Joe the Real Deal

Pardon the pun, but here are a couple tips to help get the most out of your hiking poles.

First, remember to adjust your hiking pole length for an extended uphill or downhill trail. A shorter pole helps maintain a natural arm position going uphill as the trail is higher in front of you. Likewise, a longer pole is good for downhill. An inch or so (~2.5cm) of adjustment is all it takes.

In the picture above, I had shortened my poles ascending the south side of Avery Peak, which is the northernmost 4000 foot peak on the Appalachian Trail before the terminus at Katahdin.

Also note that rubber hiking pole tips reduce damage to the trail, are quieter on rocks and roads, and provide excellent grip on most surfaces. Quality tips will last 100s of miles, but they eventually become rounded off and need replacement. I put a wrap of cloth tape on my pole for a tighter fit, and I’ve never only once lost a tip when I’ve done this. While cheap tips are available online, I have found them to wear out very quickly, and they don’t provide much grip even when new. The replacement rubber tips from Black Diamond are a much better value because they last many times longer and provide a better grip throughout their life.