Hiking Staff, Walking Sticks And Trekking Poles

Here in Yosemite National Park, you will see a number of hikers using some sort of trekking pole or hiking stick. Some people just pick them up off the side of the trail and others bring their favorite hiking staff with them.

They are popular because they reduce impact on the knees and legs. When you are walking on unlevel ground and going up and down on stairs, they really help to keep your balance. They transfer the weight from your body to the poles or walking stick by at least 20%. When you are hiking for hours at a time, it really does make a difference on your body. You will burn 40% more calories, per mile, using trekkin sticks on your hike.

When your legs are tired and shaking because of a long hike, the trekking poles do a lot to keep you from tripping. And if you are hiking in Yosemite's high country, they are worth their weight in gold when you need to cross a stream.

The downside of using some sort of hiking staff is that your hands are not free. I found myself not taking as many pictures because I had poles in my hands. If you have children with you, something in your hands really gets in the way of helping your children. More than one child has been smacked with a pole (accidently of course!) when I've raised my hand to wipe the sweat off of my forehead or go to take a drink of water.

If you are hiking with young kids, get poles that will fold up so that you can put them in your pack. Every now and again, you just need your hands free. If you can fold the poles up or collapse them, it is the best of both worlds.

I have seen kids use the end of poles to carve into trees when they are resting alongside the trail. That is just not right. So if you have them, please leave the landscape alone.

Overall, some sort of walking stick or trekking pole will make your hike easier. Trust me you will see a lot of people on the Yosemite trails with them. And they are the hikers that are more energetic and hiking at a good pace.

If you decide you want poles...here is what to look for. You want a telescopic adjustment. This means that the poles can be adjusted to different heights. It can be shortened for uphill hiking. It can be lengthened for downhill hiking. It can be used by different people that are different heights. They can be collapsed and put in your backpack when not in use.

Soft grips are easier on the hands. Soft grips are more comfortable. Hard grips make your the palms of your hands sweat. Hard grips are not that comfortable.

If your willing to pay a little more, get trekking poles that have an anti shock system. You can pick your setting according to the terrain that you are hiking on. They are worth their weight in gold when you are going downhill.

Only get a pole that allows you to change out its baskets. (That is only if you want a basket. Baskets are not needed for most hiking in Yosemite National Park) Baskets do wear out. Baskets keep your poles from sinking in mud, sand and snow. They only let your pole sink so far down. Baskets are inexpensive and easy to change out.

There are three kinds of tips that can be on a pole. The most favored is the chiseled. Rubber tips are very popular these days as well.

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