Anyone who thinks trekking poles are only for older people is very much mistaken. These handy poles are a real asset on longer tours – regardless of your age! They give you maximum sure-footedness and stability on all your routes and optimally relieve your muscles and joints.
Even in rough terrain and with heavy luggage, hiking poles improve your performance. Why? Simply because poles reduce the effort for you and optimize your stride. Just give it a try. Bet you'll never leave the house without hiking poles again?
What types of hiking poles are there?
There are two types of hiking poles: folding poles and Telescopic trekking poles. As the name suggests, foldable trekking poles are simply unfolded before use. This means they’re ready to go quickly and easily whenever you need them. The clever part: with just a few simple adjustments, you can infinitely fine‑tune these models to your height. If you don’t need your poles for a while, their small pack size means they can be stowed away in your backpack with ease.
Telescopic trekking poles have been a staple for hiking and ski touring since the 1970s. Thanks to their excellent stability, they are ideal for tours that demand a lot from you and your poles.
What is the difference between a hiking pole and a trekking pole?
With all the information in magazines and forums, the question quickly arises: What is the difference between a hiking pole and a trekking pole? The answer is quite simple: There is none. 'Hiking pole' is just another word for 'trekking poles'.
Which materials are used for our trekking poles?
At Alpin Loacker you will find hiking poles made of carbon or aluminum. Our carbon trekking poles offer you maximum stability despite the ultra-light material with maximum vibration protection. Especially with folding poles, carbon provides more rigidity and extends the lifespan of the poles under heavy use. If you always expect top performance from your trekking poles, you should opt for our models made of shatterproof aircraft aluminum.
How do I choose the right hiking pole for my needs?
To find the right trekking pole, first ask yourself: do you want to use your poles for easy or demanding tours? Should your gear be easy to stow away? So many questions … The following criteria will shed some light and help you choose:
Weight:
As you know, the weight of your trekking pole depends on the material. Since we use only carbon and aluminium, all our models are characterised by low weight. This is essential: your poles are meant to support you, not slow you down. And our ultralight trekking poles do exactly that with ease.
The grip:
The grip has to give you optimal traction and great handling on every trail. That’s why all our trekking poles come with a cork handle. They are
- ergonomically shaped
- and protect you effectively from blisters and chafing.
The tips
No route is like the other. But whether it’s mud, scree, asphalt or snow, our baskets always deliver great performance. Four different tips are included. They are non-slip and guarantee perfect grip with maximum cushioning. Our tips are made from vulcanised rubber, making them abrasion-resistant and durable.
Which trekking pole tips are suitable for which terrain?
Asphalt tips are specially designed for use on hard surfaces. They protect the tip of your trekking pole from abrasion. In the mountains, however, you should not use asphalt tips, as they do not give you the grip you need.
Instead, use your poles on dry mountain terrain without rubber tips. To prevent the pole tip from sinking into scree, you can screw on the mud baskets in the mountains. As the name suggests, these are also suitable for use on sand, soil and in mud.
Nordic walking tips ensure maximum speed by making fast walking easier for you.
Snow baskets can be used for snow hikes as well as for skiing and snowboarding.
How long is the lifespan of a hiking pole?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The lifespan of your trekking pole naturally depends on how much you use it. Since quality is a top priority at Alpin Loacker, our poles will last for many years if used properly.
Can the trekking poles be adjusted to different body sizes?
Yes, all models are individually adjustable. So you can adjust the right length for your hiking poles.
Where can I buy hiking poles?
The best offers for Alpin Loacker hiking poles can be found in our online shop.
Which products turn my hiking day into a great outing?
Trekking poles are important for hiking. Depending on the weather and the type of trip, however, other products also play a key role: