Trekking poles

Trekking poles for mountain trails

Trekking poles are equipment that changes the character of a hike: some of the effort is taken by the arms, and a step on uneven ground becomes more secure. They are appreciated both by people taking short trips in the Beskids and by hikers planning multi-day backpacking routes. They are useful on ascents, descents and when crossing streams, and in winter they support walking on packed snow. Each of these terrains imposes different demands, so you choose gear differently for a weekend walk than for a full-day route with a heavy backpack. In this category you will find telescopic and folding models, constructions in aluminium and carbon, as well as solutions for winter walking. Among the offers are trekking poles Black Diamond, a brand associated with mountain equipment. When looking for poles for hiking in the mountains, check the length adjustment system, type of grip, shaft material and strap comfort, because these affect comfort after several hours of walking. Choose mountain poles together with the rest of your kit, for example with trekking boots, which provide grip underfoot. Well-matched gear helps maintain a steady pace and reduces the risk of slipping on wet rocks. In the following sections we explain construction, how to choose the right length and care, so you can easily pick trekking poles for the mountains.

What are trekking poles made of?

The construction of trekking poles is based on shafts joined in segments, a grip at the top and a tip at the bottom, but it is the details of this construction that determine comfort on the trail. You will most often encounter telescopic trekking poles, where the segments slide into one another, so when collapsed they occupy little space. The other group consists of folding models, divided into several parts connected by an internal cord. When folded they resemble a short rod that is easy to stow in a side pocket or attach to trekking backpacks. The choice depends on your walking style: telescopes make frequent length changes easier, while folding constructions are quicker to set up and simpler to transport. The more segments, the shorter the gear when folded, but also the more points you need to check. Also check the collapsed length, because it determines whether the pole will fit in a side pocket of your backpack or travel bag. Length is usually adjusted using a lever lock or a twist-lock system. A lever lets you change the setting in one motion, even with gloves on, whereas a twist-lock is compact but requires more feel in frost and wet hands. The next decision concerns shaft material. Aluminium withstands knocks against rocks and daily use well, and is usually cheaper, so it’s a sensible choice for your first poles. Metal also performs well in rough terrain where the pole is pressed between rocks. Carbon (carbon fiber) reduces weight, which you notice after many hours of walking, but the material is more sensitive to point damage and bending. For this reason carbon trekking poles are chosen by people who count every gram and handle their gear carefully. On long trips you will also appreciate the reduced arm fatigue that carbon poles provide, since each arm swing requires less effort. Carbon is also often associated with better vibration damping, but it’s best to judge that based on your own impressions on the trail. The brand KADVA is also present among manufacturers, and comparing models from different companies lets you weigh up construction, material and adjustment systems. When buying, check the range of lengths when extended and the method of locking the segments, because they determine stability when used on steep terrain. Before your first outing make sure the segments do not rotate and hold the set length under pressure. If low weight is the priority, reach for carbon trekking poles.

Grips, straps and tips in trekking poles

Handles of trekking poles are made from various materials, the most common being rubber, foam and cork. Rubber is durable and copes well with moisture, foam provides light cushioning and quickly wicks sweat away, while cork conforms to the hand and can be pleasant to the touch after a long hike. Also important is the extended grip beneath the main handle, which allows you to hold the pole lower while traversing a slope without changing the length. When choosing a grip much depends on the climate where you walk, since summer and cold winter have different requirements. The type of grip is similar for aluminium and carbon poles, so compare carbon and aluminium models mainly in terms of weight. The second element is the wrist strap. Properly adjusted it transfers part of the load to the wrist, so you don’t have to squeeze the fingers. The hand is inserted into the loop from below and rests on the strap, and its adjustment lets you fit it over thicker gloves. In winter trekking gloves are useful because they change how the hand sits in the grip and strap. At the bottom there is a hard metal tip that digs into soil and rock. On rocky sections and asphalt you fit rubber caps on it to reduce noise and slipping. In mud and snow a basket helps prevent the pole sinking; smaller baskets are used in summer and larger ones in winter. Manufacturers allow replacement of baskets and tips, so a worn part does not render the whole pole unusable. Remove rubber caps when the route goes over soft ground, because then the tip grips the soil better. A worn, rounded tip holds worse on rock, so it should be replaced with use. If you compare Black Diamond trekking poles with other brands, assess the handle shape and strap adjustment, and look for Black Diamond trail poles mainly for hiking on trails. Among brands developing telescopic constructions is Fizan, available in Sportano’s range. Inspect telescopic trekking poles also for locks and where the segment ends. For completeness, check whether telescopic trekking poles have a comfortable strap mount, which makes it easier to quickly adapt the gear to the season. Choose wider baskets and tip caps according to the terrain you walk most often, and start with a model for which spare parts are easy to buy, because then your comfortable trekking poles will last longer.

