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Trekking Poles

Aluminum Folding Trekking Pole

 

JHTC: Your Professional Trekking Poles Manufacturer!

JHTC (Xiamen) Import and Export Co.Ltd is a large-scale professional outdoor equipment manufacturer and exporter. Founded in 2010, our company has more than 10 years of experience in manufacturing and exporting outdoor products. We focus on the OEM and ODM of outdoor products, including ice bags, water bags, waterproof bags, backpacks, folding chairs, hiking poles, etc. JHTC has an experienced R&D team to design and develop new products and provide professional services to customers.

 

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Ultralight Carbon Trekking Pole

 

Introduction to Trekking Poles

Trekking poles (also known as hiking poles, hiking sticks, or walking poles) are a common hiking accessory that functions to assist walkers with their rhythm, provide stability, and reduce strain on joints on rough terrain.

 

Types of Trekking Poles
 

Telescoping
Telescoping trekking poles are the most common style, as they are durable, easy to use, and time-tested. Popular among day hikers and backpackers alike, telescoping poles have two or three sections that slide in and out of one another and lock in place with a twist or lever-locking system. Twist locks have been around longer but are becoming less popular as they don’t offer the highest level of performance—they can get stuck if overtightened and have a tendency to loosen while on the trail. Because of this, lever locks are more reliable and popular among hikers. A big advantage to telescoping poles is that you can adjust the height as needed (such as extending your poles during downhills or for a tent set-up)—an option that isn’t available for fixed poles and many folding designs. The biggest downside to telescoping poles is that they are often heavier and don’t collapse as small as their folding counterparts.
Folding
Folding trekking poles come in sections that pull apart from one another and fold up, much like tent poles. Because of this, they often have a narrow shaft which helps shed weight. They also collapse down significantly shorter than telescoping poles (some models up to 10 inches shorter), making them easy to throw in a travel bag or strap to your backpack when not in use. Because of their light weight and packability, folding trekking poles are preferred among ultralight enthusiasts, thru-hikers, trail runners, and climbers. However, keep in mind that folding poles generally cannot bear as much weight as telescoping models and offer only a short range of adjustment.
Fixed
Within the hiking world, fixed poles are uncommon because they are difficult to pack or strap to a backpack when not in use. It's also nice to be able to adjust the length of your poles for up and downhill travel or when setting up a trekking pole-supported tent or shelter. However, there are still a few fixed models on the market, and because of their simplicity, they are extremely light and often cheaper than the designs mentioned above.

 

Why Hikers Use Trekking Poles

 

 

1) Protect Knees and Reduce Injuries
The most common reason people choose to use poles is to protect their knees and reduce injuries. Trekking poles reduce the risk of injury and tendonitis in knees, calves, thighs, and hips.
2)Less Impact on Joints and the Body over Time
Poles can reduce 4.4% of force. That may not seem like much, but it does add up over time. On a thru-hike, that force can add up over the miles and months – especially with the weight of a backpacking backpack. Another study found that "a reduction in the forces, moments, and power around the joint, with the use of poles, will help reduce the loading on the joints of the lower extremity," including knees and ankles.
3) Trekking Poles Make Your Hike Easier and Faster
You can use your arms to propel you forward, much like Nordic walking poles can help you move faster. Tthis works by transferring the workload from your lower body muscles and joints to your upper body.
4) Measure and Assess Dangerous Situations Before You Proceed
Before you cross a river, you can use your poles to judge the depth of a river crossing. You can also use poles to judge the strength of a snow bridge – a way to test whether a snow bridge is solid enough to hold your weight before committing. Poles are also a way to judge how deep mud is before stepping into it.
5) Trekking Poles Make Crossing Rivers and Creeks Easier
Once you've used your pole to judge the depth of a water crossing and feel confident you can do it, those poles will come in handy for balance. When you are trying to move through running water, having an additional point of contact with the ground via your pole helps you secure your balance.
6) Better Balance
On loose or steep terrain, trekking poles can secure your balance. This is especially true when the surface is loose, such as when you are crossing scree or other ball-bearing-sized rocks where a foot may slip at any moment. Many European hikers and trail runners use poles for this reason, as this rough terrain is common on continental trails. We recommend hiking poles as a way to navigate steep and loose trails.
7) Extra Stability on Slippery Terrain
On slippery terrains, like wet rocks or roots, having four points of contact (two feet and two poles) can also secure your balance. Trekking poles can help you secure balance on icy or more slippery terrain like mud and snow. Many hikers choose to use sturdier poles in conjunction with snowshoes.
8) Poles are Multi-Purpose Gear: Tent and Shelter Set Up
Many tents require trekking poles as part of the setup, including several of those we recommend in our Best Backpacking Tents story. Trekking poles are stronger than most backpacking tent-specific poles. This means they’ll hold up to storms that would otherwise topple tents. As a bonus – you'll save pack weight by not carrying tent poles! We've also used our trekking poles to secure sun shades for mid-day naps on desert hikes.
9) Use As a Gravity Water Filter
On desert or above treeline hikes where there's nothing to hang a gravity feed, we use our trekking poles to prop up gravity filters.
10) Tripod for Photos and Videos
If you're a YouTuber, vlogger, or just want to get a selfie with your whole tramily (trail family), trekking poles work can give you the distance and height you need to set up a hands-free shot. Bring along a phone or camera holder that will screw into or latch onto your poles to get it to work.

