Gear Review - Hiking Poles

Today I want to talk about hiking poles. We will start off with why we need them, links on how to use them properly, followed by hiking poles I have used along with there pros and cons. I will end up the entry with my recommendations.

So what are hiking poles?

Hiking poles are a pair or single pole used while hiking. There length can be adjusted and come with accessories like tip protectors (so you do not damage the top when hiking on rocks), baskets (so that its easy to use them on soft snow or hard ice) and others. 

Before we go any further you should watch this video explaining the anatomy of a pole.

The biggest benefit hiking poles is that you wont be as tired as your arms would have helped in trekking.

I am from the school of thought that we should use two poles at all times and we should use them all the time. Some of my friends use only one pole and only when needed for example in snow / ice or when it is too steep. My reason for using pole all the time is that it gives stability and you are not as tired.

You sold me how do I use them?

There is a basic principle of using hiking poles, that is your arms should make a 90 degree angle. This video explains how to use hiking poles.

I learnt using them the hard way. On my first trek I had a miserable time just because I did not know what length I should have used.

Some tips on pole usage are -

• Use tip protectors when not in snow / ice
• Remove tip protectors when in snow / ice
• Install a basket when in snow / ice

What are the hiking poles we have tried?

When I buy a hiking pole I look for the following

• The pole is telescopic - This is because a telescopic pole will collapse into a very small size and may be carried outside your pack.
• The pole is anti shock - This is important because when you will hit hard surface, it will absorb most of the shock
• The pole is light weight
• The pole comes with a large number of accessories - this way the same pole will help you on a wide variety of terrain.  
• The replacements for things like baskets and tip protectors are available - Trust me you will loose a number of tip protectors and tips will get damaged.

I have tried two designs on how the pole is locked

• Screw type - I have tried a number of Screw type designs including the one here. The only issue I find with them is that in winters it is very difficult to screw them in place (while you are waring your gloves) and during hiking they collapse after heavy usage. Its easy for dirt and mud to get inside the pole causing difficulty in unscrewing them.
• Flicklock by black diamond - The flicklock design allows us to open a lock extend the pole to desired length and locking them again with a "Flick". I really like this design, all the issues mentioned above do not exist in them.

There is also a Z design which I have not tried.

Which one then?

As said before I have used a variety of poles but the ones I really like along with the accessories are as under.

• Black diamond Trail Shock Pro Poles
• Small baskets
• Freeride Baskets
• Powder Baskets
• Tip protectors

This video should tell you more about the poles.