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Hiking & Trekking Poles

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.

Last updated: November 2026