Benefits of Using Trekking Poles
 
1. Reduces Joint Strain

Using trekking poles helps to reduce the amount of impact on joints and pain you feel when walking or hiking. This is due to the change in weight distribution when you use your upper body to help propel you up a mountain or through a trail. Your hips, knees, and ankles will experience relief since your legs aren’t carrying all your body weight. This also means that you can walk further and recover faster from long or strenuous hikes.

2. Better Circulation

Another benefit to having your arms involved when walking is that it improves circulation because your arms stay near your heart the entire time. Many users find that because their arms are not hanging by their sides, they experience less swelling in their hands.

3. Improves Balance & Reduces Slipping or Falling

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4. Builds Arm Strength & Bone Density

Involving your arms not only reduces joint strain and improves circulation, but it also helps to build you upper body strength. You will use chest, back, and shoulder muscles to propel and support yourself as you walk, develop those areas over time. Consequently, bone density will also be built from the constant use of those muscles.

5. Increases Calorie Burn & Oxygen Consumption

If one of your main goals with walking is to improve your fitness, then trekking poles will definitely help! A study by The Cooper Institute showed that Nordic walking increased energy expenditure and oxygen consumption by about 20%, compared to regular walking without poles. Even better news is that the perceived rate of exertion did not increase, meaning people burned more calories without feeling like they were putting in extra effort. Do keep in mind that if you already find walking or hiking to be strenuous or exhausting, this could actually be a hindrance. In this case you may just want to take poles along to support your balance and to clear your pathway of branches or obstructions, but allow your legs to do most of the work.

Using Tips for Trekking Poles
 

Start with the grip. Relax your hold on the pole so that the pole can rotate forward and back between your thumb and forefinger. The handgrips are usually angled to assist with their use. If you keep your grip relaxed, it will take minimal effort to flick the pole forward with each step. Hold it between your thumb and forefinger without using the other fingers to get used to the proper grip. That's all you'll need. You can close the other fingers loosely. A tight grip on the pole isn't necessary and can tire your hands and wrists. Don't worry; you will naturally tighten your grasp if you feel yourself slipping or need a point of stability for a moment while walking.

3 Section Trekking Pole

Use Proper Arm Motion

 

Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Keep your elbows close to your sides as you walk and use the poles. With each step, flick the opposite side's pole forward. This is a small upward motion of the forearm or a slight wrist flick. If you have a loose grip, it will cause the pole to pivot forward correctly. The opposite arm/leg motion is essential. If you bring the same arm and leg forward, you will have a swaying gait. You may need to practice this at first if it doesn't come naturally. Walk simply, dragging the poles behind you with a natural gait, and you should see that you fall into the opposite arm/leg pattern. Now you can bring the poles up enough, so the tips touch the ground with each step. There is no need to plant the tip into the ground firmly. Your arms can move forward and backward naturally as you walk. You don't need any forced or exaggerated arm motion. Adjust the length of the poles, so you maintain an angled elbow as your poles contact the ground.

