Difference Between Nordic Poles & Trekking Poles

Avid hikers and walkers can benefit from using poles. Using poles protects your knees, increases your endurance and helps you establish a rhythm. The recent trend of fitness walking makes pole selection seem overwhelming when deciding between types and models. Nordic walking poles and trekking poles are constructed for their specific uses. Deciphering your needs will guide you to the pole best suited for you.

  1. Length

    • Nordic walking poles help to simulate a cross-country skiing action while walking. They are longer in length than traditional trekking poles, allowing the body to achieve a more upright stance. This stance decreases the stress on the hips, knees and back, when used for fitness. Due to their longer length, Nordic poles are not the best choice for technical mountain hiking. For this, the maneuverability of trekking poles shine.

    Durability and Weight

    • Nordic poles are more durable and lighter weight than trekking poles due to their uni-body design. With the absence of mechanical locking mechanisms found on trekking poles, the Nordic pole has no added weight and encounters little defects. The strong, singular shaft can withstand most falls without breakage.

    Adjustability

    • Although the Nordic pole gains points in strength and weight, the trekking pole far outshines it in adjustability. Two and three-part trekking poles have become the norm for seasoned hikers. They collapse to fit onto a backpack when not in use and adjust to handle traversing the side of a hill. They also double as a downhill or backcountry ski pole. Due to their versatility, the trekking pole performs in all situations that warrant pole use. The only downside of their design is that they are heavier than the Nordic variety and can suffer mechanical failure from time to time.

    Tip Design

    • Trekking poles come equipped with various tip designs. For those prone to knee or back injuries, an antishock tip is the way to go. This spring-released design aids the hiker through varied surfaces and cushions the vibrations felt in the arms and back. Trekking poles often come equipped with a rubber gasket for the metal tip. This reduces the noise on rocks or pavement and protects the tip so it can be saved for skiing. Nordic poles also have a plastic tip protector but do not come with a built-in antishock tip.