Hiking poles are indispensable companions for many hikers on their tours in the mountains or in nature. She not only support the joints and reduce strain on the body, but also provide additional support when ascending and descending.
But in addition to choosing the right material and the right length, the tips of the hiking poles also play a crucial role. Because depending on the surface The wrong peaks can make the hike more difficult and even dangerous. In this guide we would like to give you an overview of the different types of hiking pole tips and help you make the right choice depending on the surface.
Why is it important to choose the right tip?
It's important before every hike to analyze the underground and choosing the right tip for your hiking pole. Many hiking poles have interchangeable tips, so you can change the tip depending on the terrain. Careful tip selection will help you hike safely and comfortably and get longer use of your hiking gear. We have listed a few reasons why choosing the right tip is important:
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Security: If you plan to hike on rocky or uneven surfaces, a pointed tip can give you more grip. It gives you a better grip on the ground and helps you stay safe by reducing the risk of falls and trips.
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Comfort: If you plan to hike on soft or muddy terrain, a wider tip or a rubber cap can make your hiking experience more comfortable. These tips are more slip resistant and can help you feel the ground better, giving you a better sense of stability.
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Longevity: A tip that isn't suitable for a particular surface may wear out more quickly, meaning you'll need to replace it more often. If you choose the right tip for the surface, it will last longer and you will save money by not having to replace it as often.
So if you often hike on different surfaces, it might make sense to buy a set of different tips so you can swap them out depending on where you hike.
Are you more of a video type? No problem, we go into the topic in detail in our buying guide for hiking poles.
Video advice on hiking poles » How to find the right hiking poles
What attachments for hiking poles are there?
Asphalt attachments
Asphalt attachments, as the name suggests, are used on very hard surfaces. Concrete or asphalt floors damage the pole tip if used continuously. That's why there is the small black rubber shoe to protect the tip of your walking aid.
Important:Rubber attachments are never used in the mountains! The rubber buffer on the tip of the pole prevents a proper grip!
Nordic walking attachments
There are different attachments for Nordic walking poles. On the one hand there are the asphalt attachments mentioned above, and on the other hand there are rubber buffers that look like little shoes. Rubber buffers for Nordic walking attachments are rounded on the underside. This makes it easier to walk quickly so you can build up even more speed.
Mud attachments
Mud plates prevent sinking into sand, earth or mud. In addition, the mud attachment helps the tip of the pole to prevent it from sinking too deeply into rubble or slipping into small crevices and thus becoming trapped. Mud attachments for hiking poles have a rotary thread and are screwed onto the tip of the pole.
Snow attachments
Snow plates are specially made for the cold season. This winter pole attachment can be used not only for walking in the snow, but also for snowshoeing.
Especially in winter, snow plates are used for touring. Regardless of whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, hiking poles with snow plates will make your ascent much easier. If you are a snowboarder and you do not use your poles for the descent, we recommend that you use lightweight, foldable trekking poles that can be stored in your backpack during the descent.
Attachment use without rubber buffer
You should not use any attachments when walking on soft surfaces. This is, for example, the forest floor or in the snow.
You don't need any extra pads here, as the penetration of the tip provides significantly more grip. If the ground is too soft, use the plates again so that the tips of your sticks don't get stuck. For example, if there is powder snow that you can sink into, you would again use plate attachments.
Conclusion
In general, hiking poles are indispensable companions for many hikers on their tours in the mountains or in nature. In addition to choosing the right material and the right length, the tips of the hiking poles also play a crucial role.
Careful tip selection will help you hike safely and comfortably and use your hiking equipment for longer. It may make sense to buy a set of different tips so that you can swap them out depending on the surface.