How to choose your trail poles?

Are you convinced of the benefits of trail poles but don't know where to start to choose the right ones for you? In this post, we give you all our advice.

If you choose the right poles, adjust them and use them correctly, they can make all the difference during a technical race or an Ultra-Trail®. With them you can gain in propulsion, balance and speed. They also help you save strength and energy, maintain a good pace and improve your performance. If you're reading this post, you probably already know all this and now need a little help to make sure you choose the right trail companions.

From the straps to the storage system and the composition of the shaft, we will discuss the different options available to you in the following paragraphs, in order to guide you as best as possible in choosing your future trail poles. 

The shafts of hiking poles

If in Nordic walking poles must be made of only one shaft - which is unthinkable in hiking, where adjustable multi-shaft poles prevail - in trail walking the choice is not so simple. It is possible to use fixed-length single-strand poles as well as adjustable or non-adjustable multi-strand poles, depending on the priorities of the runner. 

Single-strand trail poles: These are made of a single carbon strand and are therefore very light. As in Nordic walking, they offer a powerful, straight swing and limit vibrations, which is good for the joints. 

Multi-stemmed trail poles: telescopic or foldable, they are much less bulky than fixed-length single-stemmed poles. On the flat or on a gentle descent, you can simply put them in your rucksack or hang them on your belt and forget about them. They are easy to handle and only slightly heavier than fixed-length poles and offer many advantages. Perhaps you are not sure whether to use retractable or breakable poles? Let's take a look at them for a moment:

Telescopic trail poles: they have the advantage of having an adjustable height, which in itself is not really useful during a race, you don't necessarily want to take the time to adjust the size of your poles, but you can lend them or use them for another activity, like hiking or trekking for example. Above all, they are more durable than folding poles, which are more economical but often heavier.

Foldable trail poles: they are easier to handle, fold and unfold more easily and quickly, they are lighter and take up less space when folded. Basically, they are more suitable for trail use than telescopic poles. The only problem is that they are more fragile than their retractable cousins.

The composition of the shaft

The choice is usually between aluminium and carbon. Since trail running is a race, it is important to choose the lightest poles (i.e. carbon) for more speed. However, aluminium also stands up well, especially for its strength. Let's see the main differences between these two materials. 

Carbon trail poles: these are often the lightest because aluminium is slightly heavier than carbon. Beware, not all carbon poles are the same. The composition of the tube and the percentage of carbon vary from one manufacturer to another, from one pole to another. Be careful! Ultra-light, carbon tends to be more fragile than aluminium, it can break and it is also more expensive.

Aluminium trail poles: these are a very good alternative. Yes, they are slightly heavier but they are also stronger. Your choice will depend on how you like to trail run and your body size. If you are heavy, have a tendency to lean heavily on your poles (on steep slopes or when passing obstacles for example) and don't want to see your budget soar by having to buy new poles, choose aluminium. It is more resistant, better able to withstand shocks, weight and is also more economical. 

Straps

There are also two options when it comes to wrist straps: the simple ones used in hiking, and the removable gauntlet-type straps found in Nordic walking. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages on the trail, so it's up to you to decide what your priorities are. 

The simple straps: correctly used, they allow the runner to vary the grip of the handle. His hand is freer to move around and move from the bottom of the handle to the top of the pommel for example. However, they can have an irritating effect over time. 

Gauntlet type straps: they allow more release than simple straps, which can offer more comfort to the rider whose hand will be even less tense, more relieved. However, they do not allow the same freedom of movement. It's up to you to decide which type suits you best and your body type. Please note! The gauntlet must absolutely be removable for an almost immediate speed of movement and thus a significant saving of time if you wish to part with your sticks. 

The handles

As far as the handles are concerned, forget about plastic and rubber, which are not even worth considering at this level. The choice is between foam and cork. 

Foam handles are ultra-light, comfortable and absorb perspiration well, but they tend to degrade over time. 

Cork grips are much more durable, absorb vibrations better, are not much heavier and have the advantage of wicking perspiration efficiently, so they take up less moisture, but they are also more expensive. 

Spikes

If you use your poles regularly, carbide tips are much better than steel tips. They are not only stronger, but also more durable, more precise, and have a better grip on the ground and are more resistant to impact. 

The size

To find out how to choose the size of your poles without making a mistake, please consult our practical guide.