How to Choose Hiking Poles: A Complete Guide for Every Trail Type 

Did you know that using hiking poles can reduce the impact on your knees by up to 20? That’s like taking off a heavy backpack every time you take a step.  

I’ve spent years testing different poles on everything from local day hikes to challenging mountain traverses. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, carrying a heavy pack, or just looking to make hiking easier on your body, the right poles can transform your trail experience.  

Let me show you how to pick the perfect pair for your adventures. 

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How to Choose Hiking Poles: A Complete Guide for Every Trail Type

Introduction to Hiking Poles and Their Benefits

Trekking poles work wonders for your stability and they take a ton of pressure off your knees by spreading the impact across your upper body, cutting down the force on your joints by up to 16%, as reported in this study for the Wilderness Medical Society. 

I also really appreciate my poles when I’m crossing tricky spots like streams or navigating steep descents. They give me that extra confidence boost, especially when I’m carrying a heavy pack. Plus, they help me catch my balance on loose rocks or different terrain types. 

The best part? They’re not just for experienced hikers. Whether you’re tackling your first day hike or planning a multi-day trek, poles can make your outdoor experience so much better. They help you maintain good posture and let you use your arms to power through tough sections of trail. 

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Materials Used in Hiking Pole Construction 

When I’m shopping for how to pick hiking poles, I always look at the material first. Aluminum poles are my go-to for rough terrain and long trips. They’re heavier than carbon fiber, but they’ll bend instead of break if you really stress them. That’s saved me more than once on tough trails! They’re also way cheaper, which is great if you’re just starting out. 

Carbon fiber poles are super light – we’re talking just 12-18 ounces per pair. They feel amazing on long hikes because they absorb little vibrations really well. But here’s the catch: they can snap under pressure, especially if you catch them between rocks. They also cost more than aluminum poles. 

I’ve seen some hikers use hybrid poles that mix both materials. It’s a nice middle ground if you want something lighter than pure aluminum but more durable than carbon fiber. They usually fall somewhere in the middle price-wise too. 

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Proper Length and Adjustability of Hiking Poles 

Getting the right pole length makes a huge difference in your hiking comfort. I always tell my friends to start by holding the poles with their arms at 90 degrees – that’s your baseline length. For most folks under 5’7″, poles around 43 inches work well. If you’re over 6 feet tall, you’ll want poles that extend to at least 51 inches. 

The real magic happens when you adjust your poles on the trail. When I’m heading uphill, I shorten my poles about 2-4 inches – it gives me better push-off power. Going downhill? I lengthen them about the same amount to help with balance and take pressure off my knees. 

I’ve found telescoping poles super handy because you can fine-tune the length as you go. Fixed-length poles are lighter and simpler, but you lose that flexibility. If you’re hitting varied terrain (like I often do), trekking pole weight is worth considering, but adjustable poles are worth the tiny bit of extra. 

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Types of Grips and Their Advantages 

Let’s talk about pole grips – they can make or break your hiking experience. Cork grips are my absolute favorite. They mold to your hand shape over time and feel amazing even when you’re sweating. I had used my previous pair for years, and they just kept getting more comfortable. They also don’t get slippery in the rain, which is a huge plus on wet days. 

Foam grips are super light and do a good job soaking up sweat. They’re cheaper than cork and work well for day hikes. The downside? They can get a bit slick when wet and don’t last as long as cork. 

Rubber grips are tough as nails and great in cold weather – your hands won’t freeze to them like metal! But on hot days, they can feel sticky and might give you blisters on longer hikes. You could keep a pair with rubber grips for winter hiking when you’re wearing gloves. 

Some poles come with extended grip sections below the main grip. I’ve found these helpful when hiking across slopes or making quick adjustments without stopping to change pole length, but it’s not an absolute must. 

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Wrist Straps and Ergonomic Designs 

I’ve learned the hard way that wrist straps make a huge difference on long hikes. They help spread the pressure across your hand instead of concentrating it in your grip. I sometimes skip using the straps but on long hikes, my hands can start to get tired halfway through my hikes. On long hikes, I thread my hands up through the bottom of the straps and grip down on top – it’s like having power steering for your poles! 

