A steep descent with a loaded pack can turn tired knees into the weak point of an otherwise great walk. Trekking poles give you two extra points of contact with the ground, helping spread the workload across your arms, shoulders and core when tracks get loose, wet, rocky or uneven.

They are not only for serious multi-day hikers. The right pair can make a family bushwalk, a trip through the High Country or a long day on a coastal trail feel more controlled. The trick is choosing poles that suit how and where you walk, then setting them up properly before you leave the trailhead.

Why trekking poles are worth carrying

On climbs, poles let you push lightly through your arms and keep a steady rhythm. On descents, they help manage balance and reduce the jarring force that travels through your knees and legs. That relief is especially welcome when carrying camping gear, water and food for an overnight stay.

They also earn their place when conditions are less predictable. Creek crossings, slippery roots, loose gravel, snow, mud and scrubby side tracks all demand small balance corrections. A pole can test the ground ahead, brace you while stepping over an obstacle, or help keep your footing when the track disappears under leaf litter.

There is a trade-off. Poles take a little practice, can catch on vegetation if used carelessly, and need to be stowed for short scrambles where both hands are needed. But for many walkers, the extra stability outweighs the inconvenience by a long way.

Choosing trekking poles for your walking style

The best trekking poles are not necessarily the lightest or the most expensive. Start with the terrain, the weight you carry and how often you plan to use them. A casual walker needs dependable, easy-to-adjust poles. Someone tackling long alpine trips may place more value on low weight, compact packing size and strong locking mechanisms.

Adjustable or fixed-length poles

Adjustable poles are the most practical choice for general bushwalking. You can shorten them for climbs, lengthen them for descents and alter the height to suit different users in the family. They are also easier to pack into the car, strap to a daypack or store in a caravan.

Fixed-length poles are generally lighter and simpler, with fewer moving parts. They can suit trail runners or experienced hikers who know their preferred length, but they offer less flexibility. For most Australian walkers, adjustable poles are the better all-round buy.

Telescopic or folding designs

Telescopic poles slide into themselves and are familiar, sturdy and straightforward to adjust. They often suit walkers who want a traditional design with a broad adjustment range.

Folding poles break into shorter sections, usually with an internal cord, so they pack down neatly. They are handy for travellers, trail runners and anyone short on storage space. Check that the folding mechanism is easy to operate with cold or tired hands, and that the packed length works for your pack.

Aluminium or carbon fibre

Aluminium poles are a reliable value option. They are usually more affordable, handle everyday knocks well and are a sensible choice for beginners, families and walkers using rough tracks. They may weigh a little more, but that difference is rarely a problem on a standard day walk.

Carbon fibre poles are lighter and can reduce arm fatigue over long distances. They suit hikers counting every gram, although they generally cost more and can be less forgiving of sharp impacts or being trapped between rocks. If your poles will spend plenty of time strapped to a pack, thrown in a ute or used by different family members, aluminium is often the more practical choice.

Locks, grips and wrist straps

A dependable locking system matters more than fancy extras. Lever-style external locks are quick to inspect and adjust, while twist locks create a clean profile but need to be tightened correctly. Before a big trip, extend the poles fully, put some body weight through them and make sure neither section slips.

Cork-style grips can feel comfortable over long distances and manage moisture well. Foam grips are soft and useful when you regularly change hand position on steep ground. Rubber grips are durable but may feel less comfortable during hot, sweaty walks. There is no universal winner here - fit in your hand is what counts.

Do not overlook the wrist straps. A good strap supports your hand without cutting in and means you do not need to grip the handle tightly all day. It should be adjustable enough to suit bare hands in summer and gloves in colder conditions.

Set your trekking poles to the right height

For level ground, begin with the pole length that leaves your elbow at roughly a 90-degree angle when the tip is on the ground beside your foot. This is a starting point, not a rule set in stone. Taller walkers, shorter walkers and different terrain all call for small adjustments.

Shorten both poles by around 5 to 10 centimetres for sustained uphill walking. This helps you plant the pole without reaching too high or lifting your shoulder. For longer downhill sections, lengthen them slightly so you can place the tips ahead with a relaxed arm and use them for balance.

When traversing a slope, shorten the uphill pole and lengthen the downhill pole if your design allows separate adjustment. It sounds fiddly, but on a long sidelong track it keeps your body in a more natural position and reduces awkward leaning.

To use the straps properly, bring your hand up through the bottom of the loop, then bring the strap over the base of your palm before gripping the handle. The strap should carry some of the pressure. Avoid wrapping the strap tightly around your wrist, particularly in terrain where a pole might snag and you need to let go quickly.

Tips, baskets and care for Australian conditions

Most trekking poles come with carbide tips for grip on dirt, rock and icy ground. These are ideal for the majority of bush tracks, but take care on smooth rock, boardwalks and hard surfaces where a metal tip can slip or leave marks.

Rubber tip covers are useful for travelling, walking on paved sections or protecting the tips in storage. They can also soften the click of poles around campgrounds and suburban paths. Keep in mind that rubber wears down faster on abrasive ground, so check covers occasionally.

Baskets stop poles from sinking too far into soft terrain. Small trekking baskets are handy for muddy tracks and sandy ground, while larger snow baskets are made for snow play and alpine walks. You do not need a large basket for every trip, but it is useful to match the accessory to the conditions rather than forcing one setup to do everything.

After wet or dusty walks, wipe the poles down and let them dry before storing them. If you have telescopic poles, open the sections occasionally to clear grit and moisture, then check locks and tip wear. A pole that starts slipping halfway through a steep descent is a frustrating problem that is easy to prevent at home.

How to walk naturally with poles

The most efficient technique is simple: move the opposite pole with the opposite foot, much as your arms naturally swing when walking. Plant the tip lightly beside or slightly behind your forward foot on flat ground. Keep your shoulders relaxed and resist the urge to lean heavily onto the poles with every step.

On a climb, plant the poles a little ahead and push through them as you step up. On a descent, place them ahead of your body for a steadier platform, but avoid reaching too far out in front. Overreaching can put your shoulders under strain and make the poles less secure.

In tight scrub, narrow rock gaps or steep scrambling sections, fold or collapse the poles and secure them to your pack. Trekking poles are a support tool, not a replacement for safe foot placement, sensible pacing or choosing a track that matches your ability.

A dependable pair of poles can be one of the most useful additions to your hiking kit, particularly once the distances get longer and the pack gets heavier. Choose a pair that feels solid in your hands, practise adjusting them before your trip, and let the track decide when they are worth using.