Outdoor Knowledge Hall | How many hiking poles do you need?

What animal is best at climbing mountains? Definitely not human. Who told us to walk on two legs? Naturally, you have to stay on all fours when climbing a mountain. Oh no, it’s best to use both hands and feet.

When hiking outdoors, any well-marked trail can be regarded as a flat road. Trekking poles are definitely one of the standard equipment. It can make your steps more stable, reduce the pressure on your legs, and allow you to "last" longer. How many hiking poles do you need? Xiaobai’s suggestion is to start with one stick, two is the best.

Nowadays, the most popular ones on Taobao are made of aluminum alloy, which is relatively cheap. You can get a pair for 100+ in some cases. There are also carbon alloy and titanium alloy , which are lighter, stronger and can be thrown very fast. It is easy for the tip of the stick to find the right position. Of course, the price is also more expensive than the other. Which one to choose? It depends on where you go. The altitude is high, the road is long, and the weather changes greatly, so at least it must be made of carbon alloy. Only good materials can withstand the test rather than cluttering the trip.

Professional trekking poles are all retractable or foldable . There are 2 sections, 3 sections, and 4 sections. Personally, I think 3 sections is better. After shrinking, it is easier to carry and has good stability.

Good trekking poles have shock-absorbing devices, which can reduce the vibration of wrists, arms and shoulders and reduce injuries.

Trekking poles generally have two small accessories that you need to pay attention to. One is a cylindrical pole tip sleeve , which makes the trekking pole easier to use on flat ground or concrete steps. It is easy to lose (mine has already fallen off). There is also a gear-shaped pole tip cover that is actually used on the snow to prevent the trekking pole from being poked to the bottom.

Adjust the length of the trekking pole according to your height. A short stick goes up the mountain, a long stick goes down the mountain. After you become proficient in using one trekking pole, using two trekking poles at the same time can help you travel around the world more steadily and for a longer period of time.