The width and padding of the strap matter too. I prefer wider straps because they don’t dig into my wrists. Some brands use a soft, breathable material that won’t chafe when you’re sweating. The best ones adjust easily, even with gloves on. 

I discovered the hard way a downside to using the wrist straps.  I was using them when I slipped and my pole twisted.  Because I had the strap on, the pressure against my wrist actually broke the handle.  If I hadn’t had the wrist strap on, the handle wouldn’t have broken – though I would likely have lost the pole down the slope beside me.   

Most quality poles now come with angled grips that match how your wrists naturally fall. I’ve found this design helps prevent wrist strain on steep climbs. If you’re using your trekking pole weight matters a lot, these small design details really add up over a long day of hiking. 

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Locking Mechanisms: Twist-Lock vs. Lever-Lock 

When it comes to keeping your poles at the right length, I’ve tried both twist-lock and lever-lock systems. Pick hiking poles with lever locks (also called flick locks) are my top pick – they’re super easy to adjust even with cold hands or when wearing gloves. I can see right away if they’re locked or not, and they rarely slip during use. 

Twist locks are older tech, but some hikers still swear by them. They’re built into the pole and protected from dirt and grime. The downside? I’ve had them get stuck or start slipping on long hikes, especially in wet conditions. They can also be tricky to tighten just right – too loose and they slip, too tight and they get stuck. 

If you’re heading out in winter or wet conditions, go with lever locks. They might add a tiny bit of weight, but the reliability is worth it. Just look for aluminum lever locks instead of plastic ones – they last way longer and won’t break when you really need them. 

Some poles come with a mechanism to tighten the lock.  I really recommend this.  A previous pair I had didn’t have this and over time, the level locks loosened.  This first happened when I was using them to stabilize myself on a narrow trail with a drop off on one side – not the exact moment you want your telescoping pole to loosen and shorten!  The new ones I now have can be tightened manually of this happens. 

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Durability and Shock Absorption Features 

Some hiking poles come with built-in shock absorption – springs inside the shaft that compress when you plant the pole. These shock-absorbing poles are particularly handy on rocky trails and long treks – they definitely take some stress off your joints. But they add weight and can feel bouncy when you’re trying to push off uphill. 

Standard poles without shock absorption are lighter and give better feedback from the trail. I actually prefer these for most of my hiking because I like feeling more connected to the ground. They’re also less likely to break since there are fewer moving parts. 

The foam-filled bottom sections on higher-end poles make a noticeable difference in how much vibration travels up to your hands. On long downhills, this feature helps prevent that tingling feeling you get from repeated impact. While it adds a few bucks to the price tag, your hands will thank you after a full day on the trail. 

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Collapsibility and Packability Options 

When you’re picking hiking poles, it’s good to know they come in different foldable styles. I use telescoping poles most often – they slide into themselves like an old TV antenna. They’re super tough and let me adjust the length by 12-16 inches, but they don’t pack down as small as other types. 

Folding poles break into three pieces connected by a cable inside. These are often better for travel because they can fit easily in your carry-on bag. They’re incredibly light and pop together in seconds. The downside? You usually can’t adjust them as much, and the connection points can wear out over time. 

Some of my hiking friends swear by hybrid poles that combine both designs. You get about 6-8 inches of adjustment plus the compact folding size. I’ve found them great for trips where I need to pack light but still want some flexibility in pole length. 

The trade-off is usually between how small they pack and how sturdy they are. For day hikes, the super-packable folding poles work fine. But for rough trails or long trips, I stick with telescoping poles. 

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Pole Tips and Baskets for Different Terrains 

Your pole tips can make a huge difference on the trail. I always keep rubber tips on my poles when I’m hiking on asphalt or smooth rock – they grip better and don’t make that annoying clicking sound. They’re also great in mud and sand since they don’t sink as deep. 

Carbide tips are my go-to for most other conditions. They bite into the ground really well, especially on loose dirt or rocky terrain. Just watch out – they can scratch up rocks and leave marks on delicate surfaces. Especially important in national parks! 

When it comes to different trekking pole tips, I switch them out based on the season. Small baskets work fine for regular hiking, but in deep snow or mud, you’ll want bigger ones to keep your poles from sinking. Sand baskets are awesome for desert hikes – they stop your poles from disappearing into soft sand. 

