Trekking poles are essential for hikers, especially in rough or unknown terrain. However, outdoor gear has seen many technological advancements over time to include better designs, advanced materials, and more features. One of the most significant advancements in technology is how the poles are made and what materials are used to make them. Aluminum used to be the best option, and you still find aluminum poles on tracks and trails.
The problem is that aluminum is a little heavier, which presents a problem for someone who is weight-conscious while walking or hiking. Manufacturers now offer carbon fiber poles, which outperform aluminum in many ways.
Why Carbon Fiber
The amount of carbon in the pole can vary widely based on their design and manufacturer, but they’re usually lightweight. They also reduce vibrations that are transmitted to your hands by the shaft. However, they can be slightly more expensive than aluminum, which is their only caveat.
Who Should Use Them
While all hikers can use trekking poles and should, some walkers may find them better to use than other people. Those who benefit most from carbon fiber products include hikers who don’t want to carry much weight, hikers that don’t want bendable poles, people who want the best performance from their poles, and people who dislike vibrations while walking.
Size Guide
When focused on any type of trekking poles, you need the ones that work for your body so that you can get the most physical benefits from them. Sometimes, poles are adjustable, but you still have to get the right size range based on your height.
The rule of thumb is to ensure your elbows are at 90 degrees when the hands are gripping the pole handles. Therefore, if you’re 61 inches tall, you’re likely to have 39-inch poles.