Trekking poles are an essential accessory for trekkers. With the market being saturated with various options, finding the right one for your adventures can be challenging. This buying guide will help you pick a practical trekking staff for your outdoor pursuits.
Choosing the right pair of trekking poles can be tricky, but these factors can help make a practical purchase:
Most trekking poles are adjustable in length to improve stability on different terrains. You can shorten them to trek uphill and lengthen them for going downhill. Typically, they are adjustable between 24 to 55 inches.
You can also find non-adjustable staffs that tend to be lightweight due to fewer parts. These are ideal for activities where you only need a certain length.
Foldable poles are the most portable and packable trekking accessory. Instead of collapsing into themselves like adjustable ones, these poles work like tent poles. These are lightweight and quick to deploy, making them popular among fast hikers and ultra-runners.
Standard poles do not offer a shock absorption feature and don’t absorb much impact while descending. However, shock-absorbing poles have internal springs that provide maximum shock absorption while trekking downhill. This feature is particularly beneficial for those having a history of joint injuries or unstable knees, ankles, or hips.
Finding ultralight trekking poles is not difficult with advancements in hiking and trekking gear. These poles have less swing weight, making them easier to move and causing less fatigue in a long hike. Most ultralight poles weigh less than a pound per pair and are easier to pack.
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but while they’re somewhat similar in design, they are slightly different in their functions.
These poles are ideal for hiking or backpacking to reduce pressure on your knees and improve stability. They are usually sold as a pair and used in conjunction with each other. Most have an adjustable design and may include internal springs for shock absorption and impact reduction.
Staffs are well-suited for walking on relatively flatter terrain with barely any load on your back. These are also known as travel or walking staffs and are often sold as a single stick. Most staffs are adjustable and include shock-absorbing springs. Some may have a built-in camera mount under the handle, making it suitable to be used as a monopod.
Trekking pole shafts and grips are made of different materials, including the following:
The pole’s overall weight is directly related to the shaft’s makeup. It is usually made with the following materials:
The grips are responsible for how the pole feels in your hands and come in various materials:
The Black Diamond Trekking Poles have a sturdy and durable construction. These poles have an ergonomic grip angle that is soft to the hands and provides optimum wrist comfort. The pole grip is made with natural cork and EVA foam extension to provide resistance against moisture. With such construction, you have better control over your grip while trekking uneven terrain.
These poles feature a patented double FlickLock feature that helps adjust them to your desired height. The pole tips are interchangeable between tech tips and carbide ones. They also include four season flex tips to enhance comfort and versatility around the year. Due to sturdy construction and maximum support, this product tops our list.
The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are robust and sturdy due to their highly durable construction material. Made with premium-quality aluminum, the shaft can withstand excessive force while trekking tough and rocky terrain in cold weather. The cork grips make them comfortable to hold while wicking away sweat and reducing the vibration.
These poles for trekking are adjustable between 26 and 54-inches in height. They also come with a quick-lock feature to extend and shorten the rod in a quick move. With a lightweight construction and adjustable design, these poles are ideal for packing in your backpack while not in use. They also come with a carry case to store them without getting damaged.
The Trekology Trekking Poles are foldable and adjustable trekking staffs. These poles are ultralight and compact when folded so that you can carry them in your backpack. Featuring an ergonomic handle made with EVA foam, these poles provide maximum comfort while trekking. They have an adjustable wrist strap that keeps your hand in place while you trek uneven and extreme terrains.
These hiking poles are designed with adventures in mind, so you do not have to worry about their durability. They are built to last with their premium aluminum construction and offer enhanced security with adjustable joints having metal caps.
TheFitLife Trekking Poles are made with six-series aluminum to provide the strongest yet lightest poles. These extendable poles feature a quick-lock mechanism to extend or collapse the bars from 26-inches to 53-inches. Since these are ultralight, you can keep them in your backpack without worrying about weight.
Featuring an anti-shock feature, these poles offer maximum impact reduction on uneven and rigid terrain. The extra-long EVA foam handles come with straps to combine comfort with support. They absorb moisture and keep your wrists in place. You get a carrying bag in the package and a few other trekking accessories.
The Foxelli Trekking Poles are the most lightweight poles on this list due to their carbon fiber construction material. Despite being lightweight, these poles don’t compromise durability. Their sturdy build allows them to withstand long and arduous trekking expeditions. With their easily adjustable design, you can extend or collapse the poles to your desired height and secure them with a quick lock.
These poles also feature a shock-absorbing technology that improves your trekking experience by reducing the impact on uneven terrain. The natural cork grips with extended non-slip EVA foam sleeves allow optimum grip and handle terrain changes well. With padded wrist support, your wrist stays safe from chafing or blistering.
A: As a general rule, while holding a trekking pole, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle from your body while your forearms lie parallel to the ground. You can also get adjustable poles to enhance your trekking experience.
A: Foldable trekking poles are better suited for packing, and you can easily store them in your backpack while hiking. You may get a foldable one if you don’t use your pole constantly while trekking.
A: Although using two poles improves stability and reduces pressure on your knees, you can trek with a single pole. You can get a free hand by using one trekking pole, but you may not have the same level of stability as two poles.