Simple Trekking Pole Height Calculator
Here I provide a trekking pole height calculator sizing and guide you through the process of calculating the ideal height.
What are trekking poles?
Trekking poles, also known as hiking poles or walking sticks, are long, adjustable poles designed to provide support and stability during hiking, trekking, and walking activities. They are standard equipment for your hiking kit.
They are typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber and consist of a grip handle, a shaft, and a tip.
Trekking Pole Height Calculator – Sizing Chart
| Body Height | Trekking Pole Height |
|---|---|
| Below 5’1″ | 100 – 110 cm |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | 110 – 120 cm |
| 5’6″ – 5’10” | 120 – 130 cm |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | 130 – 140 cm |
| Above 6’2″ | 140 – 150 cm |
How to Set the Height of Your Walking Poles
Start by standing in an upright position wearing your hiking shoes or boots. Place the hiking poles in front of you with the tips touching the flat terrain.
Grasp the grip handles of the trekking poles and adjust the length. Most trekking poles have adjustable mechanisms, such as flip locks or twist locks, located on the shafts.
To determine the initial height, follow the general guideline of setting the trekking pole optimal length based on your body height. Refer to the Trekking Poles Sizing Chart for an approximate range.
While holding the poles, bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. This position is suitable for level terrain and provides a starting point for further adjustments.
Take a few steps with the poles to get a feel for the correct length. Pay attention to your comfort level, balance, and the natural swing of your arms.
If you feel the poles are too long, find a flat ground and adjust the right length by shortening the sections incrementally. Test the new length and repeat until you find a comfortable height.
Conversely, if you feel the poles are too short, lengthen the sections gradually until you achieve a comfortable height. Test the poles after each height adjustment to ensure a suitable length.
Consider other factors such as the terrain and hiking style you will encounter. For walking uphill sections, you may prefer slightly shorter poles, while longer poles can offer more stability on downhill trekking.
Keep in mind that personal preferences and individual differences can influence the optimal trekking pole height. Adjust the length based on your comfort, efficiency, and the specific conditions of your hike.
Once you have determined the ideal height for your adjustable trekking poles, secure the adjustment mechanisms to ensure they stay in place during your hike.
How to adjust the height
- Locate the adjustment mechanism: Most trekking poles have an adjustable mechanism near the top of the pole. Common types of adjustment mechanisms include flip locks, twist locks, or lever locks.
- Unlock the mechanism: Depending on the type of adjustment mechanism, unlock it by either flipping open the lever, twisting the sections in opposite directions, or pressing the release button.
- Extend or retract the sections: With the mechanism unlocked, gently pull or push the sections of the trekking pole to extend or retract them. Be cautious not to exceed the maximum height markings indicated on the pole.
- Align the sections: As you adjust the exact length, ensure that the sections are properly aligned, and the locking mechanism engages securely.
- Lock the mechanism: Once you have set the desired height, lock the adjustment mechanism by either flipping the lever closed, twisting the sections in the opposite direction, or pressing the release button to secure the poles in place.
- Test the height: Take a few steps with the poles to test the adjusted height. Pay attention to your comfort level, balance, and the natural swing of your arms. If necessary, make further adjustments to fine-tune the height.
How to Calculate the Correct Height of Your Trekking Poles
- Stand in an upright position wearing your hiking shoes or boots.
- Extend your arms down by your sides and relax them.
- Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle, keeping your forearms parallel to the ground.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the top of your hand while maintaining a 90-degree angle at the elbow.
- This measurement represents the approximate length of the trekking pole that you should aim for.
- Some trekking poles have height markers on the shafts, allowing you to easily set the desired height based on your measurement.
- Adjust the trekking pole length using the available mechanisms (flip locks, twist locks, etc.) until the handle of the pole reaches the calculated height.
- Test the exact pole height by holding the grip handle and walking with the poles. Adjust if necessary for comfort and efficiency.
- Repeat the process for the second trekking pole to ensure both poles are set at the correct height.
Adjusting the Correct Height for Purpose: Uphill vs Downhill
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Uphill Adjustments:
Shorten the trekking poles: When tackling uphill terrain, it is generally beneficial to shorten the poles slightly. This adjustment allows you to maintain a more upright posture and engage your upper body in propelling yourself forward.
Unlock the adjustment mechanism: Locate the locking mechanism on your trekking poles and unlock it according to the specific type (flip lock, twist lock, etc.).
