Choosing hiking poles starts with fit — set them so your elbow bends at 90 degrees — then moves to material, locking mechanism, and terrain.
Buying hiking poles comes down to what fits your body and your trail, not just what weighs the least. Get the fit right and the rest narrows fast. A pole that matches your height, grip, and terrain saves your knees on descents and gives real power on climbs. The wrong one slips, wobbles, or gets left at home. Here’s how to work through the choice in the right order.
Start With Length and Fit
The most important step happens before you look at materials. REI’s guidance matches MEC’s: plant the tip on the ground beside your foot, stand in a normal hiking posture, and adjust until your elbow forms a 90-degree bend. That angle lets your arm push and pull with mechanical advantage. If you have the pole in hand, measure the distance from your wrist to the floor as a starting point, then fine-tune.
Most hikers land in the 110–120 cm range. Shorter users often settle around 100 cm, while taller hikers may need 130 cm. For fixed-length poles, use the manufacturer’s sizing chart rather than guessing from height alone. Terrain changes the setting: shorten poles 5–10 cm for steep climbs and lengthen them slightly for descents.
Match Material, Sections, and Locking to Your Use
Aluminum is plenty for occasional and regular hikers — it’s durable, bends rather than snaps, and costs less. Carbon is the upgrade for intensive hiking, offering a more rigid, lighter feel that transfers energy efficiently, but it’s pricier and less forgiving under hard impacts. Weight matters, but REI treats it as one input among several, not the headline.
How you carry the poles matters more than section count alone. Three-section poles collapse small enough to attach to a backpack cleanly, making them the sensible pick if you pack them often. Two-section poles are simpler and often stiffer, but don’t tuck into a pack as neatly. Choose by collapsed length — that measurement decides whether they fit your pack or carry-on.
The locking mechanism is where cheap poles fail. Lever and push-pin systems hold more reliably than screw locks, which can slip under load as you lean into a climb. REI lists the lock among key buying features: a pole that collapses mid-stride is worse than no pole at all. Test the lock’s tension before you commit, and check it releases cleanly for adjustments on the move.
Grips, Straps, Tips, and Baskets: The Details That Matter
Grip material is a comfort decision you’ll feel all day. Foam and cork stay light and don’t heat up in warm weather, while plastic grips run heavier and feel less comfortable over long carries. Wrist straps are not an afterthought — they let you relax your grip between pushes and keep the pole from falling when you let go. Test the strap with a gloved hand too, since sizing changes with layers.
Tips and baskets match terrain and season. Smaller baskets suit summer grassy or rocky trails, where a wide basket would drag and catch. Larger baskets give stability in winter snow, where a small one sinks. If you’re buying one set for year-round use, summer baskets are the more versatile default; swap in larger ones for snow trips.
Check whether poles are sold as a pair or single units. Some brands sell singles, which works for day hikes on flat or hilly terrain, but most hikers want a matched pair for balance on uneven ground.
What to Check Before You Buy
One structural detail gets overlooked: if your tent or shelter relies on poles for support, many designs require adjustable poles that extend to at least 125 cm, sometimes 130–135 cm. A summer pole topping out at 120 cm won’t hold up a shelter. Confirm the range before you buy.
Anti-shock poles are the one add-on worth a second thought. They cost more, weigh more, and add complexity. For hikers with weak knees or hips, the cushioning can genuinely help. For everyone else, the added weight and price rarely pay off — a good lock and proper fit do more for comfort than a spring.
Once you’ve dialed in fit, material, and locks, the decision narrows to terrain and budget. If you’re shopping on a budget, our tested roundup of the best budget hiking poles on the market compares real-world performance against price so you can buy once and hike without second-guessing.
FAQs
Are carbon hiking poles worth the extra money?
Carbon poles are worth it for intensive hikers who want a lighter, stiffer pole that transfers energy efficiently. They cost more and are less forgiving under hard impacts than aluminum. For occasional or regular hiking, aluminum offers durability at a better price, making carbon a luxury rather than a necessity for most people.
How do I know if my hiking poles are too long?
Your poles are too long if your elbow bends beyond 90 degrees when the tip is planted beside your foot. That higher angle forces your shoulders to work harder and reduces the power you can push into the trail. Shorten them until the 90-degree bend is comfortable, then adjust further for steep climbs or descents as needed.
Can I use trekking poles for a tent instead of dedicated tent poles?
Yes, but only if your trekking poles extend to the length your shelter requires. Many tent designs that use trekking poles need adjustable poles reaching at least 125 cm, sometimes 130–135 cm. Check your shelter’s spec before buying, and confirm the locking mechanism holds firmly at that extended length under load.
References & Sources
- REI Expert Advice. “Trekking Poles & Hiking Staffs.” Covers the 90-degree fit rule, material guidance, and locking mechanisms.
- MEC. “How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Poles.” Details the wrist-to-floor measurement and adjustment range for climbs.