Hiking and walking poles: lightweight, folding or telescopic

Why use hiking poles?

Once mainly used by mountaineers, walking poles have become essential kit for hikers. They spread the effort between your legs and upper body, reducing fatigue on long days.

• Downhill: they absorb some of the impact and reduce strain on your knees and joints.
• Uphill: they help you maintain a steady pace by pushing with your arms.
• On difficult terrain: scree, mud, snow and stream crossings are easier to tackle with two extra points of contact for greater stability and balance.
• With a heavy pack: when you’re carrying all your camping gear on a multi-day hike, poles help you keep your balance.

How do you choose hiking poles?

Telescopic or folding

Telescopic poles have two, three or even four sections that slide into one another. You can easily adjust their length, shortening them for climbs and lengthening them for descents. Folding poles have sections joined by a cord and fold into a Z shape in seconds. More compact when packed, they are popular for trail running and fastpacking, where you alternate between running and walking. Some folding models also offer a small adjustment range.

Aluminium or carbon

Aluminium is durable and more affordable. On impact, it tends to bend rather than snap. Carbon is lighter and absorbs vibrations better, a real advantage over long distances, but costs more and is more vulnerable to sideways impacts. Hybrid poles combine both materials as a compromise.

The locking mechanism

On telescopic poles, external lever locks are now the standard: they adjust quickly, even with gloves on, and are easy to tighten. Internal twist locks, as used by Fizan, are lightweight but can loosen over time. On folding models, a push button locks the pole once extended.

The grip and wrist strap

Cork moulds to your hand and helps reduce sweating. EVA foam is light and soft, while rubber is well suited to cold conditions. An extended grip lets you hold the pole lower on traverses and short climbs without adjusting its length. An adjustable, padded wrist strap transfers some of the effort to your wrist.

Tips, baskets and rubber caps

Tungsten carbide tips grip rock and ice. Small summer baskets help stop poles slipping between rocks, while wide winter baskets are essential in snow. Rubber caps protect the tips and reduce noise on tarmac.

What length hiking poles should you choose?

A simple guide: place the pole on the ground beside your foot. Your elbow should form a right angle, with your forearm horizontal. For telescopic poles, start at this length, then shorten them by a few centimetres for climbs and lengthen them for descents. For fixed-length folding poles, use the manufacturer’s size chart to match pole length to your height.

Hiking, trail running or Nordic walking poles?

Hiking poles prioritise durability and adjustability. Trail running poles are lighter and often foldable, so you can quickly stow them on your pack while running. Nordic walking requires dedicated, fixed-length poles with glove-style straps. It is a different activity, with a technique based on pushing backwards. Our poles are designed for hiking, trekking and trail running.

Walking poles and ultralight tents

At camp, your poles can also serve as supports for many ultralight tents and most tarps. One piece of kit does two jobs, making it an effective way to lighten your pack. Just check that your poles’ length is compatible with the pitching height specified by the tent manufacturer.

Using and caring for your poles

• Use the wrist strap: put your hand up through the loop from below and press down on the strap rather than gripping the handle tightly.
• Stow them on your pack: most hiking rucksacks have pole attachments for climbing or running sections.
• Dry them after rain: extend the sections and let them dry to help prevent corrosion and seized locks.
• Check the locks: tighten the levers regularly and replace worn tips and baskets.

Our hiking pole brands

Leki and Fizan are established walking pole specialists, offering everything from lightweight carbon models to durable aluminium poles for intensive use. To build a complete lightweight setup, explore our top ultralight gear and our full range of camping gear.

Hiking pole FAQs

How do you adjust hiking poles?

On flat ground, set the poles so your elbow forms a right angle when you hold the grip. Shorten them by a few centimetres for climbs and lengthen them for descents. On a lever-lock model, open the lock, use the markings to adjust the length, then close it firmly.

Do you need one walking pole or two?

Two poles provide balanced support and take more strain off your joints, making them the recommended choice for hiking. One pole may be enough for easy walks, but offers less stability.

Aluminium or carbon poles?

Choose aluminium for durability and value, or carbon for low weight and comfort over long distances. If you often walk on rocky terrain, aluminium is more forgiving of knocks.

Can you take hiking poles on a plane?

Hiking poles are generally not allowed in cabin baggage and must go in the hold. Rules vary by airline, so check before you travel. Folding or telescopic poles fit easily into your luggage.

A team here to help

Unsure whether to choose telescopic or folding poles, carbon or aluminium? Read our hiking pole buying guide, contact us or visit our shop in Lorient. We’ll help you choose hiking poles that suit your activities.