How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles for Your Hike

New to trekking poles or ready to upgrade? This guide covers everything you need to know—how to use them, what to look for, and which type suits your adventure. Plus, we spotlight some of the best poles and brands available at Wild Earth Australia.

17.04.2025

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Whether you're tackling the Overland Track or cruising through Springbrook, a good pair of trekking poles can change the way you move through the outdoors. More than just a tool for tough trails, trekking poles can improve your balance, reduce fatigue, and take the pressure off your knees—especially with a heavy pack or over long distances.

If you're new to the scene or just looking to upgrade, this guide will walk you through what to look for in a trekking pole, how to use them, and which type suits your adventure style. Along the way, we’ll spotlight some of the best trekking poles and brands available right here at Wild Earth Australia.

Are Trekking Poles Really Necessary?
Short answer: no.
Better answer: if you hike regularly, they're a smart investment.

Benefits of Hiking Poles:

  • Stability on rough terrain – from river crossings to rocky scrambles.
     
  • Joint protection – especially on long descents.
     
  • Improved endurance – reduce overall fatigue by distributing effort.
     
  • Upright posture – helps reduce back strain and neck tension.
     
  • Added safety – they double as support, probes, or even snake deterrents.
     
  • Rhythm and momentum – settle into a more efficient pace on longer treks.

Choosing the Right Type of Trekking Pole
Trekking poles aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a rundown of the main types you’ll find, and when to choose each.

Telescopic Hiking Poles

These adjust in length by sliding sections inside each other. Great for varying terrain or sharing between users of different heights.
Best for: Versatility, general hiking, those who want fine-tuned adjustability.

Folding (Z-Style) Hiking Poles

These poles fold into 3–5 connected segments and are ultra-compact. While usually fixed length, some models offer limited adjustment.
Best for: Ultralight hikers, trail runners, travel, fastpacking.

How to Size Your Trekking Poles (And Adjust Them on the Go)
Knowing how to use hiking poles properly starts with getting the right fit. It’s not just about comfort—pole length plays a big role in your performance and safety. Too long, and you’ll throw off your rhythm and put strain on your shoulders. Too short, and you’ll miss out on the support they’re designed to give.
Here’s how to dial in the right fit.

On Flat Ground:

  • Stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
     
  • Bend your elbow so it’s at a 90-degree angle, like you’re shaking hands.
     
  • Adjust the pole so that when the tip is on the ground beside your foot, the handle rests comfortably in your hand.

That’s your ideal baseline height for general use.
Most trekking poles adjust between 60 cm and 140 cm, which suits most hikers. If you’re particularly tall or short, double-check the max/min length before buying.

Adjusting for Terrain

Terrain

Adjustment

Uphill climbs

Shorten poles by 5–10 cm to stay upright and reduce strain on your shoulders.

Downhill descents

Lengthen poles by 5–10 cm for more reach and stability.
 

Traversing slopes

Make the downhill-side pole longer or use the extended grip (if your pole has one).

Trekking Pole Comparison: Materials, Grips & Locking Systems

Shaft Materials

Material

Pros

Cons

Aluminium

Tough, cost-effective, handles knocks well

Heavier than carbon, may bend under stress

Carbon Fibre

Super light, absorbs vibration, high performance

Can splinter if overstressed, more costly

Tip: If you're hiking in rugged terrain, aluminium offers peace of mind. For fast-and-light goals, carbon is king.

Grip Materials

Grip Type

Pros

Cons

Cork

Breathable, moulds to hand shape, reduces vibration

Slightly heavier, more premium price

Foam

Lightweight, great for hot/sweaty conditions

May compress over time with heavy use

Rubber

Insulates well, ideal in cold conditions

Can cause chafing in warm weather

Some poles offer extended grips—a bonus for steep ascents when you want to hold your pole lower without adjusting the length.

Locking Mechanisms

Lock Type

How It Works

Pros

Cons

Flick Lock

Lever-based clamp

Quick, glove-friendly, strong

Slightly more external bulk

Twist Lock

Twist-to-tighten between segments

Sleek look, lightweight

Can loosen over time, less precise

Push-button

Snap-in folding system

Fast deployment, common in Z-poles

Not adjustable (unless hybrid model)


Do You Need Trekking Pole Accessories?
While not every pole comes with extras, a few small additions can go a long way—especially if you're clocking big distances or heading into tougher terrain.

Tips:
The business end of your pole matters more than you’d think.

  • Carbide tips are the standard—hardwearing and designed to bite into everything from rocky ridgelines to icy slopes.
     
  • Rubber tip covers are handy when you’re walking on sealed paths or travelling. They help reduce wear and tear, protect your pack when the poles are stashed, and are a lot kinder to fragile environments.

Baskets:
Those little discs down near the tip of your pole? They’re more useful than they look.

  • Standard baskets are handy in soft terrain—think muddy trails, sandy riverbeds, or loose gravel. They help stop your poles from sinking in too far with each step.
     
  • Snow baskets are wider and come into their own when you’re in deep snow or slushy alpine terrain. Without them, your poles can punch straight through and throw off your balance.

Most baskets are easy to swap out, so you can change them with the seasons or the type of trail you’re on. They might seem like a small add-on, but they can make a big difference when the terrain gets tricky.

Our Go-To Brands for Trekking Poles
There’s a lot of gear out there, but these are the names we trust—and recommend—when it comes to trekking poles.

Leki Hiking Poles
Leki’s been at this for a long time, and you can feel that experience in the way their gear performs. From comfy, well-contoured grips to sturdy locking systems, their poles are built to handle whatever your legs can. Whether it’s your first overnight hike or your tenth trip into the high country, Leki poles won’t let you down.

Black Diamond Hiking Poles
Black Diamond gear is a staple in the climbing and mountaineering world, and their trekking poles are no exception. Lightweight, reliable, and easy to adjust on the fly, they’re a solid choice for anyone who values performance and practicality. Their FlickLock system is one of the quickest and most secure out there.

Helinox Hiking Poles
If you’re trying to shave every gram from your pack, Helinox is the brand to look at. Their poles are featherlight, super compact when folded, and ideal for fastpackers, trail runners, or travellers who want gear that fits anywhere and weighs next to nothing.

Komperdell Hiking Poles
Built in the Austrian Alps, Komperdell poles are rugged, dependable, and thoughtfully designed. They’ve nailed the balance between weight, comfort, and durability. If you’re chasing a pole that feels steady underfoot across every kind of terrain—including snow—these guys deliver.

Final Thoughts: Which Poles Are Right for You?

Hiking Style

Your Best Match

Day hikes & weekend trips

Telescopic aluminium poles with foam or cork grips

Multi-day treks

Lightweight carbon poles with reliable locking systems

Fastpacking & trail running

Folding poles (Z-style), compact and light

Travel

Collapsible poles with push-button folding

Cold or alpine conditions

Rubber grips, larger snow baskets


Still not sure where to start?
Explore our full range of hiking poles in Australia and see what other adventurers are saying in our reviews. Whether you need foldable hiking poles for your next trip or want the lightest trekking poles you can get your hands on, we’ve got the gear to back your journey.