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If you change length often, go telescopic; if you stow them a lot, a folding pole suits.
Guide
Hiking & Trekking Poles
On flat ground your forearm should be level when the tip touches down beside your foot. Lengthen the poles a little for descents and shorten them for climbs.
Key points
Length: forearm level on flat ground, longer for descents, shorter for climbs.
Lever locks are easier to adjust in gloves than twist locks.
Aluminium bends when overloaded; carbon is lighter but can snap from the side.
Hand up through the strap from below, so the strap supports your wrist.
Which poles for which walk?
Use
What matters
Your pick
Day hike
What mattersLight pack, short descents
Your pickLight telescopic or folding poles
Multi-day Alpine trek
What mattersLong descents, heavy pack
Your pickTelescopic poles with lever locks
Steep traverses
What mattersUphill side needs a shorter pole
Your pickLong foam grip to choke down on
Travel and flights
What mattersSmall pack size
Your pickFolding poles in checked luggage
Winter walking
What mattersSoft snow
Your pickLarge snow baskets instead of trekking baskets
What to look for
Question
In short
Why
What length do I need?
In shortForearm level
WhyStand on flat ground in your boots with the tip beside your foot. Your forearm should be level. Adjustable poles can be tuned on the trail.
Telescopic or folding?
In shortAdjustment or pack size
WhyTelescopic poles adjust over a wide range. Folding poles collapse into sections and pack very small, but often adjust only over a short range.
Aluminium or carbon?
In shortWeight versus bending
WhyAluminium gives under overload and bends. Carbon saves weight but can snap if it takes a hard knock from the side.
Which grip?
In shortCork for sweaty hands
WhyCork stays grippy when you sweat. Foam is light and soft. A long grip extension below the handle helps on traverses.
Which tip and basket?
In shortBoth can be swapped
WhyA carbide tip bites on rock and ice. Rubber paws suit tarmac, and larger baskets suit snow.
Frequently asked questions
Do poles take strain off my knees?
They carry part of your weight, especially on descents with a pack. On narrow, exposed sections, free hands are often safer, so stow the poles there.
Can I take poles in hand luggage?
Often not. Many airports class them as pointed items. Pack them in your checked bag or ask the airline before you fly.
One pole or two?
Two spread the load across both sides. A single pole is enough for short descents or paths where you need a hand free.
My telescopic pole keeps slipping. What now?
On a lever lock, tighten the screw on the lever slightly. On a twist lock, pull the section out, dry it and retighten. After a walk, leave the poles extended to dry.
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