Connect with us

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

The 6 Best Trekking Poles – Reviewed

Published

on

People hiking towards mountain ranges.

The debate about using trekking poles continues in the hiking community, but there’s no doubt that they remain a popular piece of equipment.

(If you aren’t sure if trekking poles are right for you, check out our article on how to use hiking poles.)

Here, you’ll find a plethora of useful information about how trekking poles could improve your time on the trails. For those of you who’ve already decided to invest in a new pair of trekking poles, we’ve gathered together your best options. With so many options regarding materials, locking mechanisms, pole tips, and more, there’s a lot to consider.

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

[amazon box=”B07KXXYWRC”]

And here’s an overview of the best trekking poles on the market today

[amazon table=”15525″]

If you’re a hiker, or you’re off on a backpacking trip, we’ve put together this list of the best trekking poles so you can get the best backcountry experience. There are a lot of reasons to use trekking polesor walking sticks, they can improve your balance and stability, and turn your hike into a full-body workout. First, we’ll go over the different considerations and options you can keep in mind when buying a new pair of trekking poles. 

 

A man with hiking poles in the snow.

There are many uses from trekking poles, including hiking and snowshoeing.

 

Trekking pole considerations

When picking out your ideal companion on the trails, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for. Trekking and hiking poles come in a whole huge range of prices, materails, weights, and features. We’ll lay it all out here, so you can see all the options and find the best pick for your next expedition. Many hiking poles come in men’s and women’s versions, however most are unisex and suitable for all. 

Weight is one of the most influential factors in any hiking, backpacking, or camping purchase. You have to carry trekking poles in your hands all day long, so you don’t want to be weighed down or tired out. For shorter day hikes, weight is less important. However, if you’re gearing up for en extended trip, it’s better to go more lightweight. Remember you’ll lift up these trekking poles thousands of times a day, so make sure you get a comfortable option. The lightest trekking poles are made from carbon fiber, with heavier and more sturby options aluminum. 

Trekking pole materials also have a big impact on their weight, durability, and general quaality. As always, any seroius hiker wants reliable and high quality gea, so make sure you get hiking poles made from premium materials. Carbon fiber and aluminum are the two most popular options by far. Carbon fiber poles are uber-lightweight, but they’re also more expensive and more succeptible to breakage. Aluminum on the other hand is much stronger, and less likely to break under pressure. This can make aluminum the more reliable choice, they’re also cheaper but slightly heavier. 

As with almost every outdoor gear decision, you have to find the balance between weight and durabiliy. Carbon fiber poles are more energy-efficient and comfortable on the trails, but you might find in the long run they aren’t durable, and need costly replacements. On the other hand, aluminum is heavy but strong, and also more easily repaired. You decision should come down to hiking style; we recommend stronger poles for serious expeditios, but lightweight hikers might need to avoid the heavier aluminum. 

There are several different pole design types which affect how you set up, store, and transport your poles. Usually their useability remains the same, but hiking pole design can change how adjustments are made. 

 

  • Telescoping: Telescopic hiking poles are generally the most popular, featuring several sections which nest and colapse on one and other. These three-section trekking poles also feature a locking mechanism to prevent them from sliding out of place during use. Usually, telescoping poles are the most adjustible and packable. 

 

  • Folding: Foldable hiking poles, or Z-poles, fold into thirds for storage and transportation. These work in a similar way to a tent pole, where a cantral cord holds everything together. Folding trekking poles are usualy lighter than the previous telescopic option, however they have less adjustibility. 

 

  • Fixed: Some hiking poles are fixed in length and shape, so it’s more of a one-size fits all approach with this option. 

 

Consider how you plan to transport your new hiking poles from place to place. When not in use, you’ll need to think about the pack size of your hiking poles. Ususally z-poles fold down the smallest, but collapsible telescopic poles can also pack down into a convenient size. 

