At some competitions in the lists of mandatory or recommended equipment you can see telescopic, folding or trekking poles, everyone calls them differently.
SKYRACE.CLUB website decided to take a closer look at this issue and make a short review of the most popular models from several brands.
Most often, telescopic poles can be seen in skyrunning and trail running races, where the climb is quite large. For example, the vertical kilometer discipline most often involves the use of this particular equipment, although there are exceptions. Whether or not to run an ultra-trail or sky race with poles is a purely individual decision. However, there is no need to dispute the fact that on difficult technical and steep sections this element of equipment will only help.
Compact running poles
This criterion is determined by their method of assembly and disassembly. Trekking poles come in several types: folding and sectional.
- Folding poles
The peculiarity of such poles is that the section moves into the section. When folded, such poles are longer than sectional poles.
- Sectional poles
These sticks have 3 or 5 sections. The fairly compact size of the poles when folded makes it very convenient to carry or attach them to a backpack. When folded, such poles have the advantage of being shorter in length, but taking up more volume. When folded, depending on the model, the height of such sticks can be from 30 to 50 cm.
Another point that is worth paying special attention to is the speed of assembly of the poles .
It's hard to say which poles - folding or sectional ones - fold and unfold faster. It all depends on the specific model and usage skills. The main advice worth giving is to practice folding and unfolding the model you are using in advance.
In some models you will have to unscrew and tighten each section, while in others one click will be enough for complete assembly.
Design
The design of the poles is an aluminum tubular pole made of several elements connected to each other. The lower end has a sharp tip that provides grip on the surface. The handle is ordinary, like a ski pole.
Main details of the product:
- the sections that make up the stick;
- lanyard;
- lever;
- ring;
- tip.
If the structure consists of three sections, the stick is fixed in two places. Each model has its own weight and size. It is convenient to go uphill with a small stick, and to go down with a long one.
Elements for connecting sections of trekking poles
- Collet clamp: tubes twist into each other, lightweight, tightly tightens sections. Its disadvantages: it causes inconvenience when adjusting the length; unscrewing/tightening if snow and dirt gets into the clamp.
- Eccentric (clamp, clip): convenient to adjust the height in any climatic conditions; tightens the section more weakly, when walking it can relax and open.
- Combined clamp (collet + eccentric): very rare models, but easy to use - if one breaks, you can secure the sections with a second option.
- Lever clamp: the weakest fastening, used for light loads.
It is important to know! The lock must tighten the sections tightly so that the elements of the poles do not fold when walking. The safety of the tourist depends on this.
Trekking pole handle: material and shape
Various materials are used for the handle. Neoprene and cork are considered the best. The first one is convenient to take in cold weather, but it quickly gets dirty and is difficult to clean. The quality of cork is stronger, it washes well, but it slips with gloves.
Some handles have a rounded shape at the top, like a cane. These are convenient to use on steep slopes. On low poles the handle is located at an angle. In this version, the wrist rests comfortably on the handle; under heavy load, the hand does not slide down.
Strap (lanyard)
In order for the lanyard to comfortably fit around the wrist and take on most of the load, the shape and material are of considerable importance. It protects the stick from falling under accidental circumstances, and at the same time, you can damage your hand in difficult terrain if it is secured with a lanyard. In fact, the design of the lanyard is safe: soft material, easily adjustable.
Disadvantages: when ascending and descending, accidentally slipping, you can injure your hand; in such situations, the strap should be removed.
Profile
All trekking products have a round cross-section, sometimes oval and rarely hexagonal. The pipes are seamless.
Trekking pole tips and rings
The design of the tips is removable. They are made from high-quality tungsten to provide better grip on rocky and icy terrain. The shape of the tip is different, it is selected depending on the area. To make the tip last longer, a nozzle (shoe) is inserted at the end of the tip. Products with steel tips are not suitable for serious travel. Service life is more than 10 years.
For some models, the tip cannot be removed; if it breaks, it is necessary to replace the tube along with the elbow. These poles are used for ski touring. During transportation, special attachments must be worn on the tip.
Rings are used in different sizes: to prevent the stick from falling through the snow, large ones are used, and for rocky areas, small rings are used. They can be easily removed and replaced; they are fixed with a thread or a special clamp.
Anti-shock system
The anti-shock system is a shock-absorbing device that is installed in the handle area, and in some models it is located in the lower section. It softens the impact of the poles on a hard surface and reduces the load on the hands from the impact when moving.
It has not yet been proven how it affects the joints. With its installation, the mass of sticks is added, the complexity of assembly is added and, naturally, the price of the product increases. In fact, anti-shock is a shock absorber.
