Trekking Poles for Beginners - Help and advice
You may think that hiking poles (or trekking poles- I will use the terms interchangeably throughout this story) are for the experienced mountain trekker only. Or that they look a bit stupid and unnecessary when you are new hiker and that only old, decrepit people use them?
Wrong.
You will soon find out they are a worthwhile purchase regardless of your age or experience, and something you should consider as part of your gear for hiking on long and short treks – whether it be locally or further afield.
There is a lot of information out there on hiking poles, and some of it is geared towards the more experienced hikers so we are going to simplify it for those who may just be starting out (and this is based on what we have discovered ourselves).
Firstly, Why use trekking poles?
Here are some reasons to consider why poles need to be part of your gear:
- When hiking, poles absorb some of the impact on your body, especially when going down a hill. As you step down, poles will help with the stress placed on your body (especially your knees). Overall, they help with your stability especially on uneven terrain.
- Apart from helping you walk, your arms get a workout with them and used correctly, they help with your posture, especially in the upper back region.
- They help with any load you might be carrying, taking some of the pressure off your legs, allowing you to feel less tired by the weight you are carrying. Studies back up this fact. Northumbria University in 2010 (source: here) conducted studies on a test group, and found that the group provided with hiking poles had less muscle soreness across the experiment compared to the test group without. Levels of the enzyme creatine kinase (indicating muscle damage) was also higher at the 24 hour point of the experiment for those hikers without the use of trekking poles.
- Any aid that is going to help make you less fatigued or sore, should also increase your chances of enjoying the hike (during and after). So that is a big plus for hiking poles.
- I personally have found them invaluable for balance – crossing a creek or going across a ditch, they help me not fall in and provide much needed support. Using poles means that apart from my 2 feet on the ground, there are an additional 2 extra supports for my uncoordinated ways! Downhill is where I feel they also have given me more confidence in hiking, especially when the trail is very bumpy or steep.
- There is the added bonus with hiking poles, that you have something to lean on when exhausted as well. That is frequently me.
- Also, as you get more experienced these poles become more than just a support to you. They can become part of your shelter set up (image below using our Helinox trekking poles) a monopod for your camera, a way to push back shrubs/branches as you walk through bushland, and in case of an emergency, a splint.
Helinox Trekking Poles used as support for tent
What to look for when choosing a beginner pole
There are a few key things to consider when purchasing, so don’t rush in to any purchase without doing some homework. The more experienced hikers list could include more considerations. At the bottom of this page we link to pages for those seeking more experienced points of view.
Note: we recommend the use of 2 poles as opposed to one pole, but if you want to start out with one and get the hang of it, then thats OK.
Things to consider are below
(1) Price
How much you want to spend is a personal decision, and only you know your budget.
Expect to have a starting price from at least $100-150 for a reputable brand but the price climbs from there. Cheap ones are cheap for a reason and best avoided. Below we will list some of our favourites and personal choices. Just because you are a beginner, doesn't mean that these poles are not going to last you. They can and will last for a long time with care. You may find these listed are all you will ever need.
Trail Back
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Starting out, the basic and reliable Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles are a good choice for beginners.
These trekking poles are part of Black Diamond's Trail series. They will get the job done at an affordable price. Made of aluminium and with rubber grips, this is one of our faves at a good price. The 140cm poles can be seen here for around $100 (Free delivery via Amazon, our affiliate) If you are wanting a little more, then the Trail Pro is another reliable choice. |
 Trail Pro
To see more about the Black Diamond Trail series, watch YouTube video at bottom of this page.
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If shock absorption is more important to you, the Black Diamond Trail Pro ( comes in at a higher cost) but rates highly for comfort with foam handles. Would work effectively in most Australian terrains. Like the Trail Back Trekking Poles, this is part of the Trail series and is lighter but the price goes up. The mechanism used to lock the pole extensions in place is Black Diamonds if the FlickLock Pro - which is a strong lever action and easy to use. Amazon (affiliate) sells for around $105 with free delivery. See them here. We have the Helinox Causeway GL145 hiking poles as well. These poles are lightweight but suited for more rugged terrain and when you are carrying all your gear. They do have the twist lock mechanism but with added technology to make this stronger. Expect to pay around $200+ for a pair. If you are more of a day hiker, or wanting younger children to have hiking poles, you could consider the Helinox FL120 Passport Walking Poles. These poles would be for the person carrying a light pack, and they pack up very compactly. Not really the poles an adult would take on any overnight walk (you would need the Causeway models for that). Expect to pay around $180+ for a pair. |
(2) Pole Adjustment Mechanism
Hiking pole lengths should be adjustable as you need to alter their length to suit your height, plus alter the length based on your terrain. Going up a hill requires a different length compared to going down a hill. So that’s why we recommend getting adjustable poles. You definitely need to ensure that the pole is long enough for you, as a short pole will offer no benefit.
