Hit the trail, not the hot-water bottle

When we go trailing--whether it be through the Adirondack Mountains in New York, White Mountains in New Hampshire, Green Mountains in Vermont, or Longfellow Mountains in Maine--a walking stick of the proper size, strength, and feel is a must. We used to be content--in fact, it was part of our cherished hiking routine--with testing out a number of fallen branches along the way until finally finding a couple that met our needs as walking aids. Yet, as the years (and those inevitable extra pounds) pile up, such an uncertain method no longer will do: We now need to start our journey with the right equipment, so, on the advice of friends who are avid cross country skiers and snowshoers, we turned to the Rocky Mountain region--home of the real-deal heavy-duty trailers--and Crescent Moon, Boulder, Colo.

Renowned for its can't-be-beat snowshoes--the company even designs them for fitness running (talk about dashing through the snow; what a workout that must be!)--Crescent Moon also markets outstanding trekking poles that are perfect for hiking every grade of trail, whether there's snow on the ground or not.

Each pole is constructed with 6061 aluminum tubing--the same as the company's snowshoes--and features a carbide tungsten tip, internal stainless steel spring shook absorption mechanism, and a glovesize molded handle. This three-section pole is fully adjustable for most adult heights and is recommended for people between 4'6"-6'4". The shock absorption system can be turned on and off with a simple twist of the sections and allows users to dial in the perfect setting for whatever outdoor activity is on tap. It seems to us, at least, that $59.95 is a small price to pay for better balance, more efficient climbing, and increased endurance--and who can put a price on no more sore knees or aching back.

To learn some more about Crescent Moon's world class outdoor gear, visit www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning