Trekking poles (also known as hiking poles, hiking sticks or walking poles) are a common
hiking accessory. When in use, they resemble
ski poles as they have many features in common, such as baskets at the bottom,
rubber-padded handles and wrist straps. Unlike ski poles, however, they are often made in two or three sections and can be extended and retracted as necessary for use. Their maximum length is usually 135 cm (54 inches). Some poles come with
spring-loaded tips to aid walking under normal conditions and to reduce wrist strain. Trekking poles are usually made from lightweight
aluminum or
carbon fiber. When fully retracted, they can easily be stored in the side pocket of a
backpack.
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