How To Choose The Right Trekking Pole [For Trail Runners, Ultra-lite Hikers AND Backpackers]
How To Choose The Right Trekking Pole [For Trail Runners, Ultra-lite Hikers AND Backpackers]
In this video, I review 3 Leki Trekking poles in detail. I chose one from each of the 3 main styles of trekking poles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each type to help you to decide what pole is right for your adventure whether it be ultralight hiking, heavy backpacking, trekking or trail running.
Check out all these poles on my Best Trekking Poles Kit here! (Contains Affiliate Links)
https://kit.co/ChaseMountains/best-trekking-poles
So what’s the difference between a stick you picked up off the ground and $100 of Leki Trekking Pole technology? Now you know!
Do you use trekking poles?
Have you tried and failed? Thrown them out? Given up or just never been interested in them?
You’re thinking,….“Not my thing” maybe? Is it possible that you’ve told yourself you’ll become a harder and stronger hiker without them? … well, maybe you’re right but I’ve got a series coming all about trekking poles and how they can help you become a much stronger, faster and more capable hiker (and/or mountaineer, yes, you too mountaineers)
But first on the list is my video from 2015 “How to use Trekking Poles” if you haven’t seen that, maybe you should. It’s got over half a million views, 6.1K likes and almost 400 comments so there must be something good in there I guess.
(I don’t know because I can’t even watch it its soo bad, I can’t look at my bum chin)
Or if you haven’t seen it, hey watch it again for nostalgic reasons, it maybe have been how you initially, you found me— ook how far we’ve come together.
How to Use Trekking Poles
Next up is the video I’m posting next FRIDAY specifically about my new Uphill Technique and how the techniques you’re using could be making you WORK HARDER! When it’s done, it will be posted here:
Is Your Trekking Pole Technique Making the Uphills harder?
———next friday!—–
So, hopefully either of these videos will draw you to the dark side, the hikers who LOVE trekking poles because they KNOW how much easier it is to get to the summit..
Speaking of which,
I’ll see you, on the summit.
Chase
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Put em here in the comments section 🙂
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Hey brother, I really, really appreciate your channel and have benefited from it greatly. I have also purchased a course of yours, so know I come with you a comment to only help you improve.
A suggestion I have is to work on your voice. You can have a strong, gutteral voice which is so "gravely" and low-toned that it can become a slightly unwelcoming sound to listen to over a long video. It sometimes sounds like lazy pronunciation and articulation, as though you are tired. Just like a singer or public speaker, I think you can improve this aspect of your videos.
Again, you have a gift and talent and are a really valuable guide and teacher, so know that this is minor feedback in an overall wonderful channel and production.
My preferences:
Aluminium 7075. Carbon is brittle.
Cork grips. My poles have that lower foam grip but I hardly use it.
Lever locks. Adjustable – I use a trekking-pole supported tent and the right length for the tent is the wrong length for me.
No squishy springs/shock absorbers. Just don’t care for them – I like to know that I have a solid pole placement. I hike in some pretty sketchy terrain.
That glove gimmick doesn’t appeal. but I’m not a runner.
Where I am, Komperdell (or various house brands that buy from Komperdell) runs a little cheaper than Leki or Black Diamond and I’ve had two pair that have given good service.
Mountain King 3 part poles; Sky Runner (carbon) or Trail Blaze (alu). Really simple design. Great product. Light, reliable… Love mine.
Flick lock poles any time over twist lock, a no brainer I would say, tx for the video.
Thank you! Helpful videos!!
Actually I thought the three section poles would be the strongest for vertical loads
Great stuff! Just one thing: I used my foldable 3-section poles on my entire pct hike (the bd carbon flz ones), and I did use them as tent poles the whole time. An adjustable pole would have allowed for a higher pitch and a bit more space in the tent, but I valued their insane weight over that advantage. Bigger guys probably weight thiss differently, but for me, this was a really good compromise. I lost them the day after I finished, and I ended up getting them again for my next trip.
Hi chase, great videos only just started watching your vids. What are the make of the trekking poles you mention at the end of this video please?
For those of us who have to take a flight to get to the trailhead, the collapsible poles fit in a suitcase. The others must be carried on a backpack onto the plane and are often stopped at airport security and have even been confiscated.
Excellent review of the Leki pole…..especially the advantages of the latch lock vs. collapsible.
