Hiking poles have become incredibly popular with day hikers and backpackers alike over the last couple decades, and rightly so. Also called trekking poles and walking sticks, these tools of the hiking trade are indispensable aids for greater stability, stress reduction and increased safety, all of which combine to enhance your overall trail experience.

Poles help share the load on your back, which takes some of the strain off your knees and lower joints while putting your arms, shoulders and chest to work. Pole use reduces fatigue and improves your endurance, which can extend the hours and distance you can hike in a day. Poles increase your contact with the ground for more secure footing and upright stability and balance, critical for stream crossings, rough terrain and climbing and descending steep slopes.

The comforting rhythmic motion of swinging poles helps you maintain a good pace, and you can lean on your poles when you take a quick trail break. Poles can used to probe trailside brush and ward off snakes and other small critters, and you can also employ them in erecting your ultralight tent or tarp. No wonder hiking poles are nearly ubiquitous today!

An early adopter, this hiker bought hiking poles from L.L. Bean over 25 years ago. Those same trusty LEKI Super Makalu’s have been with me ever since over many thousands of trail miles. Banged up good but still functional, my poles are nevertheless finally due for a good retirement, so I went back to the source to see what’s what in the world of hiking poles these days with the hope of finding a suitable replacement.

“Hiking poles today are much lighter and stronger thanks to higher quality materials and improved manufacturing,” said Chris Henson, Merchandise Manager for Sporting Equipment at L.L. Bean. “Poles are better ergonomically designed than ever before, so they’re easier and more comfortable to hold, and the straps and pole lengths are more convenient to adjust, even on the fly.”

Whether you’re a seasoned hiking pole user or are looking at poles for the first time, there are a dizzying array of choices on the market and a lot of technical details to sort through and consider. You’ll really want to do your homework so you can walk away with a good product that will best fit your hiking needs and bring many years of enjoyment.

Hiking poles are made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. Carbon is lighter but less durable, while aluminum is heavier but will last longer. Poles will have two or three sections; three is best as the pole will be able to collapse into a shorter length for easier packing. Make sure the pole will adjust appropriately for your height and for use with your tent or tarp rigging (if applicable).

The adjustable pole sections will lock in place with either a cam lock or twist lock. While twist locks have improved, they are still prone to slipping. Cam locks – 80-90% of the market – are faster to use and much more reliable. Some poles feature a spring mechanism in the shaft which acts as a shock absorber to reduce vibration.

Pole grips can be rubber, foam or cork, angled slightly forward or in-line with the pole. The material is your preference but do make sure the handle feels good in your hand. The straps should be easily adjustable to accommodate everything from bare hands to heavy gloves. Extended grips are a relatively new feature that allow you to “shorten” the pole on the go without actually adjusting it.

Poles come with small diameter baskets, which some hikers prefer to remove. If you’re planning to hike in winter, be sure your poles also come with larger diameter snow baskets, or that they’re available as accessories. Most pole tips are made of indestructible carbide for a dependable grip on hard surfaces.

“When making your decision, choose poles with the features that work for you and you’ve probably found a good pole,” Hensen said. “Of course, as the weight of the poles decreases, the price in turn increases, but then, so does the comfort you’re buying.”

Avoid cheap knockoffs; they’re just not worth it. When it comes to hiking poles and your health and safety on the trail, quality matters, so shop with a reputable outdoor retailer where you can get expert advice.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is the author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast and editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Follow more of Carey’s adventures on Facebook @CareyKish

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