 

Plant the Pole
 

For stability, the tip of the pole will plant lightly. It simply touches the ground before you flick it forward again with the next step. If you want to add a definite action and get a little upper body work, you can bear down on it. This can add a bit of thrust when going uphill or on the level or be a braking action when you are going downhill. When using a plant/push technique, make sure you apply pressure back and down.

Ultralight Carbon Trekking Pole

When to Double Pole

 

Aluminum Hiking Stick

When you are going uphill, downhill, or negotiating curbs or stairs, you may want to place both poles in front of you simultaneously. Use the swing and drop technique, flicking both poles forward with an easy motion, then walking one to four steps ahead. Swing the poles forward again at the point you think you can use their stability. If you feel confident and want to pick up the pace, you can relax your arms and put a little shoulder action into each poling movement, with the tip of the pole planting slightly behind your body. This is similar to the Nordic walking technique. By planting the pole a bit with each step when it is behind your body, you can give yourself a little extra propulsion.

 

Things to Consider When Choosing Trekking Poles

1.Design Configuration
Most trekking poles are collapsible, and come in one of three designs: three-section telescoping, folding, and combination versions. The design configuration mostly refers to how a pole lengthens the three sections into a strong extended pole. In general, telescoping poles are very strong and adjustable, folding poles are light and collapse smaller, and combination poles allow for a mix of attributes. Each style offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.
2.Shaft Material
Modern trekking pole shafts are constructed from either carbon fiber or aluminum.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon is a light and stiff material used in products that need to support a lot of weight, but also need to be light. Carbon fiber poles are extremely strong when loaded vertically, and are the lightest pole options on the market. However, they are weak when bent horizontally. They also can chip or crack easily on rocks, which makes them more likely to snap. Carbon fiber poles are best for light to moderate duty use where weight is the most important consideration, like ultralight backpacking, climbing, and running. Be prepared to pay more for carbon fiber poles.
Aluminum
Aluminum poles are heavier than carbon fiber poles, but they are much more durable. They also tend to be cheaper. Aluminum bends without snapping, which can be a lifesaver on long trips where breaking a pole would be a major problem. These poles are best for long-distance trekking, trips where durability is the primary concern, and for hikers on a budget.
3.Pole Adjustment Mechanism
A lever lock adjustment system has replaced the old twist-lock system used extensively in the past. If you are new to the lever lock system, you will be impressed by the ease of use and secure locking that this system provides. Some poles use plastic lever locks to save weight, which are more prone to snapping or getting smashed when thrown down onto the ground. The more durable options feature aluminum lever locks that rarely break in the field.
4.Basket Size
Different activities require different size pole baskets. Some poles come with fixed baskets, while others have the option to use interchangeable baskets. Larger baskets are better for snowshoeing, mountaineering, and skiing or snowboarding, but get hung up on roots and bushes if you're hiking through the woods in the summer. Smaller baskets are better for dry hiking on dirt, gravel, and rocky trails. Many options come with a small basket for the summer and a large basket for snowy conditions.
5.Weight
If you are new to hiking and plan on using poles for day hikes and relatively easy overnight backpacking trips, then weight is not that important. These users will be unlikely to see any major benefits from selecting lightweight (and expensive) poles, compared to heavier, more comfortable, and perhaps more affordable alternatives. However, for users who plan on going big, like thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, long-distance mountain running, or approaching difficult alpine climbs, lightweight poles might mean the difference between success and failure, and they'll certainly make the effort more enjoyable. For these users, we strongly recommend that you incorporate weight into your trekking pole selection.
6.Grip Ergonomics and Material
Pole grips are made out of foam, cork, or rubber. Overall, cork grips are a favorite because they mold to the shape of your hands over time. They are also smooth against the skin and keep cool during warm hikes. The downside to cork grips is that they don't absorb sweat very well and can feel slippery during long trips. Foam is more comfortable than rubber, absorbs sweat very well, and is the lightest grip material. As such, it is used on the lightest poles that are designed for fast hiking and running. Rubber grips don't absorb any water, can chafe bare skin, and are the heaviest option, but they do insulate better than cork or foam. This makes rubber a great grip material for poles used in mountaineering, snowshoeing, skiing, or other winter sports.
7.Packed Size
Packability is more important to some users than to others. If you are going to be using your poles for every mile of your trip, and you won't be packing your poles in airplane luggage, then packability is not very important. Climbers, mountaineers, and backpackers who might encounter technical terrain need the ability to carry their poles on or inside of their pack. For these users, or for anyone trying to take up less space in luggage, poles that collapse to a shorter length are better.