What length of trekking poles should you choose?

The correct length of trekking poles lets you walk without hunching or lifting your shoulders. The starting point is simple: stand upright in your boots, let your arm hang by your side and bend your forearm so the elbow forms roughly a right angle. This is a guideline and you adjust it on the trail. On ascents shorten the pole by a few centimetres so you don’t rely on it like a bar, and on descents lengthen it so the tip precedes your step and takes part of the load. The adjustment range therefore matters, especially if one pair of poles is to serve in various conditions. Fixed-length models are simpler but fit only one person and one type of terrain. Women’s trekking poles often have smaller grips and a shorter adjustment range suited to shorter heights, although selection should be based on height rather than gender. Tall people will benefit from models with a greater extension range, while those with small hands should look for a thinner grip and a narrow strap. If you are unsure, choose a model with a wide adjustment range, as it will allow setting the gear both on flat sections and on steep slopes. Among the offers for mountain hiking you will find trekking poles from Leki, a brand associated with mountain activity poles. Compare Black Diamond poles and models from other manufacturers by maximum length, locking method and handle shape. Support on descents relieves the joints, and freedom of stride is ensured by trekking pants that do not restrict the knees. A separate topic is children’s trekking poles, which should be light, shorter and easy to use. Children grow, so a good model has an adjustment range that allows changing the length for the next season. For the shortest family trips basic mountain poles are sufficient, while trekking poles for older children can already have two segments. Measurement is best done in the footwear the child will use, and try-on should be carried out on flat ground. Check the setting again after putting on the backpack, because weight changes posture, and in winter thicker gloves change the grip, so it’s good to have adjustment reserve. Don’t overdo the length, because a pole that is too long forces you to raise your shoulders, which quickly tires you. Too short, on the other hand, forces you to lean forward and strains the back, especially with a heavy backpack on steep terrain. To ensure everyone in the family has appropriate gear, compare unisex models, kids’ poles and women’s trekking poles.

In the mountains with trekking poles – technique and care

On steep ascents trekking poles help maintain rhythm and distribute effort between legs and arms, making backpacking less tiring. Place the pole in front of you, plant the tip in the ground and push off with your hand and wrist, not with your whole body weight. A different technique matters on descents: lengthened poles take some of the load, which relieves the knees, so many people use them on long descents from a pass. Mountain poles are also useful when fording streams, in mud and on wet roots, because they provide an additional point of support. Variable mountain weather requires protection, so add water- and windproof jackets to your kit, as wet clothes quickly take away heat. After the trail clean poles of mud and sand, and before storing extend the segments and dry them, because moisture in a collapsed pole promotes corrosion and can jam locks. In winter the tip collects snow, so shake it off and dry it, and after returning leave the gear in a ventilated place away from the radiator. Periodically check the condition of tips, baskets and straps, because worn parts are easy to replace. Before the new season inspect the shafts for dents and cracks, since a damaged segment can break under load. Before setting off check the locks: if the pole slips, correct the setting rather than forcing it tighter. On long routes take short breaks to adjust straps and length, because a tired hand starts to grip the handle more tightly than necessary. In transport folding models go into the backpack, while telescopic ones should be shortened and fastened with a strap so they do not hit rocks. For foot comfort on descents choose trekking socks, as they help reduce chafing. Regardless of whether you choose Leki poles, Black Diamond poles, or models from other manufacturers, the usage rules are similar. People looking for Black Diamond trail poles usually plan hiking on trails where a quick step counts. With children on the trail, children’s trekking poles should mainly provide confidence in each step, and the route must be adapted to the youngest hikers’ fitness. Poles for mountain walking and winter versions require larger baskets. On viewpoints and during rests place the gear so nobody trips over it, and on ferratas and very rocky sections it’s better to clip the poles and hang them on the backpack, because both hands are needed for securing yourself. Before you head out, browse this category and choose trekking poles for the mountains.