The locking systems used in trekking poles can make a big difference when it comes to your confidence on the trails. Commonly twist locks and flick locks are used, with twist locks being more complicated. Flip and flick locks tend to be more reliable over time, but it all depends on how well you maintain your gear. You might also want to think about grip material on your new poles, and the wrist straps are important as well. Having the best grip with a wrist strap will give you maximum stabilty on the trails. 

Carbite or rubber tips give your trekking poles a different pont of contact with the ground, but either way they should be replaced regularly. You can make the best choice to give you good traction, remember you can always swap them out on the trails. Internal shock absorbers are popular with some hikers, you can see these on more expensive trekking poles. These reduce impact on your joints, but they can make you less secure, and we recommend a more stable choice. Poles with shock absorbtion can actually make going uphill more of a struggle. Now you know everything to look for, without further ado, let’s jump in and find the best trekking poles. 

 

Best Trekking Pole – Overview

 

1. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Antishock Foldable Trekking Poles

[amazon box=”B07KGQTBJ1″]

This ultralight pair of trekking poles has a tent pole style foldable design. We love this set of poles because they’re super packable, folding down into a 40cm size and easily stored in your backpack. The Leki Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles are a great choice for ultralight hikers at less than 1 pound for the pair. One feature we love is Leki’s Speedlock 2 system, which gives these hiking poles 8 inches of adjustment length. They’re also really user-friendly, with a quick and easy deployment. Check out how to adjust a trekking pole, and learn some other valuable details about hiking poles in our article. 

Although not as high-class as cork hand grips, the Aergon foam grips on these walking poles are very comfortable. The premium construction and high-quality materials make this pole an exceptional choice. It’s dependable, top-notch equipment, a great option for serious hikers. Try out these carbon fiber trekking poles on your next expedition up one of Colorado’s 14ers, or on a hike through Yosemite. Whatever the endeavour, this pair of trekking poles will support you through it. 

 

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Quick deployment
  • Adjustible poles- 8 inch range
  • Comfortable grips

 

Cons:

  • Foam grips, not cork
  • Less durable due to ultralight weight

 

2. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Adjustible Trekking Poles

[amazon box=”B07S5H515H”]

If you want great quality trekking poles on a budget which still use a carbon fiber shaft material, these Cascade Mountain poles are worth considering. They weigh 16oz, a little heavier than our previous option but still light enough for most hikers. We love the fast-action lever lock system becuase it’s so easy to use, and this pair of poles comes with snow baskets for year-round use. These poles are telescopic and extendable, ranging from 26 to 54 inches. 

The cork grips are moisoture-wicking, so your hands don’t get sweaty. The carbon shaft is great at keeping the poles lightweight, but it isn’t as durable as some other hiking poles. For day hikes, we think the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber trekking poles are a great choice. If you’re on a more serious expedition, check out our next, more durable option. 

 

Pros:

  • Telescopic adjustible
  • Lever locking system
  • Cork grips

 

Cons:

  • Not durable
  • Casual hiking only

 

3. Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

[amazon box=”B01L0E9GLI”]

In these highly durable hiking poles, Montem has combines the convenience of telescopic poles with their handy flick lock mechanism to make the poles easily adjustible and highly usable. These hiking poles are made from aicraft-grade aluminum, a super strong material. Any hike, stroll, or adventure would be well accompanied by these workout poles. At 9.6oz per pole, they’re still lightweight while offering much more durability than some of our other options. This means you won’t have to worry about scratches, dents, and other general trail wear. 

Tungsten carbide tips give you extra traction on trails, snow, and ice, by giving you a direct point of contact with the ground. Padded straps and EVA foam grips keep your hands comportable and relaxed, making these poles ideal for winter hiking. For use by hikers from 4 feet to 6’8” tall, and up to 400lbs, these all-season poles are a reliable choice. They’re also available in 9 color options. We love the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles for casual day hiking and backpacking, but mountain expeditions and other tough terrain neads a more high-tech pole. 

