Choosing the right gear from the vast array of walking and hiking poles can be challenging. To help you navigate the options, here is an overview of the different pole types available.
The benefits of walking poles are clear, but choosing poles tailored to your specific discipline is vital to maximise performance and safety. With numerous models and price points on the market, making the right choice can be tricky. Here is our comprehensive guide to the different types of hiking, walking, and trail running poles, helping you pinpoint the ideal setup for your outings.
Nordic walking poles
Nordic walking poles are indispensable for the sport. They engage the upper body while providing powerful forward propulsion, reducing fatigue and conserving precious energy for greater endurance. Note that not all poles are suitable for Nordic walking; specific designs are required. Let's examine which models to choose and which to avoid for Nordic walking.
For Nordic walking, telescopic or folding poles are counterproductive. They lack the stiffness of fixed-length poles and will not deliver the crisp forward propulsion needed. Opt for single-piece poles that absorb vibrations more effectively and protect your joints. For the same reason, carbon shafts (or shafts with a high carbon percentage) are recommended, offering the added benefit of minimal swing weight.
Nordic walking poles have distinct straps that make them instantly recognisable. They typically feature gauntlet-style straps that wrap securely around the wrists with a thumb slot. These gauntlets allow for a much more powerful push-off (a major asset in trail running too).
The tips must provide both reliable traction and durability. Tungsten carbide tips are highly recommended, though steel tips also perform well. Rubber protective pads are often added. Angled pads enhance grip and forward push, follow the terrain more naturally, and dampen noise on hard surfaces.
Hiking poles
Once you start using them, you quickly realise that hiking poles are invaluable companions, especially on alpine and mountain outings. Why? Because they improve stability and safety, reducing slip and fall hazards. They distribute load efficiently (both body weight and pack weight) and recruit upper body muscles, relieving strain on the lower body. Leg and thigh muscles are spared, the back and joints are protected, and pacing becomes more consistent—allowing hikers to boost endurance and reduce long-term injury risks and fatigue.
Of course, this holds true only if the poles are suited to hiking and to the user's specific discipline—otherwise they quickly become dead weight. While picking up makeshift wooden sticks along the trail might seem tempting, purpose-built hiking poles are readily adjustable to your height and terrain, offering far superior comfort, safety, ergonomics, and packability (even if you cannot simply discard them at the roadside).
The first major advantage of hiking poles is that they are frequently telescopic or folding, meaning you can easily stow them in or on your pack when not in use. The more sections a pole has, the more compact it packs down. Choose a model that fits your storage setup, whether inside your pack or attached via external gear loops. Furthermore, telescopic poles allow you to adjust their length on the fly—lengthening for descents and shortening for ascents.
The second advantage is that good hiking poles combine durability and low weight. An aluminium shaft is tougher than a carbon shaft but slightly heavier; select the build that best matches your needs, body frame, and experience level. Beginners should prioritise durability, while those looking to increase pace and distance will benefit from lighter poles that minimise fatigue.
The wrist straps are usually straightforward loops worn around the wrist. The grips, however, come in various materials: plastic or rubber grips tend to be less comfortable and cause sweating, whereas foam or cork grips offer far greater comfort and moisture absorption, though at a higher price point. Your choice depends on intended use, but for frequent or long outings, comfortable grips tailored to your hand size are essential.
Tip selection is critical, as tips are your direct connection to the ground. They must offer grip and hard-wearing durability. For regular use, opt for tungsten carbide tips, which are more durable though costlier than steel tips.
Trail running poles
Less common than in hiking or Nordic walking, trail running poles are formidable assets in the mountains. Trail runners use them to save energy on steep ascents and technical descents alike, making them a game-changer on technical trails with major elevation gain. Poles take the strain off the legs, aid propulsion by boosting forward momentum, and relieve the quadriceps. By distributing effort more evenly and sparing leg and thigh muscles, they help you sustain performance without breaking stride. They also protect your joints by reducing shock and impact.
In trail running, maximum agility and lightweight design with minimal bulk are paramount. There is no time to waste fiddling with pole folding mechanisms or strap releases. Choosing purpose-designed trail poles is essential. For maximum stroke efficiency, lightness, and rigidity, single-piece poles are an option, but well-designed folding multi-section poles are generally preferred. On descents or flat stretches, they stow away easily into your running vest or pack, drastically reducing bulk. Carbon fibre offers the lowest weight, but aluminium remains a reliable, rugged choice. For grips, avoid plastic or rubber; choose between foam (lighter and superior for moisture management) and cork (more durable and comfortable). Wrist straps may feature detachable gauntlets, which boost propulsion power but can feel warm during intense efforts.
