It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter Olympics. You watch a ski racer zoom down the slope manoeuvring through the ski gates. However, you notice that something is missing. The skier has on skis, boots, and a giant slalom skin tight racing suit. You realize what's missing when their arms flail about causing them to lose their balance on a patch of ice. They are missing their ski poles.
It is the cross country skiing competition of the winter Olympics. You cheer from the crowd as the skiers fly down the trail. Each skier pushes hard with their ski poles. However, one skier is left far behind the pack because he does not have any ski poles. His graceful cross country rhythm has been interrupted due to a lack of balance.
In both cases, the skiers lost the race because they were missing their ski poles. Ski poles are vital because they help maintain balance, provide support, and relieve some of the pressure off your body. If the use of a ski pole is so crucial, then why is it that many hikers do not use a hiking pole during their hikes?
You might not think of a hiking or trekking pole as a necessity until you compare hiking to cross country skiing. In hiking you traverse across a terrain of varying degrees and obstacles. There is constant stress and strain on your muscles and joints as you navigate through rocks, sandy areas, and elevated terrain. Your knees and lower back are constantly adjusting to the pressure placed on them. This can lead to soreness and pain. This is comparable to the demands of cross country skiing.
Hiking pain can be reduced by investing in a hiking or trekking pole. Hiking poles have a wide range of benefits including: improved balance, endurance, and ward off knee injuries. Hiking poles can enable you to successfully cross streams and work through steeper terrain. A mental side effect is that they can boost your confidence allowing you tackle the hiking trail with vigor.
There are different types of hiking and trekking poles available. There are long wooden poles, shorter aluminum poles, snow poles, and ice axes. Want to beef up your regular hiking pole? Hiking poles have various accessories to choose from including: hand grips, shock absorbers, and camera mounts. If you are going on a winter hike you can add a basket to your pole. Another important aspect of your hiking pole is its tip. The common tip is made of carbide. However, rubber tips are also available. Each tip has pros and cons which should be considered when purchasing a pole. Consult a hiking professional to assess which pole is best for you.
If you want more stability and less stress on your body consider investing in a hiking or trekking pole. The ability to navigate through difficult terrain will become a reality. Hiking poles can cost money, but they are worth every penny.
Monica Marty is a hiking fan and the webmaster of http://hikingtrailfinder.com/ where you will find a directory and information on Hiking
In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More
The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More
Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major attractions... Read More
As the warmer weather approaches, we look forward to another... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More
Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More
Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More
If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More
I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others... Read More
Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
The great state of Washington offers some of the best... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More
Hello Again,Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals... Read More
If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More
Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There's... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
Camping is a delightful and adventurous way to spend your... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More
Packing in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do... Read More
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Outdoors |