How to Select Adjustable-Length Trekking Poles

Trekking poles owe much to their snow-ski cousins. Trekking poles, like ski poles, are used to provide extra balance. Think of trekking poles as adding additional "feet" to your trek. Almost all wild animals use four legs, leaving us bi-peds on the low end of the balance game in the backcountry. Before you purchase a pair of trekking poles consider what terrain you hike.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a pair of anti-shcok trekking poles if you have carpal tunnel or wrist issues. Anti-shock trekking poles have "shock absorbers" in the poles which absorb hits and shocks to the pole, relieving stress from wrists and hands.

    • 2

      Select a three pole set of trekking poles if you hope to pack them down into small daypacks. A three section pole breaks down into a smaller packable size than single or two pole designs.

    • 3

      Get sized for a set of trekking poles. Some poles are height adjustable and other are not. The trekking pole should be at a height where when they are on the ground and you are holding them, your elbows are at a 90 degree angle bend. Adjustable poles let you change the height on the trail, handy for off camber slopes.

    • 4

      Check the tip of the pole. Choose a basket and tip suitable to your hiking needs. If you snowshoe or hike in snow choose a pair of trekking poles with a large basket that floats in the snow. If you plan to hike hard pack ground or terrain, get carbide tips to prevent wear to the tip.

    • 5

      Check the wrist straps. Choose a pair that has wrists straps that prevent the poles from slipping out of your hand should you slip or fall.