Additional features
What else are trekking poles needed for? We all know that when hiking you don’t need extra weight; if necessary, poles can be used instead of a tripod. Moreover, the manufacturer produces products with a screw part installed in the handle specifically for filming equipment. Also:
- You can use them to make a stand for a tent;
- and if you connect two sticks together, you get a pole for an awning;
- can be used as an ice ax;
- tie together and make a stretcher;
- use instead of support.
Handle and type of tempyak
It is best to pay attention to the anatomical handles. Many models have light and porous material that does not slip, thereby providing comfortable grip (grip) with the stick.
Most often, telescopic poles use a simple type of lanyard - a regular loop. The most convenient type is the “trap”, which can often be seen on cross-country ski poles. The advantage of one type over the other is the speed of donning. You should also pay special attention to the material from which the lanyard is made. Preferably soft, non-chafing.
We have selected several of the most popular models especially for you. Read, compare, test!
Trekking poles Black Diamond Compactor 125 cm
Pair weight: 625g
Length: 40 -125 cm
Material: aluminum
Country of brand: USA Country of manufacture: CHINA
Not the lightest sticks, however, this model also has its advantages. When folded, they do not take up much space, which makes them very convenient to carry on a backpack if there is a special mount. Or you can put this model inside, fortunately the length allows it. It should be noted the lightweight handle and sling with a plastic buckle from the Touring series. 3 sections with a diameter of 18 mm with a quick folding system. Clever Z-Pole technology and reliable, compact FlickLock® Pro locks make this aluminum pair almost indispensable in the mountains. Flick Locks allow 20cm of height adjustment, and Z-Pole technology allows them to unfold in seconds, even in the harshest conditions.
The American brand has long established itself as an ideal companion in the mountains. Many people prefer this brand. I think this is not in vain. Existing since 1957, the company is very thorough and meticulous in the development and testing of its equipment.
Camp Xenon Trek trekking poles
Pair weight: 400 g
Length: 36 – 135 cm
Material: aluminum
Country of brand: Italy Country of manufacture: Italy
The Italian brand has been around since 1889. And for more than a century, the company has conceptualized, designed, manufactured and distributed its products to climbers, mountain runners, trail runners, skyrunners and many other mountain enthusiasts. Innovation through research and development is the cornerstone. Ease and safety - this is the motto of one of the oldest companies.
The advantage of this model is that when assembled, the length of the poles does not exceed 36 cm, which allows you to fasten them to a backpack. The internal Dyneema® cord makes the poles easy to assemble, but this is often the downside of this lightweight model, as the sections get tangled together and require precious seconds to assemble. The long handle made of pleasant soft material makes using these poles quite comfortable. The adjustable nylon lanyard is more of an acquired taste and can chafe in some cases. Rings are included separately. They allow the model to be used on snow and firn, so that the poles do not fall through.
How to choose trekking poles by height
An important criterion when choosing trekking poles is a person’s height. Selecting equipment according to height is very important, because it is difficult for a person with a height of 150 cm to comfortably control a stick 145 cm long, which, moreover, will incorrectly distribute the load.
The length of the unfolded scythe should be such that the hand placed on the handle forms a right angle at the elbow. To this length it is necessary to add a reserve for descents. To simplify the choice of a trekking pole according to your height, you can remember a simple rule: its length, for traveling on flat terrain, should be 5-8 cm below the level of the axillary zone. To adjust the length of the stick, you need to use the STOP icon, which serves as a limiter.
Several years ago, when the instructors of the Peshiy-Leshy Club were just starting to take their first tourists to the mountains, few people had heard of trekking poles in the post-Soviet space. Today, walking through the mountains, you can meet groups in which each tourist has such sticks. What is the advantage of trekking poles? Are they needed for mountain hikes? And most importantly, how to choose trekking poles? We will try to fully answer all of the above questions.
Red Fox Elbrus Race trekking poles
Pair weight: 316 g
Length: 58 – 132 cm
Material: aluminum
Country of brand: Russia Country of manufacture: Italy
This is the model that the Russian brand Red Fox orders from the Italians, the Fisan company.
The Italian company Fizan is a leader in the use of aluminum alloys in ski poles and a world leader among manufacturers of sports ski and trekking poles.
Fizan uses modern materials and innovative technologies in its designs.
The Italians do not stand still and in this model of telescopic poles they use new developments - the Flaxy blocking system. The poles can be easily adjusted to suit a person’s height, and when folded they do not take up much space.
This model has long proven itself for skyrunning lovers. Three-section poles from the High Tech series, FLEXY Locking System. The comfortable Eva Grip handle and Neoprene Strap allow this model to fit comfortably in your hands.
