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Anyone use trekking poles and/or Nordic walking poles?


Laurie4b
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I found that choosing poles that had a grip that fit my hand well was important; that really took holding the poles and feeling the difference.  I like cork grips.  Lightweight poles are an advantage in that the weight begins to make a difference after a long day.  My sister choose some that fold to a very small size; I just found that it was important to make sure that they would fit in my luggage when I was travelling.

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The really cool ones that fold up super small and are super lightweight aren't always that good.  I am just throwing that out there.  When my son and husband when to Philmont Scout Ranch for their 100 mile trekk, they needed poles.  Some people got the expensive, fancy ones like that and they broke pretty easily.

 

My husband and son got ones from Amazon that were fine and still work now, even after several years, but they haven't hiked much recently.

 

These are the ones we got for $27.  They aren't available anymore but may give you an idea:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BA26KW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I have had two pairs and I love them.

What I think is most important is how good they feel in your hand.  You can get pretty tired of scrabbling for a grip on a too big pole, for instance.

Second is how easy and stable their length adjustments are.  I want to be able to adjust them fast and lock them securely.

Third is how tough their 'points' are.  I need them to grip into granite rocks securely because I do a lot of my hiking in the Sierras.

 

My second pair is collapsible into three connected pieces to fit into a pack.  I have not needed this feature, but I don't feel that it has hurt to have it, and who knows, maybe it will come in handy sometime.

 

I particularly appreciate my poles when I am on a steep downhill and want to absorb some of the impact with my arms instead of my legs, and when I'm crossing a stream on smallish boulders and want to have some stability assistance.  They also assist with stability in flattish trail areas with very uneven surfaces, like a rock fall.  These are the places where I'm most likely to get myself into trouble, so I REALLY appreciate them there.  They also helped me to adjust with hiking with progressive lenses, which change my depth perception enough to be problematic at times, particularly in downhill stretches.  I was tripping a lot before I had them, and so I feel that they are protecting me significantly from minor injuries.  ETA:  Also, they are great when I'm on a trail that is narrow and clings to the side of a hill.  A pole firmly and preventatively planted on the downhill side is a relief to have.

 

I got mine at REI both times, and had help in picking them out.  REI has liberal return policies, just in case they don't work out.

 

 

Edited by Carol in Cal.
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I have had two pairs and I love them.

What I think is most important is how good they feel in your hand.  You can get pretty tired of scrabbling for a grip on a too big pole, for instance.

Second is how easy and stable their length adjustments are.  I want to be able to adjust them fast and lock them securely.

Third is how tough their 'points' are.  I need them to grip into granite rocks securely because I do a lot of my hiking in the Sierras.

 

My second pair is collapsible into three connected pieces to fit into a pack.  I have not needed this feature, but I don't feel that it has hurt to have it, and who knows, maybe it will come in handy sometime.

 

I particularly appreciate my poles when I am on a steep downhill and want to absorb some of the impact with my arms instead of my legs, and when I'm crossing a stream on smallish boulders and want to have some stability assistance.  They also assist with stability in flattish trail areas with very uneven surfaces, like a rock fall.  These are the places where I'm most likely to get myself into trouble, so I REALLY appreciate them there.  They also helped me to adjust with hiking with progressive lenses, which change my depth perception enough to be problematic at times, particularly in downhill stretches.  I was tripping a lot before I had them, and so I feel that they are protecting me significantly from minor injuries.

 

I got mine at REI both times, and had help in picking them out.  REI has liberal return policies, just in case they don't work out.

 

These are trekking poles you're talking about, correct?  Support for my knees on downhills is one of the major reasons I'm considering them. Don't have bad knees yet... and don't want to in the future!  And I can see the value for those stream crossings, too. Last time I had to do that, I hung on to the dog's leash that ds had taken off the dog on the other side and tossed to me!

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I love trekking poles! I got in the habit of using one when hiking with my toddler on my back, I needed something for balance. Most people in my hiking group use two, but I didn't think I needed or wanted two. Then my daughter got tired of using hers on a hike, so I took it and used two for the first time. Wow, what a difference! Take the time to learn how to use them properly and they make hiking much easier!

 

Here's a video put out by Leki: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=di0eREnlcVE

 

I have a $40 pair of carbon fiber ones from Amazon. They are good. They are not as nice as the $200 ones some of my hiking friends use. They are a little heavier, straps aren't quite as nice, grip isn't perfect but I do really like them. They are fully adjustable and collapsible.

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I have Nordic Walking poles. They are Leki adjustable ones with cork handles and click in wrist straps. I love walking with them and am up to 10km several times a week now. They are not the same thing as trekking poles. I can walk so much farther with the poles without having joint pain. I recommend them to all my friends that want to lose weight or be more active. 

