Trekking Poles

These are designed for primarily basic purposes: The give the hiker stability on soft, slippery or uneven terrain; and to transfer or share some of the workload on your legs and hips. Trekking poles are made with many features which vary with the type of hiking they are intended for. The typical length is between 25 to 56 inches (55 to 123 centimeters) and weigh between 16 to 20 ounces (454 to 567 grams). The trekking pole shaft is usually made from a lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber.

Optional Features

Many hiking and trekking poles will retract and extend in length. When fully retracted, they can be attached to the side of a backpack or stowed in a pocket. in the cargo pouch of a pack. On uneven or slippery terrain, trekking poles give the hiker additional needed stability. Along with hiking boots, they provide valuable assistance getting across a boulder field at the base of a mountain. Some shafts have extension length markers so you can preset set the length to match your height When hiking long distances on a slope, the "uphill" pole can be shortened to compensate. During the descent they can easily be extended for extra length needed for braking effect. Spring tips or anti-shock systems reduce wrist impact by adding spring or cork to cushion the jarring effect while trekking. Options include the ability to turn off or lock the shock absorber for the ascent when you need power, and engage it for the descent when used for braking. The trekking pole strap is usually just a simple adjustable cord, while fitness and ski straps are made to be used with gloves. Some of them come with a camera clip for mounting a small video or digital camera on the pole.

Single Compared to Double Trekking Poles

A single trekking pole gives stability and security while leaving your other hand free. Unless you are on flat ground, you need a free hand often...to push a branch away, steady yourself on a nearby rock, grab a camera, etc. A while taking steep steps to be able to put a hand out loose terrain or in crossing streams. Double trekking poles are more useful for balance while crossing streams, and take more stress off the hips and legs from heavy packs. Hiking with two poles will give you more stability.

Selection of Trekking Poles:

Black Diamond Trail poles are made for cross country trekking in all 4 seasons. It is a 3-section hiking pole for all terrain. It uses the flintlock system for easy adjustment even with gloves on.

Compact extendable range is 27/125cm.
Uses the flintlock Locking mechanism

Black Diamond Syncline. These backpacking and hiking poles are for people who use them a lot. They have FlickLock adjustable extensions that work icy, wet, muddy, or dirty.

Extendable range is 91.5 - 140cm
Uses the flintlock Locking mechanism
Baskets and tips are replaceable
Weight is 1 pound 4.5oz (581g)

Atlas 6000 Series 2 Piece Elektra is a 2 piece trekking pole for snowshoeing. It uses 2 piece construction to allow for pole length adjustment when you are hiking at an angle across a slope. Made with steel flex tips that remain strong on rough ground.

Shaft material is seamless 6061 grade aluminum
Extendable range is 77 to 130 cm (30in to 51in)
Comes with two replaceable baskets

Atlas 6000 Series 2 Piece Trekking Pole is a two piece trekking pole made for snowshoeing. Adjustable pole length lets you compensate for traversing and the snowflake baskets prevent post holing.

Extendable range is 77 to 130 cm (30in to 51in)
Has two replaceable baskets

Men's Atlas 7075 Series 3-Piece Trekking Poles are exceptionally lightweight for mountaineering or snowshoe hiking poles. They are 3 piece poles which collapse easily for stowing on the outside of the backpack.

Shaft material is Ultralight aluminum
Grip material EVA foam
Tip material is carbides
Extendable range is 25-55in (66-140cm)

LEKI Makalu Antishock. These hiking poles have a built in Shock absorber in the flexible tip. They can adjust length easily when terrain type changes require a different length...up hill, down or side traverse.

Extendable range is 69 - 149 cm
Locking mechanism is twist cam
Shock absorber type is spring and elastomer
Replaceable baskets and tips

LEKI Carbon Ergometric Trekking Pole. The carbon shaft technology and SLSLocking system make this hiking pole lightweight and strong. The AirErgo grip helps retain positive control and a simple twisting of the pole locks or releases the shaft for adjustable length.

Shaft material is Carbon
Grip material AirErgo grip
Tip material is carbide
Extendable range is Adjusts from 24-51in (60-130cm)
Locking mechanism: SLSLocking System
Number of Baskets: 1 pair replaceable performance basket and tips

Tracks Compact Travel Staff. This travel pole collapses with an easy push of the button. It has two shock-corded lower sections for compact storage and travel which when collapsed is secured in place with an elastic keeper strap.

Shaft material is 7000 series aluminum
Extendable range is 48-54in/122-138cm
Has a camera mount

Tracks Sherlock Travel Staff. This travel staff unscrews into two sections providing convenient and compact storage. It has features such as soft foam sheath with contoured grip provides lots of comfort and a little shock absorption.

Shaft material is Anodized aluminum
Grip material sculpted foam
Tip Material: Hardened steel beneath removable rubber foot
Extendable range is 44.5-57.5in (113-146cm)
Has a camera mount

LEKI Tour Trekking Pole. These poles are lightweight and easily adjust to changing terrain. The grip gives you a comfortable hold. Simply twist the hiking pole's shaft clockwise and the it will collapse to 67cm.

Shaft material is Aluminum
Grip material Ergo Soft rubber
Tip material is carbide Flextip
Extendable range is 67cm (26in); usable is 67-145cm (26-57in)
Has a Locking mechanism
Replaceable baskets and tips

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