Trekking Pole Selection Guide?

Try this:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/ss/Trekking%20Poles%20-%20Fixed%20Length/index.html

This should be of some help
Height Pole Size
ft.in. inches cm
2'9''-3'0'' 30'' 75cm
3'1''-3'4'' 32'' 80cm
3'5''-3'8'' 34'' 85cm
3'9''-4'0'' 36'' 90cm
4'1''-4'4'' 38'' 95cm
4'5''-4'8'' 40'' 100cm
4'9''-5'0'' 42'' 105cm
5'1''-5'3'' 44'' 110cm
5'4''-5'6'' 46'' 115cm
5'7''-5'9'' 48'' 120cm
5'10''-6'0'' 50'' 125cm
6'1''-6'3'' 52'' 130cm
6'4''-6'6'' 54'' 135cm
6'7''-+ 56'' 140cm

VIOLA!

There are some useful web pages inre the pros and cons of trekking poles via google.

Maybe check out those cheapie walmart poles discussed here. Being only $30 for a set, fairly lightweight, and adjustable, you could try out poles and figure out if you like them. Being adjustable, you could try different lengths and to determine your personal preference. If you do a search on trekking pole sizing on the forums, a thread or two should pop up. I had found them at one point, and the advice was either to set the 2-3″ below you armpit, or so your upper and lower arm form a 90 degree angle. But many argued for personal preference, which is where trying out adjustables comes in. Also, if you spend the money, both TiGoat and Gossamer gear makes sub 4oz adjustable poles.

BPL Stix are on sale right now for 40% off making them 54 bucks! Definetly your sign to snag a pair and give them a try. This is the best deal on single piece carbon fiber poles out there and their. I just started using a pair and am amazed by how light and strong they are at only 4 oz per/pole. You won't even know your hiking with them-
Later

Aha!

I'd been eye-balling the GG fixed-length poles anyway – I hadn't realized that their adjustable poles were only about .5 oz heavier than their fixed-length counter-parts!

Thanks for the info!

As noted above, I think it is good advice to experiment with an inexpensive pair of adjustable poles to determine your preferences. A few things to consider:

-adjustables are much easier to travel and fly with
-over multiple days, adjustables allow you to change up arm angles, which can be a nice change
-adjustables give you more flexibility if used with a shelter
-adjustables are easier to stow away on a pack when not in use, particularly useful for stretches of bushwacking

Fixed length poles are lighter, at the price of some flexibility. Best of luck!

James

Re:
"Aha!

I'd been eye-balling the GG fixed-length poles anyway – I hadn't realized that their adjustable poles were only about .5 oz heavier than their fixed-length counter-parts!

Thanks for the info!"

I have these and they are a dream. But if the BPL Stix are on sale for such a great price, I'd try them first.

A few other random comments about poles:

The taller and heavier you are, the stronger your poles need to be. I like to use poles only when going down a steep hill. I adjust my poles to the slope: if I use them going up hill, I have them short; a little longer for a moderate downhill; very long for a steep downhill. I like straps, because I like to use a Nordic style grip on my poles. When not using straps, I often put my hands on the top of the pole (which also extends the effective length). The grip choice is a very personal thing (some people like certain grip styles).

All of the lightweight or ultralight poles I've ever seen use expanders (a little screw expands something inside the inner pole). Unfortunately, almost everyone who has ever used a pole with an expander (including me) has been frustrated by them. Black Diamond uses a locking mechanism which ends the frustration (but it is a heavier pole). Someone else has a different mechanism, with holes in the pole, but I forget who that is.

I currently use the Gossamer Gear adjustable poles. I'm happy with them so far, but I haven't used them that much.