Poles for trekking, trail and nordic walking

A true extension of your body on the trails, trekking poles support every step, whether you're hiking on marked paths in the hills or embarking on a multi-day trek. At Snowleader, we've brought together a selection for all terrains and outdoor activities, from classic telescopic models to ultra-lightweight folding poles from specialist brands.

A wide range of trekking poles at Snowleader

As a leading site for outdoor leisure and sports, Snowleader offers hiking enthusiasts a vast choice of accessories and equipment, with a special focus on trekking poles. Our catalogue features top brands: Black Diamond for proven folding models for trail running, Leki for its renowned adjustable locking systems, TSL Outdoor for French-made trail and hiking poles, and Guidetti, a historic brand also manufacturing in France. Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned trekker, you'll find the right model for your needs, body shape, and budget in stock.

Trekking poles: the hiker's best ally

Hiking brings many joys: it's perfect for fresh air away from the city, keeping fit at your own pace, or exploring beautiful regions. However, it does require some preparation and quality equipment.

Walking for hours on uneven trails puts strain on your joints, especially the knees on descents, where your body absorbs up to three times its weight with each step. To reduce this impact, specialist manufacturers have developed a full range of trekking poles, now as essential as walking boots or a rucksack in your outdoor kit.

Used in pairs, poles distribute effort to the upper body, stabilise movement on technical ground, and make tricky sections like stream crossings or scree safer. To help you choose, our team has put together a selection of the best trekking poles to check out on our blog.

The different types of trekking poles

The trekking pole market has diversified in recent years, with models designed for specific uses. Understanding the construction differences will help you choose the right pole for your activity, whether it's a Sunday walk, a demanding multi-day trek, a trail run, or a specific activity like Nordic walking or ski touring.

Telescopic trekking poles: pros and cons

Built with sections that slide into each other, telescopic poles remain the go-to for most trekking and hiking pole users. Their locking systems, whether internal twist or external lever (like Leki's SpeedLock), allow precise length adjustment to suit the terrain: shorten for uphill for efficient push, lengthen for downhill to ease pressure. Two or three-section aluminium construction gives them appreciated durability, though they are bulkier when folded.

• Advantages: precise adjustment, high durability, versatile for all trail types.
• Disadvantages: longer when folded, slightly heavier than folding models.
• Ideal use: day hikes, multi-day treks, regular use in hills and mountains.

Folding poles: lightweight and practical

Ever needed to stow your poles mid-run to climb or fit them in a trail pack? Folding poles are designed for these situations, with three or four sections connected by a Kevlar cord. They deploy or fold in seconds, packing down to around thirty centimetres. This design features in top models like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z or Leki Ultratrail FX One, favoured by trail running pole users and mountaineers for their compactness and featherweight, often under 350 grams per pair.

• Advantages: minimal bulk, instant deployment, lightweight.
• Disadvantages: less height adjustment, higher price for similar quality.
• Ideal use: trail, ultra-trail, mountaineering, fast hiking with technical sections.

Nordic walking poles: a specific movement

Nordic walking uses a backward push engaging the whole upper body, and the equipment is adapted to this technique. Nordic walking poles are usually single-section or two-section telescopic, with a length calculated so the elbow forms a slightly open angle for propulsion. Their key feature is the glove-like strap, which detaches from the pole with a press: you can fully release the grip at the end of the push without dropping the pole, essential for a smooth technique.

Ski touring poles: winter strength and versatility

In winter, the demands change: deep snow, steep slopes, alternating skinning up and skiing down. Ski touring poles feature large snow baskets to prevent sinking, extended foam grips for holding lower on traverses, and robust adjustment systems that resist freezing. Brands like Dynafit offer models built for these specific needs.

Choosing the right material for your trekking poles

Carbon or aluminium: which to choose?

Material choice is key: it affects weight, durability, and price. Aluminium, often in 7075 aerospace alloy, is a safe bet for regular mountain use. It's tough and bends rather than breaks if trapped in rocks, letting you finish your hike. Carbon stands out for its lightness and vibration absorption, ideal for long distances and those counting every gram.

• Aluminium: durable, shock-tolerant, affordable. Great for classic hiking and technical terrain.
• Carbon: up to 30% lighter, excellent shock absorption, more fragile to side impacts. Favoured for trail and fast hiking.
• Carbon/aluminium hybrid: a good compromise, with lightweight upper sections and tough lower sections for impact resistance.

Adjusting the size of your trekking poles

Tips for optimal adjustment

Poorly adjusted poles lose much of their benefit and can cause shoulder and forearm fatigue. The standard rule for flat ground: hold the pole vertically with the tip on the ground-your elbow should form a right angle, forearm parallel to the ground. For a quick estimate, multiply your height in centimetres by 0.68: someone 1.75m tall would need a pole around 119cm.

This base setting can be adapted to the trail, which is the main advantage of adjustable models:

• Uphill: shorten by 5-10cm for efficient horizontal push.
• Downhill: lengthen by 5-10cm to keep your torso upright and protect your knees.
• Undulating terrain: keep the standard setting and adjust strap pressure as needed.

Essential accessories for your trekking poles

Beyond the pole itself, several pole accessories complete your kit and let you adapt to changing conditions. Many are interchangeable and fit easily in a rucksack side pocket.

Tips and baskets: choosing for the terrain

The tip is the contact point with the ground and directly affects grip. Tungsten carbide tips, standard on most mid- and high-end poles, bite into rock and frozen ground. You can add various tips and baskets as needed:

• Rubber tips: for tarmac, limestone slabs, or smooth surfaces to preserve grip and reduce noise.
• Large baskets (snow): essential for winter or ski touring, they prevent the pole from sinking into powder.
• Small baskets (trekking): ideal year-round on dry trails, they stay discreet while providing enough support.
• Ergonomic straps: relieve grip, improve power transfer, and reduce the risk of losing a pole if you stumble.

Trekking poles FAQ

What is the correct height for a trekking pole?

The correct height is easy to check: hold the pole vertically with the tip on the ground-your forearm should form a right angle with your arm. For a quick calculation, multiply your height in centimetres by 0.68 for the ideal length on flat ground. An adjustable model is best if you expect varied terrain, so you can change the length to suit the slope.

How do you care for trekking poles?

After each outing, take apart the sections of your telescopic poles and wipe the inside with a dry cloth: residual moisture, especially with grit, is the main cause of locking system jamming. Regularly check the condition of levers or internal screws, and replace tips as soon as they show significant wear to maintain good grip. For folding models, periodically check the tension of the internal Kevlar cord, which can loosen over time.

Which trekking poles should I choose for my outdoor activity?

The choice depends mainly on your activity and how often you do it. For classic hiking and multi-day treks, a telescopic aluminium pole offers the best balance of strength, versatility, and price. Trail runners and mountain racers will prefer folding carbon models for compactness and low weight. For Nordic walking, specific poles-shorter and with glove-like straps-allow a full backward push. For ski touring and winter outings, go for adjustable poles with large snow baskets and reinforced carbide tips.