Trekking poles are essential gear for any thru-hiker. They offer stability, reduce strain on your knees, and help with balance over rough terrain. Whether you’re tackling the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, or another long-distance hiking route, selecting the right pair of trekking poles can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best trekking poles for thru hiking.
Why You Need Trekking Poles for Thru Hiking
Thru hiking typically involves walking for long hours every day, often in challenging conditions. Trekking poles provide numerous benefits that can help make your journey easier:
Knee Protection: Trekking poles take some of the weight off your knees, especially when descending steep trails.
Increased Stability: When navigating rocky or uneven terrain, poles give you an extra point of contact with the ground, improving balance.
Upper Body Engagement: Poles activate your upper body muscles, allowing for a more balanced and efficient stride.
Support for Heavy Loads: Thru hikers often carry heavy packs. Poles help distribute the weight more evenly, reducing strain on your back and legs.
Hiking Efficiency: Trekking poles help you maintain a consistent rhythm, allowing you to hike faster and with less fatigue.
Features to Consider When Choosing Trekking Poles
Before you start looking at specific trekking pole models, it’s essential to understand what features to look for. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Weight
When you’re on a multi-day hike, every ounce matters. The lighter the trekking pole, the easier it is to carry, especially over long distances. Look for poles that are lightweight but still strong enough to withstand rough conditions. Carbon fiber poles tend to be lighter than aluminum, but they can also be more expensive and less durable in certain situations.
2. Adjustable Length
An adjustable pole allows you to customize the length depending on the terrain. For example, you may want to shorten your poles when climbing uphill and lengthen them for downhill sections. Most trekking poles feature a mechanism that allows you to adjust their length, typically ranging from 100cm to 130cm.
3. Grip Material
Trekking pole grips come in several materials, each offering different levels of comfort, durability, and moisture-wicking properties:
Cork: Cork grips are popular because they absorb sweat, are comfortable to hold for long periods, and mold to the shape of your hand over time.
Foam: Foam grips are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and offer a cushioned feel.
Rubber: Rubber grips are highly durable and provide a solid, firm hold, especially in wet conditions.
4. Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism holds the trekking pole at the desired length. There are two main types:
Twist Locks: These poles require you to twist the shaft to loosen and tighten the lock. While they are simple and reliable, they can occasionally slip.
Lever Locks: Lever locks use a clasp or lever to secure the pole. These are quicker to adjust and tend to be more reliable than twist locks, especially in muddy or wet conditions.
5. Durability
Thru hikers put their gear through a lot of wear and tear, so durability is essential. Look for poles made from strong materials like carbon fiber or aluminum. Aluminum poles tend to be heavier but are more durable in extreme conditions. Carbon fiber poles, while lighter, can be more prone to breaking under stress.
6. Shock Absorption
Some trekking poles come with shock absorption systems that help reduce the impact on your joints, especially when walking on hard surfaces. This can be a bonus on long, downhill stretches, though it’s generally a matter of personal preference. Shock-absorbing poles tend to be heavier and pricier.
Top Trekking Poles for Thru Hiking
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best trekking poles available for thru hiking.
1. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are one of the top choices for thru-hikers due to their balance of weight, strength, and comfort.
Material: Carbon fiber (lightweight and durable)
Grip: Cork (comfortable, moisture-wicking)
Locking Mechanism: FlickLock Pro (adjustable and secure)
Weight: 18oz (pair)
Best For: Hikers looking for a lightweight and durable pole for long-distance hikes.
Why We Love It: The combination of carbon fiber construction and cork grips makes this pole comfortable for long days on the trail. The FlickLock Pro mechanism ensures it stays in place, even in wet conditions.
2. Leki Micro Vario Carbon
Leki’s Micro Vario Carbon poles are known for their quick and easy setup, which is ideal for thru hikers who need reliability and performance.
Material: Carbon fiber (lightweight)
Grip: Aergon Thermo (comfortable and ergonomic)
Locking Mechanism: SpeedLock 2 (easy and secure)
Weight: 16.6oz (pair)
Best For: Those who need a highly portable, lightweight pole with excellent locking mechanisms.
Why We Love It: The SpeedLock 2 mechanism offers quick and secure adjustments, while the carbon fiber construction keeps weight to a minimum. The compact design is perfect for packing away when not in use.
3. Trekology Trek-Z Carbon Fiber Poles
For budget-conscious thru hikers, the Trekology Trek-Z Carbon Fiber poles offer excellent performance at a more affordable price.
Material: Carbon fiber (lightweight)
Grip: EVA foam (comfortable and moisture-wicking)
Locking Mechanism: Z-fold (collapsible for easy packing)
Weight: 11.5oz (pair)
Best For: Hikers who want a lightweight, budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
Why We Love It: These poles are incredibly light and fold down to a compact size, making them easy to store in your backpack. Despite being budget-friendly, they don’t compromise on comfort or durability.
4. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
These trekking poles are known for their affordability without sacrificing quality, making them a great option for first-time thru hikers or those on a budget.
Material: Carbon fiber (lightweight)
Grip: Cork (comfortable and sweat-wicking)
Locking Mechanism: Twist-lock (easy to use)
Weight: 16oz (pair)
Best For: Budget-conscious hikers who want reliable poles for the trail.
Why We Love It: The Cascade Mountain Tech poles provide solid value with their lightweight carbon fiber design and cork grips. They are highly adjustable, making them suitable for a variety of terrains.
5. Exped Trekking Poles
Exped’s trekking poles are designed for comfort and durability, with adjustable features that allow them to adapt to different terrains.
Material: Aluminum (strong and durable)
Grip: Foam (lightweight and moisture-wicking)
Locking Mechanism: External lever lock (secure and reliable)
Weight: 19.4oz (pair)
Best For: Hikers who need durable, budget-friendly poles that can withstand tough conditions.
Why We Love It: The aluminum shafts offer a good balance between strength and weight. The external lever locks make them quick to adjust, and they’re built to withstand heavy use on rugged trails.
Additional Tips for Thru Hikers
Check Your Poles Regularly: Even the best trekking poles can suffer from wear and tear. Be sure to inspect them frequently for any damage or loosening locks.
Practice with Your Poles: If you’re new to trekking poles, it’s important to get comfortable using them. Practice adjusting the length and walking with them before hitting the trail.
Consider the Terrain: The poles you choose should be suited to the terrain you’ll be hiking. If you’re on a flatter trail, lighter poles might be more beneficial, but if you’re dealing with steep ascents and descents, a more robust, durable pair is advisable.
Conclusion
Choosing the best trekking poles for thru hiking involves considering several key factors, from weight and durability to the locking mechanism and grip material. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles and Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles are excellent choices for serious thru hikers looking for lightweight, durable options. However, budget-friendly poles like the Trekology Trek-Z and Cascade Mountain Tech also offer solid performance for those on a tighter budget.
No matter what, ensure that the trekking poles you select are comfortable and durable enough to handle the challenges of long-distance hiking. The right poles can make your journey more enjoyable, so take the time to choose wisely and enjoy your adventure!
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