Pole or not to Pole!

 I’m no spring chicken anymore. Set in that middle age ache stage where in the morning my knees and back let me know they’re still there I have no doubts that for me poles will be a good idea.

I’ve never used poles before planning the three peaks and like everything I’m finding there are endless options out there.  Some seem really affordable and others run to insane prices. So what’s the big deal and should everyone use poles?

I don’t envisage needing to use poles on the ascent, the descent is another matter entirely.  Walking down any of the peaks will jar the knees, ankles and back.  The idea of poles is to take some of that pressure away and give a better purchase.  Not only that they will give you support to stop you twisting an ankle or tweaking a knee.  The latter is my main concern. My ankles are well supported in my walking boots but my knee has been playing me up for years.  As a side note, never move a sofa until you are sure the other end is well held - result, several years of a ropey right knee which I have learned to protect. Poles are my secret weapon here along with a good knee brace.

My budget for equipment was largely spent on walking boots.  Poles weren’t something I could justify spending some of the huge money that is available to spend. But also I didn’t want to end up with a pole not capable of supporting my 105 kilo frame. I spent £24.95 on a pair of walking poles at https://amzn.to/3n5pf8h which isn’t the cheapest but by no means the most expensive either.  There were some key ingredients that allowed me to get poles that are normally £50 for the pair at a reduced price and have all the benefits that come with more expensive poles.

Firstly, I am not bothered about the style and look of the pole, functionality is more important than anything else. The poles I selected are a bright green colour that haven’t been desirable.  Their blue counterparts are full price still as are the red. Does the colour of a pole on the mountain mean the value is doubled? For me it certainly didn’t and right away I could see where I was going to get the maximum impact from my poles for the best price.

Secondly, I watched for deals.  I waited for three months looking on Amazon to find the time a price changed and the value was right on. Starting to get your equipment early makes a difference and it also gave me a great countdown to the challenge. Each month I buy something for the challenge. This has made the long wait from planning to do the challenge to doing it seem shorter.  It has also kept me motivated and it’s each month and dime spent has made me more accountable.

My poles had to have certain non negotiable. The list is short but when you are looking it is essential you consider these things in your purchase. They are; lightweight, airplane grade aluminium, cork handles and multiple tips.

Lightweight - the last thing you want is to carry more weight than you need to. Hiking on mountain terrain is difficult without any weight but with weight it adds an extra level of challenge that makes it so much harder. At 290 per pole I feel like I have kept the weight down. Telescopic walking poles will be on your backpack in the way up to support you on the way down. Either way you don’t want to be lugging too much weight.

Airplane grade aluminium - with lightweight we sacrifice a degree of strength in the vast majority of cases. By getting airplane grade aluminium (7075) you get the low weight with maximum strength which will resist pressure and impact in the slippery descents.

Cork handles - cork helps wick away moisture and keeps your hands nice and dry. The cork handle will also shape to your hand and if you find a good ergonomic handle then you have the added benefit of instant comfort. These features are essential if like your boots you want to avoid ending up with blisters. A strap keeps them attached comfortably to your wrist to give you free hands easily when you need them.

Multiple tips - the joy of the three peaks is you get to experience three very different mountain experiences.  This is a key thing to consider. Ultimately we want to ensure we have the ability to cope with the various terrain that may be present. Rocky, sandy, grassy, slippy, you name it you might experience it in some form. The ability to quickly swap tips for the changing terrain will ensure that you don’t slip or injure yourself!

In short, there is lots to picking the right poles but it doesn’t have to be expensive.  Look for good poles that allow you to get the benefits and be willing to sacrifice on colour if price is an issue.