 

Pros:

  • Highly durable
  • Strong aluminum shaft material
  • Good for travel

 

Cons:

  • Heavier than other options
  • For casual hikes, not challenging terrain

 

4. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z-Pole

[amazon box=”B077STC4BT”]

These uber-lightweight pole is intended for speed hikers and other fast movers on the trails. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z-Poles are incredibly light as about 10oz per pair, which pack away into a highly convenient and compact size. There are no size adjustment options, so you’ll have to pick from four fixed-length options. Even the largest is still so lightweight it’s ideal for trail runners. 

Remember, these lightweight poles aren’t made for serious extended missions. Although they’re sturdy, they aren’t as durable as other options and we recommend reserving these Black Diamond poles for day hikes and lightweight endeavours. You might find these trekking poles ares’t durable enough for the mountains or for backpacking. 

 

Pros:

  • Super lightweight
  • Packable and easy to carry
  • Easy to store and deploy

 

Cons:

  • Not as durable
  • Backpackers need stronger poles

 

5. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

[amazon box=”B07KXXYWRC”]

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles are made from an aluminium shaft material, featuring an ergonomic cork handle that wicks sweat, and keeps your hands comfy for hours. These poles use a flick lock system to easily alter the pole length, and rather than carbon fiber; the aluminum shaft is sturdy enough for most travel terrains. Adjustment is easy with Black Diamond’s Flicklock system, but the minimum length of 27 inches might be a  little bulky for some backpackers.

One thing we love about these Blacl Diamond trekking poles is the 15-degree angle on the grip. This small detail makes a big difference, giving you more scomfort and security from a better grip on the pole. As a strong aluminum pole in the weight range of 16-22oz, these hiking poles are a great choice for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers will find these trekking poles ideal for most trils and terrains. The only downside is, snow baskets and other accessories must be purchased seperately.

 

Pros:

  • Easy flick locking system
  • Sturdy but lightweight
  • 15-degree angle on grip

 

Cons:

  • Larger minimum packed size
  • Accessories sold seperately

 

6. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

[amazon box=”B01IC7XZ68″]

These carbon fiber trekking poles from Amazon promise you’ll burn 20% more calories on the trail! While we aren’t sure how accurate that is, there’s a lot of evidence that trekking poles do increase the calories you burn while hiking. The lightweight poles absorb shock from the ground, while carbide tips keep a good point of contact with the trails. The quick locking mechanism allows for easy adjustment between 24 and 55 inches, a wide and useful range. 

These durable trekking poles come with snow baskets, rock tips, and other useful additions. These acessories give you a broader range of use with your trekking poles, so they can give you stability no mattter the terrain. These poles are idea for casual day hikes, as they aren’t strong or long-lasting enough for the mountains. More reliable gear is available at higher prices, with these budget poles from Foxelli offering good value for money. 

 

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Wide adjustment range
  • Accessories and additions included

 

Cons:

  • Not long lasting
  • Not strong enough for serious hikers

 

7. Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles

[amazon box=”B07Q7G8CT7″]

These Trekology hiking poles feature an ergonomic cork handle and EVA foam shafts, which we love for extra grip in extreme environments. The flick lock makes for quick adjustments, but it isn’t the most reliable locking mechanism. Made from aluminum, these poles last longer and take more impact than their carbon fiber counterparts, better for challenging terrains and heavy loads. 

We love how packable these trekking poles are, they collapse easily into a 15-inch package. Each pair of poles is available in two adjustible sizes for a whole range of hiker coverage, each comes with a handy holder bag. Weighing in at just under 10 ounces each, these strong poles are great for goinf cross-country.  Our main issue with this model is the lock, which can be unreliable and difficult to use. We’d also point out that the cork/EVA grips aren’t as high quiality or comforable as some of our other options, and this could lead to discomfort on the trails. 

 

Pros:

  • Strong and durable
  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Small 15-inch pack size

 

Cons:

  • Unreliable lock mechanism
  • Uncomfortable handles

 

Two people running with trekking poles.

