What criteria should you use to choose your hiking poles?

Just as with any piece of equipment, choosing the right hiking poles is essential to ensure effective support without causing any harm to your body. The choice is often vast, and it is not always easy to select the right equipment. That is why we will look here at the key selection criteria and the parameters you should pay close attention to when making your purchase.

Price

Let us address price straight away by saying it is not the most important factor. As in many cases, be cautious: a high price is not necessarily 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 long-term fragility. Start by looking at the market price range and get a sense of the minimum price below which you should not go. Finally, the lighter the pole, the more expensive it tends to be, and anything 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 list of quality criteria we detail below.

Weight

The weight of poles depends primarily on the materials used in their construction, and the comfort of use is proportional to their lightness.

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

The locking system

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

Screw system

With this system, you simply choose the desired length (using graduations, as a rule) by sliding the sections and screwing them together. To fold them, simply 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 cheaper hiking poles and makes it fairly easy to adjust the length. The main drawback of these poles is that they can sometimes come loose during use. This can happen gradually or suddenly — and I can assure you of the surprise factor, and above all the very real danger when it does!

And if you screw and tighten them very hard… You will have a terrible time unscrewing them once you reach your destination!

In conclusion, I recommend this system primarily for day hikes (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 its ease of use: simply clip the deployed section at the desired length and the locking is secured. This system is very practical and very fast, but generally more expensive than the screw system. It can, admittedly, occasionally come loose, but very rarely, and never suddenly. It is an excellent choice for those who hike regularly and apply sustained effort on their poles (steep descents, heavy backpack, larger builds, etc.).

Z-fold

An elastic cord holds the sections together. To set up the poles, simply unfold the sections and slot them into one another. Then lock everything in place by engaging the grip and the top section. To store them, press the button to release the system, push the top section into the grip, then separate the sections and fold them.

This system is not always the most practical or quick, but it does not come loose. In general, it allows for lighter poles. However, in my view, the main drawback is that the pole length is not adjustable, which is a significant limitation.

Poles fitted with this system are therefore, in my view, better suited to use on flat ground or terrain with little elevation gain.

Adjusting the length of your poles

Using hiking poles correctly is only possible if they are properly sized for you. If they are not, you will expend unnecessary and tiring effort, and above all you will adopt a poor walking posture that will lead to pain in the long term. 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 is in contact with the ground and you are holding the pole. When going uphill, you can shorten your poles slightly, then lengthen them again on the descent. Materials

The most common material for the tubular section is aluminium alloy, as it offers an excellent balance of strength, price, and lightness. Of course, not all alloys are the same, and some are lighter than others. It is worth noting, however, that aluminium may bend but rarely snaps. Some walking poles incorporate carbon fibre: these are lighter and absorb vibrations slightly better, but are less robust and more expensive. Finally, models incorporating titanium are also appearing on the market, making the poles both light and strong — though here too, the price is significantly higher.

The grips

The quality of a trekking pole grip is certainly important, but I have come to realise that over time you adapt to almost any shape. What really matters, however, is the material of a trekking pole: you will have the choice between plastic, rubber, foam, or cork. 100% plastic should be absolutely avoided by serious hikers, as your hands will sweat, slip, and you will not have an optimal hold. Rubber grips are inexpensive but not necessarily very durable (this material deteriorates in both sun and cold). Foam grips are better in terms of comfort and hold, but will not match the superior quality of those incorporating cork — these are to be preferred for their durability and comfort. Finally, always buy (it goes without saying) poles fitted with wrist straps: they take the strain off your wrist and allow effort to be transferred more efficiently. Pay close attention here to the width of the strap and the thickness of the material (some are padded).

The tips

The quality of your trekking pole tip is paramount: it is, after all, your point of contact with the ground. Steel tips exist and are inexpensive, but wear out very quickly. Instead, opt for tungsten tips: they are long-lasting and offer excellent grip on the ground. You can also carry rubber tip protectors to cover the tips when walking on roads where you do not want to make too much noise.

You now have the key elements to guide your choice when it comes to hiking poles. They are constant companions on the trail, so do not underestimate them — they are far from being a frivolous accessory! Finally, as always, CimAlp has made it a point of honour to offer its customers products that reflect its philosophy of quality and durability. All that is left to do is head over to the website and find your perfect match!