The way the length of the pole gets adjusted can be by 3 methods – twist or lever or push button. Lever is faster and the more durable of the 3 methods. The twist method, sometimes doesn’t seem to hold the length easily and more prone to failure but different brands are adding technology to make this less of a problem. You could get a hiking pole that uses a combination of these adjustment mechanisms as well!
You will need to do some reading/YouTube watching to learn how to adjust your pole to suit you. Everyone is different and you need to make sure the pole suits your height to benefit the most. If not used correctly, you may start to question the value of your purchase. At the bottom of this story, I have a couple of links that will tell you how to use the poles correctly.
Hiking pole lengths should be adjustable as you need to alter their length to suit your height, plus alter the length based on your terrain. Going up a hill requires a different length compared to going down a hill. So that’s why we recommend getting adjustable poles. You definitely need to ensure that the pole is long enough for you, as a short pole will offer no benefit.
The way the length of the pole gets adjusted can be by 3 methods – twist or lever or push button. Lever is faster and the more durable of the 3 methods. The twist method, sometimes doesn’t seem to hold the length easily and more prone to failure but different brands are adding technology to make this less of a problem. You could get a hiking pole that uses a combination of these adjustment mechanisms as well!
You will need to do some reading/YouTube watching to learn how to adjust your pole to suit you. Everyone is different and you need to make sure the pole suits your height to benefit the most. If not used correctly, you may start to question the value of your purchase. At the bottom of this story, I have a couple of links that will tell you how to use the poles correctly.
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Want to see one of the most highly rated trekking poles for 2019 (from Outdoor Gear Lab reviews)? Then see the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking pole. This fully carbon pole was reviewed very favourably but comes at price. If you think you are going to be serious about your lightweight hiking (around 450g) and see mountain climbing and lots of hiking in your future, you may wish to investigate these. It's ability to pack down small and its weight make this a trekking pole that has received a lot of attention from the serious hikers of this world. We have not tried this one. |
(3) Material
Aluminum vs. Carbon Fibre
What’s the difference? Carbon is lighter but can break more easily and dent more easily, and you will need to take a bit more care with it. If you are worried about weight, then carbon would be your preferred option. Lightweight gear also tends to come at a higher price.
Aluminum can take more of a beating, but will weigh a bit more. They tend to be cheaper as well which is a plus as a new hiker. If you are carrying a heavy pack, having that extra strength and load bearing may be appealing.
Whilst you might not think weight is that important as a new hiker, something to think about is how often you lift your arms with your poles on a hike. Every gram will add up on a longer hike.
Aluminum vs. Carbon Fibre
What’s the difference? Carbon is lighter but can break more easily and dent more easily, and you will need to take a bit more care with it. If you are worried about weight, then carbon would be your preferred option. Lightweight gear also tends to come at a higher price.
Aluminum can take more of a beating, but will weigh a bit more. They tend to be cheaper as well which is a plus as a new hiker. If you are carrying a heavy pack, having that extra strength and load bearing may be appealing.
Whilst you might not think weight is that important as a new hiker, something to think about is how often you lift your arms with your poles on a hike. Every gram will add up on a longer hike.
Below images - Black Diamond Carbon Z This is a lightweight pole made of carbon and is one designed for those who really are counting grams. Non adjustable but come in different sizes, so find one that suits your height. This would suit the lovers of ultralight hiking.
More details, pricing and availability here.
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(4) Grip
The grip is generally made of either, foam, rubber or cork. The choice of grip could be personal preference as not one material will suit everyone.