Gradually retract the sections: Gently push the sections of the trekking poles inward to reduce their length. Start with small adjustments and test the height as you go.
Lock the mechanism: Once you have set the exact height, lock the adjustment mechanism securely to ensure the poles remain fixed in place during your uphill ascent.
Downhill Adjustments
Lengthen the trekking poles: Lengthening the poles for traveling downhill sections provides increased stability and better weight distribution, helping to absorb impact and reduce strain on your joints.
Unlock the adjustment mechanism: Unlock the locking mechanism on your trekking poles.
Gradually extend the sections: Slowly pull the sections of the trekking poles outward to extend their length. Again, start with small adjustments and test the height as you go.
Lock the mechanism: Once you have set the desired height, lock the adjustment mechanism securely to ensure the poles stay fixed in place as you navigate downhill terrain.
Features of Trekking Poles
Adjustable Length
Most trekking poles feature an adjustable length mechanism, allowing you to customize the height based on your preference and the terrain you’re traversing. This adjustability is typically achieved through flip locks, twist locks, or lever locks. Whether you have long legs or shorter legs, adjustable poles should serve you well.
Lightweight Materials
Trekking poles are usually made from lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials provide strength and durability while keeping the overall weight of the poles low, which is essential for reducing fatigue during long hikes.
Grip Handles
Trekking poles are equipped with ergonomic grip handles that offer a comfortable and secure hold. Handles can be made of materials such as cork, foam, or rubber, providing varying levels of cushioning and grip, depending on personal preference.
Wrist Straps
Most trekking poles come with adjustable wrist straps that help distribute the load and provide added support. These straps are designed to wrap around your wrists, allowing you to maintain a relaxed grip on the handles while preventing accidental drops.
Shock Absorption
Some trekking poles feature built-in shock absorption systems. These systems typically utilize springs or internal mechanisms to absorb impact, reducing strain on your wrists, arms, and joints. Shock absorption is particularly beneficial when hiking on uneven or rocky terrain.
Interchangeable Tips
Trekking poles often come with interchangeable tips to adapt to different surfaces and conditions. Common tip options include rubber tips for pavement or rocky surfaces, carbide tips for better traction on slippery or icy terrain, and baskets for snow or muddy trails.
Foldable or Collapsible Design
Certain trekking poles are designed to be foldable or collapsible, allowing for compact storage and easy transport. This feature is especially convenient when traveling or when you need to stow away your poles when not in use.
Anti-Slip Grips and Tips
To ensure stability and traction, trekking poles may have anti-slip features on their grips and tips. This can include textured or ribbed grips for better handhold, and durable and grippy tips to provide secure footing on various surfaces.
Trekking Pole Accessories
Some trekking poles come with additional accessories or attachments, such as camera mounts, snow baskets, or trekking pole caps. These accessories can expand the versatility and functionality of the poles.
Benefits of Trekking Poles
Increased Stability
Trekking poles provide added stability by creating a wider base of support. They help distribute your weight and improve balance, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls, especially on uneven or challenging terrain.
Improved Balance
By using trekking poles, you can improve your overall balance, particularly when traversing steep ascents or descents. The poles act as additional points of contact with the ground, allowing you to navigate tricky sections with greater confidence and stability.
Reduced Joint Strain
Trekking poles help alleviate strain off your knees, hips, and ankles by absorbing some of the impact that would otherwise be absorbed by your joints. This can be especially beneficial when hiking downhill or when carrying a heavy backpack.
Enhanced Uphill Performance
When hiking uphill, trekking poles can assist in propulsion by engaging your upper body muscles. They help you push off the ground and transfer some of the workload from your legs to your arms, increasing endurance and reducing fatigue.
Eased Descents
On downhill sections, trekking poles provide stability and help reduce the strain on your knees and leg muscles. They act as brakes, absorbing impact and offering additional support, making descents more comfortable and controlled.
Increased Endurance
The use of trekking poles can help distribute the workload across your entire body, engaging your upper body muscles. This can reduce fatigue and improve endurance during long hikes, allowing you to go further and explore more.
Wrapping Up
By considering your body height, hiking style, and the type of terrain you’ll be encountering, you can calculate the ideal length that suits your needs.
Remember to make adjustments and experiment with different pole lengths to find what works best for you.
If you liked this article you may also like The 6 Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis, & Best Hiking Shoes for Beginners – Ranked.