This model of poles can be seen at the Red Fox Elbrus Race festival. The vast majority of participants use it. Oksana Stefanishina, who set a record for women in speed climbing from Azau to the top of Elbrus and back, uses this particular model of poles - it is practical and convenient.
Frequently asked questions about trekking poles
When are trekking poles needed?
During long treks along difficult terrain (mountain paths, screes, kurumnik), on descents, when fording mountain rivers.
Secondary purpose - when installing an awning or tent on track poles; for a photographer as a monopod tripod; when the first one moves along the glacier.
How to choose trekking poles?
Based on three parameters: - the nature of the hikes (terrain features, duration) - the maximum total weight of the user (including backpack) - the user’s height
More details
Why are trekking poles needed?
To evenly distribute the load on muscles and joints: reducing the load on the knees and hip joint by partially transferring it to the joints and muscles of the shoulder girdle.
To maintain balance when moving on difficult terrain, prevent falls and injuries, increase the speed of movement along the route
Other various functions (see answer to the question “When are trekking poles needed?”)
How to determine the length of trekking poles?
With the body in a straight position, standing on a flat surface, the angle between the upper arm and the forearm should be about 90 degrees.
In this case, there should be a reserve length of the stick of about 10 cm. Second method: the handles of the sticks should be at a distance of 5-8 cm from the armpits.
How to use trekking poles?
Taking a step forward with your left foot, you lean on the right stick, stepping with your right foot, lean on the left stick.
In this case, the elbows should be kept closer to the body. On a horizontal surface, the tip of the pole should not protrude in front of the foot; on slopes, on the contrary, we rely on the poles pointed forward. Do not place pole tips close to each other on the descent. On traverses of steep slopes and when gliding down, we use track poles like an alpenstock, folding them together to increase rigidity.
At fords, we put the poles together and use them as an alpenstock, holding them relative to the body upstream.
The use of lanyards on difficult terrain is prohibited, as there is a possibility of damaging the hands and other parts of the body when falling.
Which trekking pole design is best?
Three-section telescopic poles made of aluminum alloy with external clamp-ex, "FlickLock", "SpeedLock").
Which poles are more reliable?
The simpler, the more reliable.
LEKI SPIN STICKS
Pair weight: 440 g
Length: 100 – 130 cm
Material: aluminum
Brand country: Germany
Today, thanks to the consistent implementation of its philosophy, this German company has established itself as the absolute world leader in the field of trekking poles and gloves. The equipment is developed and tested on the most modern and environmentally friendly equipment in Germany and the Czech Republic, this indicates the good quality and reliability of the brand.
Wear-resistant aluminum material characterizes this model as resistant to heavy loads. Smart length adjustment Super Lock System allows you to quickly select the desired pole length. Quite light and reliable. Additional comfort is provided by the soft, porous Trigger 1 (Glide Zone) handles and the comfortable Trigger 1 (Nordic) lanyard.
Super Lock. Flexible carbide tips provide excellent and secure grip. The set also includes a system of interchangeable rings.
BLACK DIAMOND WOMEN'S DISTANCE FLZ Z-POLES TREKKING POLES
Pair weight: 440 g
Length: 34 – 110 cm
Material: aluminum
Brand Country: USA
Country of origin: China
3 sections and a special deployment system Z-Pole Rapid Deployment System allows you to quickly assemble the poles into working condition in one motion. This is perhaps the most basic advantage and advantage that is worth paying attention to. To assemble the stick into working condition, just pull the upper section with the handle in different directions. The lace will be shortened and the sections will securely, and most importantly quickly, be fixed using magnets. The stick folds at the touch of a button. Flexible tips protect the hidden Kevlar cord. A special eyelet on the basket secures the poles when folded.
FlickLock Pro locks provide the desired fixation of the pole and a 20-centimeter adjustment range. The double-density natural cork handle and comfortable breathable strap are another plus of this model. When folded, the length of the sticks reaches 34-37 cm, depending on the size.
Hiking poles: types
Before choosing trekking poles, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing types of this equipment:
- Telescopic
Telescopic trekking pole
The design of a telescopic trekking pole includes two, three or four segments, each of which is wider in diameter than the other. The upper part is the widest, and the lower part is the narrowest. The thinner segment slides out from the wider one, secured in the knees with a special locking mechanism. The length of the poles can be adjusted, and this range is from 60 to 140 cm. Some models are adjustable in length only at the knees, others - only in the upper or lower part, with the ability to secure the required length with a special side button. The advantage of the telescopic design is convenience, versatility, and strength. But it has an impressive weight when folded (up to 700 grams), as well as length (up to 68 cm when folded for a three-segment stick).
