Why use walking poles for hiking and trekking?
On hiking trails and long trekking outings, the walking poles transform your progress. By distributing effort between the upper and lower body, they relieve pressure on the knees and joints on technical descents, improve balance on unstable terrain and create a steadier rhythm on the way up. They also reduce muscle fatigue over long distances and help you navigate obstacles, muddy sections or scree. For a regular hiker, a well-chosen pair of hiking poles quickly becomes an indispensable companion on every mountain outing.
Aluminium or carbon hiking poles: which should you choose?
The choice of material determines the weight, robustness and price of your poles. The aluminium hiking poles anodised offer great resistance to pressure and absorb impacts without bending — an asset for loaded trekking and rough terrain. Carbon models prioritise maximum lightness and better vibration absorption, which is appreciated over long distances. To choose between the two, keep these criteria in mind:
- Aluminium: built-to-last, durable, budget-friendly
- Carbon: lighter, absorbs vibrations
- Weight carried over long days
- Frequency and demands of your outings
- Target terrain and technical level
Telescopic or foldable poles: how compact do you need them for your pack?
Two folding systems are available across the range. The telescopic poles slide section within section and adjust continuously across their full height range, which suits steep slopes and shorter users well. Foldable poles, built from several sections connected by an internal cord, fold down very short once dismantled and slip easily into or onto a hiking backpack. The Easy-lock system equips Cimalp models for fast, reliable locking. Your choice will depend mainly on the compactness you need when carrying them and your need for precise adjustment.
How to adjust the height of your walking poles?
A well-adjusted pole is held with the elbow bent at a right angle, forearm parallel to the ground. For hiking on flat terrain, this is the reference height. On the way up, shorten the poles slightly to maintain a good push; on the way down, lengthen them to protect your knees. If you're buying online without being able to try them, multiply your height in centimetres by 0.68 to get the ideal length for your walking poles. Adjustable models let you fine-tune the setting throughout your route and make it easier to share a single pair between several hikers.
Baskets, tips and points: how to properly equip your trekking poles
Properly equipping your poles extends their comfort and lifespan. The baskets prevent the tip from sinking in or getting stuck: wide and open for snow, narrower and solid for summer trails. Rubber tip protectors cushion impacts on hard ground, reduce noise and limit soil erosion — a requirement in some nature parks. The point itself ensures grip on rock and earth. Finally, remember to complete your kit with hiking shoes, a backpack and technical socks suited to your trekking outings.
