Every outdoor fanatic understands the importance of having the best trekking pole for hunting. If not, well, at least the backpack hunters do.
There exists a thrill of carrying 100 pounds on your back, in a backpack that has everything you need to survive. Then spend a couple of days out in the woods, up on the hill unwinding with a sense of adventure.
Fending for oneself without access to a retail store isn’t an easy task. The next thought that follows is, obviously, taking out an animal for your next meal.
Backpack hunters really strive to reach areas least exploited for a higher chance of finding that hunt. This leaves them navigating seemingly inaccessible areas with difficult terrains, to get their next meal.
So, you ask, what is the importance of a trekking pole? Let’s look at some of the benefits of owning one;
Benefits of a Trekking Pole.
Gives you more Distance
The use of a trekking pole substantively increases the distance you can be able to cover. Fatigue usually takes a toll on your joints as you hike that steep hill. And because of that, you aren’t able to cover longer distances without taking a rest. The trekking pole improves that by reducing the stress exerted on the joints.
Helps with the Posture
A huge weight on the back naturally causes the hiker to slouch forward. This can be detrimental to the back’s health in the long run. Slouching also eats up your energy and you quickly run out of gas. The trekking pole straightens you up and lessens the fatigue, making you effective in that hunt.
Maintains Balance
Without the trekking pole the risk of taking tumbles, after hitting that protruding rock, exponentially increases.
Balance is also of the essence when crossing a creek. Slippery rocks hold no regard for spiky boots, and falling on a river rock with 100 pounds on your back can be a big defining moment on your trek.
5 Best Trekking Pole for Hunting
Before we go through what you need to consider in a trekking pole. Lets look at 5 of the best poles available on Amazon
Cascade Mountain Tech Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Trekking Pole
The trekking pole comes accompanied with; snow baskets, sand/ mud baskets, rubber boot tips, rubber pole tips, trekking pole clip and a carry bag.
Key Features
- Single pole weighs 0.65-Lbs
- Cork grips with adjustable wrist straps
- Tungsten carbide tips
- Pole lengths: fully Collapsed 26″, fully Extended 54″
- Aluminum pole shaft
- Easy quick lock folding mechanism
Trekking Walking Hiking Pole by BAFX Products
Another affordable trekking pole that offers value for money. Its suitable for anybody from 3’6″ up to 6’4″ and comes in 3 colors; black, blue and silver. Inside the pole there is an anti shock mechanism that can be disabled. It contains a spring which reduces sharp jolts every time the pole hits the ground.
Key Features
- Unique anti shock mechanism
- Optional; rubber and carbide tips
- lightweight aluminum shaft
- Twist Locking Mechanism
- Single pole weighs 0.78-Lbs.
- Pole lengths: 26.5″ to 53.25″
- Cork handle with wrist strap
- 1-year defects warranty
TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Pole
The pole uses the 6 series aluminum to make it one of the strongest & lightest poles in the outdoor Market. It has a twist-lock mechanism for adjusting the length and an anti-shock mechanism to reduce jolts.
The package includes; 1 pair small snow baskets, 1 pair large snow baskets, 2 pair rubber tips,1 pair holders, 1 pair walking tips, and a carrying bag.
Key Features
- Pole lengths: 25.6″ to 51″
- Tungsten tips with improved rubber protectors
- Rubber + EVA foam grips with a polyester strap
- Single pole weight 0.59-lbs.
- Twist locking mechanism for adjusting length
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole
The trekking pole is made of light carbon fiber, helping you to move easily and exerting less energy.
The package includes; 2 x Storage tips, 2 x Asphalt tips, 2 x Mud baskets, 2 x Snow baskets, 1 x Carrying clip, 1 x Carrying bag
Key Features
- Retractable from 24” to 55”
- 100% Carbon Fiber
- single pole weighs 0.44-lbs
- Quick flip lock mechanism, for length adjustment
- Natural cork with foam extension grip
- Carbide tips
Black Diamond Distance Z Z Pole for Trekking
Another quality trekking pole but with a downside, because it comes with a fixed length, albeit, foldable for convenient mobility. The pole is built from lightweight aluminum and has optimized joint support for stiffness and increased durability.
Key Features
- Optional lengths; 100,110,120,130 Cm
- EVA foam grip with a moisture wicking strap
- Slide-lock pole straightening mechanism
- Weight of a single pole is 1.01-lbs
- Available rubber and carbide tips
Best Trekking Pole for Hunting- Buying Guide.
These are some of the things a hunter should consider when shopping for a trekking pole for hunting.
1. Weight
A good trekking pole shouldn’t weigh you down. Ensure you get a lightweight pole that is comfortable to carry. Some lightweight poles are made of aluminum, and others are made of carbon fiber. Basically, a pole weighing less than 1 lbs. is ideal.
2. Length
We have collapsible and fixed-length trekking poles. The length is measured from the ground to the hand when the arm is folded at 900. from the elbow. The desirable length will depend on the height of the hiker and also the type of terrain, they are traversing.
A hiker taller than 6 ft. can opt for a pole measuring the maximum length of around 50-inches.
For a shorter hiker, a shorter trekking pole of below 47 inches in length will serve better.
Uphill sections require a shorter length pole, while downhill sections require a longer pole to provide needed leverage. A flat stretch on the other hand requires a pole that will offer the hiker a natural position 0f 900. On his elbow.
Consider a collapsible pole with adjustable length to cover all these requirements, and also contributes to portability.
3. Material
Most trekking poles are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is lighter but more expensive and less durable compared to aluminum. Carbon fiber composite, trekking poles are more prone to breakage when faced with the harsh nature of some trails.
4. Grip
Consider an ergonomic grip that keeps your wrist in a neutral and comfortable position. Also, consider a comfortable material on the handle. Most trekking poles include materials like; rubber, foam, and cork.
- The cork– Conforms better to the shape of your hands, reduces vibrations, and resists sweaty hands.
- Rubber– More durable but is uncomfortable on sweaty hands making it less suitable for a sunny hike.
- Foam– Most comfortable on the touch but the least durable among the 3
Some trekking poles also include a wrist wrap that is attached to the handle. And it’s tied to your wrist to provide an added grip in the most difficult of terrains.
5. The tip
Other poles include a tip made from a different material from the shaft material. It’s also possible to find both the carbide steel tip and rubber tip being sold separately. Each has its own characteristic and uses;
- Carbide or steel-This is used to improve traction when traversing different terrain. It’s hardier when moving through rocks and pebbles.
- Rubber – Improves the durability of the pole by preventing chafing. Reduces the impact on the ground by cushioning some of the shocks. And it is easier to store away since it’s soft on your gear.
Final Verdict
A pair of more expensive trekking poles will mostly last longer if you are a regular hiker. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot find something within your budget range that is of quality. There is always something for everyone.
No matter your size and hunting terrain, following this guide will give you a description of the trekking pole you desire.
As you move away from civilization for that adventure also remember that the wild can be really aggressive. For your safety consider safety and survival tools and gadgets.
One of the most important gadgets is a walkie-talkie, to help with communication and identifying your location
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