Key Points
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Every hiker should use trekking poles.
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Trekking poles have many benefits, including enhanced safety and stability.
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The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are high-quality and worth checking out.
I've traversed far and wide through the depths of nature. In all my travels, I was thankful for one extremely underrated but important tool: trekking poles. They helped me withstand the rigors of the trails.
Of course, given 2023's awful air quality from wildfires, spending time in certain outdoor areas may not be the best idea. If the skies are clear, though, get out and about. Before you head out, consider getting some trekking poles.
In my quest for the best ones, I came across the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles. I've tried numerous alternatives over the years, but this pair of poles is the top dog.
I want to provide an honest overview of these trekking poles, weighing the pros with the cons. Before doing that, it's good to grasp why and how trekking poles enhance a hiking experience.
Trekking Poles
$41.99
by TrailBuddy
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11/28/2023 05:52 pm GMT
The Benefits of Using Trekking Poles
by TrailBuddy
Nature doesn't have perfectly flat pavement — quite the opposite. Trails are usually uneven, rocky, and slippery. I've rolled many ankles and noticed a considerable drop in such incidents when I started using trekking poles.
They provide additional points of contact with the ground, increasing stability and balance on all types of terrain. They even help prevent falls by making it easier to balance. They're the extra support you need when crossing streams, walking on loose surfaces, or navigating steep inclines and descents.
Trekking poles also encourage an upright posture, preventing excessive forward leaning or slouching. This alleviates strain on your back, shoulders, and neck, promoting a more comfortable hiking experience.
Reduced Joint Strain
The lower body always takes a beating when hiking. Hips, knees, and ankles have the tragic fate of doing most of the work. Give your lower body a break with some trekking poles. They transfer some of the load from your lower to your upper body. This reduces the strain, especially for people with joint problems or those carrying a heavy pack.
I always notice the difference in strain when I use trekking poles. Absorbing some of the impacts relieves pressure on my joints and muscles. Instead of being bedridden for a week afterward due to soreness, I'm only KO'd for a day.
Increased Endurance
Trekking poles help me bust out a few more miles when hiking. Distributing the workload to the upper part of my body means my arms, shoulders, and core also share the effort. This spreading of responsibility means my lower body isn't overworked, thus reducing fatigue.
Enhanced Performance
When tackling steep inclines, using trekking poles adds strength and support by allowing you to push off with your arms and move forward. When descending, these same poles act as brakes, providing stability and reducing the strain on your knees by absorbing some of the impact.
Outdoor writer Josette Deschambeault says, "Trekking poles increase your stability, efficiency and sense of security while heading uphill or picking your way back down. Incorporating upper body strength in your hikes also relieves some pressure from your legs and gives you the oomph you need to bag that next peak, take on another switchback or cross that last creek."
Going uphill is the hardest part of hiking for me. Trekking poles are a little motivating force to get me through the finish line.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles Review
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are my best friend when I'm hiking. They're affordable and offer the stability, support, and durability I need. It doesn't matter what terrain I'm on: snowy, wet, or rocky. TrailBuddy supports me on all of them.
Rugged yet lightweight aluminum goes into each pole, providing the perfect combination of durability and simplicity. Cork handles make the grip comfortable, so my fingers don't blister after hours of hiking. I'm on the taller end of the height spectrum, and these poles easily adjust to suit my height. Everything about the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles creates a user-oriented experience to fit my needs.
I have found the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles incredibly versatile and able to adapt seamlessly to any terrain. Whether I'm facing icy conditions, damp ground, or rough terrain, these poles provide dependable support.
They shine in snowy, muddy, and rocky landscapes, thanks to their rugged construction that empowers hikers to navigate even the most challenging environments with a sense of confidence. With the TrailBuddy poles, stability is always ensured, and the risk of accidents drops drastically.
Forty bucks is a screaming deal. A cheap price doesn't equate to a shoddy product. They're good quality poles that come with a range of accessories. The set includes four rubber tips, two mud baskets, two snow baskets, two connectors, and a carrying bag. These accessories enhance the functionality of the poles, allowing users to adapt to different terrains quickly.
Weighing only 19.4 oz. together, or 9.7 oz. individually, they offer optimal portability without sacrificing durability. The lightness of these poles makes them ideal for long hikes and backpacking trips, reducing fatigue and strain on the user.
Another attractive feature of TrailBuddy Trekking Poles is the wide range of color options. With eight vibrant colors, users can select a color that suits their style and preferences. Certain colors may occasionally be out of stock on Amazon.
Not all that glitters is gold. I do have some minor gripes — no serious red flags but still, issues worth considering. The locks tend to loosen over time. Every few hours, I have to stop and readjust the poles. It's annoying to stop frequently, but it's not the biggest issue in the world. I'd really be peeved if I had to stop every 10 minutes to readjust the locks, but once every few hours isn't so bad.
Scouring the internet for the opinions of others, I've noticed some say the poles may not withstand pressure from heavier issues. I haven't had this issue since I'm about as thick as a string bean.
by TrailBuddy
Take Care of Your Body
As the legendary motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Using trekking poles seems like a small way to care for yourself, but life comprises small things. Little habits lead to significant outcomes.
After years of using the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles, I've noticed an enormous shift in how I feel after hikes. I'm less sore and more energetic. I'm able to hike longer and take fewer breaks.
The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles offer a reliable and affordable solution for hikers seeking stability and support in challenging terrains. Their functional design, durability, and versatile accessories make them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hikers.
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