WALKING POLES FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

The world of trekking poles is a daunting one to walk into, and picking the ideal set of poles is a tall task even for experienced hikers. So, we’ve put together this helpful buying guide to let you know what to look out for and help pick the perfect poles for you.

Walking poles help with balance and stability when on the trail, giving the user 3 or 4 points of contact with the ground rather than just one. They help improve walking posture, particularly on inclines, by forcing you to stay more upright and helping you to get into a ‘walking rhythm’ adding momentum to your steps. Walking poles can reduce fatigue and help relieve strain on knees, hips and the lower back, removing anything between 5% to 20% of the load.

To ensure you have the correct length, the pole should hit the floor when your hand is at a 90-degree angle from your body. When going downhill, they should be extended by 5 to 10cm, and retracted a similar amount when climbing up a steep incline.