How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles - GearLab

Trekking poles have risen from obscurity and are now a key piece of gear for hikers, backpackers, trail runners, trekkers, and climbers. They allow you to incorporate your upper body into uphill travel and help absorb shock on your knees while descending. The more weight on your back, the more trekking poles become lifesavers. Some studies have shown that using poles can reduce impact force by up to 40% on your knees, especially on long downhills. No matter your age, using poles while hiking will save energy and reduce knee pain. They also help with balance during tricky creek and log crossings.

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If you are wondering “Why do I need trekking poles for hiking?”, then check out our 10 Reasons For Trekking Poles article as well as The Best Trekking Poles review where we rate the top options on the market head-to-head in a series of real-world comparisons. We looked at a variety of factors in each pole, including weight, durability, comfort, and more.

Trust us. Integrating trekking poles into your hiking kit will allow you to hike more miles and keep a smile on your face while doing so. Once you try them out, you'll never look back. Read on to discover which pole is right for your needs and activities.

Design Configuration

Most trekking poles are collapsible and come in one of three designs: three-section telescoping, folding, and combination versions. The design configuration mostly refers to how a pole lengthens the three sections into a strong, extended pole. In general, telescoping poles are very strong and adjustable, folding poles are light and collapse smaller, and combination poles allow for a mix of attributes. Each style offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Three Section Telescoping

Three-section telescoping poles are the most common design on the market. They are the strongest and most durable type of pole and also allow for a wide range of length adjustment — usually between 12 and 16 inches. Furthermore, they are generally less expensive than other designs.

The major downside to the telescoping pole design is that the minimum packed size is longer than any individual piece of the pole. This means that they don't pack to a short length for easy stowing on the outside or inside of a backpack. If your expected activities include time when you'll need to use your hands on the terrain while moving, such as scrambling and technical climbing, you'll need to strap your poles to your pack or stow them inside, so the final packed size is important to consider.

Folding

Folding poles are relatively new to the trekking pole market. They are the lightest and most compact models out there, but they aren't nearly as durable as most three-section telescoping poles. They are, however, durable enough for most climbers and hikers wearing lighter backpacks and are perfect for runners. For climbers, folding poles are especially nice because they can disappear into a backpack during an alpine climb. In general, folding poles are significantly lighter and more compact than three-section telescoping poles. Several of the folding-style poles don't feature removable baskets, and they lack the ability to change lengths depending on the user's height or terrain needs.

Combination

Many new folding-style poles also feature one section of telescoping poles so that it is possible to adjust the pole length, though not as much as a three-section telescoping pole. Usually, combination poles allow six to eight inches of length adjustment, as much as you'll ever need. We found this to be a great addition to the folding-style pole as it is more versatile. If you don't mind the extra few ounces, these poles take the best aspects of each style. The combination design is our favorite of the modern trekking pole designs.

Fixed-length Poles

Some poles come in a single length or a fixed length or feature no length adjustment or collapsibility. This design helps save weight and add strength, as there are no adjustment components, which are heavy and add weak points to the shaft. To mountain runners, fast hikers, and those wishing to shave every ounce from their kit, poles using fixed-length designs may be desirable. However, they lack the versatility and adjustability desired by most users.

Shaft Material

Modern trekking pole shafts are constructed from either carbon fiber or aluminum.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon is a light and stiff material used in products that need to support a lot of weight but also need to be light. Carbon fiber poles are extremely strong when loaded vertically and are the lightest pole options on the market. However, they are weak when bent horizontally. They also can chip or crack easily on rocks, which makes them more likely to snap. Carbon fiber poles are best for light- to moderate-duty use, where weight is the most important consideration, such as ultralight backpacking, climbing, and running. Be prepared to pay more for carbon fiber poles.

Aluminum

Aluminum poles are heavier than carbon fiber poles, but they are much more durable. They also tend to be cheaper. Aluminum bends without snapping, which can be a lifesaver on long trips where breaking a pole would be a major problem. These poles are best for long-distance trekking, trips where durability is the primary concern, and for hikers on a budget.

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Pole Adjustment Mechanism

All of the adjustable poles in our review use a lever lock adjustment system. This system has replaced the old twist-lock system used extensively in the past. If you are new to the lever lock system, you will be impressed by the ease of use and secure locking that this system provides. Some poles use plastic lever locks to save weight, which are more prone to snapping or getting smashed when thrown down onto the ground. The more durable options feature aluminum lever locks that rarely break in the field.

