Trekking Poles, Hiking Poles & Crampons: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Gear

If you've ever finished a big descent with knees screaming or white-knuckled your way across an icy ridgeline, you already know: the right gear underfoot (and in-hand) changes everything. Trekking poles and crampons are two of the most underrated pieces of kit in any hiker's arsenal — and picking the right ones can be the difference between a trip you love and one you'll never forget for the wrong reasons.

At PAST Outdoors, we get asked about trekking poles, hiking poles, and crampons more than almost anything else in the shop. So we've put together this guide to help you cut through the noise and gear up with confidence.

Trekking Poles vs. Hiking Poles: Is There a Difference?

Good news — you're not missing something. Trekking poles and hiking poles are essentially the same thing, just different names for the same essential piece of gear. Both terms describe adjustable poles designed to support your stride, reduce impact on your joints, and improve stability on uneven terrain.

Where it gets interesting is in the styles and features available:

✅ Adjustable poles – twist-lock or flip-lock mechanisms let you fine-tune length for uphill, downhill, or flat sections
✅ Folding hiking poles – collapse down small for easy packing, ideal for multi-day hikes or air travel
✅ Fixed-length poles – simpler, lighter, and often more durable for those who don't need adjustability
✅ Trail running poles – ultra-light versions built for speed over comfort

Why Bother With Trekking Poles At All?

If you're still on the fence, here's what a good set of hiking poles actually does for you on the trail:

• Reduces impact on your knees and hips — especially on long descents, where poles can absorb a significant chunk of the load your joints would otherwise take
• Improves balance — river crossings, scree fields, and root-covered trails all get safer with four points of contact instead of two
• Boosts efficiency on climbs — engaging your upper body means your legs don't have to do all the work
• Helps set up shelters — many ultralight tents and tarps use trekking poles instead of dedicated tent poles, saving weight

Choosing Between Black Diamond and Leki Hiking Poles

Two names come up again and again when hikers talk poles: Black Diamond and Leki. Both are trusted, both are used by guides and serious hikers worldwide, and both make excellent gear — but they take slightly different approaches.

Black Diamond hiking poles are known for their FlickLock adjustment system, which is fast, secure, and easy to use even with gloves on. They're a favourite for hikers who want a pole that's simple to adjust on the fly, whether you're switching from a steep climb to a flat traverse.

Leki hiking poles are renowned for their ergonomic grips and vibration-dampening technology, which can make a real difference on longer days. Leki also offers a wide range of folding hiking poles that pack down impressively small, making them a great choice if pack space is at a premium.

Neither brand is objectively "better" — it comes down to what matters most to you: adjustment speed, comfort on long days, packability, or weight.

When Do You Need Crampons?

Trekking poles get you through most three-season hiking, but once ice and hard-packed snow enter the picture, you need crampons. These are metal spike systems that strap onto your boots, giving you the traction to walk confidently across terrain that would otherwise be treacherous.

Crampons come in a few main styles:

✅ Strap-on crampons – compatible with most hiking boots, no specific sole required
✅ Hybrid crampons – a mix of strap and clip attachment for boots with a heel welt
✅ Step-in crampons – for mountaineering boots with both toe and heel welts, offering the most secure fit for technical alpine routes
✅ Microspikes – a lighter-duty option for icy trails and everyday winter walking, rather than full alpine ascents.

Choosing the right crampon comes down to your boots, the terrain you're tackling, and how technical your route is. If you're heading into serious alpine territory — think icy ridgelines or glacier travel — you'll want proper mountaineering crampons paired with boots rated for them.

Our Recommendation: Build a Kit, Not Just a Purchase

The hikers who get the most out of their gear treat trekking poles and crampons as a system, not a one-off purchase:

• Choose folding hiking poles if you're flying to your trailhead or need to pack light on multi-day routes
• Go with Black Diamond if fast, tool-free adjustability is your priority
• Go with Leki if comfort and vibration dampening matter most over long days
• Add crampons to your kit the moment your planned routes involve snow or ice — don't wait until you're on the trail to find out you need them
  

Gear Up With Confidence

Every product in our trekking poles and crampons range has been chosen because it holds up in the conditions that matter — from local day walks to remote alpine terrain. Whether you're outfitting yourself for your first multi-day hike or upgrading before a technical alpine trip, our team can help you find the right setup for where you're headed.

Our CEO Dave Parker, on a recent trip to New Zealand using our trekking poles.

Shop our full range of trekking poles, hiking poles, and crampons at pastoutdoors.com.au