The Full Scoop on Trekking Poles for Active Travel

We are huge fans of using trekking poles on almost any hiking, trekking or backpacking trip. They make hiking so much more enjoyable by providing stability, increasing endurance, and taking the impact off of your knees. 

In this blog, we are going to tell you why you need trekking poles, how to pick the right pair for you, and everything you need to know about traveling with your trekking poles.

Why You Need Trekking Poles:

• Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability.

• Using trekking poles also removes a huge amount of impact from your knees and ankles.

• They help conserve your energy by transferring some of the work to your arms and chest. 

• Using poles takes 20% of the weight off each side as you step. 

• As an additional bonus, you also get an upper-body workout with great tricep training.

• All of the above factors will provide more endurance and allow you to be active longer, but to make it easy, you can plan your next adventure based on activity level.

How to Choose the Right Pair of Trekking Poles:

If you’re just starting out, you could consider buying an inexpensive pair or borrowing a pair of poles from a hiking friend. Go on a few hikes with them to learn how to use them and see how you like them. 

Or, even better, come on an AGC hiking trip to test them out and learn tips and tricks from a community of trekking pole experts! This would also allow you to see what other hikers have chosen for their poles and help you make a more informed decision regarding the “perfect” pair of poles for you.

If you're ready to commit to buying a pair of trekking poles, below are a few specs and details to pay attention to. This list is in order of the most important characteristics to consider.

1. Weight

As lightweight backpackers, the weight of trekking poles has to be at the top of the list of considerations. The lighter, the better! 

Remember, you will be picking these poles up and down hundreds (or thousands) of times during your hike/backpack and weight will be important. Each of these will be discussed more thoroughly below.

There are several factors that influence the weight of your poles including the following: 

• What material are they made of?

• What type of locking mechanism do they have? 

• Do they have “shocks”?

• Do they have baskets?

• What are the handles made of? 

Want to put your poles to the test? Try them out on our unforgettable hike to Bryce and Zion National Parks!

2. Pole Adjustment Mechanism

There are several types of locking mechanisms for pole adjustment. For many years, our favorite has been the ‘twist’ type of mechanism because it was less ‘weighty’ and quite reliable. 

Most companies have now switched to newer technology with a lever-locking mechanism. In addition to these two styles, the most commonly available are:

• DuoLock

• Super Lock System

• Stop Lock 

All of these locking systems weigh about the same, so make sure you understand your particular locking system and can operate it well under the conditions in which you will be using the poles.

3. Sections

You can buy poles that separate into 2 or 3 sections, which is great for breaking them down to fit into your pack or travel bag. Our preference (and many other hiking/backpackers' preference) is the poles that break down into compact pieces. 

The 3-section pole is how almost all hiking/trekking/backpacking poles are made. A 2-section pole provides a bit more strength, which is a good option if you’ll be using them for mountaineering or skiing.

4. Material

What are the best trekking poles made out of? The most common materials used for hiking poles are aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is the lighter-weight material of the two, but that will also be reflected in the poles' cost. 

5. Grips

Grips are a personal preference; keep weight in mind as the top priority. Test out a few different grips to see which type you prefer. Some of the options include the following:

• Rubber is a good option for winter sports because it does not absorb water and insulates your hands from the cold. Rubber isn’t ideal for warm-weather hiking because it can be more abrasive to bare skin. 

• Cork is a material often used for handles, and an upside of cork is that it is comfortable and molds to the shape of your hands. Cork tends not to absorb moisture, which can result in slippery handles if you have particularly sweaty hands.   

• Foam is a soft material; many hikers and backpackers feel it keeps their hands cooler. Foam does absorb moisture but does not become ‘sodden’ or misshapen with just hand moisture. 

6. Pole Height

• Make sure that the poles you purchase are suitable for your height. Some trekking poles come in regular and tall heights, and some have weight recommendations for their specifications.

• Some poles, such as the newer Z-type poles, do not extend for downhill hiking. We prefer poles that extend for downhill hiking to help take more impact off of your knees. 

• Consider women’s poles if they are available in the brand you’re looking at. These poles are often shorter, decreasing the weight, and they have smaller hand grips, making them more comfortable.

