Learn about Trekking Poles

Why Use Trekking Poles?

Trekking poles, aka hiking poles, provide the following benefits:

Prevent you from slipping and falling on slippery surfaces
Help you catch yourself when you trip or stumble
Provide stability during river crossings
Reduce impact on joints
Assist you in climbing or descending steep slopes
Some types have adjustable lengths that can be shortened for hiking uphill or lengthened for hiking downhill
Lighter and easier to store than walking sticks
Can be used to hold up trekking-pole tents

In my opinion, trekking poles are not necessary for most budget backpackers. For safety, however, some hiking conditions require at least some kind of walking stick with a tip that won’t slip on the ground surface. I have used cross-country ski poles, and they worked just fine. You can carve a walking stick out of a sturdy tree branch, although it might be heavy and increase fatigue.

On icy surfaces, you will need proper trekking poles and crampons. It is wise to use trekking poles during river crossings.

Trekking poles range from moderately priced to very expensive, but affordable options exist.

Pole Structures

Pole Structure	Description	Pros	Cons
Telescoping	Collapses like a telescope	Strong	• Not as compact as foldable poles • Heavier than foldable poles
Foldable = Z-type	• Sections connected with an elastic cord • Folds like a tent pole	• Very compact • Lightweight	• Length not adjustable • Not as strong as telescoping poles • Some don’t have removable baskets
Combination	• One section telescopes for length adjustment • Other section folds	• Versatile • Combines best features of telescoping and foldable poles • Allows sufficient length adjustment	• Not as light as foldable poles • Not as strong as telescoping poles
Non adjustable	One continuous shaft	• Strong • Lightweight	Length not adjustable

Lock Mechanisms for Telescoping Poles

Lock Mechanism	Description	Pros	Cons
Lever lock, also called flip lock flip style clamp lock quick lock speed lock external lock	Clamps engaged by levers	• Quick and easy to adjust • Easy to use while wearing gloves	Levers can fall off some cheap brands if the bolt becomes loose
Twist lock	Twist to lock	• Strong • Durable • Lightweight	• Somewhat hard to use while wearing gloves • Hands get cold when using without gloves
Push-button lock	• Locks automatically when pole is extended • Push button to unlock	Locks automatically	• Limited length options; length can’t be fine-tuned • Very hard to unlock while wearing gloves • Hands get cold when unlocking without gloves
Combination lock	Combination of locking mechanisms, e.g., lever lock on upper shaft and twist lock on lower shaft	Balance of strength, light weight, and ease of use	Cons of each lock mechanism

Special Types of Trekking Poles

Shock-absorbing

Contain springs that absorb shock for walking downhill. The shock-absorbing feature can be disengaged. Recommended for hikers who have issues with their hips, knees or ankles.

Camera Mount

Include a camera mount under the handle so the pole to be used as a monopod.

Shaft Materials

Shaft Material	Pros	Cons
Aluminum	• Durable • Affordable	• Heavy • Can bend under stress
Carbon fiber or carbon-fiber composite	• Lightweight • Stiff • Strong when loaded vertically	• Weak when bent horizontally • Easily chip or crack • Brittle; can snap under stress • Expensive

Grip Materials

Rubber

Keeps your hands warm

Foam

Absorbs sweat from your hands

Cork

Best for absorbing sweat from hands

Baskets and Tips

Rubber Tips

Absorb shock on paved surfaces
Reduce damage to trails

Rubber Feet

Provide forward propulsion to speed up pace
Improve stability
Absorb shocks
Don’t slip on hard surfaces such as paved roads

Mud Baskets

Prevent sinking in mud and sand
Prevent mud from splashing on your clothes

Snow Baskets

Provide flotation on snow, like snowshoes