- Folding
Folding trekking pole
The folding design of the trekking pole unfolds like a tent frame. When unfolded, the segments are held together by the tension of a strong cord running through the middle of the structure. Some models can be adjusted in length in the upper segment, others are not, but they offer a wide selection of poles of different lengths to suit people of different heights. The purpose of folding trekking poles is not associated with heavy hiking in the mountains, but rather with light hiking, since the low weight (350 grams on average) and dimensions do not give this type of poles much strength. The real advantage of folding poles over telescopic poles is their shorter length when folded (34 cm); other qualities indicate less reliability, versatility, and ease of use.
Recently, manufacturers of trekking poles have been modernizing their design, trying to create innovative equipment that is devoid of the most common disadvantages - inconvenience for quickly changing the length and instability of the structure to lateral loads. Some of the latest models include poles with a length adjustment button on the handle and models with an elliptical cross-section instead of a round one. The disadvantage of new models is their high cost, but for a truly high-quality product this is justified.
The type of mechanical locking of trekking poles can be different. The first type is a screw or collet mechanism. The screw clamp is located in the middle of the stick, i.e. inside it, locking is carried out by rotating the sections relative to each other. This is a reliable mechanism that provides greater resistance to the folding load, compared to the second type of clamp, the eccentric one. It is located on the outside of the trek stick, which makes it vulnerable. However, it is more convenient to use and is also resistant to freezing and moisture, while the internal locking mechanism is capable of freezing at low temperatures, especially in combination with high air humidity.
There are many trekking pole materials available.
The material used to make track sticks may vary. Most often they are made from aluminum, or more precisely, from its alloys. More expensive models are made of carbon fiber, the so-called carbon fiber. More durable are trekking poles made of titanium, an aluminum alloy with the addition of a small amount of titanium.
Trekking poles Camp SKY CARBON
Pair weight: 377 g
Length: 36 – 135 cm
Material: carbon and aluminum
Brand Country: Italy
Country of origin: Italy
The model is new, but despite this it has already proven itself in the world of skyrunning and trail running.
Thanks to the combination of carbon fiber and aluminum, this model of trekking poles has an optimal balance of weight, stiffness and strength. The top four sections are made of lightweight and durable carbon fiber, while the bottom segment uses aluminum for critical tension when the poles come into contact with the ground. A special locking system allows you to adjust the length of the poles in the range from 115 to 135 cm. The aluminum segment at the bottom of the pole has a slight adjustment for lace tension and, accordingly, greater rigidity. The internal cord allows for quick assembly and disassembly of this model of poles and is covered with a white plastic braid for greater wear resistance. The comfortable, ergonomic handle with an adjustable lanyard provides a comfortable and secure grip at any angle.
What else do you need to know? Use Cases
What else can trekking poles be good for besides supporting you while walking?
Tripod. A photographic tripod is an unnecessary burden on a hike. Sometimes a trekking pole can be used as a mono tripod for photo and video shooting. Leiki is also known for the fact that on a number of models of its sticks it installs a classic screw socket for filming equipment in the handle. Using adapters, it will not be difficult to attach a connector there for an action camera that does not have its own connector for a tripod socket (some models).
Shelter frame. With the help of trekking poles, it is convenient to stretch an awning, strengthen the frame of a tent on a windy night (just do this with serious thought), and make a base for a stretcher in emergency cases. They can be used as a flagpole, an emergency element of the frame of a kayak or raft. They are also perfect for fixing (stretching) a tent in the snow. By the way, to do this, the stick can be disassembled into its component parts (telescopic) and you will have a lot of snow pegs. In general, why aren’t trekking poles and their individual parts used? It's just a matter of your intelligence and ingenuity.
Caring for sticks. Don’t be alarmed, it’s minimal, but still necessary if you want your poles to serve you for a long time and without fail. Check the adjustment of your poles from time to time - the locking mechanism should work like a clock. After the hike, take your poles apart and dry them well. Store unassembled for a long time in a special case. Or at least with loose locks.
Kong Joistick trekking poles
Pair weight: 358 g
Length: 60 – 130 cm
Material: carbon and aluminum
Brand Country: Italy
Another Italian brand that has existed since 1830. Kong's product range is mainly mountaineering equipment, but the brand has also proven itself well for skyrunning enthusiasts, having made some of the lightest and most reliable poles.
Kong Joystick is perhaps the most “weightless” pole on the outdoor market. Aluminum core and carbon coating allow you to combine minimal weight with excellent bending resistance.
