Guide: how to choose your trekking poles?

March 2022 - Reading time: 9 minutes

According to a study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine, when properly adjusted, trekking poles can save about 25% of leg power. In other words, if you usually hike on routes with an elevation gain of 1000 meters, you can go on hikes with an elevation gain of about 1250 meters without feeling more fatigue.

Indeed, trekking poles offer numerous advantages. They provide stability, reduce the load on your joints (especially the knees), and most importantly, they reduce muscle fatigue.

All hikers agree that trekking poles are essential. The problem (or advantage, depending on how you see it) is that there are dozens and dozens of models, with very variable price levels.

 

Discover our trekking poles

So how to choose the right trekking poles?

In this buying guide, we will go through each part that makes up a trekking pole and the differences between each model. Then we will give you the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will then be able to know what type of poles to buy for your outdoor outings.

Summary 1. The different parts of a pole 2. Construction One-piece 2-piece 3-piece 3. Storage system Folding poles Telescopic poles 4. Materials Handles Shafts Tips 5. Accessories Straps Baskets Tip covers Shock absorbers 6. Summary

1. The different parts of a trekking pole

Before we get into the details, here is a diagram with the different parts of a trekking pole, which we will detail later. This will help you understand and visualize the terms used in the guide below.

Different parts of a trekking pole

2. Construction

First of all, it is important to look at how the pole is constructed. There are three types of poles: one-piece poles, 2-piece poles, and 3-piece poles.

One-piece poles

One-piece pole

As shown in the photo, one-piece poles consist of a single shaft (one tube) and do not have a locking system. In other words, they are neither adjustable nor foldable.

Generally speaking, one-piece poles, also called fixed poles, are lighter, more resistant, and cheaper. However, the fact that they do not fold makes them impractical for activities like hiking. They are bulky and you cannot store them easily. This type of pole is therefore not common for trekking. They are more often used for Nordic walking, skiing, or a simple walk.

In summary:

Advantages of one-piece poles:

• Lightweight
• Durable

Disadvantages of one-piece poles:

• Bulky as they are neither foldable nor adjustable

2-piece poles

Unlike one-piece poles, these poles have two distinct shafts. The main advantage of this type of construction is that it is possible to reduce their size. Thus, you can adjust the length of the poles according to your size (see size guide) but also fold them to store them more easily.

2-piece pole

These positive characteristics come at the expense of two others. 2-piece poles are less durable and less lightweight than one-piece poles. Regarding lightness, this is mainly due to the locking system or the sleeve that connects the shafts. These elements add weight to the pole. However, 2-piece poles remain more suitable for hiking than one-piece poles.

In summary:

Advantages of 2-piece poles:

• Compact
• Adjustable length

Disadvantages:

• Heavier and less durable than one-piece poles

3-piece poles

3-piece poles have a construction in three parts and consist of one or two locking systems that allow you to adjust the length of the pole according to your size and to fold it. The big advantage of this type of construction is that they are very compact. However, they are a bit less durable than 2-piece poles.

3-piece pole

For hiking, it is recommended to opt for 2 or 3-piece poles. Indeed, depending on the terrain and the moments, you will need or not need your trekking poles. It is therefore important that they are compact to store them more easily. Moreover, even if they are less durable than a one-piece pole, they remain very strong. With proper care, they will accompany you on the trails of the most beautiful GRs for many years.

Comparative table of different types of poles

3. Storage system

As we have seen, one-piece poles do not fold. Therefore, they do not have a storage system. This is not the case with multi-piece poles, whose main interest is that they can be easily stored in a backpack. For these poles, there are two storage systems.

Folding poles

Firstly, there are folding poles. This mainly concerns 3-piece poles. They are often called folding Z poles (see photo).

Folding Z poles

These poles have two major advantages. On the one hand, they are the most compact on the market when folded. This is convenient when you are not using them as they hardly take up any space in the backpack. On the other hand, their deployment is extremely simple. With a flick of the wrist, they unfold. This is the case with Komperdell poles equipped with the FXP mechanism as shown in the video below. You won't need to adjust them between each use. A very appreciable time saver, making these poles perfect for hiking, speed walking, or trail running.

Note: most folding poles have an adjustable length, but this is not the case for all. Be careful when purchasing.

Komperdell FXP mechanism

Telescopic poles

Secondly, there are telescopic poles. Most telescopic poles have 3 pieces. Some models have 2 pieces, but rarely for hiking.

The pieces are stored through a sliding system. By nesting them into each other, you save space. There are two locking systems.

Firstly, there is the screw lock, which is becoming less common today. You simply screw the pieces together. While very effective, it can be a bit less durable. Over time, the lock can slightly loosen. The screw lock offers a better price-quality ratio than the upcoming alternative.

The other alternative is the clip lock. It is simply a latch that you open to slide the pieces to the desired length. It is quick, precise, and durable over time. You will have no trouble handling the latches, even in winter with gloves or mittens. However, the clip lock system is a bit heavier than the screw lock. Rest assured, we are talking about a few grams only...

This clip lock, found on telescopic poles, can also equip folding poles. Indeed, these often have a clip on the upper part of the pole to adjust its length.

With the clip, it is quick and easy to adjust the length. Thus, if you are going uphill, it is recommended to slightly reduce the usual length to make less effort with the shoulder. Conversely, downhill, it is advisable to increase the length of your poles to reach further and anticipate the next step.

Note: you can also lend your poles to your adventure companion if they need them, unlike the fixed pole which has a unique size.

