How to Choose Adjustable Hiking and Ski Poles

By Feathered Friends | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: Buying Guides

Use this adjustable hiking poles buying guide to pick length, grip, and lock type, with a simple trekking pole length chart and setup tips for ski touring.

Quick answer

For most hikers and ski tourers, choose an adjustable pole with a flicklock mechanism and a cork or foam grip. Set the length so your elbow is bent about 90 degrees when the tip is planted. If you switch between hiking and skiing, a two or three-section adjustable pole gives you the range you need without committing to a fixed length.

Length: how to size ski poles and hiking poles

For hiking, stand upright with the pole tip on the ground. The grip should sit near your hip or slightly above. A common starting point is 110–120 cm for most adults, but torso and arm length matter more than height alone. For ski touring, flip your wrist so the pole is upside down and grip it under the basket; your forearm should be roughly parallel to the ground. That usually puts the length 5–10 cm shorter than your hiking length.

Use this trekking pole length chart as a starting point, then adjust on the trail:

If you only walk on gentle trails, a fixed-length pole is lighter and simpler. If you switch between hiking and skiing, adjustable poles are worth the small weight penalty.

Under 5'2" (157 cm): hiking 100–110 cm, ski touring 95–105 cm
5'2"–5'8" (157–173 cm): hiking 110–120 cm, ski touring 105–115 cm
5'8"–6'0" (173–183 cm): hiking 115–125 cm, ski touring 110–120 cm
Over 6'0" (183 cm): hiking 120–130 cm, ski touring 115–125 cm

Grip types: cork, foam, and rubber

Cork grips absorb sweat and get tackier with use, which makes them a good choice for long hikes in warm weather. Foam grips are lighter and dry faster, but they can feel slick when new. Rubber grips are durable and work well in wet, cold conditions, though they can feel clammy on hot days. Many adjustable poles also include a lower grip extension so you can choke down on steep climbs without shortening the pole.

Flicklock vs twist lock: which locking mechanism to choose

Flicklock levers clamp the pole sections with a flip of a lever. They are fast to adjust, easy to check with gloves, and stay put once set. Twist locks rely on friction from twisting the sections; they are lighter and have a lower profile, but they can slip in cold or wet conditions and are harder to tighten with gloves. For ski touring and cold-weather use, flicklock is the more reliable choice. For summer hiking where weight matters most, twist locks are still workable.

Setup: how to adjust and maintain your poles

Extend the lower sections first, then the upper sections. Tighten each lock firmly but not excessively. Check that the pole does not collapse when you lean on it. After a trip, wipe down the sections and let them dry before collapsing them for storage. If a flicklock feels loose, tighten the adjustment screw a quarter turn at a time. Replace baskets if they crack or fall off; missing baskets let the tip sink in soft snow or mud.

Decision rules for buying adjustable poles

Choose flicklock if you ski tour or wear gloves often: Flicklock levers are faster to adjust and easier to check with gloves than twist locks. They also hold better in cold, wet conditions. Best for winter and mixed-use
Choose twist lock if you only hike in mild weather and want the lightest pole: Twist locks have fewer protruding parts and are often lighter. They are fine for summer trails as long as you keep the sections clean. Best for summer hiking only
Choose cork grips for warm-weather comfort: Cork absorbs sweat and stays grippy. Foam and rubber are better in wet or cold conditions where cork can get slick. Match grip to climate
Choose three-section poles if you fly or pack small: Three-section poles collapse shorter than two-section poles, which makes them easier to strap to a pack or fit in a duffel. Packability vs. weight

Products that support this setup

Pole Holder for Inner Tent: Extra pole holders for Hilleberg tents that are needed to pitch the inner tent body by itself. Attach these to the corners of the inner tent body and then place the ends of the tent poles into them. If you use adjustable poles as part of a shelter system, these holders let you pitch the inner tent alone, which is useful for fast-and-light trips or when you want to dry out the inner tent separately.
Sm'D Locking Carabiner: A lightweight and compact D-shaped carabiner from Petzl for use with belay systems, personal anchors, pulleys, or for extra security on that first piece of protection off of the belay. Includes a keylock style gate closure for no-snag use, and incorporates a red visual indicator band on the gate to help facilitate checking to see that the carabiner is locked. A locking carabiner is not part of the pole itself, but it is a small, light way to secure a pole to your pack or to a belay anchor when you need your hands free on a scramble or a ski transition.

Who should buy adjustable poles

Best for

Hikers who switch between flat and steep terrain and want to change length on the move
Ski tourers who need a shorter pole for the up and a longer pole for the down
Travelers who need poles that collapse small enough for a pack or duffel

Not for

Hikers who always walk the same gentle trails and want the lightest possible pole
Skiers who only ski inbounds and never adjust pole length
Anyone who prefers a single-piece pole for maximum stiffness