Ultimate FAQ Guide to Trekking Poles
 

Q: What about shock-absorbing poles?

A: A handful of trekking poles on the market have built-in give that takes additional stress off of knees, as well as your wrists, on long descents. All carbon and aluminum trekking poles will have some level of natural shock absorption, and we almost always opt for simplicity in the outdoors. That said, those with injuries or weak hips, knees, or ankles might be willing to pull out all the stops for a dedicated shock-absorbing model.

Q: Can trekking poles be used for walking?

A: Yes. Using trekking poles helps to reduce the amount of impact on joints and pain you feel when walking or hiking. This is due to the change in weight distribution when you use your upper body to help propel you up a mountain or through a trail.

Q: Is it OK to use one trekking pole?

A: Using a Pair of Hiking Poles
A pair of hiking poles can ease the burden on your legs. No matter how strong your body might feel, this is especially important for those carrying heavy packs on multi-day hikes over many miles. A pair of poles can certainly reduce fatigue by spreading effort between your upper and lower body and giving you a psychological boost. In practical terms, a pair of poles can be handy when tackling steep descents and can act as an extra breaking power. Some even come with in-built shock absorption. On the ascents, they will allow you to engage your arms as well as your legs for added upward propulsion. Perhaps most importantly, poles can also offer balance over rough and uneven terrain. Walking poles are also invaluable for the extra stability they provide during river crossings.
Using a Single Hiking Pole
Single poles – sometimes referred to as hiking staffs – can be useful in some circumstances and indeed is usually better than nothing when used correctly. This is particularly true if you simply want to use one hiking pole for stability on rough terrain or as a break on descents and will complete most of your walk with the pole in your pack. Lightweight backpackers might prefer to carry just one pole, thus halving their pack weight. Every little helps when you’re counting ounces – and the pennies!

Q: How do seniors walk with trekking poles?

A: Always use the opposite pole to the leg on the ground, like walking or marching. So when you step left, the right pole comes down, and when you step right, your left pole comes down. When using poles, it is important to place the support down at the same time as the affected leg. Otherwise, the leg has to do all the work without any help. If you put the pole down at the same time as the leg, it can carry some of its weight. Finally, when walking with poles, do not put them too far ahead of your feet. The pole needs to be at the same level as the opposite foot. Placing the pole level with the foot gives the leg on the ground the maximum amount of stable support as is possible.

Q: Can you bring a trekking pole on the plane?

A: The TSA only allows canes and walking sticks if they are required assistive devices (link). Hiking or trekking poles are not allowed if they are to be used just for hiking. You can bring a folding hiking pole on a plane as long as it can be broken down and fits inside your carry-on luggage.

Q: How long do trekking poles last?

A: A trekking pole is a simple tool with durability dependent on the pole type you choose and the activities you do or how careful you are with them. In general, poles should last you a few years.

Q: Do trekking poles build muscle?

A: Strength training of the biceps and triceps using walking poles can lead to stronger arms, shoulders and an upper body. In fact, it's not just arm muscles that improve. Walking with poles targets arms, particularly the triceps or bingo wings, as well as abdominals, waist, chest, bottom, hips, and thighs.

Q: Are walking poles good for bad knees?

A: Yes. Modern walking poles are similar to ski touring poles, and their use is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. They provide extra stability and can lower the amount of stress on your legs and knee joints by taking the weight onto the poles through your arms.

