When the slope levels out and the kilometres add up, a pair of poles distributes the effort between the arms and the legs.
This Black Friday selection brings together trail poles designed for long ascents, mountain outings, and ultra races.
The poles help you climb by pushing with your arms, which eases the strain on your thighs during long ascents. They also provide balance on technical descents and unstable terrain. Trail models can be stored in a bag or in a vest in seconds when the ground becomes smoother.
Leki leads this selection, followed by Guidetti. Both offer foldable or telescopic poles suitable for mountain running. The Brand filter allows you to view only one or the other.
The right length positions your elbow at a right angle when the pole is planted next to your foot. A foldable model stores more easily than a telescopic one, which matters in races when alternating between walking and running. Weight is felt over time: the lighter the pole, the less tired your arm will become by the end of the outing. Finally, check the strap and the grip, as they make a difference over several hours.
The poles are aimed at trail runners who enjoy long climbs, but also at fast hikers seeking consistency. They require a bit of adaptation time, but then become a natural reflex on steep slopes.
The poles really make sense with a hydration bag to store the folded sections, and a GPS watch to track the elevation of the outing.
Remember to clean up after a muddy outing: rinse the sections, leave the locking mechanism open to dry, and store the poles without folding them while wet. The tips also wear out with stones, and a replacement set costs little compared to the comfort regained during ascents.
For trail poles: Black Friday equipment and for trail poles, sales and clearance also for trail poles. New arrivals and special offers also for trail poles.
Make sure to test the poles before a race: the grip, the strap, and how to fold them are better checked during training than on race day.
Here, for trail poles. Filter by brand or size in trail poles.
A length that keeps the elbow at a right angle when in support. Many models are adjustable, which helps adapt the size to the slope.
Foldable ones store quicker and take up less space. Telescopic ones are more versatile for hiking.
It's better to get used to them during a few outings: coordinating arms and legs takes a bit of practice before the race.
For trail poles: see above or parent page.