What's the Difference Between Trekking and Nordic Walking Poles? - inSPORTline (2024)

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Trekking and Nordic Walking Poles? - inSPORTline? ›

Nordic walking – The strap on the Nordic pole is shaped more like a part of a glove and does not look like a standard trekking or skiing pole strap. It's because you release the grip on the Nordic pole when you move it backwards, whereas trekking poles are always in your grip.

4 Nordic walking poles are more sporty and work better on smoother terrain, including hills and most coastal paths. Trekking poles are better for rocky, uneven and mountainous terrain. 5 If you want to walk on tarmac using trekking or NW poles you'll need rubber 'paws' for the road end of your poles.

Can you Nordic Walk with ordinary trekking or walking poles? The simple answer is � No you can�t! However, you can use Nordic Walking poles for trekking; so anybody who is looking at purchasing poles, consider Nordic Walking poles as they come with extra benefits.

A trekking pole (also known as a hiking pole) is basically a ski pole with a handle that you use when hiking. Trekking poles are almost always used in pairs. There is also something called a hiking staff (also known as a hiking stick) that is a single pole. Most hikers go with two trekking poles over a hiking staff.

You can use trekking poles for trail running because all hiking and running poles serve the same purpose. The primary distinction between trekking poles and running poles is the weight and length.

Trekking poles come in four styles: folding, telescoping, combination, and fixed. If you intend to travel with your trekking poles, you won't want to keep them at their full length.

The most obvious downside to trekking poles is that you have to carry them when you don't need them. This is more of a factor for trail runners, who are less likely to use them when running the flats and downhills. You then have to carry their poles or attach them to your vest or pack.

Pain Relief

This makes walking poles especially helpful for older adults recovering from an injury. Injuries often prevent older people from getting out and walking comfortably to maintain their fitness. In my experience, this has been proven to be one of the most critical uses for walking poles for seniors.

Walk naturally.

When using trekking poles, walk naturally and maintain a natural arm swing. Don't overthink it. Walk as if you didn't have poles in your hands. Angle the poles slightly behind you so that as you plant them you can push off to aid your forward movement.

If you don't have access to poles the 'textbook' formula is to multiply your height in cms by 0.68.

Are trekking poles better than walking sticks? ›

Hiking poles are useful much like hiking sticks, except that they are shorter, lighter, and metal. This means they are not as good at supporting your full weight. Other than that, you can do pretty much the same things with them as with a stick.

As you have read, trekking poles and trail running poles are focused on providing support while walking, while Nordic walking poles are specifically designed for the movement of Nordic walking. It is important to choose the right poles based on the activity you are going to do and the conditions.

Folding poles are the most compact, shortening up to 10 inches more than telescoping poles. They also offer the lightest weight due to thinner shafts, but this also results in less durability. A hiker enjoying the view with a set of trekking poles in hand.

The major benefit of aluminum trekking poles is that they are more durable than carbon fiber poles.

Steadman's research also shows that poles can reduce 4.4% of force. That may not seem like much, but it does add up over time. On a thru-hike, that force can add up over the miles and months – especially with the weight of a backpacking backpack.

Nordic technique

It is important to use the correct types of poles which are always planted at an angle with a full upper body movement that harnesses the power of the chest and shoulders as well as the arms. This action involves a straight armswing, good stride and a roll through the foot.

One is of course better than none but two will provide more than twice the benefit. If you have knee or back problems, intend to use the poles all the time or are carrying a load, I would recommend two poles. You could always try one and add a second later.

Trekking poles (also known as hiking poles, hiking sticks or walking poles) are a common hiking accessory that function to assist walkers with their rhythm, to provide stability, and reduce strain on joints on rough terrain.

Jessica Mayle, a spokesman for TSA, said agents have final discretion when it comes to allowing items through security. “Hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on baggage because they could potentially be used as a bludgeon or other instrument to hurt someone onboard,” she said.

They provide extra stability and can lower the amount of stress on your legs and knee joints by taking the weight onto the poles through your arms. Using walking poles, or even a single pole, will reduce knee pain and increase hill climbing power and endurance.

Can you use trekking poles on sidewalk? ›

It doesn't matter if you're hiking rough mountain trails or need better stability on a paved sidewalk or street. Using poles can take the stress off your joints, especially when going up or down a hill.

Sure, trekking poles reduce strain on knees and ankles, but they also help secure balance on uneven terrain or during creek crossings and are essential to set up lightweight tents, filters, and camera systems. Trekking poles – they're not just for nordic walking anymore!

Reduces pressure on joints

Nordic walking poles provide propulsion and also help to spread the load, making you lighter on your feet.