When winter arrives, would you still like to get outside and hit the trails? If your answer is “yes”, you’ll need a pair of great snowshoes and snowshoe poles. With snowshoes, poles and some warm clothing, you’ll be all set for some memorable winter adventures. So, how do you find the best snowshoe poles?
That’s why we’re here! In this article, we have selected the best poles for snowshoeing on the market right now. We’ll also give you some useful tips on what to look for when buying your next pair of snowshoe poles.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST SNOWSHOE POLES
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SNOWSHOE POLES 101
4 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST SNOWSHOE POLES
Snowshoes are of course the most important piece of equipment you need to hit the trails in winter. They are, however, difficult to use without something to help you keep your balance. This is especially true when heading into more mountainous country. This is why you need snowshoe poles.
Snowshoe poles help to distribute your weight through your arms, shoulders and back. They offer an extra push when climbing a hill—similar to using a handrail on a stairway—and stability when descending.
When searching for the best snowshoe poles, these are the four most important things to consider.
1. ADJUSTABILITY
Adjustability is an important feature of any pair of snowshoe poles. You’ll want some that are easily adjusted and that are collapsible.
Snowshoe poles have either two or three telescoping pieces. Those with two pieces are longer when collapsed and require more space to store them. Three-piece poles are much smaller when collapsed and can be stowed in a very small space (like a backpack). Two-piece poles might be a tiny bit lighter, though.
The length of three-piece poles is also much more customizable than that of two-piece poles. This could be useful, particularly when snowshoeing in the mountains. For example, ascending steep slopes is easier with shortened poles. During a descent, on the other hand, you might want to extend the poles so they can reach the ground in front of you.
2. GRIPS
There’s a wide variety in grip materials and shapes. Many of them are ergonomically designed while others are simpler. Some are made with sweat-absorbent cork, others with foam or rubber.
The only way to find out which one suits you best is to try them out. In the store, grab them, try them and you’ll quickly feel if a pole is comfortable or not. The best hand grips are those that have extended foam grips below the actual grip. This allows you to shift your hand position up and down on the trail without having to adjust your poles’ length.
3. BASKETS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES
Many snowshoe poles are simply trekking poles with snow baskets. There really isn’t a big difference between the two types of poles. Just make sure that your poles come with snow baskets.
Just like your snowshoes prevent you from sinking into the snow, snow baskets limit how deep your poles sink below the snow’s surface. A diameter of two inches is the absolute minimum for snow baskets. Bigger is better. You’ll also notice that the best snowshoe poles come with more than one basket size.
4. MATERIAL
Although no snowshoe poles are particularly heavy, minimalistic hikers might consider this an important feature. If you’re trying to minimize weight, you’re advised to go for carbon poles. Carbon is lighter than aluminum, but know that it’s more prone to breaking, too.
That’s not to say that aluminum is heavy, though. It’s pretty light as well. Carbon is simply even lighter.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2gFeQg6
SNOWSHOE POLES REVIEWS
1. BEST OVERALL SNOWSHOE POLES
ATLAS LOCKJAW 3-PIECE ADJUSTABLE POLES
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Lockjaw adjustment mechanism, flexible tungsten carbide tips, ergonomic grips, nylon webbing wrist straps, removable snow baskets
PROS: Sturdy, made for winter sports, easy locking mechanism
CONS: Pricey
HIKER HUNGER 100% CARBON FIBER POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Carbon
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: 100% carbon, quick-lock feature, carbide tungsten tips, comes with interchangeable tips, extended non-slip EVA foam grip
PROS: Very lightweight, strong, comfortable grip
CONS: Expensive
ALPINE SUMMIT COLLAPSIBLE POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: Yes
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Aluminum, telescopic poles with lever locks, EVA cork grips, tungsten tips, mud/snow combo baskets, durable Monster tips, snow baskets
PROS: Plenty of accessories, lightweight, durable
CONS: Grips may be rough on hands
2. BEST BUDGET SNOWSHOE POLES
CASCADE MOUNTAIN TECH ALUMINUM QUICK LOCK POLES
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Non-slip EVA grips with grip extension, quick lock mechanism, interchangeable tungsten carbide tips, snow baskets
PROS: Good locking system, cheap, durable
CONS: Not the lightest poles available
ATLAS 2-PIECE SNOWSHOE POLES
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 2
FEATURES: Steel tips, removable snow baskets, lockjaw adjustment mechanism, gender-specific grips, ergonomic rubber grips, adjustable nylon webbing wrist bands
PROS: Affordable
CONS: Longer when collapsed
YUKON CHARLIE’S PRO TREKKER II ALL SEASON POLES
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Fast lock levers, ergonomic rubber grips, adjustable wrist bands, snow and trekking baskets
PROS: Affordable, versatile
CONS: Lower-quality materials
3. BEST POLES FOR HIKING AND SNOWSHOEING
FOXELLI 4 SEASON POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Carbon
SHOCK ABSORBENT: Yes
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: 100% carbon fiber, shock absorbent, quick lock technology, anti-slip cork grips, extra padded adjustable EVA foam wrist bands with extended foam sleeves, heavy duty 4 season accessories
PROS: Comes with carrying case, very light, lots of accessories, strong
CONS: Expensive
PACEMAKER STIX EXPEDITION POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: Yes
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Aluminum, shock-absorbent, patented locking mechanism, tungsten tips, removable vulcanized rubber feet, sweat-absorbing cork grips
PROS: Comfortable grip, affordable, durable, lightweight
CONS: None that we could find
4. BEST SNOWSHOE POLES FOR WOMEN
LOTFANCY ADJUSTABLE POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: Yes
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Ergonomic non-slip EVA sweat-absorbent foam grip, adjustable wrist straps, two tungsten steel tips, two rubber tips, two mud baskets, two snow caps, double-flip locking mechanism
PROS: Lightweight, lots of features, affordable
CONS: None that we could find
ATLAS WOMEN’S ELEKTRA 3-PIECE LOCKJAW POLES
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
MATERIAL: Aluminum
SHOCK ABSORBENT: No
NUMBER OF PIECES: 3
FEATURES: Lockjaw adjustment mechanism, aluminum 3-piece shafts, flexible tungsten carbide tips, women’s specific EVA foam grip
PROS: Lightweight, sturdy
CONS: Might not stay in place when collapsed
Now We’d Love To Hear From You. What Do You Think Are The Best Snowshoe Poles?
Disclosure: The Adventure Junkies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. We also use other programs like REI, LeisurePro and others to keep our site independent. You can read more about how do we review here.
The post Top 10 Best Snowshoe Poles of 2016 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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