Trekking & Walking Poles- Finding the Perfect Set for you

With your entire leg taking a good battering whenever you're out on the fells, you need to do what you can to limit the effects that this has on your body.

And with Dr Muller's research from the Institute of Sports Science at Salzburg University showing that during an 8 hour day on the fells, a pair of good walking poles will reduce the strain on your body by 250 tonnes, you can't afford to go without them!

Unfortunately, with so many poles out there to choose from, selecting the best one for you can be a tricky affair.

For starters, there are primarily 2 types of trekking poles; those with an anti-shock system, and those without- although it is debatable whether or not anti-shock systems hold any real benefit to the user, especially considering that more features mean there's more to go wrong!

Other things to consider- from the bottom up, are;

The Tip
This is where all the hard work is done, so be sure that the tip is made from a hard wearing substance such as tungsten carbide. You should also have a rubber cover to slot over the tip for easier walks and for packing.

Baskets
These prevent your poles from sticking into the mud, snow, or any soft ground by diffusing the weight from the tip to the entire surface of the basket. Usually removable, it is best to have a small selection of baskets for different conditions.

Shaft
This is where the strength of the pole lies. The shaft is usually telescopic for easy packing and so you can adjust the pole for the perfect height for yourself.

Materials from which the shaft is made vary depending mainly on your budget. With shafts being made from aluminium, titanium, steel and carbon fibre, there's always something to suit every size of pocket!

Wrist Strap
The wrist strap mustn't be too tight, but should be both supportive and comfortable, as it's this strap that will absorb a high amount of weight when you push down on the poles.

Hand Grip
There are a wide variety of hand grips out there, from plain plastic to ergonomical cork designs. But make sure the hand grip is extremely comfortable for your grip. If it's not, you could end up with raw, or even blistered palms! Remember that you will change your grip throughout your day on the fells, so make sure the hand grip suits all of these.

With the right poles, masses of strain will be taken from your body, allowing you to have a more enjoyable, less strenuous day in the hills; so take your time when picking your poles. Ensure they are perfect for you