How to choose hiking poles ?

Poles (opt for a pair) are essential equipment for mountain activities, whether in winter (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or Nordic ski touring) or in summer ( hiking, trekking and long-distance crossings). With the exception of cross-country skiing, a pair of trekking poles is normally versatile enough to be suitable for both other winter activities and summer hiking. They are suitable for everyone and offer many advantages. Hikers use them to protect their joints on descents, to balance on technical sections and as an aid on climbs. Sports enthusiasts looking to improve their performance will also use them for the same reasons. With poles, you can work your upper body as well as your legs. Sceptics: give them a try, you won't want to do without them! If you're not convinced yet, read our article: Why use hiking poles?
 

In this article, Grand Angle summarises all the criteria you need to consider when choosing a good pair of poles!
 

Adjusting your trekking poles and choosing the right size
 

The size of the poles can be adapted to the terrain. In practice, it is quite rare to readjust your poles during a hike, except for a long ascent or descent. Let's generalise a little: the norm is to have a pole 50 cm shorter than your height. Depending on your preferences, this measurement can vary by plus or minus 10 cm. There are several adjustment systems for telescopic or folding poles (so that they can be easily stored in a bag when not in use), the latter also being known as 3-pole poles.

Le clip ajustable

The adjustable clip system is ideal for leisure hiking poles and ski touring poles. This system, which is the most widely used, allows you to adjust the size of the poles easily and reliably. It offers a good reliability/weight ratio. This is Grand Angle's preference.
 

The locking adjustment screw
 

Other models have opted for locking screw systems, which offer the same ease of adjustment as the adjustable clip. There is one drawback, however: sticks with locking screws often become unbalanced or seized up with time and cold, to the point where it is no longer possible to change their size. This system is gradually being replaced by adjustable clips.
 

Interlocking segments
 

For hiking or ski touring, we recommend simple, comfortable straps that are easy to put on and take off with thick gloves, thin gloves or without gloves. A simple strap, reinforced with a comfortable material, is ideal. More and more pairs of poles are being fitted with them, particularly mid-range and top-of-the-range models. For more sporty trail running or Nordic walking, we also like straps that wrap around the hand, like cross-country ski straps, for better support and optimum performance. However, this type of strap is not suitable for all types of glove.
 

Grips and handle

Cross-country or trail type grips are best suited to performance. They are slim and light, and offer freedom of wrist movement. They are ideal for performers or Nordic walking. For hiking or ski touring, alpine-style grips offer greater comfort. Opt for foam that's pleasant to the touch or cork (very comfortable but more fragile). These materials have the advantage of absorbing moisture better (especially cork), which makes them a good choice for summer hiking when it can be very hot. Hard plastics are durable, but are heavier and less comfortable, especially without gloves.

Les paniers ou rondelles

On your next outing, don't neglect the baskets on your poles. Choose narrow baskets for hiking, and wide pucks for snowy terrain, especially when snowshoeing or ski touring in powder snow. Otherwise, your poles will sink into the snow and require more effort.
 

Choice of materials for hiking poles

The material of the pole largely determines the rigidity, weight, strength and price of your pair of poles. Choose the one that suits you best! The more you use your poles, the more efficient and therefore rigid you'll want them to be. By way of comparison, the stiffest poles available are those used by top-level cross-country skiers. Even if you don't need a pole from this range, don't neglect this parameter. By far the most rigid, non-deforming and lightest material is carbon. It's also the most fragile and the most expensive. A badly placed sideways ski can break your pole. These poles are for careful hikers looking for performance and lightness. Aluminium poles offer a good stiffness/strength/lightness/price ratio, making them ideal for touring. They are more solid than carbon poles, but remain rigid and light. Steel poles are very affordable, but we recommend them for occasional use only. This material is heavier and less rigid, and can sometimes warp.

► For mountain activities such as hiking or skiing, the criteria for choosing a pair of poles vary. The best pair will be the one best suited to your activity, so we hope we've given you some keys and advice on how to choose your hiking poles.
You can find a wide range of hiking poles at our partner Alpinstore.
 

Text and photos: David Praire, ski instructor, hiker and director of Grand Angle