You’ll be ready to hit the trails and take on new challenges with the right pair of trekking poles.

 

Our Winner:

[amazon table=”15524″]

Ideally, trekking poles should find a balance between weight and durability, between useability and long-lastingness. Trying to pick out a new pair of hiking poles can be difficult, if you’re trying to get poles which won’t weigh you down, but also won’t break on the trail. Our winning trekking poles do a great job fulfilling all requirements, they’re ideal for almost every hiking use. 

The best trekking poles available right now are the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork hiking poles. These carbon poles will work out your upper body on the trails, offering great calue and a lot of useability. Made from aluminum, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork hiking poles are strong and sturdy enough for long-distance mountianeering, while still lightweight at 9 oz each. Black Diamond’s reliable flick lock system gives these poles good adjustability. The namesake uber-comforabe cork grips are perfect for miles and miles. 

Although the minimum length of 27 inches could be an issue, these poles can still clip unobtrusively to the outside of your pack. While not as compact as other options, these trekking poles are still lightweight and an ideal three-section hiking pole option. We love these durable trekking poles, they’re comfortable enough for even the most challenging hikes, helping make your walk more enjoyable instead of encumbering you. Although they aren’t collabsible poles, we still think the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork offers the most useability, and the best value, so they’re our favorite trekking poles. 

 

Bonus tip: Check out this handy video to learn about Black Diamond’s ultra-lightweight series of trekking poles!

 

 

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

Published

on

 

Do you want to make the most of your camping experience in Alaska? Camping is the best way to cherish the mesmerizing Alaskan scenery and be in proximity to Mother Nature with your friends and loved ones.

Are you wondering where to camp, where to go, and what items to pack for an Alaskan camping trip? This article has all the answers regarding camping in Alaska! Moreover, this place comprises a few amazing bewilderments that make it different than other camping locations.

If you’re ready to explore Alaska and be immersed in its camping, here are the top 4 tips for a seamless camping experience in Alaska.

  1. Be ready for the varying types of weather

The temperature of Alaska is unpredictable. Hence, if you’re camping in summer in blisteringly hot weather, it would be great to carry something waterproof and warm clothes. In your Alaska travel and camping, it’s required to carry your bibbed waterproof rain pants, raincoats, and hip boots.

This is how you don’t worry about the sudden rain and catch fish all day. Moreover, camping without a bathing suit doesn’t seem right! Camping and cruising go hand in hand; hence, a trip to Alaska will help you get the most out of your Alaska trip.

  1. Pick a campground mindfully

Although you are not mandated to stay at a campground run by the federal government if you wish to go tent camping, it may be the best bet if this is your initial camping trip. Establishing your individual camping place in the bush might feel more adventurous. Still, when camping with small children, you should remain closer to society in case a bear visits your campsite.

When you opt to lease a camping site, you must make your booking ahead because the more renowned campsites might fill up rapidly. Look on the internet for campgrounds near the events and routes you want to visit.

  1. You will have the option to relax or unwind

Although some corporate Alaska campers provide cable TV and Wi-Fi facilities, none of the federal campsites do. Whether you come here expecting to remain up to date on all the accouterments of technologies (or your beloved TV show), you may feel frustrated. But what if you treat your camping vacation as a time to relax and enjoy the unique stunning scenery surrounding you? It feels exciting.

  1. Keep the bears at bay

Bears are amazing animals, which doesn’t imply you should invite them with welcoming hands inside your camp. You must be capable of keeping bears away from your campground if you wish to enjoy the woods with them without causing mishaps. Below are a few suggestions:

  •     You can bypass bear highways by not camping along riverbanks or pathways.
  •     Do not even camp alone: for your safety, striving to remain close to others would be better.

 

These are the top 4 tips to enjoy camping in Alaska. What are you thinking of? Dive into the best experiences of camping, and cherish the moments forever. Happy camping! 