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I have Nordic Walking poles. They are Leki adjustable ones with cork handles and click in wrist straps. I love walking with them and am up to 10km several times a week now. They are not the same thing as trekking poles. I can walk so much farther with the poles without having joint pain. I recommend them to all my friends that want to lose weight or be more active.

What's the difference between trekking poles and Nordic poles?
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I have Nordic Walking poles. They are Leki adjustable ones with cork handles and click in wrist straps. I love walking with them and am up to 10km several times a week now. They are not the same thing as trekking poles. I can walk so much farther with the poles without having joint pain. I recommend them to all my friends that want to lose weight or be more active. 

 

Oh, I am so glad to have found someone who uses Nordic poles!  My understanding is that the purpose of Nordic poles is to engage the core and upper body in the act of walking rather than to help negotiate terrain as the trekking poles are for.  Is that accurate from your pov? 

 

Do you find it true that Nordic poles engage core and upper body?

 

What kind of surface(s) do you use them on? 

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What's the difference between trekking poles and Nordic poles?

 

I found this quick little explanation of the differences.

 

TREKKING POLES:

General Purpose:  Hiking *

Terrain: Varied, mountains, hills, etc.

Equipment:

  • Poles are in 3 sections.
  • Baskets are interchangeable and useful for preventing poles from sinking into the ground.
  • Adjusting of poles helps improve performance on varied terrain.
  • Adjustable, locking straps enable user to maintain contact with grips without using causing hand strain.
  • Concave, carbide Flextips are designed for optimal performance on a variety of non-paved surfaces.
  • Rubber tips enable user to walk indoors or on pavement.

 

Technique: Overall goals – Optimal performance on a variety of terrain:

  • Flat:  Ease of use
  • Uphill:  Increased power and endurance
  • Downhill:  Support for joints, balance and agility

Uphill: Poles are used behind the body in a pushing action, recruiting large muscles in the back as well as muscles in the core.  This increased muscle recruitment increases power and endurance.

Downhill: Poles are lengthened and used in front of the body in a “checking†action.

*Note:  People with balance challenges often find LEKI trekking poles (especially poles with the Speed-Lock mechanism) extraordinarily beneficial for achieving and maintaining mobility.

 

NORDIC WALKING POLES:

General Purpose:  Walking for exercise, health, well-being and fitness

Terrain:  Mostly flat or gently rolling hills

Equipment:

  • Light-weight poles come in fixed-length, 2 or 3 sections.
  • Releasable strap system.
  • Specially-designed, removable rubber tips are angled to assist with push-off.

 

Technique:

  • Poles are used beside and behind the body in a pushing action.
  • The body’s natural gait pattern – called reciprocal gait – is accentuated when using Nordic Walking poles.
  • The stride lengthens and spinal rotation is key to achieving walking “with attitude.† This recruits more muscles but actually often lowers perceived exertion because more muscles are being used.
  • Poles are not adjusted as often as trekking poles because terrain is less varied.

 

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The first poles we got were Mountainsmith poles -- blue, 3-section poles, about $30. Fine price, as I was buying multiple pairs (for family). The sections joined by twisting. I just seemed to get the sections separated, sometimes could be fixed, sometimetimes not, probably my fault in part. OK as starter poles, but I would not use these by choice now.

 

Then dd and I started to hoke on more rocky, uneven ground and decided that decent poles were cheaper than orthopedic surgeon fees, lol. We both have Black Diamond. Mine have cork handles, are carbon, with shock absorbers. Dd's are carbon, but no shock absorbers. Sorry I can't remember model names, but mine retailed for about $120, dd's about $100, iirc. We shop at Campmor and get in store discount, plus discount for NY NJ Trail Conference membership, so actual cost about 20% lower.

 

Each of these models closes in a slightly different way. It was a help to go to store and try out.

 

I think I would have had multiple accidents without these poles! Plus they ease strain on knees.

 

ETA

Dd got a pole stuck between two boulders and twisted one section. Campmor paid to send the pole to Black Diamond, which replaced bent section.

 

I understand that Leki are alsomexcellent poles.

Edited by Alessandra
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I just ordered a pair after our recent hiking in Sedona.

 

For now, I think I will use one, not two. I don’t like having things in my hands. And it did cramp my photography.

 

However, stream crossings, and lots of scrambling was made a lot easier with the pole, both up and down hills.

 

I got ones that have cork handles but foam grips directly below the handle, and four kinds of tips for dry trail, wet trail, snow and concrete.

 

The pole I used was an REI that had shock absorption as well. I chose the non-REI ones because they were 50% off online.

 

I was particularly fortunate to hike with a young couple who are adept at these things, and do outdoor outfitting, so I felt a little confidence in making my decision.

