You're sold on the benefits of poles for trail but don't know where to start when it comes to choosing the right ones? In this post, we share all our advice.
When chosen well, properly adjusted and correctly used, trail poles can be a game changer in a technical race or an Ultra-Trail®. They help you gain propulsion, balance and speed. They also let you conserve your energy and strength, maintain a good rhythm and improve your performance. But if you're reading this post, you probably already know all that — and now you just need a little nudge to make sure you choose your future trail companions with confidence.
From wrist straps to storage systems, through shaft composition, the following sections cover the various options available to help guide you as best as possible in choosing your future trail poles.
The sections of hiking poles
While nordic walking poles must be single-section — which is unthinkable in hiking, a sport where adjustable multi-section poles prevail — in trail, the choice is not so straightforward. It is possible to use fixed-length single-section poles just as much as adjustable or non-adjustable multi-section poles; it all depends on the runner's priorities.
- Single-section trail poles: made from a single carbon section, they are consequently ultra-lightweight. As with nordic walking, they provide a powerful, straight thrust and limit vibrations, which is beneficial for the joints.
- Multi-section trail poles: telescopic or foldable, they are far less bulky than fixed-length single-section poles. On flat ground or gentle descents, simply stow them in your backpack or clip them to your waist belt and forget about them. Particularly easy to handle and only marginally heavier than fixed poles, they offer many advantages. Perhaps you're torn between retractable and foldable poles? Let's break it down:
- Telescopic trail poles: they have the advantage of being height-adjustable, which in itself is not really that useful during a race — you don't necessarily want to stop and adjust your poles mid-run — but you can lend them to others or use them for other activities, such as hiking or trekking for example. They are mainly more resistant than foldable poles, more affordable but often heavier.
- Foldable trail poles: they offer better manoeuvrability, fold and deploy more easily and quickly, are lighter and even more compact when folded. In short, they are better suited to trail than telescopic poles. The only downside is that they are more fragile than their retractable counterparts.
Shaft composition
The choice is generally between aluminium and carbon. Since trail is a race, it is important to prioritise the lightest poles (i.e. Carbon) for greater speed. However, aluminium holds its own too, particularly for its durability. Let's look at the main differences between these two materials.
- Carbon trail poles: these are often the lightest, as aluminium is slightly heavier than carbon. Bear in mind that not all carbon poles are equal. The tube composition and carbon percentage vary from one manufacturer to another and from one pole to another. Pay attention! Ultra-lightweight, carbon tends to be more fragile than aluminium — it can snap and it is also more expensive.
- Aluminium trail poles: they represent a perfectly valid alternative. Yes, they are slightly heavier but also more resistant. Your choice will therefore depend on how you practise trail and your build. If you are on the heavier side, tend to put significant weight on your poles (on steep slopes or when navigating obstacles, for example) and don't want to blow your pole budget by constantly replacing them, go for aluminium. More resistant, it will handle impacts and weight better and is also more affordable.
Wrist straps
With wrist straps too, the choice is between two options: simple straps like those used in hiking, and removable glove-type straps found in nordic walking. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in trail — again, it comes down to your priorities.
- Simple wrist straps: used correctly, they allow the runner to vary their grip on the handle. The hand is freer to move and shift, adjusting from the bottom of the grip to above the pommel if needed. However, they can become irritating over time.
- Glove-strap wrist straps: they allow for more relaxation than simple wrist straps, which can offer greater comfort — the runner's hand will be even less tense, more relieved. However, they do not allow the same freedom of movement. It is up to you to decide which type suits you best and fits your morphology. Important: the glove strap must absolutely be removable for an almost instant release, saving valuable time when you need to ditch your poles.
Grips
When it comes to grips, plastic and rubber are not even worth considering at this level. The choice is between foam and cork.
- Foam grips are ultra-lightweight, comfortable and absorb sweat well, but they tend to deteriorate over time.
- Cork grips are far more durable, absorb vibrations better, are not significantly heavier and have the advantage of wicking sweat efficiently — meaning they absorb 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 more effectively.
Size
To find out how to easily choose the right size for your poles without getting it wrong, feel free to check out our handy practical guide.
