How to choose trekking poles?

Are you having a hard time finding the best trekking poles? If "yes" then this blog post is for you! Here we go over the key purchasing factors and discuss how to choose trekking poles in detail.

Trekking poles are vital pieces of gear for trekking and hiking. They make walking over rough terrain easier, especially on long downhills. They also enhance your stability and provide support for your knees on various terrains. Some studies even show that trekking poles can help reduce impact force on your knees by up to 40%. It’s no wonder why many people enjoy hiking with trekking poles on the trail.

But choosing trekking poles is not as easy as it sounds. Many first-time users struggle to find reliable and long-lasting poles. And that’s quite understandable. With a set of trekking poles available at nearly every price point, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one that will work best for you. So, to help you out, we’ve come up with a list of things that you should look out for while purchasing new trekking poles.

(For those wondering "Why use trekking poles?", here's a blog post describing 5 benefits of trekking poles.)

In this guide, we’ll cover the key factors to consider while choosing trekking poles.

1. Shaft Material

Most trekking poles are made of either carbon fiber or aluminum. Carbon is stronger, stiffer and lighter compared to aluminum. It can reduce vibrations and feels more comfortable than poles made from aluminum. Carbon fiber trekking poles are well-suited for ultra-light hikers and backpackers, or anyone who wants the lightest gear possible. With reasonable care, they are durable enough to last for years. But it’s prone to cracking and comes at a higher price. Carbon-made trekking poles can splinter and crack in extreme conditions. If it cracks or dents, it is done for; you can’t repair it. And they don’t come in cheap as well.

Aluminum, on the other hand, is stronger, heavier, cheaper, and perfect for all types of terrains. It is a great option for those who have a limited budget but want something that’s durable. They are only heavier than carbon poles by a few ounces. A pair of aluminum trekking poles weighs around 22 ounces. Unlike carbon, aluminum does not dampen vibration but can handle a lot of stress and breaks rarely. Trekking poles differ in many ways, depending on the type of material used.

If you're searching for a durable trekking pole then consider buying the Trekology TREK Z Trekking Poles. It's made from high-quality aluminum and can withstand pressure and impact far superior to carbon fiber poles. It is also one of the best trekking poles for backpacking.

2. Adjustability and Locking Mechanism

The adjustability and locking mechanism of trekking poles are often overlooked. But they’re important to consider when buying collapsible trekking poles. Normally, trekking poles are divided into 2 or 3 sections that slide into each other. Each section is separated by a locking mechanism which determines the length of the pole. Adjusting the length can boost stability on varying terrains. Trekking poles height can be adjustable from 25 to 55 inches. It can be lengthened when going downhill and shortened going uphill. Doing so will make it easier to walk.

Most trekking poles usually feature twist lock and level lock style mechanisms. Poles with the level lock mechanism are easy to adjust and don’t take too much time. Twist-lock mechanisms are rudimentary and cost less. But they’re difficult to undo & can malfunction on dusty trails. Whatever the mechanism, you need to familiarize yourself with the measurements on your poles. There’s likely to be a “STOP” mark at some point on the poles. Never try to extend the poles further than this mark. And don’t forget to check the full extension and compression length of each trekking pole.

Want to learn how to use trekking poles? Then check out this blog post.

3. Grip Material

Having a proper grip is essential for any trekking pole. Bad handles can create discomfort and cause blisters. There are 4 types of grip materials used in making the handles of trekking poles. They are:

– Cork:

This material offers the most comfortable grip than most materials. Cork is a sustainable material that has mild shock-absorption properties. It not only offers a strong grip but also absorbs vibration and molds itself to your hands over time. It even resists moisture so it’s ideal for those with sweaty hands. Cork trekking poles are extremely comfortable, durable but quite expensive. If you use your poles often then cork grips are the best choice for you.

If you prefer cork handles then consider buying the TREK-Z Trekking Poles with Cork Handle.

– Foam:

This material is the softest to touch and it can absorb sweat from your hands. They are more comfortable than grips made of cork. With foam grips, you won’t have to worry too much about your hands slipping. It prevents rubbing and keeps your hand slightly cooler than cork grips. Trekking poles with foam grips are super light weighing below 16 ounces. Foam is the lightest option available so it’s perfect for long treks that usually take more than a week to complete.

– Rubber:

Rubber handles reduce shock and vibration. They are durable, inexpensive and comfortable. It has insulating and vibration dampening properties. Rubber is the best option for cold weather hiking, thru-hikes or mountaineering. Depending on the person, hikers can comfortably use rubber grips for long periods. But rubber grips don’t absorb any water, meaning it’s more likely to cause blisters and sweaty hands. This makes it least suitable for use during hot weather. They are also the heaviest of all the grip materials.

– Plastic:

Grips of trekking poles made with plastic are the cheapest. You don’t have to worry about cashing in too much when you’re buying poles with plastic grip. You can use this on short treks with easier routes & trails. But they are not as popular as they tend to be uncomfortable and sweaty. Plastic handles are only good if you plan on using them for short periods.

4. Basket size

Most trekking poles feature a small basket at the end. The size of the pole basket depends on what type of activity you plan to do. Large baskets are ideal if your hike or trek goes through muddy ground or snow. You can find quality snow baskets for trekking poles here. But they get stuck up on roots and bushes which is why poles with small baskets are ideal for summer hiking. Most manufacturers tend to design their baskets with varying sizes and that’s why it is hard to interchange the baskets. But you can find some trekking poles with interchangeable baskets. Remember, trekking poles are going to be more versatile if they’ve removable baskets.

5. Shock Absorber

One of the main features to look for in a trekking pole is its ‘shock absorbers’. Not only do shock absorbers make trekking poles more comfortable, but they also manage to reduce the impact force on both your hands and knees. It is a device with springs that is designed to absorb shock and vibrations. In some modern trekking poles, shock absorbers can be switched on and off. So, look out for poles with that on/off feature.

Poles with shock absorbers are ideal if you have issues with hips, knees or ankles. But they can destabilize your poles while crossing streams, hopping on rocks, or any other situation where you may need additional balance. They also add a little to the total cost of the pole.

6. Weight

In general, a lighter trekking pole is more ideal than a heavier one. Lightweight trekking poles give you the benefit of less swing weight. They are also easier to handle and expend less energy. But heavy poles are often more durable than the lightweight ones. We recommend buying poles that weigh in between 250 to 350 grams (per pole).

Keep in mind, the shaft material determines the overall weight of the trekking pole. So, if you buy one with an aluminum shaft then your pole is going to be heavy. Consider buying carbon made trekking poles if you need something that’s light.

Do check out this blog post if you wish to learn more about Ultralight Trekking Poles.

7. Price

You can find a good pair of folding trekking poles from $50 or even less to high as $150. But cheap poles (under $50) probably won’t last long and are not ideal for long-distance trekking. Plus, cheaper poles tend to be heavier and aren’t as sturdy as you need them to be. So, it pays to buy trekking poles that cost around $50 or more.

For those searching for the best budget trekking poles, we recommend reading the blog post "7 Best Budget Trekking Poles" by Slick and Twisted Trails.

Extra things to consider when buying trekking poles:

• Make sure your poles come with wrist straps to prevent chafing.

• Look a pair with replaceable trekking poles tips. And always use carbide tips as they are more durable than steel and rubber tips for trekking poles.

The “best” pair of trekking poles varies from user to user. No set of trekking poles is right for everyone. But if you keep these things in mind, you will be able to narrow down your choices and find the right one for you. Also, if you are searching for the best trekking poles for women then you should check out this blog post.

If you have any questions you want to ask us about trekking poles, comment below, and we will be sure to get back to you.