What criteria should you use to choose your hiking poles?

As with any piece of kit, choosing your hiking poles is essential to ensure effective support without causing any strain on your body. The choice is often wide and it's not always easy to select the right equipment. That's why we'll look here at the key selection criteria and the parameters you should pay close attention to when making your purchase.

Price

Let's address price straight away: it is not the essential factor. As is often the case, be aware that a high price is not an absolute guarantee of quality. You will easily find good hiking poles at a modest price. Conversely, a very low price is often a sign of poor quality or even fragility over time. So, start by looking at the market range and form an idea of the minimum price below which you should not go. Finally, the more lightweight a pole, the more expensive it tends to be, and everything that adds comfort is also reflected in the price (grip material, anti-shock system, etc.) — so find the right balance between your budget and the quality criteria we detail below.

Weight

The weight of poles depends primarily on the materials used in their construction, and user comfort is directly proportional to their lightweight nature.

Bear in mind, however, that some ultralight poles are quite fragile and should be avoided by taller or heavier users. As a general rule, around 300 g per pole is already a lightweight option that will suit most hikers.

The locking system

This is perhaps the most critical point to scrutinise closely: the locking and deployment system of your poles. All manufacturers use different technologies, and systems vary in quality from one manufacturer to another, but there are essentially 3 main systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

Screw system

With this system, you simply select the desired length (using graduations, generally) by sliding the sections and screwing them together. To fold them away, just unscrew and slide the sections into one another.

This system was the first to appear and is certainly the most common. It is now found mainly on budget hiking poles and makes adjusting pole length fairly straightforward. The main drawback of these poles is that they can slip during use — sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly. And I can assure you, the surprise factor — not to mention the very real danger — when that happens is no joke!

And if you screw and tighten them very hard… you'll have a devil of a time unscrewing them once you reach your destination!

In conclusion, I recommend this system primarily for day hiking (without a heavy backpack), leisurely walks, or occasional use on fairly easy terrain.

Clip or locking system

This system is now very widespread and benefits from ease of use: simply clip the deployed section to the desired length and the lock is secured. This system is very practical and fast, but generally more expensive than the screw system. It can occasionally come loose, but very rarely — and never abruptly. It is an excellent choice for those who hike regularly and apply sustained effort to their poles (steep descents, heavy backpack, larger builds… etc).

Z-fold

An elastic cord holds the sections together. To assemble the poles, simply unfold the sections and fit them together. Then lock everything in place by actuating the grip and the top section. To pack them away, press the button to release the system, push the top section into the grip, then separate the sections and fold them up.

This system is not always the most practical or quick to use, but it does not come loose. It generally allows for lightweight poles. However, in my view the main drawback is that pole length is not adjustable — which is a real shame.

Poles fitted with this system are therefore, in my view, better suited to flat terrain or routes with little elevation change.

Adjusting your pole length

Using hiking poles correctly is only possible if they are suited to your height. If not, you will expend unnecessary, tiring effort and, more importantly, adopt a poor walking posture that will cause pain in the long run. The best and simplest method for finding the optimal pole length is to stand on flat ground, body upright, with your elbows at a right angle (forearms horizontal) when the tip touches the ground and the pole is in your hand. When climbing uphill, you can shorten your poles slightly, and lengthen them again for the descent. Materials

The most common material for the tubular section is aluminium alloy, as it offers an excellent balance of strength, price and lightweight performance. Of course, not all alloys are the same — some are lighter than others. Note, however, that aluminium can bend but rarely snaps. Some walking poles contain carbon fibre: these are lighter, absorb vibrations slightly better, but are less strong and more expensive. Finally, titanium models are also beginning to appear on the market, making poles lightweight and strong — but again at a significantly higher price.

Grips

The quality of the grip on a trekking pole is certainly essential, but I have found that over time you get used to almost any shape. What truly matters, however, is the material of a trekking pole grip: you will have the choice between plastic, rubber, foam or cork. Pure plastic is absolutely to be avoided for the serious hiker — you will sweat, slip and lose optimal grip. Rubber grips are inexpensive but not always durable (the material deteriorates in sun and cold). Foam grips are better in terms of comfort and hold, but will not match the superior quality of those incorporating cork, which should be the preferred choice for their resistance and comfort. Finally, always buy (it goes without saying) poles fitted with wrist straps: they relieve the wrist and allow effort to be transferred more efficiently. Pay attention to the width of the strap and the thickness of the material (some are padded).

Tips

The quality of the tip on your trekking pole is paramount — it is your point of contact with the ground. Steel tips exist and are inexpensive but very low in resistant. Instead, opt for tungsten tips: they are durable and offer excellent grip on the ground. You can also carry rubber tip protectors to cover the tips when walking on roads so as not to make too much noise.

You now have the key criteria to guide your choice of hiking poles. They are your constant companions on the trail, so don't overlook them — they are far from futile accessories! Finally, true to form, CimAlp has made it a point to offer its customers products that reflect its philosophy of quality and reliability. All that's left is to browse the site and find the pair that's right for you!