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Learn everything you need to know about the benefits of using trekking poles (hiking poles), and how to choose the right one for you.
ARE TREKKING POLES WORTH IT?
For many hikers and backpackers, trekking (or hiking) poles have become as essential as their backpack or hiking shoes, but others still view them as a tool for beginners. While it is true that trekking poles aren’t optimal for every situation, the benefits they can provide far outweigh the minimal inconvenience of finding where to keep them stowed when they aren’t needed.
Related Reading: 10 Essentials for every Outdoor Adventure and Hiking Footwear Basics: How to Choose the Correct Shoes
Trekking poles, when adjusted to the right size, improve your balance and reduce stress on your joints in the knees, ankles, and hips. This is particularly noticeable when going down steep terrain, taking much of the load off the knees. Several highly recognized studies (including the Journal of Sports Medicine) have shown that trekking poles can reduce stress on the knees by 12 to 25 percent.
By adding two additional points of contact with the ground, trekking poles can also help you navigate obstacles you may encounter on the trail, like water crossings, muddy terrain, loose rock/gravel, and act as the first line of defense to keep the spider webs from assaulting your face in the mornings.
IS ONE TREKKING POLE ENOUGH?
While one trekking pole is better than none, using two poles will distribute effort equally between both arms and provide better balance. There are also times, like steep climbs or descents, where the stability of planting both poles in the ground before taking your next steps can prove to be very beneficial.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST TREKKING POLES FOR YOU
With so many available features and options out there, it can quickly become overwhelming trying to decide what you need. These are the main features to keep in mind when narrowing down your search:
CONSTRUCTION AND POLE ADJUSTMENT
Unlike ski-poles which have a fixed length and should be selected based on your height, most modern trekking poles are adjustable and will fit nearly anyone. To find the correct adjustment, you will want your arm to form a 90-degree angle when holding the poles straight up and down. You can then shorten the pole (for steep ascents) or lengthen (for the downhill side) as needed to improve your stability and comfort in changing terrains.
TELESCOPING OR FOLDING TREKKING POLES?
Adjustable trekking poles are most commonly found with either two or three telescoping sections, but there are also options available for foldable poles that are similar to tent poles with strong kevlar-type cords holding them together. Note that many foldable poles are fixed-length poles so you will need to ensure you have the right size if you go with this option (though some models do have an adjustable top section). While the two-piece telescoping poles will be the least compact of the three options, it also has the least number of components to break.
LOCKING MECHANISMS
There are three common types of locking mechanisms used to help keep your trekking poles in the correct position once you have them set to the correct height: twist locks, lever locks, and push-button locks.
Twist Lock: The twist lock is the most basic of the three lock types, and uses friction to lock the pole in place as you twist the individual pole sections in opposite directions. While the twist locks are easy to use, they are prone to dirt and moisture buildup which can cause the lock to fail (at the worst times usually).
Lever Lock: These external clips, made of plastic or metal, are more durable and easier to deploy than twist locks, even with gloves on.
Push-Button Lock: This option is mainly found on fixed-length, foldable poles that snap into place and lock with a single pull. The push-button is then pressed to release and collapse the poles when ready to store in your pack.
MATERIAL
Aluminum or carbon fiber are the most common materials used for the shaft of trekking poles. While aluminum is often lower priced and considered a bit more durable, it is slightly heavier and doesn’t dampen vibration as well as carbon fiber. Carbon-fiber constructed shafts will disperse vibration and reduce the amount of shock being transmitted to your hands and are lighter weight, but generally come with a higher price tag.
There is also the possibility of carbon fiber shafts splintering or cracking in extreme conditions, where aluminum is more likely to bend or give (and possibly allow you to gently bend it back into place while on the trail).
GRIPS & STRAPS
Grips come in many shapes, widths, and materials that affect how the poles feel in your hands. Some poles will have an ergonomically angled grip or rounded smooth top to help with different use situations as well.
GRIP MATERIALS
Cork: The most popular material found on trekking poles is cork. Cork molds to your hand over time and helps to naturally dampen vibrations while hiking. Because cork absorbs very little moisture, it is a good choice for warm weather hiking as it will maintain its grip even with sweaty hands.
EVA Foam: Foam absorbs sweat and moisture but dries quickly and is a soft, comfortable option.
Rubber: Especially popular for winter conditions, rubber grips are insulating and have vibration dampening properties, as well as a good grip with gloves on. In warm-weather conditions, rubber can chafe or leave blisters on sweaty hands, but looking for a higher quality rubber with a bit of silicone can help to keep the grips from becoming slippery when sweaty or in the rain.
WRIST STRAPS
When used correctly, wrist straps help to reduce fatigue in the hands and forearms while using trekking poles. Basic straps are typically a simple, adjustable nylon strap but there are many trekking poles on the market with lightly padded straps in varying widths for more comfort.
SHOCK ABSORBING POLES
Some trekking poles feature spring-loaded shock absorbers to further reduce the impact of hiking on your joints. Because the spring causes the pole to compress slightly it can cause a feeling of unsteadiness for some hikers, and any additional components add to the possibility of breaking or failure. But anyone with issues or previous injuries to their hips, knees, or ankles may find the added weight and complexity worth it for the additional comfort.
TREKKING POLES: TIPS
Carbide or steel tips at the end of your poles help to add traction on rock, ice, and wet wood. Many poles also come with rubber tip protectors to help extend the life of the tips, protect your gear when stowed in your pack, and protect sensitive alpine areas. Tips do eventually wear out or break, especially if you hike on a lot of rock, but most poles will have replacement tips readily available.
BASKETS
The small plastic circular disks located just above the pole tip help to keep the poles from jabbing too far into soft ground or from getting stuck between rocks. Larger snow baskets can be easily swapped in for hiking in the snow.
OTHER USES FOR TREKKING POLES BESIDES HIKING
Not only can the right pair of trekking poles help you reduce strain on your joints, but they may also help you reduce your overall gear weight. Some ultralight tents and tarps are designed to be supported by trekking poles, so you can leave those extra tent poles at home.
In treeless areas, trekking poles can become a lantern hanger, or a section of your trekking pole could be used as a splint for a broken arm or leg.
Another popular use for trekking poles is the addition of a clamp-on pole mount for action video cameras (like the GoPro), or as a camera mount monopod in a pinch.
Do you hike with trekking poles? What is your favorite brand? Let us know in the comments!
