I do a lot of hiking in the mountains and my knees aren't getting any younger, so I'm thinking about getting some walking poles. Linda, you really seem to enjoy yours. They seem like a simple piece of equipment, but I'm wondering if there are any "features" I should look for in a set of poles, like height adjustment or a specific kind of tip for hiking? Thanks for your suggestions!
Linda said
09:18 AM Jun 4, 2007
Hi Cindy,
Wow, what a difference they make. I will not go on any walk without my poles now. I did not do any research on them so I can only talk from experience. Mine were a gift from one of our readers in Texas (Thanks again JC).
The brand that I have are SwissGear You can find these at Wal-Mart for about $10.00 each. They are adjustable in two different location. Two different tips, one for ice and the other for all other surfaces. The wrist straps are the key to taking the weight off of your knees. So don't buy anything without wrist straps. They are very light weight also with shock absorbtion.
I know I have seen other trekking poles for a whole lot more and I have no idea how they differ from these. If you decide to get a set, let me know what you think.
Judy said
01:38 PM Jun 4, 2007
While talking with Linda here in Carlsbad couple of nites ago and having her show me hers, I went yesterday to Walmart and bought myself a pair. I havent had the chance yet to really try them out as of yet but I do know with my bad back and Meniner's disease (of which is no balance at times for me) that they will sure be of help. Thanks again Linda and will keep you posted on the progress. southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Cindy T said
08:04 AM Jun 5, 2007
Got my poles at Walmart! They seem really nice, even have a little compass in the hand grips. I'm heading to the mountains on Thursday, so I'll report back next week how they are!
Cindy T said
06:34 AM Jun 11, 2007
A big thumbs up for the walking poles! I went hiking in the mountains & they were great. I was going over some very rocky, slippery terrain & it was a whole lot easier both for balance and "slip prevention". I highly recommend them!
Linda said
08:12 AM Jun 11, 2007
They make a huge difference don't they?
Crossing streams is easier also.
I have figured out a way to describe the difference they make.
"It is like having handrails on the entire hike."
Glad you had a good time and that you liked the poles.
Wow, what a difference they make. I will not go on any walk without my poles now. I did not do any research on them so I can only talk from experience. Mine were a gift from one of our readers in Texas (Thanks again JC).
The brand that I have are SwissGear
You can find these at Wal-Mart for about $10.00 each. They are adjustable in two different location. Two different tips, one for ice and the other for all other surfaces. The wrist straps are the key to taking the weight off of your knees. So don't buy anything without wrist straps. They are very light weight also with shock absorbtion.
I know I have seen other trekking poles for a whole lot more and I have no idea how they differ from these. If you decide to get a set, let me know what you think.
Thanks again Linda and will keep you posted on the progress.
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Crossing streams is easier also.
I have figured out a way to describe the difference they make.
"It is like having handrails on the entire hike."
Glad you had a good time and that you liked the poles.
-- Edited by Linda at 10:59, 2007-06-13