Key Features When Buying Trekking Poles

When you take the plunge and start looking to shell out for some hiking poles, you'll notice there are many different makes and different features. Plus poles are made from a range of materials that vary in weight and strength. And of course all of these affect the price.

So what are the main features and materials commonly available today and which ones will best fit your needs and pocket? Let’s take a look at the main contenders…

Modern lightweight trekking or walking poles are commonly made of either Aluminium or Carbon Fibre. When you are considering the weight of everything you are taking mountain hiking, Carbon Fibre does have an edge over Aluminium. Do compare the weight of poles when purchasing and choose the lightest you can afford. Reducing the weight you are carrying in your hands or stowed to your backpack all adds up to more enjoyable hiking.

Adjustable poles with telescopic sections give you the flexibility to set the pole to the length most suitable for your height. Plus they give you flexibility to change the length for particular sections of your hike i.e. shorten them to stomp up long ascents or make them longer on steep descents and help with balance.

For ultra lightweight backpacking, a number of tents offer a great weight saving design that allows you to use your telescopic poles in place of carrying tent poles.

Also when hiking through thick bush or scrambling boulder sections and you want to stow your poles to your rucksack having ones that reduce in length really helps to prevent them snagging or jamming between rocks.

Telescopic varieties mainly come in either two or three sections. Most trekking poles are three sections (as most adaptable and packable) however you can usually pick up a fixed length (one section) pole or a two section for less.

Telescopic poles require more adjustments than fixed length poles. Though see flick locks below which will make adjustments quicker and easier.

Another thing to consider is that one section poles are stronger than multiple sections and may be more useful if you are tall/heavily built.

Three sections offer the shortest, fully compressed length. Depending on the pole this can be as short as 23 inches (59 cm). This length makes them ideal for attaching to your rucksack where they will be out of the way. Even better they will fit inside a good sized rucksack.

Telescopic sections are a great feature. Yet changing their length, especially mid hike, with the more common twist lock I have always found to be awkward. Take your gloves off, adjust it, and slippery if it's raining or your hands are sweaty. When the locks fail / slip, and on occasions they do, the sections compress down on you just as you put your weight on the pole.

There is an alternative flick lock available. This is a handy lever you can easily and quickly open and close to make length adjustments, even with gloves on. Additionally, the sections tend to slip much less than those using twist locks.

Some poles have shock absorbing springs between the telescopic sections to reduce the impact on your wrists, elbows and shoulders and are of most benefit when descending. Shock absorbing poles will frequently cost more.

Common materials used for the grip on the handle are hardened variations of cork, rubber, foam and plastic. Plastic on cheaper poles tend to be hard and slippery when wet. Rubber reasonably comfy though not as much as cork.

We would recommend hardened cork for best comfort and it also feels much more natural in your hand. Hardened foam is also comfortable and non-slip when wet.

Additionally, some poles have lower grips fitted (or lower handle extensions) that allow you to slide your hands lower on the pole to effectively make the pole shorter. These are great for quickly changing your grip position to help stomp up ascents.

Summing up, the lighter the pole the better and telescopic poles are the best feature for flexibility.

Advice Section on Using and Selecting Trekking Poles
A comprehensive look at why trekking poles are useful, the main features available, the proper way to use them and set their height.