Benefits of using trekking poles

Walking/trekking poles are becoming a very common piece of equipment for today’s hill walkers and mountaineers.

Using a pair of Mountain King poles you experience the following benefits:

* Reduced weight on your hips and back by 7-11 kg per step

* Uphill walking is made easier as your arms help support your upper body and give extra support to your legs

* Down hill walking is less of a strain on the knees and long descents are less of a challenge

* When crossing streams or boggy ground, Mountain King poles are used to judge depth and increase stability.

You'll feel the difference if you use one walking pole, but as you'd expect, you'll feel far greater benefit if you use two poles. Many people choose to carry only one pole because they feel they need a hand free for balance. If the terrain is particularly demanding, you should consider putting your poles away in or on your rucsac.
On terrain that you feel more comfortable walking on, using two poles gives you more uphill climbing power, increased leg endurance and improved balance over broken rocky terrain.
Holding Your walking or Trekking Poles for climbing steps. Of course, the biggest benefit of using poles is that they reduce weight and pressure on the knees, in turn reducing the potential for knee damage.

For many people, using two poles is a 'no-brainer'. Although one argument against using poles is that they can increase your overall energy expenditure, as you are forced to use muscles in your arms and shoulders that would otherwise be rested.

Make your own mind up but try using poles and make sure you stick with them for a long trial-journey before you decide whether or not to continue using them.

What is Anti-Shock, and do I need it?

Antishock is a way of cushioning the jarring of the pole - especially on hard ground and when going downhill. It is achieved by a spring located in the pole which gives a cushioning effect when the pole is pushed on a hard surface.

Antishock is great for down hill sections when more weight is put on the poles, reducing jarring.

For uphill sections compressing the spring is a waste of energy and so the antishock should be turned off (where this option is available). This increases to benefit of using poles.

For backpackers and those carrying heavy loads the Expedition - Expert has two springs in tandem giving progressively increased resistance. This is particularly beneficial for demanding users.

Using Mountain King on /off Anti-Shock