Hiking poles for trekking in Nepal:
Hiking poles are becoming more ubiquitous on the trails of the Nepal Himalayas. Whether you’re ascending steeply to the top of Kalapathar on the Everest Base Camp Trek or descending the scree-strewn Larkya la pass on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a pair of hiking poles provides extra leverage and is a relief to the knees. On the ascent, using the upper body to push off the poles provides some leverage to move your legs forward. On the descent, poles will allow some of the load to be distributed to the upper body rather just the knees. This provides relief to the knees.
Similarly on level terrain, such as the trail to the Everest Base Camp where you need to navigate through boulders and small rocks, hiking poles provide extra stability by providing two additional points of contact with the ground – four legs provide more stability rather than just two. Also, it is easier hiking with a pair of poles especially if you are carrying a heavy pack. Some of you, as I did in my youth, may feel less of a man using hiking poles. But, if you’ve noticed, even accomplished mountaineers such as Nims and Reinhold Messner use hiking poles.
Choosing hiking poles:
Pole length: The most important factor in choosing the right hiking pole is to find one of the right length. You know you have the right length if your elbow bends 90 degrees when the pole tips touch the ground on level terrain. For those who are taller than 6 feet, make sure you choose poles that extend 51 inches or longer. For long uphill sections, shorten the poles by around 5-10 cm to get more traction. And for long downhill sections, lengthen the poles by 5-10 cm so your body is upright allowing better balance.
Other factors to consider are adjustability, foldability, shock absorption etc.
Adjustable: Adjustable trekking poles generally adjust from about 24 to 55 inches long. Typically you’ll want to shorten the poles when going uphill and lengthen them when going downhill.
Non-adjustable: Some trekking poles are fixed in length. These tend to be lighter weight than adjustable poles because they operate with fewer parts. They work well for activities where you know you only need a certain length.
Foldable: Foldable trekking poles fold like tent poles. They are very lightweight and quick to deploy. They are especially popular among ultra-runners and fast hikers.
Shock-absorbing poles: These have internal springs that absorb shock when descending. The shock feature can be turned off when not needed.
Aluminum: The more durable and economical choice, aluminum poles usually weigh around half a kilogram or slightly more than a pound per pair. Aluminum can bend but is unlikely to break.
Carbon: These poles feature shafts that are made either entirely or partially from carbon. These are more expensive but lighter than aluminum poles. They are good at reducing vibration, but are more vulnerable to breakage or splintering than aluminum poles.
Other Trekking Pole features:
Wrist straps: The right way to use wrist straps is to put your hand up through the bottom of the strap and then pull down and grab the grip of the pole. This technique supports your wrist and heel of the hand and allows you to keep your hand relaxed on the grip.
You can adjust the length of the strap so that when you bring your hand down on the strap it lines up with where you want it to rest on the grip. Proper strap adjustment allows you to let go of the pole to take a picture, grab a snack or adjust your backpack and then easily grab the pole again in the right place.
Baskets: Trekking poles usually include a small, removable trekking basket at the tip end. Larger baskets can be substituted for use in snowy or muddy ground.
Pole tips: Carbide or steel tips are commonly used to provide traction, even on ice. Rubber tip protectors extend the life of the tips and protect your gear when poles are stowed in your pack. They are also good for use in sensitive areas to reduce impact to the ground.
Difference between trekking poles and Ski poles:
Trekking poles differ from ski poles in some important ways. Trekking pole handles are often textured, and the poles themselves are rigid and strong, unlike flexible ski poles. Often, their tips are hardened carbide steel, with the ability to “set” into rock and soil to provide traction.
What are the best hiking poles in the market:
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But sometimes expensive does not necessarily mean good or the right fit. Everyone is different and hence their preferences.
The New York Times ranks the Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles as the best in 2024. “These poles are the most comfortable and among the quietest hiking poles we tested. They come in two sizes and are easy to adjust to different lengths.” Similarly, it ranks the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock as the best option among budget options.
Outdoor Gearlab, an online resource that provides reviews of outdoor gear, rates MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon as the best trekking poles in 2024. According to them, the poles “are comfortable, versatile, compact, and ergonomic. They excel in almost every application. The grip is simple yet elegant, and the length adjustment mechanism is strong and reliable. They have a remarkably light swing weight, feeling ounces lighter than their weight on the scale, and are ideal for backpacking and long-distance thru-hiking. They pack down small and have a light feel that our testers appreciated after hours on the trail.”
A thing to note is that Outdoor Gearlab also rates the Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles.
Can I buy hiking poles in Nepal?
YES, you can. Both branded and knock-offs are available in Kathmandu. Branded trekking poles from MSR, Black Diamond etc are available at the North Face, Mountain Hardwear etc stores at the entrance to Thamel (opposite the Sanchaya Kosh building). Do note that the latest and greatest models may not be available.
You can also buy knock-off hiking poles in the “trekking stores” of Thamel for around $10-$15 per pair. These usually last at least one trek but there is no guarantee. These are adjustable but do not have other features.
