We all go hiking and backpacking for all sorts of reasons. Whether you’re 25 or 65, hitting the trail on the weekends can lead to sore feet, legs, and knees. That’s why there are trekking poles. From combating sore muscles to increasing stability and confidence, the advantages and benefits of hiking with trekking poles are nearly endless.

Trekking Pole Advantages

Increased stability when traveling with a heavy load or traversing difficult terrain.
Reducing impact on your knees and other joints
They can reduce the force, when traveling downhill
Less stress on your back, by forcing you to stand more upright
They can come in handy for pitching tents or tarp shelters
Poles makes you faster!

How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles

When you begin your search for the perfect pair of trekking poles, there are several questions you’ll need to answer to decide on the type of poles that will work best for you:

One pole or two?

This choice is largely a matter of personal preference. Personally I always carry two poles, because I like to have an even pressure distribution, and I think they make me faster.

Flick or Twist?

There are two ways of locking down your adjustable poles once you’ve set the desired length: Flick locks and twist locks.

If you’re going to be using your poles in the winter, flick locks are your ticket. They are easy to adjust with gloves on and the flick lock system works well in sub zero temperatures, preventing system failure when the poles contract in the cold. A twist lock system is ideal for folks who will be using their poles exclusively for summer pursuits. Twist locks are easier to adjust on the fly if the tension is off because you can typically take them apart and adjust without tools, where as the flick lock system usually requires a screwdriver to adjust.

Shock absorbing or not?

If you have achy joints or creaky knees, shock-absorbing poles were made for you. They soak up more of the impact on descents so your knees don’t have to.

Pole Construction

Telescoping Poles

Telescoping poles are the original trekking pole. They are easy to adjust and have been around the longer than any other constructions. With telescoping poles you can choose either, two sections or three sections.

Two-section poles are more durable and are best for folks who are tough on their gear. Think snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other heavy use applications.

Three-section poles are what you’ll see most out on the trail. We’ve packed them in a suitcase for international trips, strapped them on daypacks, and hauled them on 55L packs over dozens of miles.

Folding Poles

This newer style of trekking pole features a similar design as tent poles, with a shock cord linking several lightweight shafts. They can fold up even smaller than the three-part telescoping pole and are typically lighter weight.

Materials

Trekking poles are typically made of either aluminum or carbon. Carbon will be lighter, but carbon poles can also be pricy so then Aluminum is your friend, though you’ll sacrifice when it comes to weight.

Grips

Grips are almost entirely a matter of comfort, and come in different constructions. Foam, cork, and rubber are the most common materials used in grips.

Foam is the softest and perhaps the most comfortable, but may not be the best option for those who’ll be hiking in wet climates. Foam grips absorb water and tend to break down faster.
Cork, on the other hand, is moisture-resistant. It also becomes more comfortable with use because the cork molds to your hand, and is naturally antimicrobial so it resists stink. Downside? It’s heavier than foam, and poles with cork grips can be more expensive.
Rubber is not quite as comfortable as your other options but they’re the most water-resistant, making them the best choice for winter activities.

Pro Tip: You might want to look for is poles with extended grips—basically, sections of foam that go 4-5 inches down the shaft from the grip. They can be nice when you are in terrain with many ups and downs—instead of stopping to fiddle with the shaft length, you can just grab the extended grip when you need to ‘choke up’ on the pole.

Tips

Most poles will come with a carbide steel tip. You’ll have the option to choose poles with or without rubber tips. Carbide tips can be noisy and skid on hard surfaces. Some also argue they do more to damage trails. Rubber tips are quieter and great on hard surfaces like pavement and slick rock, but they falter on wet surfaces and don’t provide the same secure grip in loose dirt.

Baskets

Trekking baskets are usually quite small so they don’t get snagged in the undergrowth. Many poles give you the option of swapping out trekking baskets for powder baskets to use in the snow, making them equipped for use in all four seasons.

Using Trekking Poles

Figuring out pole height is a mix of science and preference. For your typical trail with gradual elevation gain and loss, your poles should be adjusted so your arm is bent to 90 degrees when standing upright. For steep ascents, shorten your poles so your arms can work to propel you upwards. On the descent, lengthen your poles to give you some added stability. This will be more comfortable and absorb downhill impact better. When you’re traversing a mountainside, poles are your friends for keeping you upright and stable, since you can adjust the downhill pole to be longer than the uphill pole.