What To Look For
To get the most out of your trekking pole purchase, there are a few things to compare. Most trekking poles are adjustable, allowing you to lengthen and shorten the poles as needed for hiking and storage. This is helpful when ascending and descending steep terrain, as using different lengths will provide the best performance for the varying conditions. Adjustable poles use different locking systems to lock into place, including lever systems, similar to quick release on bikes, and screwing mechanisms. Fixed length poles are a little lighter and less expensive and are well-suited to flat terrain or to users that don't want to adjust the length; these will need to be more closely sized. Anti-shock hardware is another feature on many trekking poles that helps to further reduce stress on the hips, knees and ankles when descending. This feature is especially good for those with leg problems, but may not be as useful to other users and will add price and weight. Cork and foam grips are good at handling perspiration and moisture while rubber grips provide insulation from cold and vibration. Some grips also feature slight angling to make them more natural and comfortable to hold. For easy storage, look for poles that compact down under 30 inches. For most hiking, two poles will serve you well, and most trekking poles are sold in pairs.
Common Pitfalls
A proper sized pole is one that stands on the ground when your elbow is bent at 90 degrees as you hold it. When sizing an adjustable pole, you want this 90-degree height to fall within the middle of the adjustable range, not the top end or bottom end. This way you'll be able to lengthen and shorten the pole several inches as the terrain dictates. You also want to avoid lengthening any pole segment to maximum, as this can cause instability and breakage. Don't overspend on unnecessary features and determine the type of hiking that you intend to do and the features that will be necessary. For instance, if you only hike on a level nature path, you don't need to spend top dollar on anti-shock, adjustable poles.
Where To Buy
You can find trekking poles at outdoor sports shops and general sports retailers that stock camping/hiking equipment. To get the best feel for sizing and comfort, shop in person and try out a few models. Online, you can find trekking poles right here at our Outdoor Gear shop or on other popular retail websites like Altrec and Backcountry.
Cost
Trekking pole prices vary widely depending upon factors like features and weight. Most poles fall between 13 ounces and 22 ounces in weight and range in price from $70 to $200. Some popular trekking pole brands include Leki and Black Diamond. Carbon fiber poles are typically lighter and more expensive than aluminum ones.
Accessories
A few additional things to look for when shopping for poles: soft, comfortable and adjustable wrist straps, rubber tip protectors, small baskets for use in mud/soft ground and large baskets for snow.
