It's easy to dismiss walking poles for hiking as optional extras, something only serious mountaineers or older hikers really need. That's a common misconception, and one worth rethinking. The right pair of walking poles can genuinely change how your body handles a hike, reducing strain, improving stability, and helping you go further with less fatigue. Here's why we think they deserve a permanent spot in your kit.

What walking poles for hiking actually do for your body

The biggest benefit of walking poles for hiking isn't balance, though that matters too — it's reducing the load on your knees and joints. On descents in particular, poles can transfer a meaningful amount of impact away from your legs and into your arms and shoulders, which adds up significantly over a long day on the trail. On climbs, poles also help engage your upper body, sharing the workload rather than leaving your legs to do everything alone.

Stability is the other major factor. River crossings, loose scree, muddy sections, and uneven terrain all become considerably safer with two extra points of contact with the ground. Even experienced hikers who've spent years without poles are often surprised at how much smoother technical terrain feels once they start using them properly.

Choosing the right walking poles for hiking

Not all walking poles for hiking are built the same. Weight, material, and folding mechanism all affect how a pole performs and how much you'll actually want to carry it. Aluminium poles tend to be more affordable and slightly more durable under heavy impact, while carbon poles shave significant weight at a higher price point, which matters a lot on longer days or multi-day trips where every gram counts.

The Leki Skysolo FX Carbon Compact Poles are a great example of where this technology has landed. Using a hybrid carbon and aluminium shaft, they weigh in at around 227g per pole while still offering genuine durability, and their External Locking Device folds the poles down into sections under 40cm, making them easy to stow inside or strap to a pack when you need your hands free. The minimalist Verticon grip is designed with a slight angle to keep your wrist in a more natural position, reducing strain over long days.

We stock a full range of walking poles for hiking, from budget-friendly aluminium options through to premium carbon poles, across our hiking and trekking poles collection.

Putting your walking poles for hiking to good use

Once you've got the right poles, the best way to appreciate the difference they make is to actually get out and use them. If you're based around Sydney, we've rounded up some of our favourite trails to try in our guides, best walking trails near you in Sydney and best trails near you. For a broader look at some of our favourite hikes across the region, check out our favourite hikes.

Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors

We're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer with a genuine passion for helping people get out on the trail properly equipped. Our team tests and uses the gear we sell, so when we recommend a set of walking poles for hiking, it's because we trust them ourselves on real trails, not just because they're on the shelf. We're proud to stock trusted brands like Leki, and back every purchase with honest advice from people who actually spend time outdoors.

Thousands of hikers and campers across Australia have trusted us to kit them out for everything from weekend day walks to serious multi-day treks, and our customers keep coming back because we get the details right. If you're ready to add a set of walking poles to your kit, browse our full range online today, or reach out to our team for personalised recommendations.

Frequently asked questions