Hiking pole length
Well-adjusted poles take strain off long descents and give you support on rough ground. Enter your height and the terrain and the calculator gives you a length to start with.
Loading the app …
How the calculation works
The length is your height times 0.68, or 0.66 on steep ground, rounded to 5 cm. That matches the rule of thumb that your elbow should be at roughly a right angle when the tip touches the ground.
For steep or technical terrain the app goes slightly shorter, because you do more climbing there and shorter poles are easier to control.
How to read the result
Set your poles to the recommended length and try them on flat ground: forearm roughly level, shoulders relaxed.
On long descents, lengthen them by 5 to 10 cm; on steep climbs, shorten them. That is exactly what telescopic and folding poles are for.
Frequently asked questions
Telescopic or folding poles?
Telescopic poles adjust freely over a wide range. Folding poles pack smaller but usually only adjust over a short range.
How should I use the wrist straps?
Put your hand up through the strap from below, then grip the handle. The strap then takes some of the load and you can hold on loosely.
Do I need poles at all?
Not always. On long descents, with a heavy pack and on slippery paths, many people find them a real help.