How to Buy a Hiking Pole
Decide between buying 2 hiking poles or a single hiking staff., Decide which of the following features are most important to you., Size your pole.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide between buying 2 hiking poles or a single hiking staff.
A hiking staff is usually, but not always, longer than hiking poles.
It provides only 1 point of balance, but, likewise, only 1 object to carry or strap to your backpack when not in use.
If you carry trekking poles, you have the option of loaning 1 to a friend. -
Step 2: Decide which of the following features are most important to you.
Shock absorbers:
On most hiking poles and staffs, you can turn the shock absorber off by pressing down on the handle and twisting.
Adjustability:
Collapsible or telescoping hiking poles and staffs pack down small enough not to stick out to the sides when you strap them to the outside of your backpack.
You can also adjust the poles to fit hikers of different heights, or to help keep you steady when side hilling, or going uphill or downhill.
Hand strap or no hand strip? This is purely a matter of personal preference.
Material:
Aluminum is strong and cheap, but heavy; carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive.
Aluminum can bend under stress; carbon fiber is more likely to break.
Grip material and size:
Foam, cork and rubber are your most common grip material choices.
The grip may be just large enough to accommodate your hand, or extend further down the pole.
Baskets: on many trekking poles, these can be swapped out; use large baskets for hiking in mud or snow, and smaller baskets when hiking through brush or in everyday conditions. , Your hand should rest comfortably on the grip with your arm at your side, elbow bent at 90 degrees.
If the poles are adjustable, lock the adjusting mechanism in place (this is usually done by rotating half of the pole) and lean on the poles; they shouldn't buckle or give beneath your weight. -
Step 3: Size your pole.
Detailed Guide
A hiking staff is usually, but not always, longer than hiking poles.
It provides only 1 point of balance, but, likewise, only 1 object to carry or strap to your backpack when not in use.
If you carry trekking poles, you have the option of loaning 1 to a friend.
Shock absorbers:
On most hiking poles and staffs, you can turn the shock absorber off by pressing down on the handle and twisting.
Adjustability:
Collapsible or telescoping hiking poles and staffs pack down small enough not to stick out to the sides when you strap them to the outside of your backpack.
You can also adjust the poles to fit hikers of different heights, or to help keep you steady when side hilling, or going uphill or downhill.
Hand strap or no hand strip? This is purely a matter of personal preference.
Material:
Aluminum is strong and cheap, but heavy; carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive.
Aluminum can bend under stress; carbon fiber is more likely to break.
Grip material and size:
Foam, cork and rubber are your most common grip material choices.
The grip may be just large enough to accommodate your hand, or extend further down the pole.
Baskets: on many trekking poles, these can be swapped out; use large baskets for hiking in mud or snow, and smaller baskets when hiking through brush or in everyday conditions. , Your hand should rest comfortably on the grip with your arm at your side, elbow bent at 90 degrees.
If the poles are adjustable, lock the adjusting mechanism in place (this is usually done by rotating half of the pole) and lean on the poles; they shouldn't buckle or give beneath your weight.
About the Author
Ruth Martinez
Ruth Martinez has dedicated 5 years to mastering education and learning. As a content creator, Ruth focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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