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Trekking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience, especially on 14ers. They help you ascend with ease, provide stability on tricky terrains, and reduce knee strain on descents. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, learning to use trekking poles can be a game-changer.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on why they are beneficial, what to look for when purchasing them, and my top recommendations.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Table of Contents
Why Use Trekking Poles for 14ers?
If you’ve ever wondered if trek poles are worth the weight and cost, you are not alone. Based on my experience, I think the pros outweigh the cons.
Trekking poles offer several important advantages:
- Uphill Assistance: They help you push off the ground, distributing some effort from your legs to your arms, saving energy.
- Balance and Stability: Crucial for crossing creeks and navigating rocky or uneven terrain.
- Reduced Impact on Knees: They mitigate the shock on your knees during descents, allowing for longer, more comfortable hikes.
- Additional Benefits:
- Clearing obstacles like branches or spider webs.
- Traversing snowfields and icy patches.
- Constructing emergency shelters or splints.
- In extreme cases, they can serve as a defensive tool against wildlife.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Factors to Consider When Buying Trekking Poles
Buying a pair of trekking poles is not always straightforward, especially if you are new to 14ers and hiking. When selecting trekking poles, consider these critical factors:
Material:
- Aluminum: Affordable but less durable.
- Carbon Fiber: More expensive but lightweight and long-lasting.
Grip Style:
- Plastic: Budget-friendly but less comfortable.
- Cork: Absorbs sweat, providing a more comfortable grip.
Adjustability:
- Folding Poles: Break into smaller lengths for compact storage.
- Sliding Poles: Slide into themselves for easy adjustability.
Locking Mechanism:
- Twist Locks: Can loosen over time.
- Lever Locks: More reliable and durable.
Shock Absorption:
- Standard: Basic poles without extra features.
- Spring-loaded: Reduces impact but can be more expensive and less durable.
Replacement Parts:
- Look for poles that come with or offer replacement parts to extend their lifespan.
My 3 Top Recommendations for Trekking Poles
Considering all the factors above, and after extensive testing, here are my top picks:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Best Aluminum Choice: REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles
This pair is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a balance between cost and performance. The REI Co-op Traverse poles are lightweight, making them easy to carry on long hikes. They feature durable aluminum construction, which is robust enough for rough terrains but won’t weigh you down.
The cork handles provide a comfortable grip by absorbing sweat, reducing the risk of blisters. Additionally, their reliable lever locks ensure the poles stay at the desired length, even under heavy use. These poles are particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers looking for quality without breaking the bank.
- Material: Aluminum
- Grip: Cork
- Adjustability: Lever locks
- Special Features: Lightweight, durable
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious hikers seeking reliable performance
Best Carbon Choice: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
For those willing to invest in premium gear, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are the top choice. These poles offer exceptional strength and durability thanks to their carbon fiber construction. They are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, making them perfect for the rugged environment of 14ers.
The cork grips ensure comfort and reduce hand fatigue during extended use. The dual FlickLock Pro adjustability system provides easy length adjustments and secure locking. Though on the pricier side, these poles are an excellent investment for serious hikers who need dependable performance.
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Grip: Cork
- Adjustability: FlickLock Pro
- Special Features: Extremely durable, lightweight, comfortable grip
- Ideal For: Serious hikers and climbers requiring high-performance gear
Best Budget Choice: REI Co-op Trailbreak Trekking Poles
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles offer great stability and support for hikers at an affordable price. These poles are made from durable 7065 aluminum, providing robustness without being overly heavy. The EVA foam grips are ergonomically shaped to fit a variety of hand sizes comfortably, and the oversized levers make adjusting the pole length easy, even on the go.
This pair also includes trail baskets for better performance on soft soil and snow, and soft nylon wrist straps to enhance comfort. Suitable for a wide range of heights and featuring a Climate Neutral certification, these poles are a solid choice for entry-level hikers.
