We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit. -Aristotle-

I remember watching my boys growing up. They would go to their Scout meetings and bring home a pole that they hadcut from a sapling.

They made it into a pole by stripping the bark and carving different designs into it. They would talk about how they used it for hiking and on campouts.

Today things have changed a lot. The Scouts still make their trekking poles, but more hikers are now going high-tech.

Todays poles have much of the same benefits the scouts used them for.

Hikers also use two of them for hiking. Which double the benefits.

1. This includes pack weight distribution to the arms, thus increasing indurance.

2. Makes keeping your balance easier as you cross rivers and streams as well as rough terrain.

3. Lowers stress on the joints, knees, hips and lower back.

4. Gives a more upright, hiking posture. This in turn will make breathing more efficient.

5. Helps you go up those steep inclines. Also helps you keep your balance on the declines.

6. Dispite some drawbacks concerning them, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks.

7. Trekking poles today are high tech in design and with adjustable telescopic features make them ideal for summer and winter. Most are made from materials such as aluminum or titanium.

8. Trekking poles have adjustable wrist straps and can have plastic or cork handgrips.

9. How to use your trekking poles is done by keeping your forearm parallel to to the ground on flat tarrain. If you're ascending the poles will need adjusting. You will need to make them shorter, so you will not over reach. The opposite is also true as well. When going down a hill you will need to lengthen the poles.

10. Its very easy to use trekking poles. Just walk naturally one arm forward with the opposite leg. The poles will soon become apart of you as you walk.

As you become used to using the poles you'll find how easy it has become to hike and how much faster and farther you can travel.

Check out your local Scout Shop for a good quality set of poles. You'll also be financially helping out the Scout troops in your area.

Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit: Good Night Camping Equipment