If you're not convinced by what you've read, I highly recommend that you borrow a hiking pole or poles and take a hike.  Whether you are young or old, have knee problems or not, you will be amazed at your ability to extend your hike over all kinds of terrain without the usual fatigue and soreness.

If you've already tried trekking poles and are convinced of their value, check out our trekking poles website to see the large variety available.  Don't take another hike without some kind of trekking pole(s) - your knees and the rest of your body will thank you for it!

(Watch for a follow-up article on how to choose the right trekking pole(s).)

About the Author

Anasazi is a staff researcher and writer for trekking poles website

She is also a self-proclaimed hiking and backpacking addict, who has hiked all over the US.  Although, previously a strong proponent of the "tried and true" when it came to her backpacking gear, old age has gvien her the incentive to research and test the newer, lighter weight gear.  She will be sharing the results of her research and testing in upcoming articles.