Aluminium alloy is often praised as the ideal balance of strength and lightness, delivering the best value for money. Let's break down the key features and advantages of aluminium hiking and trail poles.
To fully benefit from using walking poles, choosing them carefully and paying attention to every component is crucial. From the grip and strap to the shaft and tip, each part of a trekking pole has a specific role. To ensure peak performance on the trail, select the setup that best matches your activity, terrain, and experience level.
The shaft is no exception. What are the key features of telescopic, fixed-length, or folding poles? What are the benefits of single-piece versus multi-section shafts? Which locking mechanism suits you best—twist-lock or clip-lock? These are all questions every hiker needs to consider. When it comes to materials, the choice mainly boils down to aluminium versus carbon. In this guide, we focus exclusively on the benefits and technical characteristics of aluminium alloys.
Aluminium poles: which sport are they for?
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Nordic walking:
Aluminium poles are not recommended for Nordic walking. Why? Because they do not absorb vibrations well and transmit hard ground impacts back through the arms. In Nordic walking, poles strike the ground rhythmically and continuously. Using aluminium can quickly cause discomfort, joint fatigue, or overuse injuries such as tendonitis.
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Hiking and trail running:
In hiking and trail running, poles bear heavy loads and take direct impacts from rugged terrain. The shaft needs to be significantly stronger than in Nordic walking to withstand high pressure. For this reason, aluminium is an outstanding choice. Built-to-last, aluminium almost never snaps; it may bend under extreme force, but it will not shatter, making it particularly durable. Note that not all aluminium shafts are equal: in recent years, 7075 Aluminium has proven to be the gold standard—incredibly resistant, with the perfect balance of strength and low weight.
Aluminium poles: weight
Tough and rugged, trail and hiking poles must also be lightweight. When racing or trekking, shaving off weight helps you go faster and further. An aluminium hiking pole pair typically weighs between 500 and 650 grams—meaning 250 to 325 grams per pole. 7075 Aluminium poles are usually the lightest; a quality aluminium pole rarely exceeds 280 grams. Weight will also depend on the grip and pack-away mechanism.
Aluminium poles: ski touring
Aluminium will not rust—a major practical advantage. Rain or snow will not degrade your aluminium poles, making them suitable for both summer and winter use. For ski touring or snowshoeing, simply fit them with wider-diameter winter baskets to prevent the poles from sinking deep into the snow. Moreover, snow acts as a natural shock absorber, so there is no extra strain on your shoulder or elbow joints.
