How to Choose Trekking Poles

With some assistance from hiking poles you can walk up and downhill better on difficult terrain, pick up your pace on flat ground, and reduce impact on your joints so you’re less sore for your next day of adventure.

There are so many factors to consider when picking the right trekking poles, so we’ve decided to try and make it a little easier in the video.

We got our team mate Ben, to talk you through the different types of grip, shaft material, locking mechanisms, packability, and tips that are available on our range of hiking poles.

So, if you need some help narrowing down the perfect set of poles for your next backpacking, hiking or travel expedition, then hit that play button above.

Check out the range of hiking poles we have from Black Diamond and Leki online here:

0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Handle options
1:33 - Poles (material & folding mechanisms)
2:42 - Tips & baskets

[jameswuu]

Thanks for the video! Straightforward and easy to understand comparisons.

[dfclbb]

Excellent, straight-to-the-point video! Thanks.

[mrwmc]

Excellent video, just what I needed. Great job!

[hamishjohnappleby]

Great video - However, you missed one other important aspect and that is the difference between holes with and without suspension. I do yearly walks of around 1000 km per walk and I always use poles with suspension because I find they are better on the wrists. It's personal of course but people should be aware that they have the option. Leki used to do a great pole with with both a cork handle and suspension.

[roanahb]

Such a great and informative video 👍🏼😊❤️

[carolcutmore]

What about weight issues do you need specisal pole ? If you're solid person ?

[helwrj]

Is aluminum more durable than Carbon alloy?

[eesharaazia]

What is the difference between walking pole & walking stick? How do I determine I'm purchasing a pole & not a stick when buying randomly online.?

[robertthetexan]

I'm not sure that I knew what kind of trekking pole I'd buy after this video, but man if I didn't have the strongest urge to travel from Texas to Australia and travel the length and breadth of your beautiful country. Australia still reminds me of Texas, minus the kangaroos and poisonous snakes. Oh wait we have those as well... Anyway, I'd likely pack my ruck up and head south of the equator except for this Australian mate by the name of W. Canterbury (I'll leave his first name off to protect his privacy and the fact he had hair plugs) but that SOB brought me a jar of vegemite from Perth all the way to Texas, and with evil and utter glee watched me take a big ol heaping teaspoon of that Vegemite and take that bad boy down like a big ol' spoon of honey roasted peanut butter (the smooth kind which is delicious).
I won't go into the details of my revenge because I don't think the statute of limitations has expired, but let me just say, that is probably the last time he'll do his Vegemite trick without a nice slice of toast. Before I kick the bucket my goal is to learn to sail, buy a sailboat and sail to Australia. It'll probably kill me, but that's a more optimistic goal than saving and traveling there. Oh I'll have to wait until y'all pull your heads out of your backside on the whole vaccine thing, but on a sailboat I can sorta just forget that whole thing. (Former MI spook so I can be sneaky) Oh and nice video. Looks like a great store too!

[manuelvolk]

I don't know if you guys are going to react to this, but what are the benefits of each type of locking mechanisms?

[ynyslochtyn]

The T-handle poles may good for descent?

[Cyfkycdrycvkb]

Will you be making this into a text and picture blog?

[darrennorth]

This cant be the same Ben. Sound like he just left high school in this video.

[trailsandbeers]

The lightest fixed length carbon folding poles that you can afford...

[worddunlap]

Plastic, broad term. Cork can get quite nasty. I wrap mine in them rubberized roll bandage material. Friction tape sort of....Yes some can blister you. Get used to it...don't be a sissy.