A Balanced Approach

Over the last few years, hikers often encounter other folks on trail swinging a pair of trekking poles. The usual reaction is a skeptical, “I don’t need poles.” That skepticism changes after the ill-placed step on a rocky descent turns into a slip and fall. Ouch.

A pair of trekking poles adds two more connections to the ground, distributing your weight and reducing stress on hips, knees and your lower back. The result is a more stable hiking experience, less fatigue and most importantly, a reduced chance of a fall.

Carrying a backpack or daypack, hikers tend to lean forward. That unnatural posture stresses your spine and quickens the sense of fatigue. Trekking poles help keep you upright and improve your breathing.

Trekking poles become an extension of your body. The routine of extending the pole tip, taking a step or two, and placing the opposite pole on the ground creates a rhythm that helps you cover a lot of distance. That routine can turn a leisurely meander to a true cardio workout.

Trekking poles may seem unnecessary on flat surfaces, but they earn their keep on ascents and descents. On climbs, hikers can use the poles to push off and ascend. The leverage splits the workload between upper and lower body muscle groups. On descents, the poles help stabilize your footing.

Over time, trekking poles add functions beyond balance. Hikers use poles to test the depth of water on backcountry stream crossings, check footing in wet, muddy, boggy environments and move brush and trail obstacles away from your path. On stream crossings, traversing rain-soaked rocks and on steep climbs, trekking poles add a sense of stability that makes those journeys less stressful.

Familiar outdoor brands like Black Diamond, MSR, Leki and REI offer a variety of hiking pole models. Fundamentally similar, all the trekking poles on the market from reputable brands will perform well. Learning about the details can help find the best model for you.

Choosing the right model for your purposes requires decisions about the major component elements such as construction materials, adjustability, locking mechanisms, and grips. Even basic models provide significant benefits when hiking. There are options to fit a wide range of preferences and applications.

Grips

Using trekking poles is more comfortable when the grips fit your hands, especially hours into a long hike. The three most common materials used in grips are cork, foam and rubber.

Most pole users claim cork grips are the most comfortable. Ergonomically shaped, cork grips absorb sweat and take on the shape of your hands after repeated uses. Foam grips feel soft right after purchasing. Since trekking poles have applications in all four seasons, foam grips provide some insulation in colder weather.

Rubber grips are more durable and can perform better in wet conditions, but don’t necessarily conform to the shape of your hands.

In addition to grip materials, take a look at the strap materials and configurations. Each brand uses proprietary designs and configurations. Straps help control the placement of the pole’s tips and transfer weight. Since most trekking poles are packaged in a way that leaves the grips accessible, try several different models to see what works best for you.

Construction Materials

In this part of the selection process, the decision is limited to two choices: aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is less expensive, durable and absorbs impact without transferring that impact from your hands. When stressed, aluminum poles bend instead of break. Used with a heavy backpack, that’s a clear advantage moving through rocky terrain.

Carbon fiber poles appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who want to move fast and light trail running or fast hiking pursuits. Much lighter, carbon fiber poles reduce the fatigue that comes from swinging heavier aluminum poles. If there is a disadvantage, carbon fiber poles can snap when stressed. Broken poles can’t be repaired. Finally, carbon fiber models are more expensive.

Configurations

Trekking poles are offered in two basic configurations: fixed length and adjustable. Most models on the market offer some form of adjustability. Telescoping poles allow you to adjust the pole length to fit your height and planned use. Folding models, also called “Z-poles,” use thin but strong cords to connect the segments.

Adjustable poles are much easier to carry stored in backpack pockets or in exterior bungee nets. One of the significant differences between brands is the locking mechanisms to securely hold the adjusted poles in place. Locking mechanisms may take a few minutes to learn how to operate but become second nature quickly.

Most trekking poles include accessory baskets that are installed at the bottom of the poles. The tips keep poles from sinking into muddy terrain, between rocks, and snow.

Lightweight, adjustable, and easy to store in a backpack pocket, trekking poles offer true advantages. Why not try a pair and find out for yourself? After adding a pair of trekking poles to your gear kit, feel free to offer some advice to the next hiker you see on a trail without poles.