 

 

ETA: these are the ones I got and part of the reason I chose them were the quick-flip extension locks. I much prefer these to twist-lock on my photo monopods and tripods and couldn’t see why it would be different on poles. https://www.hikerhunger.com/collections/trekking-poles/products/100-carbon-fiber-trekking-poles

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I think the description above is a good summary. You can watch videos of proper Nordic Walking technique to get an idea of the motion. It's really like cross country skiing. My back, shoulder, and core muscles have improved a lot and my lower back pain is almost gone. I have a problem with my SI joints. I live in the Flanders area of Belgium where there are tons of mountain bike and walking trails over rolling hills, through farm roads, cobblestones, and on paved country roads. My pace is faster than normal walking and my stride is longer. On flat even terrain I can really get into a rhythm. Uphill I use them for a little push and downhill for stability much like trekking poles. Mine are adjustable but once I got them set at the right length (110cm) I don't change them. They have hard, pointed tips and rubber booties that cover the tips. I've found that the rubber tips are all that I need to use because they grip well on all the surfaces and make less noise. 

 

I started Nordic Walking after I stopped running due to SI joint pain. Regular walking wasn't burning enough calories and I was still having pain through the hip area. This really is a full-body workout, burns a lot of calories, and causes less stress on the joints. 

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I have shock absorbers on my poles which I love but my son, who has done a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, views them as unnecessary additional weight. Perhaps age is a factor here.

 

My husband and I spent a week hiking in Iceland last June where poles were a necessity. One of the avid photographers in our group used a hiking staff as opposed to poles.

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I think the description above is a good summary. You can watch videos of proper Nordic Walking technique to get an idea of the motion. It's really like cross country skiing. My back, shoulder, and core muscles have improved a lot and my lower back pain is almost gone. I have a problem with my SI joints. I live in the Flanders area of Belgium where there are tons of mountain bike and walking trails over rolling hills, through farm roads, cobblestones, and on paved country roads. My pace is faster than normal walking and my stride is longer. On flat even terrain I can really get into a rhythm. Uphill I use them for a little push and downhill for stability much like trekking poles. Mine are adjustable but once I got them set at the right length (110cm) I don't change them. They have hard, pointed tips and rubber booties that cover the tips. I've found that the rubber tips are all that I need to use because they grip well on all the surfaces and make less noise.

 

I started Nordic Walking after I stopped running due to SI joint pain. Regular walking wasn't burning enough calories and I was still having pain through the hip area. This really is a full-body workout, burns a lot of calories, and causes less stress on the joints.

Thank you. This was helpful and interesting. The poles I ordered have rubber walking tips and not I know why

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I was going to comment on the difference between trekking poles and Nordic Walking poles.  But I see that Thessa516 beat me to the punch.  I did try some supposed nordic walking poles that were adjustable, but I didn't like them as much.  I like my exerstrider poles that I've had for years.  I had to buy the right length for me since they weren't adjustable.  They really made walking a fantastic workout.  Unfortunately, they are not great for walking the dog and that is most of my walking these days.  I am sure that there have been some improvements in technology and options since then.  

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I think the description above is a good summary. You can watch videos of proper Nordic Walking technique to get an idea of the motion. It's really like cross country skiing. My back, shoulder, and core muscles have improved a lot and my lower back pain is almost gone. I have a problem with my SI joints. I live in the Flanders area of Belgium where there are tons of mountain bike and walking trails over rolling hills, through farm roads, cobblestones, and on paved country roads. My pace is faster than normal walking and my stride is longer. On flat even terrain I can really get into a rhythm. Uphill I use them for a little push and downhill for stability much like trekking poles. Mine are adjustable but once I got them set at the right length (110cm) I don't change them. They have hard, pointed tips and rubber booties that cover the tips. I've found that the rubber tips are all that I need to use because they grip well on all the surfaces and make less noise. 

 

I started Nordic Walking after I stopped running due to SI joint pain. Regular walking wasn't burning enough calories and I was still having pain through the hip area. This really is a full-body workout, burns a lot of calories, and causes less stress on the joints. 

 

Do you by chance have a link to the pair that you have? 

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Dh uses them and loves them, but keep in mind that we're in Florida so all of his walking is on flat ground. The most he does that isn't perfectly flat is walk on the beach.

 

He has two pairs but one gets more use. One pair is Swiss Gear and he rarely uses them. The other's brand name has worn off and he can't remember what it is. He knows what he likes about them -

 

-adjustable length, and the locking mechanism is strong but easy to use when he needs to change the height.

-Soft tip for hard surfaces but is easily removed when he walks on the beach. 

--comfortable hand grips

-they fold up really small so they're easy to carry or fit in a bag

 

I've tried repeatedly to use his extra pair when we walk together but I'm too uncoordinated lol. Try as I might I can't seem to get it right. I either move my arms too fast or walk too fast and keep getting "off rhythm". 

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