Rubber is sweatier and less cool in warm weather so the warmer the weather, the sweatier your hands! Does not absorb water. Good for hiking in the cold climates. The heaviest of the grips available if counting grams.
Foam absorbs moisture and also the softest of the grips. Probably not the best choice if your hiking pole is going to be used in snow or getting a lot of water on it. But if you are worried about weight, this is the lightest grip.
Cork is good for sweaty hands and warm weather but does take in moisture. A positive it that it moulds better to your hands
The grip is generally made of either, foam, rubber or cork. The choice of grip could be personal preference as not one material will suit everyone.
Rubber is sweatier and less cool in warm weather so the warmer the weather, the sweatier your hands! Does not absorb water. Good for hiking in the cold climates. The heaviest of the grips available if counting grams.
Foam absorbs moisture and also the softest of the grips. Probably not the best choice if your hiking pole is going to be used in snow or getting a lot of water on it. But if you are worried about weight, this is the lightest grip.
Cork is good for sweaty hands and warm weather but does take in moisture. A positive it that it moulds better to your hands
Trekking poles - used for support as you cross uneven terrain
(5) Packability
How much do you want your hiking pole to go down in size?
There are 2 section telescoping poles (the poles nest within each other and then lock into place when extended) and 3 section telescoping.
Three-section telescoping is the most common you will find and whilst not as strong as say, a pole that only shrinks in 2 sections, this three section is a good beginners choice. These poles can pack down small.
Folding poles (or you may hear the term Z style) are poles that pack down to about 1/3 size, and held together with an internal tension cord – just like what you see on many tent poles. Many of these will not be adjustable in length.
Fixed poles are ones that don’t do any collapsing and not adjustable. These are the least common and not our preferred choice as a hiking pole.
How much do you want your hiking pole to go down in size?
There are 2 section telescoping poles (the poles nest within each other and then lock into place when extended) and 3 section telescoping.
Three-section telescoping is the most common you will find and whilst not as strong as say, a pole that only shrinks in 2 sections, this three section is a good beginners choice. These poles can pack down small.
Folding poles (or you may hear the term Z style) are poles that pack down to about 1/3 size, and held together with an internal tension cord – just like what you see on many tent poles. Many of these will not be adjustable in length.
Fixed poles are ones that don’t do any collapsing and not adjustable. These are the least common and not our preferred choice as a hiking pole.
Other points to remember…..
Do not think you need to buy a different sort of hiking pole based on gender. Hiking poles are unisex but there are poles that are marketed towards women (a marketing ploy?) Find the hiking pole that suits your height and needs.
There is a lot of information on hiking poles which cover tips (at end of the pole), shock absorbers (near the tip of the pole, and a spring like mechanism to help absorb the impact as the pole hits the ground; baskets (used on snow trails) and wrist straps.
Read "Shock Absorbing Poles: Are they for you" to find out more, as there are mixed opinions on this particular feature.
When you are more experienced you may wish to investigate those finer points in more detail, but they won’t really dramatically affect any purchases you make right now.
Do not think you need to buy a different sort of hiking pole based on gender. Hiking poles are unisex but there are poles that are marketed towards women (a marketing ploy?) Find the hiking pole that suits your height and needs.
There is a lot of information on hiking poles which cover tips (at end of the pole), shock absorbers (near the tip of the pole, and a spring like mechanism to help absorb the impact as the pole hits the ground; baskets (used on snow trails) and wrist straps.
Read "Shock Absorbing Poles: Are they for you" to find out more, as there are mixed opinions on this particular feature.
When you are more experienced you may wish to investigate those finer points in more detail, but they won’t really dramatically affect any purchases you make right now.
Conclusion
When you come to buying your hiking poles, the above points should give you a clearer idea on what is important to you and what to look for as you begin with these poles.
Getting the right hiking pole could make your outdoor experience a lot more enjoyable, so find the right one for you.
We recommend these websites for further information on hiking pole choices
cleverhiker.com
Outdoorgearlab.com
To find out how to use hiking poles, read
How to use Trekking Poles by Backpackinglight.com
Hiking with Trekking Poles by Socalhiker.net
To see more about Black Diamond Trail Series, see below video
Some of the products in this story are part of our affiliate program. You can read more at our Disclosure Policy. All information and pricing was correct at time of writing.