When you begin your search for the perfect pair of trekking poles, there are several questions you’ll need to answer to decide on the type of poles that will work best for you:
One pole or two?
This choice is largely a matter of personal preference. As my rule of thumb, I’ll carry one pole for short hikes or summit pushes for stability, and two poles for long treks and balancing your weight over the miles. Single poles will usually have wider grips and may include the ability to screw off the grip and use the pole as a support for a camera.
Flick or Twist?
There are two ways of locking down your adjustable poles once you’ve set the desired length: Flick locks and twist locks.
If you’re going to be using your poles in the winter, flick locks are your ticket. They are easy to adjust with gloves on and the flick lock system works well in sub zero temperatures, preventing system failure when the poles contract in the cold. A twist lock system is ideal for folks who will be using their poles exclusively for summer pursuits. Twist locks are easier to adjust on the fly if the tension is off because you can typically take them apart and adjust without tools, where as the flick lock system usually requires a screwdriver to adjust.
Shock absorbing or not?
If you have achy joints or creaky knees, shock-absorbing poles were made for you. They soak up more of the impact on descents so your knees don’t have to. The downsides to this technology include a slight loss of power on the ascent and decreased stability while descending. Some higher-end models have shock absorbers that can be turned on and off. This feature will add weight to your setup, so it might not be ideal for a lightweight backpacker.