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Weight Considerations for Hiking Poles 

The weight of your hiking poles makes a big difference on long trails especially. I’ve used both ultralight and standard poles, and here’s what I’ve learned: lighter poles (under 9 ounces per pair) feel amazing when you’re swinging them all day. Your arms don’t tire as quickly, and you can move faster on maintained trails. 

But there’s always a trade-off. Those super light carbon poles that feel like feathers? They’re not the best choice for rough terrain or off-trail adventures. I learned this the hard way when one of mine snapped during a bushwhack. Now I use slightly heavier aluminum poles (about 16 ounces per pair) for challenging hikes. They might weigh more, but they’re way more dependable when I need to lean on them. 

For day hikes, the weight difference isn’t a huge deal. But on multi-day trips, those few ounces really add up. I’ve found the sweet spot is around 12-14 ounces per pair – light enough to swing easily but strong enough to trust with my trekking pole weight matters weight. 

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Specialized Features for Different Hiking Styles 

Ultralight backpackers love poles under 9 ounces per pair. Carbon fiber Z-style poles are often best for long thru-hikes – they weigh almost nothing and fold up tiny. But I recommend always bringing an extra tip since they can snap if you catch them wrong between rocks. 

Winter hiking needs beefier features. I learned to love wide powder baskets after my poles kept disappearing in deep snow. The larger surface area helps you probe for stability, and they work great for building snow anchors too. Foam grips stay warmer than cork in freezing temps, and lever locks won’t freeze up like twist locks can. 

For multi-day trips where conditions change, pack hybrid poles with swappable baskets. They’re slightly heavier but super versatile. The extended grip sections let you choke up or down without stopping to adjust length – super helpful when you’re switching between steep uphills and flat sections carrying a trekking pole weight matters heavy pack. 

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Single Pole vs. Pair of Poles 

I’ve used both single hiking staffs and pairs of poles on my trails, and each has its sweet spot. A single staff works great on flat terrain and gentle slopes – it’s lighter to carry and gives you a free hand for grabbing water or checking your map. I especially like using one pole when I’m taking photos since I can quickly prop it against a tree or use it as a makeshift monopod. 

But for serious hiking, I always grab a pair of poles. Two poles give me way better balance when I’m crossing streams or navigating rocky sections. They help me catch myself if I slip, and I can plant them in an A-frame position for extra stability. If I’m carrying a heavy pack on steep terrain, having two poles lets me distribute my weight more evenly. 

I’ll also mix it up – I’ll carry two poles but sometimes stow one away depending on the trail conditions. I’ve found this works well if you’re hitting varied terrain throughout your hike. 

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Budget Considerations and Price Ranges 

You can find decent hiking poles at pretty much any price point.  

Budget

The basic aluminum poles at big box stores start around $30-40. I started with these and they worked fine for short weekend hikes. These Cascade Mountain poles are a good budget pair. 

Mid-Range

Mid-range poles from run $60-80 – these often pack better features like cork grips and reliable locking mechanisms. I used to have these Foxelli Carbon Fiber ones. They were great for a while but then the cork handle broke and the level latch loosened, so I upgraded. 

I currently have these Leki Jannu ones. They’re at the low end of the Leki range, so are actually still mid-range in terms of price.  They’re aluminum, but they work great for day hikes.

High-End

Good high-end poles brands are Leki and Black Diamond. If you’re going to be doing multi-day hikes, then I’d go with lighter carbon fiber ones like these Black Diamond carbon poles. 

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How to Choose Hiking Poles: A Complete Guide for Every Trail Type

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Hiking Poles 

After trying dozens of poles over the years, I’ve learned that the perfect pair depends on your specific needs. The key is matching the pole features to your hiking style – consider the trails you typically tackle, the weight you’re comfortable carrying, and how much you’re ready to spend. 

Remember, even basic poles are better than no poles at all. Start with what fits your budget and upgrade as you learn what features matter most to you.  

Read More:

➡️ Pros & Cons of Trekking Poles
➡️ Review of my Leki Jannu Hiking Poles
➡️ How to Use Trekking Poles

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➡️ Read more Product Reviews

About the Author

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