How to Choose Trekking Poles

# How to Choose Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are one of the most useful — and most debated — pieces of trekking gear. Here is how to choose the right pair.

## Materials

– **Aluminium** — durable, affordable, slightly heavier. Best for most trekkers.
– **Carbon fibre** — ultralight, absorbs vibration, but more expensive and can snap.
– **Composite** — mix of aluminium and carbon.

## Grips

– **Cork** — comfortable, wicks sweat, moulds to your hand. Best for warm hands.
– **Foam** — soft, light, absorbs sweat. Can degrade.
– **Rubber** — durable, insulates from cold. Best for cold weather.

## Locking Mechanism

– **Lever lock (Flicklock)** — easiest to adjust, reliable, slightly heavier.
– **Twist lock** — lighter, but can slip and is harder to use with gloves.

## Sizing

– Stand flat, bend elbow 90°
– Pole tip should touch the ground
– For downhill, lengthen by 5–10cm
– For uphill, shorten by 5–10cm

## Tips and Baskets

– **Carbide tips** — grip rock and hard ground
– **Rubber tips** — for pavement and teahouse floors
– **Baskets** — prevent poles sinking in mud/snow

## Rent vs Buy

For a single Nepal trek, renting adjustable aluminium poles ($8/week) makes more sense than buying ($60–150) and flying with them.