News You Can Use-Trekking Poles

Dear Philmont Adventurers and Parents,

​Some might say that trekking poles are an optional gear item, and I would say correct, but let me tell you, you will be missing out! I have been using trekking poles since 2009 and for me, they were absolute game changers! Trekking poles take about 40 pounds of thrust off your knees with each step. Overall, trekking poles can reduce the impacts to your knees and ankles by as much as 25 percent. There are even more positive benefits-trekking poles bring added stability to hiking situations such as stream crossings or rocky trails, and provide added momentum to your gait while hiking. Trekking poles are invaluable for checking downward momentum on steep downhill slopes and can give you extra "umption" to "dig in" and accelerate up steep uphill climbs. For a trail klutz like me, trekking poles are essential!

There are lots of poles out there, so here's some advise to help you navigate. First off, there are great values in trekking poles to be found on the outlets at substantial savings. Trekking pole designs have not changed much over the past several years, so no worries there. The three best pole makers out there to me are Komperdell, Leki, and Black Diamond. Komperdell and Leki are both European manufacturers, while black Diamond are made in the USA. REI trekking poles are branded by Komperdell. You can find the same Komperdell poles on the REI outlet, where in the REI store, have the REI brand is on them, not Komperdell. Next most trekking poles are divided into three pole sections which slide into one another and are locked in place by either a cam or twist locking mechanism. The industry is trending to cam locks, but there is not a thing wrong the twist locks, just consumer preference is driving the change.  Secondly, the next thing to consider is the material used in the pole sleeves. Aircraft aluminum is the most prevalent, while carbon fiber poles are a lighter and often more expensive option. Next consider the hand grips. There are generally three types of hand grips found on trekking poles- cork, composition cork, and foam rubber. All three are excellent choices. There are poles out there that have a hard rubber grip. While they can certainly deliver the benefits, I personally do not recommend them because the hard rubber gets hot and makes your hands perspire. Not so with the others. There is another style pole worth mentioning because they are generally lighter and more packable. These are referred to as rigid poles. They have a four section design where the ends of each section connects to the next one. This design aspect generally makes them a lighter, more packable option due to the length of the pole segments when traveling. Since we practice Leave No Trace during our camping and backpacking experiences, please purchase rubber hiking tips for your poles. These can reduce the erosive impacts the sharp tungsten carbide pole tips, when uncovered, can have digging into the trail surface with each step. It is because of these impacts that Philmont asks that you use them.

For these of you that have not used trekking poles, let me tell you, they are awkward starting out, but only at first. I would encourage you to go on line to either the REI, Leki, or Komperdell sites at watch a training video. Using trekking poles is like spitting and chewing gum at the same time. Put it this way, it I can, you can! In about ten minutes or even less you'll be using them like a champ!

Right now there is a decent selection of Komperdell trekking poles on the REI outlet.  If you have any questions, or you are not sure that trekking poles are for you, you are welcome to try mine on our April training trip! Also REI has a great selection at the Charlotte store where you can see the different styles of had grips, locking mechanisms, aircraft aluminum versus carbon fiber, etc. 

I hope that this is news you can use. If you have any questions, just give me a call or respond to this email.

Glad to help out!
Mr. Brown