This is how you choose the right pole for this summer
In the middle-europe, it is quite normal, but in Norway Nordic walking- and trail running poles have been associated with rehabilitation and "senior exercise accessories". But now there are new times. The age limit is gone and pole use in the summer have come to stay.
Better balance, less strain on knees and more calories burned. The advantages of walking and running poles are many. But it is not until the last few years the trend of poles in the summer has reached us Norwegians.
- In the middle-europe, the use of walking poles in the summer is very common. In fact, seen as a separate sport. In many places you will look strange if you walk without poles.
That is what Svein Pedersen, category manager for poles in SWIX, says. He is happy to see more people taking advantage of walking and running poles in Norway.
- By using walking and running poles you get use more of your upper body when you are on a walk and not least, it is more gentle to the body in the steepest parts, especially downhill. Many of those who test walking poles for the first time get a moment of realisation experience. And there are increasing numbers of them here in Norway, continues Pedersen.
These are the various poles for you summer trips
The observant reader will see multiple pole categories on swix.no. Swix divide the summer walking- and running poles into three categories.
- Nordic Walking (for normal walking)
- Trail running (for running in terrain and racing)
- Trekking (for longer mountain walks with a heavy backpack)
But what poles should you choose? We asked Pedersen to give us his tips, in each category.
Nordic Walking
- For Nordic Walking I would recommend the CT3. A durable pole that features the Twist & Go system. It makes it easy to change from basket to rubber knob. It lets you start the tour with rubber knobs on asphalt and change to a basket with metal tip, when you enter the terrain by turning the end piece of the stick. In addition, it has a “Just-Click handle” that lets you disconnect from the pole without removing gloves or straps. It is often very useful for short stops on the trip, says Pedersen.
Trail running
- In the category for running and racing poles, my recommendation goes to the Sonic Ultra Trail. It is a rigid carbon fixed length pole. These poles are perfectly suited for running in mountains and “elghufs” (a running session often used by cross-country skiers) because you want the effect of poles with good pendulum. Sonic Ultra Trail also features the “Just-Click” handle and strap system and the natural cork handle ensures good comfort during the workout, says Pedersen and adds:
- If you want foldable poles that you can fold and put in the bag I would have gone for the Star Trail.
Trekking
- For longer mountain trips where you often carry heavy backpacks, you should have poles with handles that provide more support. In addition, you will benefit from the fact that the poles can be made smaller and fit into the bag. I would recommend trekking walking poles to those who are going on such trips this summer. Here goes my recommendation to the X-trail or X-Trail Carbon. They provide fantastic relief on your knees when you go downhill, Pedersen concludes.
How to find the right pole height:
Multiply your own body height (cm) by 0.67 or 0.68 - then you will find the recommended size.