 

 

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

Published

on

are duck boots good for hiking

The quest to find the perfect hiking shoes is never-ending, so the next option we’re going to explore is Duck Boots. Duck Boots have been around for more than 100 years and they’re used for all sorts of outdoor activities, so we can’t discount them as a hiking boot. Let’s dive in a little deeper into what duck boots are, and whether they’re an ideal choice for your next hike.

 

A pair of Bean Boots.

The legendary Maine-made L.L.Bean Boot was designed by “L.L.” himself in 1912 and has been keeping feet dry and comfortable ever since.

 

What are Duck Boots?

Duck Boots, also known as Bean Boots, were created by Leon Leonwood Bean, who founded the company L.L. Bean. Bean, who got sick of wet feet during hunting trips, wanted to create a boot that would keep his feet dry while still being ideal for the outdoors. He theorized mixing together two types of boot, combining the rubber sole of a work boot with the leather upper of a casual or hunting boot.

The rubber sole would provide all the necessary protection from the elements, while the leather upper would retain the flexibility and comfort of a regular leather boot. Thus, the Duck Boot was born and became a huge success. Other brands now produce this style of boot, but you can never forget the original waterproof boots.

Related: The 7 Best Two Person Tents

 

A pair of Duck Boots in a puddle of water.

When choosing which hiking boots you should buy, Duck Boots should be considered for their weatherproof design.

 

What makes a good hiking shoe?

If you’re considering Duck Boots for use as a hiking shoe, you should first know what you’re looking for. There are so many elements to consider when searching for the perfect boot, as there is no one size fits all. Different shoes are optimized for different conditions, different situations you might encounter on the trail, so finding the right shoe isn’t an easy task.

Various terrains put different pressures on your shoes during hikes. This is why hiking boots are usually split into three main categories, each optimized for a different sort of hike. Lightweight hiking shoes (trail shoes), which resemble trainers, are essentially reinforced running shoes. They provide some support, but their main purpose is to be light and breathable while still protecting your foot.

These shoes are designed for day hikes, but they’re actually a favorite among long-distance backpackers. A sturdier shoe would provide more support, but trail shoes are a popular choice long-distance as they aren’t as heavy or constricting as other boots, while still providing enough protection to keep your feet safe and happy during a hike. The only downside of trail running shoes is their lack of ankle support, which leaves you at risk of twisted ankles and other injuries.

Related: The Top 10 New Hampshire Camping Sites

 On the other end of the scale are mountaineering boots, designed for terrains which present more of a challenge to traverse. If you’re hiking through rocky territory or icy glaciers, this type of boot provides all the necessary extra protection. They’re much more heavy-duty than hiking shoes, often warmer, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and provide much more support to your foot.

Backpacking boots make a compromise between the two, as they aim to keep you prepared for any terrain. For multi-day treks, this type of boot is ideal as it’s durable and supportive enough to carry you through most challenges in the backcountry.

The materials used to construct a hiking boot define it, as the wrong fabric can cause so much suffering for your feet. Finding the right combination of waterproofing and breathability, while still being a comfortable shoe, can present a challenge. That’s why we’re going to break down the material considerations you’ll need to remember when deciding is a shoe is right for hiking.

Also read: The 7 Best Louisiana Tent Camping Sites

Full-grain leather is a very durable and versatile material, so many mountaineering boots are made using this fabric. For rigorous hikes which pass through rough terrains, full-grain leather is fully protective while remaining very comfortable. It has excellent waterproof properties, as well as being warm and highly durable. However, in return for this protection, you have to deal with the increased weight of these heavy-duty boots.

You may have heard the saying “one pound on your feet equals five on your back” and this applies to full-grain leather boots. They may not feel too heavy when you try them on, but five miles down the trail you might find yourself wishing for a lighter shoe. Of course, over rough terrain, the valuable protection full-grain leather provides is well worth the weight, but you don’t need such a heavy shoe for casual hikes.

