Trekking poles

Trekking poles add balance on rough ground and river crossings and can take some strain off your knees on descents. Telescopic poles adjust over a wide range, while folding poles pack shorter for travel. External lever locks are easy to adjust with gloves on. Aluminium shafts tend to bend rather than snap, carbon shafts are usually lighter but can snap, and cork or foam grips stay comfortable in sweaty hands.