How to choose trail poles?

06 Sep. 2022

Are you convinced of the benefits of poles in trail but do not know where to start when choosing the right ones? In this article, we share all our advice.

Well chosen, properly adjusted and used correctly, trail poles can make all the difference in a technical race or an Ultra-Trail®. They can improve propulsion, balance and speed. They also help you save strength and energy, maintain a good pace and improve performance. But if you are reading this article, you probably already know all that and now need a little help to make sure you choose your future trail companions correctly.

From straps to the storage system, including shaft construction, the following paragraphs cover the different options available to help you choose your future trail poles.

Hiking pole sections

In Nordic walking, poles must be made from a single section — which is unthinkable in hiking, where adjustable multi-section poles prevail — but in trail, the choice is not so simple. You can use fixed-length single-section poles as well as adjustable or non-adjustable multi-section poles; it all depends on the runner’s priorities.

Single-section trail poles: they consist of just one carbon section and are therefore ultra-light. As in Nordic walking, they provide powerful, straight-line propulsion and limit vibrations, which benefits the joints.

Multi-section trail poles: telescopic or foldable, they are much less bulky than fixed-length single-section poles. On the flat or on gentle descents, simply stow them in your backpack or attach them to your belt and forget about them. Particularly easy to handle and only slightly heavier than fixed poles, they offer many advantages. Unsure whether to choose retractable or foldable poles? Let’s take a closer look:

Telescopic trail poles: they have the advantage of adjustable length, which is not particularly useful during a race, as you do not necessarily want to spend time adjusting your poles, but you can lend them out or use them for another activity, such as hiking or trekking. Above all, they are stronger than foldable poles, more affordable, but often heavier.

Foldable trail poles: they offer better handling, fold and deploy more easily and quickly, are lighter and even more compact once folded. In short, they are better suited to trail than telescopic poles. The only drawback is that they are more fragile than their retractable counterparts.

Shaft construction

The choice is generally between aluminium and carbon. Since trail is a race, it is important to favour the lightest poles (therefore carbon) for greater speed. However, aluminium also holds its own, particularly for its strength. Let’s look at the main differences between these two materials.

Carbon trail poles: these are often the lightest because aluminium is slightly heavier than carbon. Note that not all carbon poles are equal. Tube construction and carbon percentage vary from one manufacturer to another and from one pole to another. Choose carefully. Ultra-light carbon tends to be more fragile than aluminium; it can break and is also more expensive.

Aluminium trail poles: they are a perfectly valid alternative. Yes, they are slightly heavier, but they are also stronger. Your choice will therefore depend on how you practise trail and on your build. If you are heavier, tend to put a lot of force through your poles (on steep slopes or when crossing obstacles, for example), and do not want your pole budget to soar from having to replace them, choose aluminium. More resistant, it withstands impacts and weight better, and is also more affordable.

Straps

For straps too, there are two options: simple straps like those used for hiking, and removable glove-style straps found in Nordic walking. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages in trail, so it is up to you to choose according to your priorities.

Simple straps: when used correctly, they allow the runner to vary their grip on the handle. The hand is freer to move and reposition itself, moving from the bottom of the grip to above the knob if needed, for example. However, they can become irritating over time.

Glove-style straps: they allow more relaxation than simple straps, which can provide greater comfort for the runner, whose hand is less tense and more relieved. However, they do not offer the same freedom of movement. It is up to you to decide which type suits you best and adapts most closely to your body shape. Note: the glove strap must be removable for almost immediate movement and therefore significant time savings if you want to release your poles.

Pole grips

When it comes to grips, forget plastic and rubber, which are not even worth considering at this level. The choice is between foam and cork.

Foam grips are ultra-light, comfortable and absorb sweat well, but they tend to deteriorate over time.

Cork grips are far more durable, absorb vibrations better, are not much heavier and have the advantage of wicking sweat effectively, so they retain less moisture, but they are also more expensive.

Tips

If you use your poles regularly, carbide tips are far preferable to steel tips. More resistant, they are also more durable, more precise, grip the ground better and withstand impacts better.