The choice of whether or not to use hiking poles (or trekking poles as they’re sometimes called) depends on your hiking style, but I think most people will benefit from using them if given the chance. Hiking poles are available with many different options such as the types of grips they use, their maximum and minimum length, anti-shock or not and of course their weight.

I decided on the Leki Makalu Ultralite Titanium hiking poles. I didn’t think I needed the anti-shock or positive angles grips featured on some of the other Leki poles. I also considered the Komperdell Trail Lite Compact Titanal hiking poles. These weigh just over 15 ounces and are very similar to the Leki’s, but feature slightly different grips. Also, Leki hiking poles are pretty easy to find here in America, but Komperdell poles require a bit more searching.

For more information on the different types of hiking poles and how to use them most effectively, take a look at Pete's Pole Page.