Woman hiking

Walking & Trekking Poles

Read: Walking Poles Buying Guide

 

Walking poles are highly versatile, providing extra support and stability to your walks and hikes so that you can focus on the view. Cotswold Outdoor stocks trekking poles, hiking poles and folding poles, designed and built to our exceedingly high standards by leading brands like Black Diamond, Leki, and Robens.

 

Walking poles help you keep your footing on rough terrain by providing extra contact points with the ground. They can also clear the path when thick bushes or branches block the way. Many of our poles are adjustable, so you can lengthen or shorten them based on your height or change them mid-walk to account for the changing elevations of your route. They are ideal for feeling for obstacles in the dark, testing holes, mud and puddles for depth, and for extra balance whilst crossing streams or wading through deeper water. Browse our walking and trekking pole range today, or head over to our Walking Pole Buying Guide to learn more.

Find what you are looking for:
Sort By:

Walking poles provide stability on uneven terrain, reduce strain on joints, and improve balance during hikes. They also help distribute weight, making walking more efficient and less tiring, especially when carrying a heavy backpack or traversing steep slopes.

Consider adjustable poles for versatility, lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre for ease of use, and ergonomic handles for comfort. Features like shock absorption and interchangeable baskets for different terrains can enhance performance.

Yes, trekking poles are worth it for hikers seeking joint relief, improved balance, and reduced fatigue. They are particularly beneficial on steep inclines, descents, or long-distance trails.

Trekking poles distribute weight across your arms and shoulders, reducing the load on your knees by up to 20%. This is especially helpful on downhill sections where joint impact is higher.

Shorten poles by 10-15 cm for uphill climbs to improve leverage and lengthen them by 10-15 cm for downhill descents to enhance stability. Ensure your elbows form a 90-degree angle when holding the poles upright.

Yes, trekking poles can double as supports for ultralight shelters or tarps. This saves pack weight and provides a versatile solution for camping emergencies.

Pole straps improve grip and reduce hand fatigue by allowing you to lean on the straps rather than gripping tightly. Proper strap use also enhances control during ascents and descents.

Carbon fibre poles are lighter and absorb vibrations better but are less durable than aluminium ones. Aluminium poles are sturdier and ideal for rugged terrain but slightly heavier.


Let us know you agree to cookies

We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.

 

We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.