Having used poles for years, it's pretty simple for me. Cork grips and flip-locks. And just a little loop for your wrist is fine. The principle with the cork is that your body fluids won't cause it to break down like with rubber. And I just don't trust barrel/twist locks. Cascade Mountain makes a heck of a budget-friendly pole with these specs and I've been using their gear from Day 1. That first set still works fine. To me, there's no reason to spend more than about $30 on a pair of poles. I'm sure there are other brands that are perfectly fine for $5-$10 cheaper. Just stick to the specs you're looking for and you'll be fine.
I just ordered a set of poles online, and am anxious to try them out. I live in rural Alberta so cold hands is always a problem for me as well. Your guide has covered the basics, as I had questions about adjustments and how to use them. I’m looking forward to getting a better workout when I walk. Thank you.
Lots of food for thought on the pro versus con features when selecting ones hiking, walking and/or trekking pole that one has chosen to utilize on ones journey; as I can definitely see now how one might choose to bring along two different trekking and/or hiking(strap/sleeve) types of poles; lots to consider and think about when one is thinking about planning ones hike every day on the trails one intends to traverse.
ll these tips are marvellous, thank you Margaret. You mentioned “a clanging”, please explain the significance of this. My poles do make a noise and are not silent.
Very informative! I'm new to Nordic walking. Just learning it online. I have a question regarding pole grips and straps. Is it possible to buy just the grips and straps separate from the poles? I'm using a grip of hard plastic and it has the strap but I was hoping to try it out with the glove type strap. Can I buy these or have you heard of them sold this way?
Thank you for this great informative video. I have heard a lot regarding the differences between trekking poles vs walking poles and it residing mainly in the straps. I would like to be able to use one pole for both. Preferably a thinner strap and mostly for walking vs hiking. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for this video. Very informative. Question: I live in Toronto Canada and would like to get a pair of EXEL Nordic walking poles. Any idea where I can get them from in Canada?
Great information, Margaret. My urban poles were stolen a few weeks ago (when I left them leaning against a tree for 20 minutes, so I made the theft easy!). I too live in Ottawa, and my hands killed me last winter, which was the first winter I was always using the poles when I walked my dog. I had to wear hot pockets when it was cold or the pain was unbearable, even with multiple pairs of woolen mitts. I'm assuming this is because I used to put my hands in my pockets when I was out with the dog, and I can't do that when holding on to the urban poles. I need to replace my poles, and I'm thinking now that winter warmth is my top priority. Would you suggest the poles with detachable straps that can be snapped on as the best option for use in a cold winter? My urban poles had no straps, and a woman from the company said that was to avoid injury if you fell or caught the poles on something. Do you have a comment or suggestion? Thank you!
Having used poles for years, it's pretty simple for me. Cork grips and flip-locks. And just a little loop for your wrist is fine.
The principle with the cork is that your body fluids won't cause it to break down like with rubber. And I just don't trust barrel/twist locks.
Cascade Mountain makes a heck of a budget-friendly pole with these specs and I've been using their gear from Day 1. That first set still works fine. To me, there's no reason to spend more than about $30 on a pair of poles.
I'm sure there are other brands that are perfectly fine for $5-$10 cheaper. Just stick to the specs you're looking for and you'll be fine.
I just ordered a set of poles online, and am anxious to try them out. I live in rural Alberta so cold hands is always a problem for me as well. Your guide has covered the basics, as I had questions about adjustments and how to use them. I’m looking forward to getting a better workout when I walk. Thank you.
Most thorough guide - brillient! Really helped my decision making. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Lots of food for thought on the pro versus con features when selecting ones hiking, walking and/or trekking pole that one has chosen to utilize on ones journey; as I can definitely see now how one might choose to bring along two different trekking and/or hiking(strap/sleeve) types of poles; lots to consider and think about when one is thinking about planning ones hike every day on the trails one intends to traverse.
Thank you, very helpful information. ❤👍
Glad it was helpful!
ll these tips are marvellous, thank you Margaret. You mentioned “a clanging”, please explain the significance of this. My poles do make a noise and are not silent.
Very informative! I'm new to Nordic walking. Just learning it online. I have a question regarding pole grips and straps. Is it possible to buy just the grips and straps separate from the poles? I'm using a grip of hard plastic and it has the strap but I was hoping to try it out with the glove type strap. Can I buy these or have you heard of them sold this way?
Thank you for this great informative video. I have heard a lot regarding the differences between trekking poles vs walking poles and it residing mainly in the straps. I would like to be able to use one pole for both. Preferably a thinner strap and mostly for walking vs hiking. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for this video. Very informative. Question: I live in Toronto Canada and would like to get a pair of EXEL Nordic walking poles. Any idea where I can get them from in Canada?
You should contact the Exel Pole people. www.exelsports.com/poles/
Great information, Margaret. My urban poles were stolen a few weeks ago (when I left them leaning against a tree for 20 minutes, so I made the theft easy!). I too live in Ottawa, and my hands killed me last winter, which was the first winter I was always using the poles when I walked my dog. I had to wear hot pockets when it was cold or the pain was unbearable, even with multiple pairs of woolen mitts. I'm assuming this is because I used to put my hands in my pockets when I was out with the dog, and I can't do that when holding on to the urban poles. I need to replace my poles, and I'm thinking now that winter warmth is my top priority. Would you suggest the poles with detachable straps that can be snapped on as the best option for use in a cold winter? My urban poles had no straps, and a woman from the company said that was to avoid injury if you fell or caught the poles on something. Do you have a comment or suggestion? Thank you!
Canadian?