Which hiking pole for which trail?

Walking with poles is a must! But how do you choose the right hiking pole? Hiking-trails dives into the world of hiking poles and helps you choose the right one for your next hiking trail. Carbon, lightweight, foldable, telescopic, cross-trail, it can sometimes be quite challenging to make the right choice with so many options.

As an enthusiastic long-distance hiker, trekking poles are an essential item in the basic gear for Elmar from Hiking-trails. He never goes out without them! Regardless of the trail he hikes, he always takes his trekking poles along. Choosing the right pole can be challenging due to the vast array of options available. The ideal pole varies from person to person and depends on the specific conditions of the hike you are undertaking. In this article, Hiking-trails delves deeper into the world of trekking poles and examines which poles are best suited for different trails, making it easier for you to make your choice.

Categories of hiking poles

Foldable hiking poles: These poles are known for their ultralight design and compactness, making them easy to fit in your backpack. When folded, they are often no longer than 45 centimeters. They are particularly suitable for those who hike long distances and want to travel (ultra) light. You can often easily store them in your backpack, which is handy if you have a lot of traveling to do.

Telescopic hiking poles: This variant is usually a bit heavier, providing extra stability and sturdiness. Although they do not fit inside your backpack, they can be easily attached to the outside. They are the most popular type of hiking pole and are ideal for situations where a lot of support is needed, such as during mountain descents or when you have to cross a river. These poles also come in extra-light carbon variants.

Performance-Oriented hiking poles: For those who want to push their limits and perhaps even run part of the trail or set a Fastest Known Time (FKT), these poles are an excellent choice. They are often equipped with ergonomic handles that prevent them from slipping out of your hands during fast movements, allowing you to push off more effectively and deliver more power.

Which pole for which trail?

When specifically choosing hiking poles based on the type of trail and the gear you need to carry, you can opt for one of these options. Of course, you can also hike the trail with other poles if that is your personal preference.

Tour du Mont Blanc: When hiking hut-to-hut trails and other mountain trails, it's beneficial to support your knees as much as possible during descents. Since you gain a lot of elevation, you want to travel as light as possible without sacrificing stability. A lightweight telescopic pole offers the ideal balance. They help you move more easily on technical paths and ensure that the impact on your knees is minimized.

Pacific Crest Trail: for really long hikes such as the Pacific Crest Trail, but also for routes like the Via Alpina, where lightweight gear is essential, foldable carbon poles are ideal. They provide the necessary support while adding minimal weight to your pack. They are easy to travel with and conveniently fit into your backpack.

West Highland Way: if you are on a long-distance hike with a heavier pack, telescopic poles are a good choice. They provide the sturdiness and support needed to compensate for the extra weight and help you maintain better posture, even with a heavier backpack that might contain your camping gear and food for several days. These poles are ideal for river crossings, such as on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland or on trails in New Zealand.

For those venturing into trail running or fastpacking, Cross Trail or Trail Running poles are a good choice. They come in many different varieties, allowing you to choose the pole that best suits your sport. It is always advisable to visit a specialized outdoor store and test the poles. They can tell you more about adjusting your hiking poles, and you can try different types of handles. Personally, I find a cork handle the most comfortable because it absorbs less sweat compared to synthetic materials, which are often softer and feel nicer. 

Find your next hike on hiking-trails.com, an extensive database of long-distance hikes, hut-to-hut trails and day hikes.