This blog post will go through some good practices for taking good care of your trekking poles so that they last longer and work better for you!
Trekking poles such as our "TREK-Z Trekking Poles" are a great tool for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're trekking through a dense forest or climbing up a steep mountain, hiking poles can be used to help keep your body upright and take pressure off your knees. There are many different types of trekking poles with varying prices, weights, sizes, and materials - from aluminum to carbon fiber. These factors will determine which type is right for each individual's needs. But, while trekking poles can be your best friend on the trail, they also need to be taken care of if you want them to last several years.
Related: How to extend the life of your outdoor gear?
Like any other piece of outdoor gear, regular maintenance is needed to keep trekking poles in tip-top condition. Simply taking care of them before and after use can significantly increase their lifespan. The post below offers tips on how to look after your trekking poles so that they last longer and serve you well for years to come.
Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your trekking poles!
1) Buy good-quality trekking poles in the first place
There are many brands of trekking poles available to suit different needs, but before you buy one make sure it has these features: adjustable length, strong construction material (i.e., aluminum), and comfortable handles that offer grip even when wet or sweaty - this will keep them from slipping out of your hands during a hike! For beginners, we recommend getting our TREK-Z 2.0 with EVA-Foam Handle. It is available in 2 different adjustable lengths and comes with straps so the poles won't fall out from under your arm while hiking.
Related: Best Trekking Poles Of 2021
When you first purchase your trekking poles, you should also make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. You want them to be long enough but not too heavy or awkward for you to carry around. Adjust the length accordingly if necessary and choose whether you would prefer telescoping (adjustable) or fixed (non-adjustable) shafts.
Related: Why Trek Poles Are Beneficial To Your Health?
Do not purchase any pole shorter than your torso length. Make sure to test out whichever model seems best suited for your needs before making your final decision. But purchasing the best trekking poles on the market is only the first step. There are many more tips to follow. So, keep on reading!
Want more info on how to choose trekking poles? Read our blog post "What to look for when buying trekking poles" for more information about what makes an ideal pair of trekking poles.
2) Inspect them for wear and tear before every use
Before every hike, it's important to inspect your trekking poles thoroughly for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks in the pole shafts, worn-out grips or straps, loose connections between pieces that make up the grip system, broken parts like baskets or tips, etc. Check for loose fittings where sections come together, as well as any worn spots on tips or grips that could cause slippage or breakage if not addressed.
Related: A Quick Guide To Trekking Pole Tips & Baskets
In order to keep your trekking poles in good condition, it is important to periodically check the tightening bolts on the pole shafts and tips. The best way to do this is by using a torque wrench or an adjustable spanner as these will allow you to tighten them more accurately. You should also check around where the strap goes over the top of the handle across the palm area for any signs of wear and tear.
Don't forget to inspect the locking mechanism for damaged or worn parts. Make sure there is enough space between the pole shafts and straps so that they don't rub against each other while moving. Test each section for rigidity by pressing down on the top part while holding onto the bottom part with both hands. If you do a lot of camping or hiking then it's a good idea to buy some extra grips.
Taking a few minutes to inspect your trekking poles before you hike can save you from a lot of trouble on the trail. And remember to always keep a spare set of replacement parts too!
Related: How to use a trekking pole?
3) Prioritize cleaning your trekking poles
Cleaning trekking poles is important after you're done using them. They collect mud, dirt, and other grime from the ground when you walk on it, or they can get wet and grow mold in warmer environments. The dirtier they get, the more difficult it is to clean them off completely. You can keep your trekking poles in good shape by cleaning them with a little bit of dish soap and water!
Just take a small bucket of warm soapy water and dip each pole in one at a time. Let the soapy water sit on the pole for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. For stubborn dirt, use rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits diluted in water. But never use gasoline or acetone because these will damage the plastic parts that make up most trekking pole handles. You can use apply silicone-based lubricant sparingly to moving parts such as joints & grips.
Related: 10 Clever Ways To Use Trekking PolesÂ
The most important thing to remember is that you should never use anything acidic, like bleach or vinegar, on trekking poles. Those materials can corrode the aluminum and weaken it. Instead, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with dish soap and water. Some people recommend using an abrasive pad in place of a sponge/cloth because it will clean more thoroughly than just soap and water alone. Use the pads only on dirtier sections of your pole which might have built up dirt or grime over time.
It may not be as much fun as heading out into nature for a day trip or weekend hike, but cleaning trekking poles can help extend their life and ensure that they'll continue to give you years of service.
Note: Allow your trekking poles to dry thoroughly before storing them away!
4) Store them properly when not in use
Storing trekking poles when not in use helps to keep them damage-free and usable for a long period of time. Nowadays all trekking poles come with a nifty little sleeve that allows you to slide them in for storage when not being used (no more putting your trekking poles on the ground!).
The best way to store your trekking poles is by sliding them into their sleeves and placing them at the bottom of your backpack while hiking or storing them upright against something like a tree trunk while camping or backpacking. This will protect both ends from becoming dirty, wet, or bent out of shape. Trekking poles come with either a rubber end tip or steel end tip. It's best to store hiking poles at home with their baskets off. This will allow for more airflow around each individual pole so that they dry out faster when wet from rain or sweat during use.
Remember to keep your trekking poles away from direct sunlight as this will cause the plastic to warp and crack more easily. And make sure there is no snow on top of the handles as it will freeze overnight and make it difficult to grip the handle with gloves on. If possible store them somewhere that isn't too cold or hot so that they don't warp from extreme temperature changes. Use protective covers if they're going into long-term storage so they don't get scratched or scraped by other items.
When you're traveling, we recommend keeping your trekking poles in a fabric bag like a duffle bag or in the attached pocket of a backpack with other gear and clothing items (if no fabric bag). This keeps them from getting tangled up with other items inside your luggage, which increases the chances of damage during travel. An alternative option is to place your trekking poles inside another larger item such as an empty cardboard box.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, properly cleaning and storing trekking poles between trips can make a huge difference in how long they last and whether or not you'll need to replace them. Trekking poles are an essential piece of gear that many people take for granted when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them. Remember these tips to care for your trekking poles properly and enjoy many adventures with them!
That being said - whether you're a new or seasoned hiker - I hope that reading through these tips has given you some idea on how to clean and maintain your trekking poles. If there are any questions or concerns, please do leave them in the comments below!
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