1. Snowshoeing Pole Essentials
Snowshoeing poles are an essential piece of equipment to ensure proper safety and assistance during a hike. These poles are like four-wheel drive on a truck and most people would never think about driving a truck in tough terrain without four-wheel drive. The poles provide balance and help to propel you forward during a snowshoeing trek. Without a proper pole, the snowshoer is stuck in neutral. To pick the correct snowshoeing pole there are two main factors. First, the length of the pole and if it telescopes. Second, the size of the snow baskets on the pole.
2. Telescoping Poles
Telescoping snowshoe poles have the ability to adjust the height of the pole to fit the individual. If the pole does not have the ability to adjust, then you do not want that pole. If you can't adjust the height of the pole it can throw off your balance while snowshoeing and compromise your safety. The proper angle of your arms should be about 90 degrees if the pole height is correct. Typically, a telescoping pole is broken down into two or three sections. The three section poles are easier to pack and carry when you are not using the snowshoeing pole.
3. Snow Baskets
Snow baskets are those round things on the bottom of the snowshoeing poles. The best snow baskets are cross-country or oversized baskets, which are usually about five inches in diameter. Do not pick the same sized baskets used for snow skiing. Before you pick snowshoeing poles, verify what size snow baskets come with the pole, if any.
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