The Annapurna circuit is a 100-mile challenge, and one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in the world, where you can have an authentic Himalayan experience. Hiking what is generally estimated to be about 145 miles (230 km), this trail traverses lush subtropical jungle over and around the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to a high altitude desert. It takes not only strength of body and mind, but also the right gear to do this incredible Trek Nepal Annapurna Circuit. Two that are among the most crucial pieces of gear, even though many hikers hardly notice them, are their trekking poles.
The thing is, unassuming as they are, a tool like our Summit sticks often becomes one of the real unsung heroes of long-term Himalayan travel: not only to help you with joint impact but also by giving you that extra stability to your experience. For many of you who are preparing for this legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek, How to Choose the Best Trekking Poles for the Annapurna Circuit is just as important as completing your Annapurna Circuit Trek and locking in your Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.
The Pros of Trekking Poles for the Annapurna Circuit
You are at the mercy of some very hard terrain on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, so you need a great pair of trekking poles. “The course covers everything from hammering, boulder-strewn ascents and steep scree descents, kilometer after scenic kilometer of downhill!” And hiking poles perform several actions that are the opposite of what these trails offer. First up, they relieve a massive strain on your knees, ankles, and hips during the long, punishing descents that are more prevalent than ever on this year’s circuit.
Studies have shown that poles can reduce the load by up to 25%. This lessening of strain is significant to avoid the risk of injury and for comfort during the average 12-20 days spent on the journey. Second, they help a lot with your balance. Whether you are navigating swinging suspension bridges, slogging along muddy trails in monsoon season or scrambling up the ragged rocky terrain near a high pass (where trekkers have to be vigilant for altitude sickness as well as some snakes), poles serve as two more points of contact with terra firma and equate to better balance — and fewer falls — which can never be taken for granted at 5,000 meters.
Materials Matter: Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber at High Altitude Page Synopsis
When it comes to poles, the prime choice that you would have to make is inevitably going to come down between battle-aluminum or carbon? Each style has different strengths, depending on that prioritization.
The traditional, less expensive choice is a metal pole. They are also very durable and tough. If you put too much stress on that aluminum, then it will bend rather than break. This strength that draws one of them out makes them a great option for hikers who are tough on poles, in that they put a lot of weight and force in the ground through their poles, or have any kind of trepidation about putting down their pole tips on rocky trails. But they are generally heavier weight-wise, and that extra heft can add up over the dozens of miles in the circuit.
Locks are must-haves for the Thorong La Pass trip
The last thing you want on a high-stakes climb up to a place like Thorong La is for your pole to collapse on its own terms. Thus, the locking means is a very important component. The main 2 divisions are external lever locks (or flip locks) and twist-locks.
That’s when it hit me, Remove Your Outside House key from the equation, and You Will be good to go. 10) The key gets sucked into the thermostat. Anywhere with power Sou.The Problem: I know I’ve done my fair share of turning, tug, and turning in such a fashion that I would never want us using an outside lock again. They secure with a fully clamping down, notched adjustment that can be adjusted easily, even when wearing thick gloves during sub-zero temps up around the high passes. Because they hardly ever slide and are so easy to upkeep!
Features: twist and lock (unlock):
Twist Locks keep your slim lengths in place until you unlock! When collapsed down, they can be lighter weight and more packable than a folding pole — but they are also more prone to slipping, particularly if you’re putting heavy weight on them or using them in cold/wet conditions. On the harsh, unpredictable trails of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trek and in these cold temperatures that you’ll be experiencing, external lever locks offer more durable life & dependability; this is the preferred option.
Fit and Adjustment: Does It Fit on the Annapurna Circuit?
Adjustable poles are pretty much a must for the Annapurna Circuit. And with the adjustability, you’ll be able to easily change from wildly offsetting depths like on vert or near-vertical crack climbing, to mixed terrain, and even those short-on-small-gear days. For the ascent, reduce the poles by 5-10 cm for improved posture and traction. On the steep downhill sections – which is a lot of the trek on your way down from Thorong La and some parts of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek (all long ones!) -you’ll have to pull your poles out 5-10cm. That’s what keeps your reputation up straighter and reduces impact to your knees, as well as helps maintain your steadiness. A superb rule of thumb: on the edge of the floor, you need to hold the pole simply so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
Shock Absorb: Snack Crack for Your Knees on Big Downhills
Some of the poles have a built-in internal spring for shock absorption as they are planted in the ground by a user. This was a major plus for us, especially since we were somewhat tender in the joints and had heavy bags to bear down the many stretches of downhill. Shock-absorbing poles usually will be slightly heavier and more expensive, but the added comfort and protection to your joints may well be worth it several times over after 145-plus miles of hiking. For a premier trek like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Cost should never be something to take precedence over your safety and enjoyment.
Size and weight protein: Backpacking done right
Much less weight on your body also translates to less pressure, so you can tackle and reach the Annapurna Circuit with greater ease. But packed size is equally important. You want them to be manageable when you’re not using them — for a flight, say, or for technical parts of the trail. They’re also more packable (or to clip onto smaller daypacks) than telescoping poles, folding compact like tent poles. And if you’re bringing it on your trek, which is increasingly likely given some of the side trips on offer, we found you’ll appreciate a lighterweight, more compact pole also when negotiating its more technical and exposed stretches.
Buying vs. Renting: Gear Storage in Nepal
All hikers query the Annapurna Circuit value of tools and whether or not they should bring their poles or buy/lease in Nepal. You may effortlessly buy or lease poles from a neighborhood Annapurna Circuit Trek corporation (or equipment store) in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This avoids the need to pay extra for the international’s weight and straps. BUT… WARNING… the poles you purchase locally could be counterfeit or just garbage.
If you are a daily Trekker in Nepal Annapurna Circuit and you really take trekking as passion then yes, so satisfy your need and become an intelligent costumer for not compromising saying “the old lock is working or was everything good”—go ahead before leaving home with our strong locked product made up of superior quality designed from secret material (company yeti is only authorised seller of this product, any other than that will be fake).
In conclusion: You Are Worth Your Own Safety And Comfort!!
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking can be an existence-converting journey; however, it does require a few physical strength. Whilst you purchase yourself a pair of trekking poles, it’s not simply an accent you’re selecting, but an investment in your protection, stamina, and joint durability. Key on a light, adjustable pole (perhaps carbon fiber for added lightness) with an easy-to-use external lever lock. Your great choice for pole, as it will only be your new close friends, convert the challenging climbs and downhill of the map Annapurna circuit into a walk in the park. Pack well, pick the right pack, and prepare to be wowed by the magical Annapurna Massif.