Split grain leather offers reduced protection, but is more breathable than full-grain leather. It’s still a durable material, but it’s less heavy-duty and has reduced water-resistant properties. It’s often used in combination with synthetic materials, creating a compromise between protection and comfort, and this combination is the most common choice for casual hikers.

Read more like this: Top 10 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas

Various synthetic materials are used in the construction of hiking shoes, such as nylon and polyester. One benefit of synthetic materials is that they are much easier to break in than leather. These shoes feel lighter and also dry faster, but lack the water-resistant properties of leather. Of course, you can improve the water-resistance, but this can affect the breathability. Check out how to waterproof hiking boots for more information.

 

A pair of boots in the grass.

Different hiking boots are better suited for different terrains and it’s best to find a pair of boots that fits your adventure.

 

Also, depending on the type of trekking you do, hiking boots are available in different cuts and heights. Lightweight trail running shoes are often low cut, meaning they end below the ankle. This allows for a wider range of motion but leaves your ankle vulnerable to injury.

Shoes like this are best worn on well-maintained trails, where there’s less risk of trail debris and uneven terrain. Mid-cut boots offer more ankle support and better balance and protection, but the most protective style of boot is high-cut. These boots reinforce your ankle fully and are necessary for off-trail adventures.

Many hiking boots are equipped with devices that provide extra internal support, the purpose of which is to protect both your feet and the soles of your shoes on uneven terrain. One option is shanks, which are 3-5mm thick inserts sandwiched between the midsole and outsole of your boot. These add load-bearing stiffness to hiking boots, which is important to ensure you stay stable and balanced.

Shanks vary in length, some running the whole way down the boot, others just half-way. This feature makes the sole of a hiking boot less flexible, keeping your feet in a mostly flat position.

This may seem counterintuitive balance-wise, but a flexible sole allows your foot to wrap around every root and rock you step on, which can be painful, and tires you out much faster. Having a reinforced sole is a big benefit, but it could make your boot heavier; it all depends on the material the shank is made from.

Related: Top 7 Best Microspikes for Hiking

Some hiking boots feature plates as a form of internal support, which are thin and semi-flexible. These can be used in conjunction with shanks, and they protect your feet from getting bruised by anything you step on.

All hiking boots have rubber outsoles, the part of your boot which spends the most time in contact with the ground. Some have additives such as carbon, which increases the hardness of the material. This is most commonly seen in mountaineering boots for extra durability, but the extra harness of the outsole can mean they feel slick if you go off-trail.

Traction is very important in a hiking boot for obvious reasons, so make sure you get a boot with enough traction to keep you comfortable. If you’re constantly trying not to slip, the increased pressure on your muscles can be painful and even damaging, whereas a boot with a good grip will make your hike so much easier.

Also: 5 Best Pop Up Canopy Tents

So, what makes a good hiking shoe? The ideal footwear for hiking finds the right balance between comfort and protection, and this depends on your own personal hiking preferences. In general, you need a degree of protection from the elements, water resistance, comfort, and breathability. A good hiking boot should protect your foot without hindering your process, and if you make the right choice then your hikes will be so much better for it.

 

A girl hiking in the mountains.

Duck Boots are well-known for their water resistance and ability to be easily cleaned, but are they the best hiking boot option?

 

Are Duck Boots good for hiking?

Duck boots are constructed using a rubber sole and lower shoe, whilst incorporating a full-grain leather upper. This means Duck Boots have excellent water resistance. Full-grain leather is highly waterproof, as is rubber, so with these shoes, you’ll never have to worry about wet feet.

Of course, Bean Boots claim to be the “original antidote to wet feet”, so water resistance is one thing we know they’re good for. A good hiking boot should always be water-resistant, as there’s a high chance of encountering puddles, streams, and other wet terrains when you’re on the trail. There’s also always the possibility of rain, so even if you step around the puddles, your boots always need to have a good degree of water resistance. If there’s one thing Duck Boots are, it’s waterproof.