7. Wrist Straps 

Look for poles with wrist straps that are adjustable and that you understand how to make the adjustments. It’s very important to use your trekking poles correctly, and having adjustable wrist straps is fundamental in learning to use your poles correctly.  

8. Baskets

Our suggestion is to avoid poles with baskets unless you are planning on making your trip in the snow. If your poles come with baskets, they can be easily removed and saved for a trip you may need them for.

9. Shock Absorbers

There are pros and cons to shock absorbers in trekking poles. Shocks definitely add weight to the poles, and many hikers and backpackers feel that they do not make a difference in comfort. 

In fact, poles with shock absorbers can actually create a feeling of instability, especially in situations where you need to have a good balance (rock hopping, narrow ledges, crossing streams, etc.) 

Although we aren’t big fans of shocks in hiking poles, there are some hikers who like them, so test out both and see what you prefer.

10. Use

What will you be using your poles for? Will they be multi-use poles for both hiking and snowshoeing, for instance, or are they just for hiking, trekking, and backpacking? 

There are different poles for different uses, but oftentimes, you can get away with using the same poles for multiple activities. When picking a pair, try to choose a set that's geared toward what you will be using them for most often.

No matter what type of trip you have in mind, Adventures in Good Company has the ideal journey waiting for you.  We make it easy to find your perfect next journey by breaking our trips down by style. What style are you? 

Tips on Traveling With Your Trekking Poles

Carry-on or Check Your Poles?

We get asked a lot, “What is the best way to travel with my trekking poles?” Carry-on baggage, checked suitcase, or ship them to your destination? Here are our top four tips for traveling with your poles.

1. If you have time and don't mind the added expense, send them ahead to your destination, either by US Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS. 

2. Put them in your checked baggage. If they don't fit into your suitcase when they are collapsed, pull them completely apart. Also, make sure to cover the tips with duct tape or something to keep the points from ripping your clothes or suitcases to shreds. The likelihood they will get there is quite high, and it takes no advance planning. If you would otherwise not be checking your bags, then the additional cost is the baggage fee you'll have to pay (unless you're traveling on Southwest).

3. Pull your poles completely apart and put them in your carry-on luggage. We get asked a lot, “Will TSA let me carry on my trekking poles?” 

According to the TSA website, “They do not allow hiking poles in carry-on bags in the cabin, but they are allowed in checked-in bags in the hold.” 

However, our experience is that when traveling in the United States, it is very uncommon to be stopped. We recommend pulling your poles completely apart and putting them in your carry-on luggage; if your luggage is designed to fit the requirements of carry-on baggage, the poles will just fit. 

Leave enough time at the airport to check your bag if TSA does decide to stop you.

The advantage of carrying them on is you know your hiking poles will definitely get there, and it won't cost anything extra! The downside is you could get stopped and have to deal with the time and expense of checking your bag. 

4. Wrap them in socks, stick them in your daypack, and sashay on through . . . This shouldn’t work, but we are always happy to hear when someone on a hiking trip did this exact thing. We can't say we recommend it, but everyone has their own tolerance for risk!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hiking poles and trekking poles?

Hiking poles and trekking poles are the same thing. They come in pairs and are basically ski poles with slightly different grips and constructions. There is also a walking/hiking stick or a hiking staff, which is a single pole, but they are not as popular. 

Who makes the best trekking poles?

There are so many different makers and models, and it is always best to find the hiking poles that feel best for you. Some of the companies that consistently rank at the top are Black Diamond, Leki, Trekology, REI, Trail Buddy, and MSR. 

Are trekking poles worth it?

Hiking poles are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for backpackers and hikers. Designed to distribute the weight of both body and pack, improve stability and balance on rocky terrain, and lower the impact on the lower body and knees.

What is the best length for hiking poles?

This depends on how tall you are and how long your arms are. Testing out a set of poles is always best to ensure it works for you. There are, of course, suggested lengths: 

Adding Trekking Poles to Your Travel Gear

Trekking poles will be a great addition to your hiking and backpacking gear. With trekking poles, your future hiking trips will be much more enjoyable, giving you more stability, happier knees, and increased endurance. 

Don’t forget to do your research and consider the important features we mentioned when picking a pair so you’ll end up with a great set! If you have a favorite set of trekking poles, let us know what they are and why in the comments! 

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