Trekking Poles: The Best Deals & Reviews for 2024

Hiking is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason: fresh air, exercise, and beautiful nature experiences await. To make your hike safer, more comfortable, and easier on your joints, trekking poles are an essential addition. But what type of trekking poles is right for you and how do you find the best deals? This blog post will help you with the selection and show you how to save money when purchasing.

What You Should Know: The Different Types of Trekking Poles

Often, the terms trekking poles, hiking poles, walking sticks, Nordic walking poles, and telescopic poles are used synonymously, but there are subtle differences. To make your selection easier, we explain the main types:

• Trekking Poles/Hiking Poles: These are the all-rounders for mountain hikes and challenging terrain. They offer stability and relief for knees and hips. They often have simple, non-adjustable lengths.
• Walking Stick: A single stick, mainly used to provide support when walking insecurely, for example, after an injury or in old age.
• Nordic Walking Poles: These poles are specifically designed for Nordic walking and have ergonomic handles and often also special bungee cords that allow for an elastic movement. They are intended for flatter terrain and effective full-body training.
• Telescopic Poles: These poles are adjustable and can be adapted to different terrain and individual height. They are particularly practical when you switch between steep ascents and flat paths.

Who are trekking poles suitable for? Basically, for anyone who hikes! They are particularly recommended for seniors, people with knee problems or overweight, as well as for hikers who are on rough terrain. Experienced mountain hikers also appreciate the added stability and relief.

Checklist: What to Look For When Buying

Before you decide on a trekking pole or a pole set, you should consider the following points:

• Material: Aluminum is light and robust, carbon is even lighter and dampens vibrations better, but is also more expensive.
• Adjustability: Telescopic poles offer the greatest flexibility.
• Handle: Look for an ergonomically shaped handle that fits well in the hand and is non-slip. Cork or foam grips are particularly comfortable.
• Trekking Tips: Rubber tips are suitable for paved paths, carbide tips for rocky terrain. Trekking poles should ideally be equipped with replaceable tips.
• Weight: Light poles are more comfortable to carry, especially on longer hikes.