Related: Best Gun Brands 

L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots use a steel shank for additional support, and this is a great feature for a potential hiking boot. Reducing the flexibility of the sole means more protection for your feet, so this feature of Duck Boots is a big benefit. Remember, this only applies to L.L. Bean’s branded Duck Boots, as there are many other boots of the same style available which might lack this additional internal support.

Duck Boots are known for being very comfortable. Boots are the number one most important piece of equipment for a hiker, and comfort is paramount. If your hiking boots are uncomfortable, it can make you hate every minute you wear them. On the other hand, finding a pair of boots that are comfortable for you is a big first step towards having the right shoe, so regarding comfort, Bean Boots get a pass from us.

Another benefit of Duck Boots is that they’re easy to clean. This isn’t as important as other factors, but after a long hike through muddy and dirty conditions, these boots only need a quick spray from a hosepipe and they’re clean and ready to go.

Also: Sleeping bags for tall people

We’ve covered the benefits of wearing Bean Boots for hiking, and there are a number of reasons you might think they’re a good choice. Duck Boots are highly waterproof, very comfortable, and feature shanks which are a big help towards stability. However, there are some elements of these shoes which might mean they aren’t the best choice for hiking.

 

A man climbing on rocks.

While Duck Boots offer great water resistance, their ankle support is not the best which may deter some people from using them for longer hikes.

 

Why Duck Boots might not be the best choice

Ankle support is a big deal when it comes to hiking boots; as we explained before it can be the difference between a successful hike and a painful injury. Duck Boots are high cut, meaning they rise above your ankles. This means they do provide some support, but it’s minimal, and ideally, a hiking boot would offer more structure around the ankle. For hikers traversing rough terrain, more protection is needed, as if you miss a step in Duck Boots there isn’t much to save you from injury.

Another important thing to consider is traction. Duck boots are designed specifically to handle wet weather, and they do it very well. If you’re in wet, muddy, slushy or otherwise slippery conditions, Duck Boots are ideal, as they have plenty of traction and grip.

However, mud isn’t the only thing which hiking boots have to put up with. On the trails, the traction Bean Boots provides is considerably reduced compared to hiking boots, the difference is noticeable and unfortunately, the traction on the soles of Duck Boots just isn’t strong enough for any sort of serious hiking.

Related: Best screen houses for camping

The materials from which Duck Boots are made make them excellently waterproof. However, rubber and full-grain leather aren’t the most breathable of materials. Although they may do a good job of not letting in water from the outside, they also keep it in.

The lack of breathability here can be very uncomfortable, leading to hot and sweaty feet. This can cause blisters, and for this reason, we would not recommend them as a hiking shoe. All hikers need waterproof boots, but there are others available which won’t make you suffer.

Blisters are something which all hikers have to deal with at some point, but if your boots aren’t breathable then they’re much more likely and threaten to ruin your hike. The best hiking boots keep your feet dry while staying breathable and comfortable, so don’t make an exception here.

If you’re keen on mountaineering, then your hiking boots need to be crampon compatible, which Duck Boots are not. Crampons help with grip when scaling rocky terrain, so having a boot they work with is necessary for safety reasons.

We have no choice but to conclude that L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots are no good for hiking. Although they are comfortable and highly water-resistant, the lack of extra support and breathability means they aren’t the best hiking boot.

A boot specifically designed for hiking could offer the same level of comfort while giving you much more support on the trails. Hiking boots made from Gore-tex would provide the same level of excellent waterproofing while still maintaining breathability, so there are better options out there.

 

A pair of Duck Boots on a ladder in the snow.

While Duck Boots may not be the best option for hiking, they are still a great overall winter boot.

 

What are Duck Boots good for?

Although we cannot avoid the conclusion that duck boots are no good for hiking, they’re still an excellent outdoor shoe. Bean Boots are ideal for making your way through snow and slush, so we do recommend this style as a general winter boot.

