I’ve had updates and changes in my thoughts on hiking poles. Recently I was asked some questions and this post is a recap of my answers and the things to think about with poles.
First, the handles
One consistent thing is I have found myself preferring is cork handles.
There are other types, but cork is popular for good reason. Alternatives include foam, rubber, plastic and fake cork. None of them really work as well for me as cork.
The downside to cork is that some critters like to chew on it so you need to be careful of where your poles are at night.
Mine are always vertical now and inside the fly of my tent.
The second element that distinguishes handles is “ergo” handles. That means the handle has a tilt to it. Some handles have a gentle tilt, others have built brands on more of a tilt.
I used to prefer ergo handles but my grip on my pole and how I use them has changed and so ergo handles are no longer important to me.
Finally, some handles are smooth and some have indentations for each finger and there are variations from no indentation to a few to many.
This is something a hiker determines for themselves and a good reason to go to an REI and compare poles.
Second: Aluminum or Carbon or Fiberglass pole bodies
When I first started I preferred Aluminum poles. I had a number of times when I fell because my poles caught and then they bent instead of broke as I went down and I later bent them back.
You can’t bend back most other materials. Those snap.
However, I then sheared off an aluminum pole on the PCT, got what was available in town (carbon) and never had a bend/fall situation again.
Further, at one time carbon and aluminum poles were much too close in weight because of differences in the pole locks.
That is no longer the case. Carbon is lighter. You can save weight by getting carbon poles.
Fiberglass really has nothing to recommend it.
Pole lock type
Poles generally are adjustable in length. The mechanism that holds them or locks them in place at that length is called a pole lock.
These days the choices are flip locks or twist locks. Flip locks have much less in trouble they cause and are preferred by everyone I’ve met or read.
The poles I use
I’m currently using the Carbon cork-handled Cascade Mountain Tech poles from Costco.
They come in aluminum or carbon. The carbon ones are two ounces lighter than the Black Diamond Alpine Cork.
There are some great reviews of these poles. https://andrewskurka.com/cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-trekking-poles-review/ is one of them.
They come in foam or cork handles. I really prefer cork. The Cascades used to have some problems with the cork that appear to be resolved now.
At Amazon ~$55. At Costco the price varies.
Two pack currently $74.99.
Finally, the flip locks they use are easy to use and adjust. With trekking pole tents that is important.
My wife uses Foxelli. She found her first Foxelli poles in a hiker box and bought another set. She really likes them. ~$60.
They really are nice.
Conclusions
There is a huge variety in poles and costs. The Alpine Carbon Cork poles cost me ~$200. I got lucky with the price on the Cascade Mountain Tech poles at $27.98.
There are prices at all points in between and you will find people who prefer just about every iteration and variety in pole type.
There are unisex poles and ones especially for women. There are ones that are fraudulently marketed and ones that seem to have no marketing at all.
Finally, while adjustable poles that telescope are standard there are one piece poles and foldable poles. I haven’t written about those because they are rarely used by backpackers on long trails and when used are usually replaced.
Luckily you can try all the options and types out, get a feel for what you like and try various poles out and change your mind as often as you wish.
Miscellaneous comments
I often palm my poles putting my weight on the top of the pole handle. I rotate that with other grips. As a resort I like a pole handle with a smooth top.
Some people always use the same grip.
Often you can use your straps as part of the grip. There are other uses for straps as well. The only time I went without straps I regretted it.
Others cut their straps off immediately.
On the AT I generally used pole caps (which go over the tips) which are also used for walking on hard surfaces like concrete. They grip rock better than carbide.
On other trails I’d never use caps. Superglue is the only way to avoid them coming off on trail.
Baskets (which fit just above the tips) can be useful in snow. I’ve always not used them even when I had them and was in snow.
Carbide tips are pretty standard now. That no longer needs to be written about.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/trekking-poles-hiking-staffs.html —good advice from REI.