When we hike to Everest Base Camp with a group, there is always someone who brings trekking poles and someone who doesn’t. By day three, those without poles are usually eyeing the others with envy.
Many people postpone buying trekking poles because they think they’re only for older hikers or for very technical terrain. That’s not true. They’re one of the most useful tools you can carry on any hike longer than 3 hours, and especially on routes with significant elevation gain or loss.
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What trekking poles are for
Trekking poles have several very concrete functions:
1. Joint protection
The impact on knees and ankles during a long descent can be brutal. Poles absorb part of that impact and distribute the load to your upper body, reducing joint wear.
On a 10‑hour descent day, the difference between hiking with and without poles can be the difference between finishing strong and limping into camp.
2. Stability on technical terrain
On loose rock, river crossings, snow or mud, poles give you two extra points of contact with the ground. That means more balance, fewer slips and less wasted energy correcting every step.
3. Hiking rhythm
The alternating arm–leg movement created by poles helps you maintain a steady, sustainable pace, especially on long climbs. It’s like hiking with a built‑in metronome: it organizes your breathing and effort.
4. Circulation
Keeping your arms raised reduces hand swelling, which is common on long hikes, particularly in warm weather.
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How to choose trekking poles: material, length and grip
Your choice will depend on your budget and how often and where you hike.
Material
- Aluminum: more resistant to impacts and more affordable. Ideal if you’re just starting out or only hike a few times a year. It handles side hits and twisting forces better.
- Carbon fiber: lighter, which you really notice on long days or at high altitude. The downside is that it’s more fragile under side impacts and more expensive.
If you’re new to hiking or don’t go out very often, aluminum usually offers the best value for money.
Correct length
Use this basic reference:
- Standing on flat ground with the pole tip on the ground, your elbow should be at a 90° angle.
- For uphill sections, shorten the pole by 5–10 cm.
- For downhill sections, lengthen it by 5–10 cm.
Most telescopic poles let you adjust the length on the go, so you can adapt them to each part of the trail.
Grip and strap
- Cork grips: best for warm climates because they absorb sweat and feel more comfortable when it’s hot.
- Rubber grips: better for cold conditions, offer a bit more insulation and are usually more durable.
The wrist strap:
- Prevents you from dropping or losing the pole if it slips from your hand.
- Reduces the effort needed to grip the handle, because part of the load is transferred to your wrist and forearm.
- Helps prevent hand fatigue and overuse.
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How much should you spend on trekking poles?
In Argentina you can find functional aluminum poles starting around ARS 25,000–30,000 per pair (check updated 2026 prices).
Carbon fiber poles from well‑known brands (Black Diamond, Leki, Komperdell) usually start around ARS 80,000–150,000 per pair (also to be verified depending on the date).
- If you hike 2–4 times a year, aluminum poles are more than enough.
- If you go out 10 or more times a year or do high‑altitude mountaineering, investing in carbon fiber starts to make sense because of the weight savings and long‑term comfort.
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When NOT to use trekking poles
Poles are not useful in every situation:
- Via ferrata or rock climbing: you need your hands free to move safely. Poles just get in the way.
- Flat terrain without a pack: on urban walks or very easy, flat trails with no elevation change, poles are just extra weight.
If you’re doing urban hikes or flat national park trails with no significant elevation, you can safely leave them at home.
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Not sure which poles you need?
If you’re unsure which poles to choose for your next trip with MONS, or you want to know whether your current poles are suitable for your chosen destination, send us a WhatsApp message at +54 9 3512 11-3842.
We always review each participant’s gear before departure to make sure it matches the terrain and conditions of the trip.