Trekking Poles – Why it is needed During Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Whether it is one of the good options to increase the Kilimanjaro Success Rate? Whether A Fit Person Need Trekking Poles During Climbing Kilimanjaro? Many Queries we are getting on our mind but the answer is simple yes. Trekking Poles are the extra legs you use while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. These poles provide balance and support if you are going for long trekking. Using trekking poles increases the success rate of reaching the summit by 25%. Doesn’t matter if you are fit or not, Trekking Poles should definitely be there on your Kilimanjaro Gear List.
Benefits of Trekking Poles During Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
While Preparing To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must bring appropriate gear in your Kilimanjaro Daypack. Trekking poles are a huge accessory while climbing towards high altitudes. The following points describe the benefits of using Trekking Poles in your journey:
Balance and Stability
Trekking poles can be used both uphill and downhill. For uphill the poles are used to increasing your speed & balance and for downhill, the arm muscle uses the poles to lessen your acceleration. Though specific routes are present on the trails of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are uneven and rocky surfaces. These poles provide great stability on these surfaces.
Less Pressure on Joints
By using trekking poles, you distribute your body weight between four points instead of two. The distribution in weight causes less stress on your joints while walking. Trekking poles reduces pressure on your knees by 25% by shifting the weight to your arms and shoulders. As much as the weight of 11 pounds during level surface and 17 pounds during the inclined surface is reduced from the knees while using trekking poles.
Saves Energy
A person who has used trekking poles knows how much it saves energy, especially during long walks. The muscles which are used to stabilize and balance your body comes under great pressure while climbing. Trekking poles reduces the pressure on those muscles. When the tips of the poles touch the ground, the weight on your feet is significantly reduced. While using poles, most of the upper body strength is used, making it easy to walk and save energy.
Trekking Poles Specification For Climbing Kilimanjaro
While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, one must use the best accessory for easy trekking. There are different types of trekking poles available in the market. Let’s see the specifications of trekking poles so that the best type of trekking poles comes under your Kilimanjaro Packing List:
Design
Generally, trekking poles are of 3 types of design:
- 2-section telescoping
- 3-section telescoping
- Folding
Telescoping poles are adjustable consisting of 2-section or 3-section. These sections can slide into one another which can be adjusted according to your height and different surfaces.
Folding poles are usually of fixed lengths that cannot be adjusted according to the user’s height. Unlike telescoping poles, these take less space in your Kilimanjaro Daypack.
Material
Trekking poles are made from 2 types of materials:
- Aluminum
- Carbon-fibre
Aluminum Poles are durable and cheaper than carbon-fiber poles. But also they are heavier. Due to its durability factor, Aluminium poles do not break easily.
Carbon-Fibre Poles are lightweight and provide high performance. While it reduces significant stress, it breaks immediately if it gets a crack or dent.
Grip and Wrist Strap
Trekking Pole Grips can be made with rubber, foam, or cork. According to user reviews, cork grips provide the most comfort. Cork will adjust according to your palm and is very light weighted. Due to this, it reduces vibrations while walking and absorbs the sweat from your hand. Also, cork is environmentally friendly.
Wrist Straps not only help in containing your poles while you let go but also decreases fatigue from hand and forearm.
How to Use Trekking Poles During Climbing Kilimanjaro?
- Adjust Wrist Straps: To adjust the wrist straps, first pull the tension block out. Pull the loose end to tighten and the upper end of the portion to loosen it. Once you get your desired length, but the tension block back inside.
- Adjust Pole Length: The length of the pole should be adjusted in such a way that it must be 90 degrees from the elbow. Make sure the number on the top and the bottom segment of the pole are the same.
- Tightening the Pole: Open clasp by flipping it. Make adjustments to the screws until you get your preferred tension. The screw should be tight enough so that when you close the clasp, the pole should support your body weight without sliding.
- Walking Uphill: For uphill walking, the length of the pole should be short, to pull yourself. The tip of the pole should come in front of the leading foot and the poles should be more close to the body.
- Walking Downhill: The length of the pole should be longer. Place the tip of the pole in front of your feet while walking downhill.
Are Trekking Poles Included in the Kilimanjaro Climbing Package?
Though Trekking Poles are optional, it is very much advisable to keep them on your Kilimanjaro Gear List. The importance of trekking poles in your accessory list will be known during the climb, and you will be very happy about the fact that you brought them for your journey.
Even if you are an experienced trekker and hiker, we recommend you to use trekking poles while Kilimanjaro Climb. You will feel the increase in comfort and speed while walking long trails such as this. Be sure to pick the Trekking Poles that will be best for the adventure Kilimanjaro Climbing and know the proper way to use it. Contact Jerry Tanzania Tours to finalize the Kilimanjaro Gear List and add Trekking Poles during Kilimanjaro Climbing preparation!