Hiking poles

Hiking or trekking, identify your needs

Before investing in a pair of hiking poles, it is important to identify your needs. Recreational day-hikers don’t have the same needs as long-distance backpackers. To hike on relatively flat or moderately hilly terrain, a traditional one-piece pole is appropriate. Simply make sure to pick the right length to prevent any discomfort or risk of injury.

In the case of challenging mountain hikes lasting a day or more, it is important to analyse your needs. The weight or your pair of poles is to be considered. Beyond their lightness, poles should provide good hand feel for optimal comfort throughout your adventure. In addition, for some segments, you may need to hike without your poles. Requiring them to be collapsible or foldable, to be easy to fasten to a backpack and free your hands for scrambling.

How to choose your trekking poles? Choosing the right size

To make the right choice and answer all your questions on the matter, our hiking experts have published a comprehensive guide that covers all the elements to consider. Find all the information you need before buying. We also explain how to adjust the length of your poles to fully enjoy your mountain hike.

Why using hiking poles on a trek?

It is true that trekking poles are not mandatory, but they are very useful nonetheless. They help you on challenging terrain and reduce the risk of falling by offering support, stability and balance. They can even relieve your leg muscles and joints, both when climbing and descending and will provide extra comfort if you’re wearing a heavy backpack.

On long hikes with significant elevation gains and long treks, a hiking pole with adjustable length can be adapted to the gradient of the slope. This guarantees the pole is always the right length and reduces the risk of injuries.

It is now clear that a good pair of hiking poles makes a lot of sense for long distance adventures!

Collapsible or folding, which is best?

This question is relevant not only to athletes looking for the perfect trail running pole, but also to the most demanding hikers.

Telescopic poles offer a very wide range of adjustability, generally from 105 to 135 cm. Very sturdy, they’re perfect for trekkers seeking reliable and robust poles, that are still easy to fasten to a backpack.

On the other hand, a folding pole is lighter and will satisfy long distance hikers looking to keep the weight of their equipment down. While folding poles are generally lighter than telescopic hiking poles, the drawback is a more limited range of adjustment. It makes them less versatile in steep and rugged terrains, but more compact when carried on a backpack. The choice is yours!

Carbon or aluminium, choosing the material of your walking poles

Carbon is certainly the most comfortable, thanks to its great impact and vibration absorption. It is also lighter than aluminium, making it the preferred choice of hikers looking primarily for performance. However, it is not as strong. It is also the most expensive material, which can be an issue to some. Carbon poles are comfortable and lightweight.

Aluminium is heavier but very strong and durable in the long term. Not as pricey as carbon, aluminium trekking poles are perfect for long distance adventurers seeking a reliable companion for the most challenging terrains.

Leki or Black Diamond, the best brands are at Glisshop

Here’s an introduction on the matter, you can now start choosing your hiking poles among models from brands such as Black Diamond, Ferrino, Komperdell, Lacal, Lafuma, Leki, TSL, etc. If you’re looking for trail running poles or Nordic walking poles, head over to our dedicated corners!