Communities

Writing
Writing
Codidact Meta
Codidact Meta
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Photography & Video
Photography & Video
Scientific Speculation
Scientific Speculation
Cooking
Cooking
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Judaism
Judaism
Languages & Linguistics
Languages & Linguistics
Software Development
Software Development
Mathematics
Mathematics
Christianity
Christianity
Code Golf
Code Golf
Music
Music
Physics
Physics
Linux Systems
Linux Systems
Power Users
Power Users
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Community Proposals
Community Proposals
tag:snake search within a tag
answers:0 unanswered questions
user:xxxx search by author id
score:0.5 posts with 0.5+ score
"snake oil" exact phrase
votes:4 posts with 4+ votes
created:<1w created < 1 week ago
post_type:xxxx type of post
Search help
Notifications
Mark all as read See all your notifications »
Q&A

What qualities should I look for in a good walking pole?

+1
−0

I've seen walking poles range from <£10 to >£100 - and to a casual observer there doesn't often seem to be much to distinguish them, with both having good grips and shock relief / suspension. What makes one better than the other, and is it worth investing in one which is more expensive if it's going to be extensively used?

History
Why does this post require attention from curators or moderators?
You might want to add some details to your flag.
Why should this post be closed?

This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/1775. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

0 comment threads

1 answer

+0
−0

Each person is unique and may need one feature over another. But here is my take on the features in a rough order of importance:

  • Warranty: If you plan on heavy usage, make sure it has a lifetime warranty and a manufacturer that backs it up. Many will find a way to replace it in the field.

  • Weight: If you're backpacking, saving weight is important.

  • Comfortable handle: You're going to be holding these all day. Make sure they don't rub anywhere that would result in a blister. Make sure you can keep your grip when sweating, and make sure the wrist strap holds on without getting in the way.

  • Adjustable/compact: If you want it to easily pack in the trunk or in luggage for a flight, this feature is necessary. Some level of adjustment is useful to shift from climbing uphill to braking downhill. Check the quality of the adjustment locks, you don't want them to slip when you're bracing yourself from a dunk in the river, and you want to be able to easily fix any problem in the field (preferably without carrying a set of wrenches).

  • Steel point: You want this to hold if you press against a rock, and not slide all over the place.

  • Snow baskets: If you plan on using these in the winter, these will keep you from plunging all the way to the ground with every step. Otherwise, they're not really important.

  • Shock absorption: I passed on this feature, but I can see it being useful for those with joint problems.

A good set of poles should last a lifetime, so don't be afraid to spend a few extra bucks on a better model. If you're about to be attacked by an animal or you start sliding towards a cliff, you'll be glad you didn't trust your life to the cheapest thing you could find.

History
Why does this post require attention from curators or moderators?
You might want to add some details to your flag.

This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/1776. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

0 comment threads

Sign up to answer this question »