Great video mate. Really informative and helped answer my questions. Now I’ve got some idea about what I’m looking for 👌
Where is that budget review hiding?👀
He said carbon fiber and aluminum are the best for vibration. Any one know which is better?
A good overview of Trekking Poles .. thank you.
Apologies for the long-winded ‘useless information’ that follows .. some of us old fogies do tend to waffle on 😴.
As a now 70 year old ‘Ausländer’ living in Switzerland, I was introduced to a Local Walking Group approximately 7 years back (still at and loving it 👍).
My Walking Sticks (a Budget Telescoping ‘No Name Brand’ bought at the local ‘Military Store’) have served me very well. Made in Germany and at a price approximately 25% of a comparable budget ‘Name Brand’ .. although, they appear to be identical to one of the bottom end models of the well known brand of Pole, also made in Germany. Yep .. Branding and Marketing .. 😊.
That said, I am in the market for a new set as the Carbide Tips on my current set ‘are showing their age’ (likewise their owner .. 😊).
Something perhaps to share with those out there who think that this pastime is beyond them .. it’s NOT!
I was an avid Marathon Runner and keep fit enthusiast until a knee injury and subsequent surgery put paid to that 😯. My Orthopaedic Surgeon ruled out Knee Replacement and instead prescribed a Knee Brace and custom made Shoe Inserts (both only used when ‘Walking in Anger’).
This has enabled me to get out there and whilst I still have some discomfort at times, it pales compared to that previously.
Folks .. get out there! Be sensible though .. listen to your body and work within it’s limitations! I see ‘Swiss Grannies’ 10 years my Senior trudging through the forest with sticks and day pack .. (Swiss Grannies must be of the most active and fittest out there .. and would do very well at a ‘Granny Olympics’).
Useless Info Brief over .. you have a new Subscriber .. thank you and take care ..
I’ve been using poles for years backcountry bow hunting and rucking, I really don’t go off the road without them, I have a set of Leki’s and a set of inexpensive carbon Cascades off amazon both are very adjustable and have the lock, I prefer the cheaper ones, they’ve lasted over 5 years, have the added lower grip and are just more comfortable. I’m doing a mountain endurance run and will be testing both to see which one might work better. Thanks for the video
Never created that video for the best affordable trekking poles? Couldn’t find it.
I purchased Leki poles about 5 years ago, after trying other brands, and for me they are the canards cojones. I live in the Perth area of Western Australia, which has a Mediterranean climate. Cork handles are so much more comfortable on both warm and cool days. They are the favourite part of my kit. Thanks for the channel mate. You’re doing a great job.
Great info
Your little comments about the Leki locking mechanism for the straps, and the utility of the foam grips below the handle were excellent points. Thanks…
The loop straps seem to stress the joint at the base of my thumb when applying force for any length of time. Trying to solve this, I bought Leiki nordic walking poles with with the type of strap shown around 3:18. I found them to be much more comfortable, but one of my concerns is that my hands feel trapped into landing with the handle under my palm if or when a fall triggers the proactive extension reflex. This can result in an injury known as "skier’s thumb," whereas the loop straps held in your recommended manner can be released to reduce any chance of landing on the handle.
I just bought my second pair of Black Diamond ‘Trail Back’ poles–I lost one of the original set. They are a no frills flik lock design, and work well. Cheapest poles in the BD lineup, but are very durable, and also work very well in supporting many configurations of a tarp shelter. Also, the newer ones have an improved extended hand grip. I suspect many of the features found in poles that cost twice as much are unnecessary gimmicks.
Great info Chase. I used Locus Gear CP3 from Japan on my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and was very pleased. As mentioned, 3-section poles do not work well with ultralight tents which require an adjustable pole. I think flick-lock is more reliable than telescoping. These carbon fiber poles only weigh 5.5oz (155g) each. I was happy with shipping and customer support. Note: my backpack is ultralight. https://locusgear.com/items/cp3/?lang=en
I’m sorry, Chase, but I don’t think your disclaimer makes sense. You say that Leki is in no way sponsoring this video… but they gave you a pair of poles. That’s great for you, but this is the line you cross to being an influencer. Not saying you’ve sold your soul, but be honest, man.
At 12.00 minutes, would you mind telling me, what air mattress you have there? thank you.
hi there… how do you find the Leki Black Series Carbon?
