Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

One pole or two?  

• Trekking poles: Used in pairs, can improve stability and reduce force on knees while hiking and backpacking under loads

• Hiking staff: Single pole used for stability, most effective on flat terrain with little to no load. Some can be used as a camera monopod

Find the right size 

• Your elbows should bend at a 90° angle when holding the poles with their tips on the ground near your feet.

• For adjustable poles or staff: If you're taller than 6 feet, choose an option that has a max length of at least 51 inches. If you're under 6 feet tall, most poles can be shortened enough to work for you

• For fixed-length poles: Check the manufacturer's size chart for suggested sizing

Shaft material

• Aluminum: durable and less expensive but heavier, will bend before they break
• Composite: made entirely or partially of carbon, lightweight, can reduce vibration but are more breakable and more expensive

Grip material

• Cork: wicks sweat, molds to your hand, decreases vibration
• Foam: softer to hold but absorbs sweat
• Rubber: insulates from cold, shock and vibration but can chafe when wet