- Material: 7065 aluminum
- Grip: EVA foam
- Adjustability: External Lever Lock
- Special Features: Ergonomic grips, adjustable length, trail baskets included
- Ideal For: Beginners and hikers seeking an affordable yet reliable option
Conclusion: Trek Poles for 14ers
Trekking poles can significantly enhance your 14er hiking experience, providing stability, reducing strain, and offering various other benefits. Whether you opt for aluminum or carbon, budget or premium, using trekking poles will make your climbs more enjoyable and safer. Happy hiking, and stay safe on the trails!
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Frequently Asked Questions
If I haven’t answered your question below, leave a comment and I will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.
Q: Do trekking poles really make a difference?
A: Yes, trekking poles can significantly improve your hiking experience. They provide additional support and stability, reduce stress on your joints, and help distribute your effort more evenly across your body, especially during steep ascents and descents. Many hikers find that trekking poles enable them to hike longer distances with less fatigue.
Q: What are the pros of using trekking poles while on trail?
A: The main benefits of using trekking poles include:
- Increased Stability: They help maintain balance on uneven terrain.
- Reduced Joint Stress: Poles can reduce the impact on knees and hips, particularly during descents.
- Uphill Assistance: Using poles allows you to use your upper body to help propel yourself uphill.
- Versatility: Poles can be used to clear obstacles, probe for obstacles under water or snow, and even as emergency splints.
- Energy Efficiency: They help distribute the workload to your arms, conserving leg energy over long hikes.
Q: What are the cons of using trekking poles while on trail?
A: There are a few downsides to consider:
- Weight and Bulk: Carrying poles adds weight to your gear and can be cumbersome when not in use.
- Learning Curve: Using poles effectively requires some practice and coordination.
- Cost: High-quality poles can be expensive.
- Environmental Impact: Incorrect use can contribute to trail erosion or damage to delicate ecosystems if not used responsibly.
Q: How long should trekking poles last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, high-quality trekking poles can last for several years. Durability depends on factors like the material, frequency of use, and the conditions in which they are used. Regularly check for damage and ensure moving parts are clean and functioning correctly to extend their lifespan.
Q: What are the best trekking poles for 14ers?
A: The best trekking poles for 14ers depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are top recommendations:
- Best Aluminum Choice: REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles
- Best Carbon Choice: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
- Best Budget Choice: REI Co-op Trailbreak Trekking Poles
These poles offer a good balance of durability, comfort, and functionality suitable for the challenging conditions of 14ers.
Q: Do you use 1 or 2 trekking poles?
A: Most hikers use two trekking poles to maximize balance and support. Using two poles helps distribute the workload evenly between both arms and provides greater stability compared to a single pole.
Q: Do trekking poles help going uphill?
A: Yes, trekking poles can be very helpful when hiking uphill. They allow you to engage your upper body muscles, reducing the strain on your legs. This can help conserve energy and maintain a steady pace on steep ascents.
Q: How do beginners use trekking poles?
A: Beginners should start by adjusting the pole length to match their height. As a general rule, your arms should form a 90-degree angle when the poles are touching the ground. When walking, plant the poles opposite to your stepping foot (right pole with left foot and vice versa). Practice on flat terrain first to get comfortable with the rhythm before tackling more challenging trails.
Q: Should you use rubber tips on trekking poles?
A: Rubber tips can be useful on hard surfaces like pavement or rocks as they provide better traction and reduce noise. However, for most natural trails, standard carbide tips are preferred because they offer better grip on dirt and softer ground. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid using poles in a way that causes damage to the trail.
Q: How long should my trekking pole be for my height?
A: Adjust your trekking poles so that when you hold them, your elbows form a 90-degree angle. As a rough guide, the pole height should be approximately:
- 5’1” and under: 100 cm (39 inches)
- 5’1” to 5’7”: 110 cm (43 inches)
- 5’8” to 5’11”: 120 cm (47 inches)
- 6’0” and taller: 130 cm (51 inches)
2 Responses
Not sure where to leave this….
Live your content, Alex!
Especially the story about the BELAY on K2!
Hey, the Google map that came up for Challenger Point is set in California… Wrong Willow Lake!
Thanks for all you do…
… love, not live… your content…