Basket Size

Different activities require different size pole baskets. Some poles come with fixed baskets, while others have the option to use interchangeable baskets. Larger baskets are better for snowshoeing, mountaineering, and skiing or snowboarding, but get hung up on roots and bushes if you're hiking through the woods in the summer. Smaller baskets are better for dry hiking on dirt, gravel, and rocky trails. Many options come with a small basket for the summer and a large basket for snowy conditions.

Weight

Many users don't pay attention to how much their equipment weighs. Early adventurers picked up their equipment from the nearest military surplus store and bolted off into the wilderness with heavy loads and positive attitudes. Luckily, the explosion of interest in outdoor activities has brought major advances in materials and design to outdoor gear of all types, including trekking poles. While old-school thinkers may eschew these advances as unnecessary, we can't deny the increased possibilities that lighter, stronger gear provides.

As such, weight should be a concern in proportion to how lofty your objectives are. If you are new to hiking and plan on using poles for day hikes and relatively easy overnight backpacking trips, then weight is not that important. These users will be unlikely to see any major benefits from selecting lightweight (and expensive) poles compared to heavier, more comfortable, and perhaps more affordable alternatives.

However, for users who plan on going big, like thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, long-distance mountain running, or approaching difficult alpine climbs, lightweight poles might mean the difference between success and failure, and they'll certainly make the effort more enjoyable. For these users, we strongly recommend that you incorporate weight into your trekking pole selection.

Grip Ergonomics and Material

Each pole manufacturer seems to have a different grip design, meaning that some contour to the muscles of the hand better than others. The more expensive options generally have better grip ergonomics, but — we feel — are well worth the cost. Over a long trip, hand comfort goes a long way.

Pole grips are made out of foam, cork, or rubber. Overall, cork grips are a favorite because they mold to the shape of your hands over time. They are also smooth against the skin and keep cool during warm hikes. The downside to cork grips is that they don't absorb sweat very well and can feel slippery during long trips. Foam is more comfortable than rubber, absorbs sweat very well, and is the lightest grip material. As such, it is used on the lightest poles that are designed for fast hiking and running. Rubber grips don't absorb any water, can chafe bare skin, and are the heaviest option, but they do insulate better than cork or foam. This makes rubber a great grip material for poles used in mountaineering, snowshoeing, skiing, or other winter sports.

Packed Size

Packability is more important to some users than to others. If you are going to be using your poles for every mile of your trip, and you won't be packing your poles in airplane luggage, then packability is not very important. Climbers, mountaineers, and backpackers who might encounter technical terrain need the ability to carry their poles on or inside of their pack. For these users, or for anyone trying to take up less space in luggage, poles that collapse to a shorter length are better.

Versatility

Trekking poles are employed in a variety of activities, including hiking, trekking, backpacking, approaching technical climbing and mountaineering objectives, trail running, and even skiing and snowshoeing. Some poles are purpose-built for a very specific activity, and others are capable of performing well across the board. All of the poles in our review can be used for light hiking, heavy backpacking, and trail running. Some are better at one activity or another, but they can all be used in a variety of situations.

Truly versatile poles won't be the lightest carbon models for running ultra marathons, and they won't be as strong as the heavy-duty workhorses designed for rugged travel to places like Everest Base Camp. However, most aluminum poles with solid lever locks, three-section designs, and relatively small packed weights will be versatile enough for most trail uses. Unless you plan on carrying a heavy backpack in rugged off-trail travel conditions, we'd recommend opting for a lighter option with a small packed size. Even the lightest poles in our review will be durable enough for most uses, and the weight savings are noticeable with each step.

In general, the foldable poles are better for climbing, mountaineering, and splitboarding, where they need to disappear onto a pack for much of the day. The lightest poles are great for running and ultralight backpacking but lack the strength needed for heavier-impact activities like long-distance backpacking and snowshoeing. Additionally, more adjustable poles and those with exchangeable baskets can be used for a wider variety of activities.

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I have used telescoping poles for 3 years. But 15 days ago I arrived in Santiago and spent 3 days in the same albergue. When leaving, my poles were not in the container anymore...
Therefore, I bought folding poles (Alpin Loacker carbon), in order to be able to keep them in my backpack when staying more than 1 night in an albergue.
According to me, the choice rely upon several factors:
Folding poles are generally more expensive, but could be carried in a backpack. Therefore, if you plan to always walk with poles, choose telescoping ones: they are more sturdy and cheaper.
If you plan to walk sometimes hands free (namely on a flat way), choose folding poles. In order to carry them in your backpack, they should be light (carbon).
My advice is also to prefer cork handles.

