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 get the most from your walking poles, it is important to choose them carefully and consider every component. From the grip and strap to the shaft and tip, each part of a trekking pole has a specific job. To do it well, each part needs to suit the hiker’s activity, needs 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
Strong trail poles and hiking poles also need to be light. If you want to perform better in a race or on a trek, go faster and cover more ground, your poles need to be as light as possible. A pair of aluminium hiking poles generally weighs between 500 and 650 grams, or 250 to 325 grams per pole. 7075 aluminium poles are usually the lightest: a good aluminium pole rarely weighs more than 280 grams. Weight also depends on the folding or telescopic system and the grip, among other things.
Aluminium poles: ski hiking
One advantage of aluminium is that it does not rust. Neither rain nor snow will damage your aluminium poles, so you can use them in summer and winter alike. For ski touring or snowshoe hiking, for example, simply fit wider winter baskets to stop the poles sinking as far into the snow. Snow also absorbs vibrations, so there is less need to worry about the muscles in your shoulders and around your elbows.
