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Hiking poles: Most of the models tested impress Stiftung Warentest

Photo: Olga Rolenko / Getty Images

Hiking day at Stiftung Warentest: The experts tested twelve hiking poles for the 02/2024 issue of the magazine “test”.

Their conclusion: Eight of the tested models are convincing.

“All models offered secure grip on various surfaces,” says the test report.

There were devaluations for several models due to harmful substances in the material.

However, the sticks with the best grades also cost the most money.

The testers differentiate between two categories: telescopic poles and folding poles.

The former can be pushed together for transport and are often cheaper than the latter.

The folding models are even more space-saving and therefore easier to transport - but tend to be more expensive.

The experts chose the

Khumbu

model from Leki as the test winner among the telescopic poles with an overall grade of 1.9.

However, with a price of around 85 euros per pair, they are more than twice as expensive as the price tip in this category: The

Decathlon Forclaz MT500

, overall grade 2.2, cost around 40 euros in a double pack.

A Leki model also leads the field of folding poles: the

Makalu FX Carbon

.

For around 195 euros you can get a pair of the helpers on the mountain, rated with an overall grade of 1.8.

In this category, however, the testers were generally unable to find any stumbling blocks: “All five folding sticks performed well,” writes Stiftung Warentest.

»They impress when hiking, are robust and easy to pack in a backpack.«

Price tip among the slightly more expensive designs: A pair of the

Globetrotter Frilufts Zimba

is available for around 70 euros, which also do well with an overall grade of 2.4.

This is how you determine the right size

If you have decided on a stick, you need the right size.

The experts recommend the following rule of thumb: "Height multiplied by 0.7 equals the length of the stick." According to Stiftung Warentest, anyone who is 1.80 meters tall needs sticks that are 126 centimeters long.

However, you should leave around five to ten centimeters of leeway so that the length can be reduced or increased in the field.

Depending on whether it's uphill or downhill.

This is possible with all tested models because they are all adjustable in length.

You can find more information on the topic and the complete test results at Stiftung Warentest.

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