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What To Look For
Hikers and backpackers have different needs. The first step to determine the kind of pole suits you is figuring out how and where you'll be using the poles. If you're a thru-hiker or one prone to crossing relatively flat terrain without a whole lot of elevation gain or loss, it's unlikely you'll need a pole with an anti-shock feature. But you might opt for a lighter pole made of carbon to decrease your carrying weight. If you're a hiker or backpacker who likes to climb high and encounters a lot of downhill action, you might want to investigate poles with built-in anti-shock features to lessen the load on your arms and knees.
Common Pitfalls
The locking mechanism on walking and trekking poles can vary greatly. Some people prefer a twist lock, while others prefer a lever lock. Both are easy to engage. But twist locks can wear over time and you might find yourself twisting your poles without the lock engaging. Lever locks can suffer from broken levers, leaving you unable to collapse or expand the poles. Both failures will render poles useless unless extensive repairs are made. Height markings on poles will fade over time, so once you've found a comfortable extension, use a paint pen to place an extra marking. If you're hiking a lot of very rocky terrain, you can easily bend carbon fiber poles by getting them stuck between larger rocks. Consider how and where you'll be using your walking poles and know that rougher terrain can potentially damage poles meant for the fast and light backpacker.
Where To Buy
Large outdoor retailers have a wide selection of walking poles. The benefit of purchasing from a retailer in-person is the ability to try out different poles to see what you like. Another option is to test drive poles in the store and purchase online from a retailer.
Cost
Trekking and walking poles can be had on the cheap through mass retailers. If you're new to trekking poles, this can be a cost-effective way to start using them before investing in a more expensive pair with more bells and whistles. But you shouldn't expect these inexpensive poles to last forever. Poles purchased at mass retailers can begin as low as $25 for a pair as of September 2009 and escalate to $160. Pricing is strongly dependent on the material the trekking poles are made of (aluminum is much less expensive than carbon) and whether they have an anti-shock feature.
Comparison Shopping
You can buy a set of trekking poles or a simple walking staff (one pole, generally taller). The best advice is to rent some and take them for a test drive or borrow a friend's to see what you like. Then determine what kind of locking mechanism you prefer. You'll also need to see how a particular model feels in your hands.
Accessories
Snow baskets are the most common accessories hikers and backpackers tend to buy for their trekking poles. Also commonly purchased are replacement tips after loss or excessive use. Make sure you purchase accessories designed for your specific trekking poles as designs vary widely and it's unlikely one brand's accessories will fit another.
Insider Tips
REI brand trekking poles are manufactured by Komperdell and its accessories are generally interchangeable.
