How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles — A Complete Buyer's Guide

Why Trekking Poles Matter More Than You Think

Most hikers pick up trekking poles as an afterthought. But the right pair can reduce knee strain by up to 25%, improve your balance on technical terrain, and add hours of comfortable hiking to your day. The wrong pair? Dead weight that ends up strapped to your pack.

Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

1. Material: Carbon vs. Aluminium

Carbon fibre poles are lighter and absorb vibration better — ideal for ultralight backpackers and trail runners who count every gram. The trade-off: they can snap under sudden lateral stress (think: catching a fall on rocky terrain).

Aluminium poles are heavier but virtually indestructible. They bend rather than break, making them the preferred choice for mountaineering, winter use, and anyone who's hard on gear.

Rule of thumb: If you're covering big miles on established trails, go carbon. If you're venturing into technical or unpredictable terrain, aluminium is your friend.

2. Folding vs. Telescoping vs. Fixed Length

• Telescoping (twist-lock or flick-lock): Adjustable length, easy to fine-tune for uphill/downhill. Flick-lock mechanisms are more reliable in cold and wet conditions.
• Folding (Z-pole style): Collapse quickly and pack small — great for trail running and fast-and-light trips. Less adjustability.
• Fixed length: Rare, but maximum stiffness and minimum weight. Used by elite ultralight hikers who know exactly what length they need.

3. Grip Material

Cork is the gold standard — it moulds to your hand over time, wicks moisture, and stays comfortable on long days. Premium choice for multi-day trips.

Foam is soft, lightweight, and great for sweaty hands. Popular with trail runners.

Rubber insulates well in cold conditions but can cause blisters on warm days. Best for winter and mountaineering use.

4. Tip and Basket Options

Most poles come with a standard trekking basket (small, for hard ground) and a snow basket (wide, to prevent sinking). Make sure your poles include both — or that replacement baskets are available.

Carbide tips offer the best grip on rock and ice. Rubber tip covers protect floors and reduce noise on pavement.

5. What LEKI Gets Right

LEKI has been engineering trekking poles since 1948, and their attention to detail shows. Their Speed Lock 2 system is one of the most reliable adjustment mechanisms on the market — fast, secure, and easy to operate with gloves on. The Aergon Thermo grip system provides exceptional comfort and warmth retention in cold conditions.

For most hikers, the LEKI Makalu Lite series hits the sweet spot: lightweight aluminium construction, cork grip, and Speed Lock 2 — built to last a decade of hard use.

6. How to Set the Right Length

Stand upright and hold the pole with the tip on the ground. Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle. For steep uphill sections, shorten by 5–10cm. For downhill, lengthen by the same amount.

Most adjustable poles range from 100–135cm, covering the majority of adult heights.

The Bottom Line

Invest in the right trekking poles and they'll become one of the most-used pieces of gear in your kit. Prioritise the terrain you hike most, your pack weight philosophy, and how much you value adjustability — and you'll find the perfect pair.

Browse our full selection of trekking poles at Halcyon Outdoor, including the complete LEKI range.