A hiking staff or a trekking pole is a tool that you shouldn’t be without on long climbs. It provides you with an extra set of legs, of hands and of climbing tools to help you get through some of the most difficult terrains easily. If you purchase a hiking staff, you’ll want to consider how to do so in order to have a useful tool that will last you for a long time on many long journeys. There are several key things to consider about these tools.
Heavy Duty But Not Heavy
When purchasing a hiking staff, one of the most important things for you to consider is the weight of the staff itself. If you purchase something that is too heavy; your arms and shoulders will weaken too quickly on your journey. On the other hand, you don’t want to purchase a staff that will break during the roughest part of your climb. Some of the manufacturers of these staffs are offering newer materials to help them to be lightweight but strong. Consider carbon fiber staffs, for example.
Another consideration is that of how the pieces lock together. A hiking staff must provide you with enough strength even when it is put together from smaller pieces. Look at the locking means and mechanisms used. Are they strong and durable? Or, will they easily snap apart? You want something that’s easy to put together but something that is still able to lock together tightly.
Take a look at the actual design of the hiking staff as well. You want a nice grip so that your hands are comfortable yet don’t slip and slide everywhere. You definitely want something that’s going to hold up even to wet conditions. Some of the staffs can also help you by providing you with insulation in the grip as well as adjustable straps so that you can get a good grip. Look at the tip of the hiking staff too. You want something that is going to latch in hard into the snow or ground. It needs to be effective in providing you with an instant grip into the surface.
Selecting your hiking staff is an important process. The tools that you have that provide you with help in making it through your trial are essential to purchase with quality in mind. Don’t skimp and purchase a product that is inexpensive but that will break at the worst moment. Yet, you don’t have to purchase something that’s the highest quality. Look for the features mentioned. Choose your staff with the best possible features for your budget.