@Robo : "Can folding poles be adjusted for length? (quite important)"
Yes they can because there is one telescoping section.
In SJPP, you can buy them somewhere in sports shop:
I have very old Leki Makalu telescopic poles and frankly I am happy with them. I can store them on the side of my backpack in minutes. I change the rubber every few years. The most important feature for me is that I can adjust their lenght.

Let me add that when I (rarely) meet other hikers with poles in the nearby mountains, I see that most of them do not use them correctly. This is much more important: first, they do not adjust them to the right length for their height, or they use them in the wrong way.

I suggest to watch a few of the many videos on youtube that teach how to use them, to ensure you regulate and use them correctly. Finally, they are often gripped the wrong way, which in the event of a simple fall can cause thumb injuries. Another user of Fizan Compact 3 poles here. I used them for 3 caminos and multiple hikes at home. I'd say they are nearing something of km of use. Still work, but don't look pretty anymore.

I feel that there are some weaknesses with telescope poles (or just that model). I had multiple occasions where due to bigger temperature difference during the day the "locking mechanism" got loose a bit. Nothing dramatic, but its weird if on of your poles "shrinks" by a few cm during the day. Once I identified the problem, no issue anymore, just check and re-tighten or adjust a few times a day.
Also on one occasion they would not come loose anymore at all. I fear i put them in storage when wet and some kind of rust occured (and i know that they are aluminium and should not rust). Anyways, WD40 did the trick and i still use them today.
So i guess if you keep those things in mind they are very fine poles.

As to the folding ones, i see them in use for more serious trekking and running. They are usually more compact when folded, the seem more sturdy and i guess the two problems i had can't happen with them. Which comes at the disadvantage of a heavier weight.

So i guess it depends on what you want of the poles, either choice has its merits. I started out more than a decade ago using Leki three-section telescoping poles. IMHO, these are among the major brands from which others are judged. But, as others pointed out already, they do not compress small enough for my packing or carrying needs. Plus, the aluminum alloy is relatively heavier.

When I could afford it, I migrated to Black Diamond Carbon Fiber FLZ sectioned poles that are connected with flexible silicon fittings. These are WAAY lighter, and collapse to a much smaller size for packing or carrying. Once learned how to adjust the silicon connectors, life was good.

These higher end poles are available in fixed lengths (mine are 120 cm when assembled), or in adjustable models. The weigh nearly nothing. Something like half a pound, for the pair.

On adjustable models of the Black Diamond carbon fiber poles, the topmost section is usually the adjustable part. These poles are better for using with tents or tarps as they can be adjusted longer than 135 cm - usually. The fixed legnth poles cannot. But the longer adjustable poles are relatively heavier - but still lighter than conventional aluminum alloy telescoping poles.

Hope this helps.

Tom

I had telescoping poles when I first began walking Caminos in , but they kept slipping all the time. I was constantly trying to fix them in positions. Finally, on the last day, one of them got stuck in an extended position and we have never been able to fix it. So, got some cheap Z-fold poles with cork handles and they have been great. They made it through 4 Caminos and then I got a new pair last year. At 39€, it is a bargain and they fit in my pack for travel as a carry-on.

This was the exactly the reason I switched from telescoping poles to folding poles. I used Leki telescoping poles for several years but after much use, found one pole kept slipping and I would notice that one pole was now shorter than the other, fix it and move on, only to have it happen again. I finally replaced them with Leki folding poles, carbon with cork handles, and what a revelation! The most important improvement besides being slightly lighter, was that once I had my settings, all I add to do was open the poles and I was ready to go, I didn't have to lock in the two segments as I did on the telescoping poles. They stored easily in a outside pocket of my pack and when I wanted to use them, I would just reach behind me pull them out, open the up all while walking and without having to check the measurement. Also, the cork was an improvement over the previous grip, maybe it absorbed sweat better, I'm not sure, but it felt better as I used them.

After once almost leaving them behind at a stop, I realized that if I wasn't using them, I should just fold them back up and keep them in my pack whenever I stopped.

I tend not to use them for the entire walk, usually start without them unless the start is up a steep incline, add them on hills and often put them away for a bit after a few hours unless needed. One thing I've found is that when I use them my fingers are less likely to feel swollen as they usually are after 2-3 hours of not using them - I think the swinging motion of the poles keeps the blood circulating better. That and the benefit to the knees are why I keep using them, but sometimes put them away just to not feel always encumbered - it's much easier to snap a picture when you don't have to work around a dangling pole or take it off entirely. I've also wondered if they might be useful to beat off a wild animal, but fortunately have not had an occasion to test that one, hahaha!