What To Look For
Once looked upon with disdain, trekking poles are now commonly used by backpackers who understand the benefits, both for assistance in going uphill and the cushioning to your knees, that a good pair of poles can provide. Trekking poles can be bought either singularly or as a pair. Poles can be three section or two section, and can adjust to different lengths. Three section poles can compact down smaller, making them easier to store on your pack when more technical terrain is encountered. Poles made of carbon fiber are lighter and more durable than those made with aluminum. Anti-shock poles help further cushion the joints from the jolts of the trail.
Common Pitfalls
Poles with a flick-lock mechanism are much easier to adjust than poles that twist to lock in place, but the twist lock poles are cheaper. Since the poles have an adjustable length, it is important to make sure they compact down far enough that they can be easily store on a pack.
While adjustable ski poles can double as trekking poles, they do not have the same level of cushioning, and the baskets are typically bigger and get in the way more in the tight confines of some trails.
Where To Buy
Many top hiking stores, such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports, carry a wide variety of trekking poles. Online retailers like Backcountry.com and Trails.com are also a good place to buy trekking poles.
Cost
Prices for hiking poles can vary from $49.95 for a basic pole to $200 for top of the line anti-shock carbon fiber poles.
Comparison Shopping
Leki is the leader in the hiking pole market. If you want top-of-the-line poles, Leki's Carbonlite AERGON Antishock ($199.95) is as good as it gets. For female trekkers who have smaller hands, Leki offers the Devine AERGON Antishock ($149.95). The Trail ($79.95) and Trail Antishock ($99.95) are oriented towards budget-minded hikers.
Black Diamond is another excellent manufacturer of trekking poles. Their top-of-the-line model is the Contour Elliptic Carbon ($159.95) and is very lightweight with a slim profile. The Alpine Carbon Cork ($139.95) is Black Diamond's lightest, most compact model. The Trail Shock and Trail Shock Compact ($109.95) are versatile poles good for most needs, while the Trail and Trail Compact ($89.95) are entry-level models that lack the antishock of their more expensive brethren.
Mountainsmith offers a couple of basic poles that lack the functionality of the Black Diamond and Leki designs, and REI also makes several house-brand poles that are worth a look.
Accessories
Spare baskets and tips can be bought for most high quality poles. A rubber covering can be bought for the tips of poles when they are used on pavement.
Insider Tips
Carbon fiber tips are designed to flex a little more when planted, helping to keep the shaft of the pole from deforming under stress.