Black Dimond has a few models of three pole style with interchangeable baskets, or you can get some baskets for a few models the parts are meant to be used on models that are replaceable. At least Black Dimond used to have some like this, not sure they do now.
Where is the video on the budget pole?
I have the aluminum Leki Micro Vario TA that is 3 section foldable and also has a a clamp lock mechanism to adjust height. I notice it has pretty evident vibration—not much when I apply a downward force, but when I swing them and plant them in front of me, where force is not longitudinal. Is this probably due to material (aluminum) or construction (3 section foldable)? Nobody’s seems to complain about the Leki Micro Vario Carbon, which has the same construction. Have you got any experience with that or did you heard something on it? I can’t decide between that and the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork, which has a clamp lock style, but obviously its packed size is much bigger.
Intresting. My trusty old Black Diamond Distance FL poles are of the collapsible design, height adjustable, aluminium, take a basket, have the longer top section & not to porky. Haven’t let me down yet.
Pacer Poles are best I have used.
Thanks I am hiking the Grand Canyon next year and I need to get some soon!
Which backpack brand and shoes you suggest that are light weight and comfortable with cushioning ?
Trekking poles, to me, are yet another ascribed contrivance unneeded by any healthy hiker short of those with balance problems or bad knees. Human beings have walked in mountainous terrain for eons without them, many carrying heavy weights and awkward loads. Without these pricey sticks, you develop your lower leg muscles and ankles in a normal way and enhance your built-in balance systems. Your arms can act as part of your natural gait, and your hands are liberated for carrying things, grabbing branches, swatting flies, and so on. We don’t need help walking. All the tools are built in.
carbon fiber is really strong when bending or flexing – BUT where they are not as "strong" is when they are hit with sharp objects or cuts. If you where to smash them on a rock they are much more likely to break than aluminium
Great vid! My favourite poles are MSR.🤷♂️😬🤘😎
Leki has a lifetime warranty ?
I bought the BD carbon Z poles a few weeks ago, amazingly light but good point if using for tent setup, something I havnt even had a chance to try yet. Hope it goes alright 🙁
The straps give my hands blisters so I’m often just ditching the strap and gripping the pole, which adds tension to my arms…any tips on what type of fabric to look for in a strap? Or is it to do with how I’m using the straps? I do put my hand through the correct way.
Leki makes gloves too, not only poles.
LEIKI most definitely do NOT just make poles. They make A LOT of skiing gloves.
Thanks for the information. I’m about to attempt a 100 mile trail trek as a fundraiser January 1st. I’ve never used poles running before. This was helpful.
is this a good idea to use flip-lock trekking poles for trail running?
two main types of material for folding or telescopic, one is Carbon fiber and the other Aluminum. There is also a wood type that does not fold but are more for day hikers and those who need something for daily use but are not wanting a true cane. Was at one time a folding fiberglass pole but these were only okay and needed replacing after so many miles, sooner than Aluminum or Carbon Fiber so they got stopped in the 1990’s.
I go for this one model from Black Diamond that is the Distance Trek but the Aluminum model (not sure it is still made or even a similar mode) since the Carbon fiber Z adjustable at the time in 2015 would snap in half for trail running but have since beefed it up for trail runners. I wanted an adjustable model for hiking hills and for other needs so I could keep that 90% elbow in the ground position when pole is flat.
Also, there are some that with parts can handle snow/mud very well, my dad has some, but the basket part never stayed well in the three section Black Diamond aluminum frame model I got him, for Christmas, so he removed the part and has a gap in a spot, fine for him as it never really mad enough difference for him since the part was why that model got changed up for snowshoe/some more rugged cross country/mountain ski people due to having issues and why that model was on deep discount from initial price online. Main reason I got these for my dad is they use cork unlike the type of foam with my model that has the odd deep ridges that older Black Diamond poles are known for.
I have Leki flick lock with cork handles – LOVE them!
My Leki telescopic poles failed in the snow today which led me to watching this review – interesting! I think the aluminium flick lock ones might be the next buy
Another benefit of the foldeable poles is that they are much easier to fit inside your rucksack (or fit in a smaller rucksack). That’s pretty useful if you’re scrambling or climbing up a crag as there’s nothing to get caught on the rock.
Great explanation! I’m going to pick up some 3 section poles today lol
What do you prefer Cork handle or Rubber?
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Really helpful.
Concepts like Friction and Thermodynamics aren’t advanced.
Can we maybe stop pretending that they are please?