How to Choose Your Walking Stick

Are you one to lift your nose on the walking sticks? For many, it is a bulky accessory, which is used only to feel the ground. While it is not a tool that everyone will like, using walking sticks has many physical advantages, especially in long-haul rides where we carry all our equipment on our backs. .  

Why use walking sticks?

For all those who have had knee pain after a day walking trails, using walking sticks can significantly reduce the impact and loads on the joints. This is a significant aspect, especially if you wear a heavy bag and during descents that can be stressful for the legs.

When you are on difficult terrain or when you have to overcome obstacles, using walking sticks also gives you greater stability and balance. 

Convinced? Before you start buying walking sticks, it is important to know what kind of activity you will use, because there are sticks adapted to different disciplines, such as hiking or Nordic walking. In addition, your choice will be strongly influenced by the frequency and intensity of your excursions. 

Handles

You have to pay particular attention to the choice of handles in order to have a good time because you will always have them in your hands. Bad handles could quickly make you blisters.

The plastic ones are the least comfortable and make you sweat. However, they are durable, durable and affordable. They will do the trick for casual walkers looking for sticks that support them in relatively easy trails.

Cork or foam handles are preferable if you use your sticks more intensively or if you walk more difficult trails. The choice between these two options depends largely on your personal preferences. The cork handles offer a strong grip and are ideal for those who tend to have sweaty hands during exercise because they breathe well. Foam handles, even if they are less durable, provide greater comfort and your hands will not slip when walking. 

The straps

The strap attached to the stick is worn around the wrists. The shape of it varies according to the activity to which the stick is intended. Thus, Nordic walking they include a particular opening for the thumb to let go and catch the baton easily. 

In hiking, the strap takes the appearance of a simple strap to put around the wrist. Despite their innocuous appearance, the straps are useful not to lose their poles, but especially to support the wrists throughout the exercise. The wider the straps, the greater the support and some are even padded to increase comfort.