For any outdoor activity in cold weather, these shoes are ideal, as their warmth and waterproofing will keep your feet happy, while their traction is perfect for walking in the snow. Duck Boots are much closer to snow boots or rain boots than they are hiking, so for these weather conditions, we can whole-heartedly recommend these high-quality shoes.

 

Other branded duck boots

L.L. Bean was the original creator of the duck boot, but other brands have made their own version. Sperry offers a shoe called the Watertown Duck Boot, and its design is very similar to the original. Sperry’s version boasts a rubber lug outsole with no-slip traction, which could mean improved grip compared to L.L. Bean’s shoe. However, this is still not a hiking sole, so it’s not ideal for outdoor adventuring.

 

Final Verdict:

So, are Duck Boots good for hiking? The short answer; no. Although Duck Boots make an excellent winter boot, ideal for cold and wet weather, they just aren’t up to the same standard as hiking boots in other areas. The traction Bean Boots provide is optimized for wet conditions, such as snow and slush, but it’s simply not good enough for hiking in the backcountry.

The ankle support is admittedly better than trail running shoes, but more protection is needed if you do anything other than light and easy hikes. For your next hiking trip, Duck Boots aren’t the best choice, even though they’re comfy. If you’re still looking for an outdoor shoe, you might wonder, are Timberlands good for hiking? Read our article on the subject to find out if Timberlands might be the answer you’re looking for.

Bonus tip: To learn more about L.L. Bean’s original legendary boot, check out this interesting video we found below!

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun Review/The Best Massage Gun for Sports Lovers

Published

on

Massage guns have become popular in recent years as a way to help people relax and ease pain. They are especially popular among those who enjoy sports, as the massage guns can help to reduce muscle soreness after a workout resulting in faster recovery and improved performance. 

Some other benefits associated with the use of massage guns include:

 

Increased blood flow– Massage guns can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow, which helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the muscles. This is especially important for those who are involved in sports or exercise, as increased blood flow can help to repair damaged tissue faster.

 

Improved flexibility– Massage guns also help to improve flexibility by loosening tight muscles and tendons. This allows the body to move more freely, resulting in improved performance during physical activity.

 

Reduced stress– The massage gun can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Massaging the muscles helps to release endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural painkillers. By releasing these endorphins, people can feel less stressed and relaxed after using a massage gun.

 

Relieves pain– Massage guns are great for relieving pain and discomfort, as the vibration helps to loosen tight muscles and release tension. This can help to reduce pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, or other aches and pains.

 

Enhances performance– Massage guns can help to improve performance when it comes to physical activities, as they help to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. This helps people perform better in their chosen sport or activity.

Why Choose the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun 

It’s well known that massage guns are a great way to relieve tension and soreness after a long day or workout. But with so many different massage guns on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Review, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of this popular massage gun to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.

 

If you are an athlete or just someone looking to soothe sore and aching muscles, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an ideal choice. This powerful massage gun is designed to provide deep tissue relief through its variety of adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads. The ergonomic design allows for comfortable use during longer sessions, and the lightweight body makes it easy to transport and store. With its powerful motor, the C2 Massage Gun is capable of providing up to 3200 revolutions per minute. With five different intensity levels, this strong force helps to penetrate deep into muscle fibers and provides effective relief from soreness and pain.

 

The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun is designed to help athletes and active individuals recover faster after strenuous activity. It provides a deep-tissue massage that can reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and increase the range of motion in the body. This massage gun also comes with four interchangeable heads for various massaging techniques including a flat head for larger muscle groups, a round head for deeper tissue work, a U-shape for joint relief, and a conical head for smaller areas like the neck or hands. With this variety of massage heads, the C2 helps to target specific areas of discomfort and provides customized relief.

Conclusion

 

Overall, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful massage gun that can provide effective relief from muscle soreness after exercise or long days. With its adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads, it is sure to meet your needs. So if you’re an athlete or just someone looking to give their muscles some well-deserved love and attention, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is a great investment.

 

Continue Reading

Trending