Q: How do I choose a trekking pole length?

A: Height. Generally speaking, walking poles should reach the top of your palm when your arm is down by your side with your forearm held out in front of you at 90 degrees to your body. Essentially the top of the handle should be at waist or hip level and your elbow at 90 degrees.

Q: Can hiking poles help people who struggle to walk?

A: Hiking poles can provide extra stability for trekkers while bushwalking on uneven terrain. By taking the load off the legs and knees during steep descents, they can transform a tough walk into a walk in the park (well, almost!).

Q: How to attach trekking poles to a backpack?

A: Collapse your poles as much as possible and attach them to the router side of your pack. Most quality bags come with a small loop on the bottom to place the tips and a small stretchy band to wrap around the handles.

Q: How to use trekking poles?

A: Walking Uphill
When hiking uphill it’s better to keep the pole is short enough not to pull yourself up the hill but to help push off. So the tip of the pole should not be in front of the lead foot, rather keep the poles close to the body.
Walking Downhill
Expert AdviceFor extended descents or hilly terrains, your pole should be a little longer, in a way that you will be standing upright when you plant the pole in front of you. There are times you may need to adjust your poles so that one pole is on the longer side and the other is a bit shorter. Having one short and the other one long helps you alternate them at each turn without any need to adjust every few moments. Make sure you test both pole lengths to make sure they are suitable for the terrain.

Q: How do I wear the pole strap?

A: A well-positioned, properly adjusted pole strap will help support your hand through a stride and allow you to transfer your weight to the pole. Slide your hand up through the bottom of the pole strap loop (with the soft surface inside), then grip the pole and adjust the strap so it fits snuggly against the bottom of your hand. Poles with Trigger Release let you release the grip and activate the trigger from this position.

Q: How do trekking poles work?

A: Trekking poles incorporate your arms and shoulders into the hiking motion, allowing you to use more muscle to propel yourself uphill and to control your descent. The net result is an increase in speed, without an increase in leg soreness.

Q: What is the mechanism of the internal locking system of trekking poles?

A: The internal locking system is a "twist lock" system, where a screw is connected to an expanding plastic bracket that locks one shaft inside the other. External locking is based on a locking lever that creates a pressure sleeve on the internal shaft and locks it into place.

Q: Should you use rubber tips on trekking poles?

A: We recommend using your rubber tips when you're hiking on solid terrains like pavement, concrete walkways, or rock because the uncovered tips can't grip the trail. Rubber trips also reduce the impact of poles on the trail.

Q: Are folding or telescoping trekking poles better?

A: Folding poles are relatively new to the trekking pole market. They are the lightest and most compact models out there, but they aren't nearly as durable as most three-section telescoping poles. They are, however, durable enough for most climbers and hikers wearing lighter backpacks and are perfect for runners.

Q: Do trekking poles burn more calories?

A: Yes. The poles focus on working the upper body while walking, and this addition of the torso muscles lets you walk at a slower pace yet receive a more challenging overall workout. You can burn 20 to 40% more calories with walking poles.

Q: How do I properly adjust my trekking poles?

A: Flat ground and slightly varying terrain call for sizing your trekking poles so that your arms are positioned with a 90-degree bend. This is the configuration where your trekking poles will spend the majority of their time—remember the graduated markings on the pole at this setting or use a bit of nail polish to note it and save time in the future. To find this spot:
● Stand straight with your trekking poles in your hands
● Place your arms close to your sides
● Position the tips of the trekking poles near your feet
● Adjust the length of the poles so your arms are at right angles
● Make sure the locking mechanism is securely closed

Q: Can I use my trekking poles with gloves on?

A: Hikers who opt for using hiking and trekking poles without gloves typically ease their grip to prevent abrasions and blisters on their hands. However, for those who prefer wearing gloves, a simple biking glove can offer protection from UV rays while maintaining the necessary grip while walking with poles

As one of the most professional trekking poles manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by quality products and good service. Please rest assured to wholesale high-grade trekking poles at competitive price from our factory.

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