How To Choose The Right Trekking Poles For Hiking (& More Essential Tips)

Save your knees and boost stability with the perfect trekking poles from top brands like Black Diamond and Leki. Our expert guide helps you choose between carbon and aluminium so you can hit the trail with total confidence.

Are trekking poles worth it? If you’re hiking long distances or looking to reduce strain on your joints during your next adventure, the short answer is yes - but that’s only the start of what you need to know. 

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain why trekking poles are an essential part of your hiking gear kit, how to use them correctly and how to choose the best trekking poles from trusted brands like Komperdell, Leki and Black Diamond. 

In the video below, Wildfire Sports & Trek hiking expert Jasper walks you through the key elements to know about trekking poles. He’ll demystify the differences between lightweight carbon trekking poles, durable aluminium trekking poles and more, so you can get your ideal fit in your hands and onto the trail. 

Hey guys, Jasper here from Wildfire Sports & Trek and I’m here to tell you all about trekking poles - the different types, how they should be used, and how to find which one is best for you.

The Benefits Of Trekking Poles

The first question I’m aiming to answer is, why use trekking poles at all? What is the point? Trekking poles are beneficial for: 

• Long distance walking and hiking because they help alleviate the strain on your shoulders, knees and back, especially when carrying more weight. 
• Rehabilitation, staying active while managing injuries or supporting individuals with a lower fitness level, helps you build strength over time.
• Helping improve your balance on uneven terrain and improve your posture by helping you to stand upright when walking uphill.

How To Use Trekking Poles 

This question may seem trivial at first, however there are certain nuances to properly using and holding trekking poles to ensure you are getting the most energy return when walking uphill or downhill. 

To correctly hold trekking poles: 

1. Thread your hand up through the strap: Your palm rests on the bottom of the strap and can exert additional force through the pole. This helps to prevent your hand from tiring and to exert more force from your arms.
2. Ensure your trekking poles are the right height: Make a right angle (90º angle) between your wrist and the hiking pole. This is important because having the poles adjusted too low will negatively affect your posture, and having them too high makes you exert more force than necessary. Implementing this right-angle rule means that your pole length going uphill and downhill will change. Your poles should be shorter going uphill because your hands are closer to the ground, and, inversely, longer going downhill due to your hands being higher above the ground.
3. Walking technique: Alternate your arms with your feet, left hand with your right foot, and right hand with your left foot.

Check out how to use trekking poles for a full video demonstration. 

Beginner’s Guide To Buying The Right Trekking Poles 

The number of brands, models and prices of trekking poles can be quite daunting, so how do you know which trekking pole is best for you? We can break down the properties into a few categories: the material, the handle, the lock and how they pack down. 

Material: Are Carbon Or Aluminium Trekking Poles Better? 

Trekking poles come in two materials, aluminium and carbon fibre. Aluminium poles tend to be more durable and rugged, however they are heavier and don't absorb as much shock force. Carbon poles are lighter, have better shock absorption, and we recommend them for backpackers and trail runners, however they are more expensive.

Handle: What Is The Best Handle Material For Trekking Poles? 

Similar to the material of the stem, trekking pole handles also come in two main options: cork and foam. Cork grips absorb more sweat, mould better to your hand over time and are generally more comfortable, although they are less durable. Foam grips are cheaper, handle better in wet and cold conditions and are more durable. 

Lock: What Is The Best Locking Mechanism For Trekking Poles? 

The trekking pole locking mechanism can be broken down into two key categories: twist lock trekking poles and flick lock trekking poles. Twist lock poles are easy to adjust, but are not great in wet conditions. Flick locks are more durable and are better for heavy loads.

Packability: Fixed Vs Foldable Trekking Poles

Lastly, in terms of packability, trekking poles are either fixed or foldable. The only real difference here is preference; neither option is less durable. Foldable poles will just pack down smaller and are more expensive.

Our Recommendations

What trekking pole you need depends on what activity you are planning. 

• Casual Hiker: For casual hikers, we recommend an aluminium, flick-lock pole with a cork grip. 
• Trail Runners & Day Hikers: For trail runners or day hikers, go with a lightweight carbon trekking pole with a twist lock and cork grip.
• Overnight hikers or cold-weather hikers: Go for an aluminium, flick-lock pole that folds up and has a foam handle for a more reliable experience.

E.g. Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles

Wrap Up 

Whether you’re just starting or upgrading your gear, the right trekking poles can make a huge difference to your comfort and confidence on the trail. If you have any questions or want to check out our full range of trekking or walking poles, come down to Wildfire Sports & Trek. 

You can also browse and buy from your own home with our huge collection of trekking poles for women and men online in Australia. Remember to subscribe to the Wildfire Sports & Trek YouTube channel for more friendly advice, expert tips and recommendations. 

Happy hiking!