Poles
Trekking poles
Planted correctly, poles save knees on the way down and pitch a lot of modern shelters.
Poles are optional until your shelter uses them, your knees complain on descents, or your pack is heavy enough that your arms should carry some of it. Flick-locks are easier with cold hands than twist-locks. Carbon is lighter and more brittle in a pack strap.
Length is a fit, not a spec-sheet flex. On flat ground your elbow should sit near a right angle. Shorten them for climbs and lengthen them for descents if you will actually stop to do it.
How to choose
- If the tent needs two poles, bring two poles.
- Carbide tips belong on dirt. Use baskets in mud and snow, and rubber tips on rock if you care about the trail.
- A bent shaft can feel better on long days and worse if you plant the pole vertically for a tent.
Roundups
Gear in this category