4. Materials

Each part of the pole is made from a different material. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Shafts

The shaft is the central structure of the pole. It is the body, the main part. Some models are made of carbon while others are made of aluminum. But should you choose an aluminum pole or a carbon pole?

First of all, the aluminum pole is often made of 7075 aluminum (the lightest of aluminum alloys). This material is more durable than the carbon pole, whether in cold weather or impacts. You are very unlikely to break it. It also has the advantage of being less expensive than carbon.

The carbon pole, on the other hand, is made of 100% carbon fiber or a composite of carbon fiber and fiberglass. In both cases, this material is lighter than aluminum. Furthermore, it absorbs vibrations better. This pole is increasingly popular for hiking. However, it is less durable and more expensive.

Finally, there is the hybrid pole, with two carbon shafts and one aluminum shaft, for example. The goal with these poles is to take advantage of the durability of aluminum for the lower shaft and the lightness of carbon for the upper shafts. These models remain relatively rare.

Handles

Regarding the handle, there are three materials. The first is cork. This natural material is pleasant to the touch. Cork is insulating, which reduces sweating in hot weather. Soft, it perfectly fits the shape of the hands. It is the most noble material. However, it has some drawbacks. With the acidity of sweat, it tends to be less durable than others and is more expensive.

The second type of handle is the rubber handle. Soft and durable, it offers good insulation against the cold and is the least expensive material. However, in hot weather, it is less pleasant as it does not absorb sweat.

Finally, you will find handles made of foam. These offer the best price-quality ratio. They absorb sweat well, and their texture is pleasant, especially on long distances. Like cork, foam is less durable than rubber.

Besides the materials, you will find two types of handle shapes: those with finger grooves or smooth handles. The former are more pleasant for a better grip. They are the most common!

Note: many trekking pole models have an extended handle. This is to make it easier to hold them on rough terrain, without having to store them in the backpack.

Tips

The tips are the first point of contact between the pole and the ground. There are two types: steel tips and tungsten carbide tips. While steel tips are cheaper, this is their only advantage.

Carbide tips are more durable; they hardly ever break. Also, they have better ground grip and offer more safety.

The tips can wear out quickly depending on the surface you walk on. Fortunately, they are easily interchangeable.

5. Accessories

Straps

The strap is the cord attached to the handle. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just for attaching the pole to avoid losing it, but it has a real utility. By attaching it correctly, it is the strap that will hold your poles, much more than your fingers.

There are two types. The first, and the most common, is the strap. It is the one found on ski poles, for example. It is easy to put on and take off, even with gloves. Some are padded to improve comfort and prevent blisters. They are ideal for long distances, such as long hikes.

Otherwise, there are also gloves also called wrap-around straps. This type of strap is more suitable for dynamic activities requiring a strong push, such as Nordic walking. It is therefore less suitable for hiking. The disadvantage of gloves is that they are harder to remove. In case of a fall, it is therefore less easy to let go of the pole, increasing the risk of injury.

Baskets

The basket of a trekking pole is the small round piece found at the bottom of the pole, above the tips. Its purpose is to prevent the pole from sinking too deeply. It is therefore better to use large baskets in winter for hikes in snow or mud and smaller baskets in summer on dry ground. The fact that the baskets are small in summer is to prevent them from catching in the ground and breaking the pole.

Like the tips, they are interchangeable. Some models come with two sets of baskets (summer and winter), others with only one. You can then buy another pair, making sure they are compatible with your model.

Tip covers

Tip covers are the rubber caps that cover the tip. They have several purposes. The first is to cushion the impact on the ground. Some covers are even rounded to perfectly accompany the movement throughout the contact with the ground. This is suitable for hikes on hard surfaces, such as paved roads.

Furthermore, they prevent snagging your clothes or sleeping bag in your backpack. Indeed, the tips are slightly sharp, which can cause a tear in your down jacket, sleeping bag, or even your inflatable mattress. With the covers, there is no risk.

Finally, some areas prohibit pole tips. This is especially the case on some coastlines where eroded soils are fragile. By putting tip covers on your poles, you will be free to use them.

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are small internal springs that absorb shocks. The goal is to reduce vibrations. They are not present on all poles but can be useful for people with joint problems in the wrists, elbows, or even shoulders.

The shock absorber system is mainly used downhill and is not necessary uphill or on flat ground.

6. Summary

As you can see from this buying guide, trekking poles all have the same function. What affects the price are weight, bulk, and durability.

So which poles to choose for hiking?

Construction: we recommend opting for 3-piece poles. Certainly, they are slightly heavier than one-piece and 2-piece poles, but it is a matter of a few grams only. Overall, these poles are much more versatile as they are very compact. You can store them more easily in your bag.

Storage system: folding poles compete with telescopic poles. Both are very common in the trekking world. Folding Z poles are becoming increasingly popular. They are more compact, deploy very quickly, and there is no need to readjust the length according to your size each time. A time and space saver!

Aluminum or carbon: if you are looking for durable poles, then aluminum is more suitable. This material also has the advantage of being cheaper. However, if you are an ultra-light equipment enthusiast, carbon poles will save you precious grams. Additionally, they absorb vibrations better. The choice is yours; there is no optimal solution!

Accessories: they are there to provide comfort.

• The shock absorber system adds weight and is not necessarily useful unless you have fragile joints.
• For baskets, it is recommended to prefer large ones for winter and small ones for summer.
• Tip covers are necessary, at least to avoid injury or tearing your gear when you store your poles.
• Finally, regarding straps, prefer padded straps for long distances (like GR20, Chemin de Stevenson...). It is a significant comfort for only a few extra grams.

You are now ready to equip yourself with trekking poles!