As with any piece of kit, choosing the right hiking poles is essential to ensure effective support without causing any damage to your body. The choice is often vast and it's not always easy to select the right equipment. That's why we'll walk you through the key selection criteria and the parameters to pay attention to when making your purchase.
Price
Let's start with price, and say straight away that it's not the defining factor. As is often the case, be cautious — a high price is not necessarily an absolute guarantee of quality. You'll easily find good hiking poles at a modest price. Conversely, a very low price often signals poor quality or even long-term fragility. Start by getting a sense of the market range and establishing the minimum price below which you shouldn't go. Finally, the lighter a pole, the more expensive it is — 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 how lightweight they are.
Bear in mind 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 light weight that will suit most hikers.
The locking system
This is perhaps the most important thing to look at closely: the locking and deployment system of your poles. All manufacturers use different technologies, and the quality varies considerably from one brand to another, but there are essentially 3 main systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Screw system
With this system, simply choose the desired length (usually via graduation markings) by sliding the sections and screwing them together. To fold them down, just unscrew them and slide the sections into one another.
This system was the first to appear and is certainly the most common. It now features mainly on budget hiking poles and allows the length to be adjusted fairly easily. The main drawback is that these poles can sometimes slip during use — either gradually or suddenly. And I can assure you the surprise factor, not to mention the very real danger, when that happens!
And if you screw them down too tight….. you'll have a real struggle getting them apart once you reach your destination!
In conclusion, I'd recommend this system primarily for day hikes (without a heavy pack), leisurely walks, or occasional use on fairly easy terrain.
Clip or locking system
This system is now widely used and is valued for its ease of use: simply clip the deployed section at the desired length and the lock is secured. It's a very practical and fast system, though generally more expensive than the screw system. It can occasionally slip, but very rarely, and never suddenly. It's an excellent choice for regular hikers who put sustained effort through their poles (steep descents, heavy packs, taller builds… etc).
Z-fold system
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 pack them away, press the button to release the locking system, push the top section into the grip, then separate the sections and fold them back.
This system isn't always the most practical or quick to use, but it doesn't slip. It generally results in lighter poles. However, in my view the main drawback is that pole length is not adjustable, which is a significant limitation.
In my view, poles equipped with this system are therefore best suited to flat terrain or routes with minimal elevation change.
Adjusting the length of your poles
Using hiking poles correctly is only possible if they are properly sized to your height. If they're not, you'll expend unnecessary and tiring effort — and above all, you'll adopt a poor walking posture that can lead to pain over time. The best and simplest method to find the optimal length is to stand on flat ground, body upright, with your elbows at a right angle (forearms horizontal) when the tip is touching the ground and you're holding the pole. When climbing, you can shorten your poles slightly and 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 — some are lighter than others. It's worth noting that aluminium can 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, titanium models are also appearing on the market, making poles both light and strong — though again, the price is significantly higher.
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd6aKUK8DXY&t=107sHandles
The quality of a trekking pole grip is certainly important, but I've found that over time you adapt to almost any shape. What really matters is the material of a trekking pole: you'll have a choice between plastic, rubber, foam and cork. Pure plastic should be avoided entirely by any serious hiker — your hands will sweat, slip and lose optimal grip. Rubber grips are inexpensive but not particularly durable (the material deteriorates in sun and cold). Foam grips are better in terms of comfort and grip, but won't match the superior quality of cork-infused grips, which are the top choice for their durability and comfort. Finally, always buy poles fitted with wrist straps (goes without saying): they relieve pressure on the wrist and allow effort to be transferred more efficiently. Pay close 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's your point of contact with the ground. Steel tips exist and are inexpensive, but offer very little durability. Instead, opt for tungsten tips: they're long-lasting and provide excellent grip on the ground. You can also carry rubber tip protectors to cover the tips when walking on roads where you'd rather not make too much noise.
You now have all the key criteria to guide your choice of hiking poles. They're your constant companions on the trail — don't overlook them: they're far from a trivial accessory! And as always, CimAlp has made it a point to offer its customers products that embody its philosophy of quality and durability. Now all that's left is to browse the site and find the pair that's right for you!
