How to Choose Touring Poles

Telescopic poles are an essential part of your touring gear, allowing you to use longer poles for ascents and shorter ones for descents. Here are some key considerations when selecting the right telescopic touring poles.

Adjustable Length

The primary feature that sets a touring pole apart from an alpine pole is adjustable length. Using a locking mechanism, you can modify the pole’s length to suit your needs—longer for an energy-efficient ascent and shorter for better swing dynamics on the descent. While some touring poles are fixed-length, adjustable poles are a more practical choice for most skiers.

Grip

The grip on a touring pole should be comfortable to hold in multiple positions, both with and without gloves. On long tours, it’s beneficial to adjust your grip throughout the journey. When traversing steep or slanted terrain, it’s especially useful to grip lower on the handle for added control.

Material

Touring poles are typically made from aluminum, carbon, or a combination of the two.

• Aluminum poles are affordable but tend to be heavier and more prone to bending.

• Carbon poles are lightweight and durable but come at a higher cost.

• Hybrid poles with an aluminum upper shaft and a carbon lower shaft offer a balance of durability, weight, and affordability.

Basket

Touring poles need to perform well in all conditions, from hard, icy surfaces to deep powder. Larger baskets are ideal for preventing the pole from sinking too deeply into soft snow. Additionally, flexible baskets help grip better on icy and angled terrain.

Overall Feel and Swing

The combination of grip, material, length, and basket size determines the pole’s overall feel and swing weight. We believe that poles with a relatively short aluminum upper shaft, a long and lightweight carbon lower shaft, a comfortable grip, and a lightweight basket provide the best performance and swing.

Our Recommendation

This design philosophy inspired the development of our own pole—a lightweight telescopic touring pole with a long, touring-focused grip, a short aluminum upper shaft, and a long, lightweight carbon lower shaft. At just 201 grams per pole, it’s the perfect tool for your next adventure!