General Stores Online - Trekking Poles Info

Trekking or Hiking poles are steadily gaining popularity over here in the UK, after being in use on the continent for some time. Based on ski-poles (but more versatile), they take as much as 50% of the kinetic load from the legs and lower back while walking, by spreading the weight to four points rather than two. These poles are particularly useful on slopes (especially on descent), and when carrying loads. Those like me with dodgy knees will find them particularly useful. I first came into contact with trekking poles in 2000, during a trip to the Himalayas - the difference was amazing! Trekking poles act like an extension of your arms - they can help pull you uphill, and support you on the downs. Most importantly, they take the weight off the knees to avoid aches and pains.

Currently we sell black or silver poles only; keeping it simple like this means that we can pass our savings on to you. Our poles all carry a year's full guarantee and are recommended for people of all ages.

According to the Brasher Boot Company,"medical research has shown that using a pair of poles on an eight-hour walk will relieve the strain on your knees by 250 tonnes".

Apart from easing the load, trekking poles will also give you greater stability. Many people feel they only want to invest in a single pole to start with, but according to Ian Beith, owner of climbing equipment importer Trailwise, most European outlets sell them in pairs. "One pole is definitely better that none, but two will provide more than twice the benefit. Walking with a pair of poles aids stability and allows you to keep a better walking rhythm."

Trekking poles are used by all age groups and younger people now accept that they can help prevent damage to joints while covering difficult terrain.

If you do use trekking poles it is important to look after them. Dry them fully after use and wipe off any mud or dirt before retracting them. Never lubricate the poles with oil or WD40 as this will disable the locking mechanism.

When using a pair of poles the proper technique is to plant the left one ahead and slightly to the side of you at the same time as you plant your right foot. The reverse applies for the right pole. This produces an action similar to cross-country skiing. It is claimed that using poles can increase your performance as they encourage you to adopt an upright position, making breathing more efficient.

Here are a few FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Trekking Poles:

Q. What are Trekking Poles?

A. Trekking Poles are also known as Hiking Poles or Walking Poles. They are a development of ski poles, and are becoming more and more popular in the UK.

Q. Why choose a trekking pole(s) over walking sticks?

A. The advantages trekking poles have over traditional walking sticks are:

1. Light Weight

2. Adjustable in height

3. Ease of storage

4. Can be used in all terrain and in all weather conditions

5. Can be used in pairs for mountain walking or aerobic exercise

6. Ease of cleaning

7. Anti-shock mechanism lessens impact strain on joints.

Q. How do trekking poles help the walker?

A. In a number of ways. One pole can be used the same as a traditional walking stick for everyday rambles and easy to intermediate ground. It is in pairs, however, that the poles come into their own. Their benefits cannot truly be appreciated without trying it out, however there are several situations where trekking poles are very useful:

1. When negotiating steep ground:

Uphill, Trekking Poles make it easier to climb. You'll be amazed - its as if the poles are pulling you uphill. Basically, a great deal of the load is taken from your legs so you feel much lighter. The poles also provide the support you need to shift your centre of gravity forward, thus giving you the extra momentum you need for your climb.

Downhill, Trekking Poles are a godsend. If you dread descents because of pain in the knees and back, then trekking poles are for you. Just lengthen the poles a little, and they will support you all the way to the bottom, taking the load from your joints and bones, and making life a whole lot easier. Even if you don't presently suffer with joint pain, the use of trekking poles is recommended!

2. For stability during river crossings or scree running:

There's nothing worse than wet feet at the start of the day! Trekking poles can help you balance on those slippery stones. And any downhill slides can easily be corrected without hitting the ground first. Bog jumping is easier and much more fun, and you are less likely to sink up to your armpits in snow, as the weight is spread to four points, not two (snow baskets must be fitted for this to work - supplied with our poles).

3. For a full aerobic workout:

If you want to go for it, trekking poles provide a full body workout. When walking at full tilt on a slight incline, the action is akin to Cross Country Ski-ing. In fact 'Nordic Walking', as it is known, is the big exercise trend in Europe right now, and crossing over to the UK. While our poles are suitable for exercise of this type, they are not sold as 'Nordic Walking Poles', for the simple reason that Nordic poles have different shaped handles and are meant for non-mountain use.

4. Great for older walkers:

Because of the advantages stated above, active older people can benefit greatly. Poles make uphill and downhill walking much easier, while the health benefits are not effected. People with arthritis or injury can benefit enormously, being able to exercise and rehabilitate at a faster rate.

5. A noticeable increase in endurance:

Because you are not using your legs as much, you will probably go further and faster (though I can't guarantee it!). At the very least, your legs won't feel so tired at the end of a day on the hill.

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Our great value trekking poles are in use all over the world, from Andover to the Andes!

Here's Neal Unitt-Jones , of www.adventureracers.co.uk, at the summit of Aconcagua (6962m):

Here's what he had to say:

"Outdoor kit just doesn’t get much better than the Trekrite trekking poles. They do exactly what you want them to do and they are a bargain to boot. Sure, you can spend a days wages on a single pole from a ‘leading’ manufacturer; but a pair of fancy cork-handled, tungsten-tipped sticks with a big brand name won’t perform any better than these excellent budget poles. I bought a pair of these ‘disposable’ poles for an attempt on the summit of Aconcagua, the highest place on earth outside of Asia. I honestly expected them to give up at some point during the expedition. I am extremely pleased to report that they served me exceptionally well over punishing terrain all the way to the summit at 6962m and down again. I didn’t even lose the baskets – that’s how good these poles are. Far from being disposable, these poles will now go everywhere I go. When they do finally expire, I’ll be getting some more."

Our international customers are also impressed. Brad Maier of Canada writes:

"In the last year, since I received my hiking poles from General Stores Online, I have begun my quest to do scrambles up the major mountains in the
Canadian Rockies. In that time I have made my way to the summits of Mount Rundle (2949m), Cascade Mountain (2998m), Mount Yamnuska (2240m) and Mount Temple (3543m) as well as some minor peaks and primer hikes. Once the ice melts off the summit a bit more (it is curremtly late June in Canada) my plan is to start a new season of scrambles by heading up Big Sister (2936 m). I have hiked without poles in the past and the difference once I received my hiking poles last year was instantly noticeable and the anti-shock feature makes all the difference. They have allowed me to hike longer distances with less fatigue of the legs and back and are sturdy enough to get me through some pretty tricky places. I enjoyed my first pair of hiking poles so much I have just acquired a second set, which I am giving as a gift to my hiking partner."

Happy Hiking!

Dave Townsend