Walking Poles

Why use walking poles?

Walking poles share the effort with your upper body and take the strain off knees and ankles, especially on descents where your joints take a hammering. Going uphill, they give you extra propulsion; on uneven ground, they improve balance and safety. Over a long day or a heavily loaded trek, they're genuine energy-savers that look after your body mile after mile.

Poles: aluminium or carbon?

Aluminium is tough, affordable and bends rather than snaps under a big impact - a reliable, all-round choice. Carbon is lighter and absorbs vibrations better, ideal for shaving weight off the pair, but more brittle if it gets jammed. You'll feel the weight with every step, so it's up to you to weigh up lightness against durability depending on where you walk.

Adjustment, folding and grip

A good pole adjusts to your height and the terrain - shorter going uphill, longer going downhill. Telescopic models adjust in length, while folding models pack down small in your rucksack. The grip (cork, foam or plastic) and the wrist strap provide comfort and support; cork wicks away sweat well on long outings.

Tips, baskets and terrain

Tungsten carbide tips bite into rock and earth, while baskets clip on for snow or mud to stop the pole sinking in. This versatility makes poles useful in every season, from summer trails to winter snow. Browse our range of models to find the pair that suits you.

Getting properly kitted out

A well-balanced pair, correctly adjusted and sized to you, soon becomes second nature while looking after your body. For the rest of your kit, from poles to water bottles, take a look at our range of walking accessories.