How to choose trekking poles?

Trekking poles are not just an accessory, but a key tool for more comfortable and safer movement outdoors. Properly chosen poles can reduce strain on your joints, improve stability and help you tackle demanding terrain more efficiently. But how do you find your way around the options? We’ve prepared an overview to make your choice easier.

1. Why do you need trekking poles?

First, clarify what activities you’ll be using the poles for:

• Light hiking: Easy walks where you’re mainly looking for comfort. We recommend cheaper models such as BLIZZARD Trekking shock, FIZAN EXPLORER, YATE FALCON, FIZAN TREK. You can also explore other budget poles from our range here.

• Mountain hiking: Stability and support are key on rocky paths. In this case, we can recommend for example FIZAN COMPACT, WARMPEACE ALLROUNDER, LEKI Makalu, LEKI Khumbu Pro.

• Trekking with a backpack: You need more durable and sturdier models that can handle higher loads. We recommend choosing similar poles as for mountain hiking. However, since a backpack is mentioned here, we’ll add a few tips for compact poles that fit into a backpack more easily. VIKING Terve Folding, WARMPEACE RIDGEWALK, FIZAN RFP Trek, CAMP Megasonic, LEKI Makalu FX TA.

• Winter activities: Special trekking poles with larger baskets for snow. LEKI Guide 2, LEKI Helicon Lite.

2. Which type of poles should you choose?

You’ll find several types of poles on the market based on their construction:

a) Fixed (one-piece) poles

• Suitable for a specific user height.
• Higher durability, no locks or joints.
• Ideal for winter sports or trail running.
• Popular models: LEKI Smart Pacer Lite, LEKI Smart Flash, LEKI Speed Pacer Lite, LEKI Response.

b) Folding (telescopic) poles

• Adjustable length, ideal for different terrains.
• Easy to pack away, suitable for longer trips.
• Can be folded into a backpack.
• Popular models: YATE Falcon, PINGUIN Shock FL/TL, WARMPEACE ALLROUNDER

c) Ultra-light folding poles

• Made from carbon or aluminium.
• Perfect for active hikers and those looking for minimal weight.
• Popular models: LEKI Makalu FX.One Carbon, LEKI Sherpa Lite, LEKI Makalu FX TA, LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS

3. Important features of trekking poles

Material

• Aluminium poles: Durable, more affordable, but heavier.
• Carbon poles: Light and strong, ideal for long treks, but more expensive.

Grips

• Foam: Comfortably absorbs sweat, suitable for long routes. For example the Fizan Compact model.
• Cork: More natural feel, wicks moisture well. For example the popular BLACK DIAMOND Trail Cork model.
• Rubber: Suitable for cold conditions, reduces hand slipping. For example the best-selling Leki Spin model.

Locks

• Twist-lock: Easy to operate, but less durable. These locks are used mainly by the FIZAN brand.
• Lever-lock: Easy and quick adjustment, more resistant to wear. These locks are used mainly by the LEKI brand.

Tips

• Steel: Grips well on hard terrain.
• Carbide: More durable, ideal on rocky paths.
• Rubber tip protectors: For smooth surfaces (asphalt). You can find a wide range of rubber protectors here.

4. How to set the correct pole length?

The correct pole length should ensure that when holding the grip, your arm forms a right angle at the elbow (90 degrees):

• Flat terrain: Standard setting (90 degrees).
• Uphill: Shorten the poles so you can lean on them better.
• Downhill: Lengthen the poles for greater stability.

5. Brands worth paying attention to

At outdoorweb.cz you’ll find quality trekking poles from renowned brands:

• LEKI: Top quality and the latest technologies.
• Black Diamond: Reliable and durable models for mountain routes.
• Fizan: Great value for money.

6. Nordic walking poles vs. trekking poles

Nordic walking poles are designed specifically for Nordic walking and differ from trekking poles in several ways:

• Purpose: Nordic walking poles are intended for dynamic walking on flat terrain, while trekking poles are designed to provide support in demanding mountain terrain.

• Construction: Nordic walking poles are often lighter and have a fixed length or limited adjustment options. Trekking poles are usually telescopic with the option to adjust length according to terrain and the user’s needs.

• Grip and strap: Nordic walking poles have an ergonomically shaped grip with an integrated glove-style strap for efficient power transfer. Trekking poles often have a wider grip and a simple strap for support and stability.

• Tips and baskets: Nordic walking poles are equipped with rubber ends for hard surfaces and smaller tips for better push-off. Trekking poles have larger tips and interchangeable baskets for different types of terrain, including snow and mud.

7. How to choose running poles

When choosing running poles, it’s important to consider length, weight and the hand attachment system. The LEKI brand offers top models for trail running and ultramarathons:

• Ultratrail FX One – ideal for long and demanding routes, extremely light carbon poles with a fixed length, excellent power transfer thanks to the Trigger Shark system.

• Neotrail FX One – a more versatile model with lower weight, easy to pack and quickly ready to use, suitable for shorter runs too.

• Evotrail FX One – a more robust and more affordable option with a carbon-aluminium construction, suitable for beginners and training.

All of these models feature the PUSH BUTTON system, which allows quick deployment and folding of folding poles with a single press of a button.

Tip: Choose pole length according to height – approximately 0.67 × body height. For intense races we recommend fixed carbon models; for all-round use, folding versions are better.

8. Pole care

• Wipe off dirt after each use.
• Regularly check locks and joints.
• Store them in a dry place to prevent corrosion.

8. Final tip

Trekking poles aren’t just about comfort – properly chosen poles can improve your stability, protect your joints and save you energy on longer routes. At outdoorweb.cz you can choose from a wide range, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. Head outdoors with poles that fit you perfectly!

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