How to Choose the Right Length for Your Folding Trekking Poles: Complete Sizing Guide
SIZING GUIDE

How to Choose the Right Length for Your Folding Trekking Poles

You find a pair of folding trekking poles you like, but then you see a number such as 120 cm, 125 cm, 130 cm or 135 cm. Which one is actually right for you? Choosing trekking-pole length doesn’t have to be complicated. The basic starting point is: when standing naturally, your elbow should generally be around a 90-degree angle when holding the poles.

Need the Answer Fast?

Start Here: Stand naturally → adjust until elbow ≈ 90°
Flat: Normal setting
Uphill: Slightly shorter
Downhill: Slightly longer
Don’t choose a pole solely from a height chart. Your arm length, posture, grip position and manufacturer’s adjustment range also matter.

Trekking Pole Length Calculator

Your height (inches)
4’6″ 5’6″ 6’6″
Main terrain
Hiking style

Suggested starting length: 125–130 cm

Fine-tune it until your elbow is approximately at a right angle when you’re standing naturally.

Correct Trekking Pole Length

😣 TOO SHORT — Elbow too bent
↓
😊 CORRECT — Elbow ≈ 90°
↓
😕 TOO LONG — Elbow too open
Short ← Correct → Long

Why Trekking Pole Length Matters

🧍 Posture

Incorrect length can affect your natural stance.

🛋️ Comfort

Proper length reduces unnecessary strain.

⚖️ Balance

Helps maintain stability on uneven terrain.

🔄 Efficiency

Better swing and placement with correct length.

The goal is to create a comfortable, natural position that lets you plant the poles without constantly reaching too far forward or bending your arms excessively.

The 90-Degree Elbow Rule Explained

1. Stand naturally
↓
2. Keep shoulders relaxed
↓
3. Hold the grip
↓
4. Place tip on ground beside you
↓
5. Adjust pole
↓
6. Aim for ~90° elbow angle
↓
7. Walk, fine-tune, repeat
Don’t treat 90 degrees as an absolute rule. Your ideal setting may vary slightly depending on terrain, footwear, personal preference, backpack weight, and pole design.

Trekking Pole Length Chart by Height

Hiker Height
Suggested Starting Pole Range
Under 150 cm
100–110 cm
150–160 cm
105–115 cm
160–170 cm
110–120 cm
170–180 cm
115–125 cm
180–190 cm
120–130 cm
Over 190 cm
125–135+ cm
Present these as starting ranges, not universal rules. Different manufacturers and individual proportions can change the ideal setting.

What About 135 cm Folding Trekking Poles?

A maximum length of 135 cm can accommodate many hikers, but it doesn’t mean everyone should use the pole at its maximum extension.

🟢 Shorter Hiker

110–115 cm

🟡 Medium Hiker

115–125 cm

🔵 Taller Hiker

125–135 cm

Fixed-Length vs Adjustable Folding Trekking Poles

📏 Fixed-Length

  • Simple
  • Potentially lighter
  • Fewer moving parts
  • Less flexible
  • Harder to share

🔧 Adjustable

  • Customizable
  • Versatile for terrain
  • Easier to share
  • Locking system adds complexity
  • May add weight

Folding Pole Length vs Packed Length

📏 Extended Length

The pole’s usable length when hiking.

📦 Packed Length

The length when folded for storage or travel.

These are not the same thing. A pole can extend to 135 cm while folding down to a much smaller packed size.

How to Adjust for Different Terrain

⛰️ Uphill

The ground rises. A slightly shorter pole can help keep your hands closer to a comfortable position.

⬇️ Downhill

The ground drops away. A slightly longer pole can provide more reach.

🥾 Flat Ground

Use your normal setting. Shoulders, wrist, and elbow should remain relaxed.

Going UP → Shorten slightly. Going DOWN → Lengthen slightly.

How Backpack Weight Changes Pole Setup

A heavier pack can change your posture and balance. Test your trekking poles with the backpack you actually plan to use.

Common Trekking Pole Sizing Mistakes

Choosing solely by height — use chart as starting point
Using maximum length automatically — max ≠ ideal
Ignoring terrain — adjust for uphills/downhills
Forgetting the grip — hand position changes effective length
Ignoring footwear — height changes with shoes
Not testing both poles — adjust both consistently

How to Know If Your Poles Are Too Short

  • Elbow is noticeably more closed than intended
  • Shoulders feel raised
  • Hands sit too low
  • You constantly bend forward to plant poles
  • Poles feel awkward on flat ground
Solution: Increase length slightly and walk again.

How to Know If Your Poles Are Too Long

  • Elbows are overly open
  • Shoulders are reaching
  • Pole tips land too far forward
  • Arms feel stretched
  • Planting feels unnatural
Solution: Shorten the poles slightly and test again.

What Length Should I Choose?

📏 What’s your height?
↓
✅ Does your pole reach your range?
↓
✅ Is your elbow around 90°?
↓
✅ YES → Keep setting
↓
❌ NO → Adjust
↓
🔄 Climbing? → Shorten slightly
↓
🔄 Descending? → Lengthen slightly

30-Second Sizing Method

  1. Stand naturally.
  2. Hold the grip.
  3. Place the tip beside your foot.
  4. Adjust until elbow is approximately 90°.
  5. Walk.
  6. Shorten slightly uphill.
  7. Lengthen slightly downhill.
Done.

Interactive FAQs

How do I choose the right trekking pole length?

Start with the 90-degree elbow rule: stand naturally, hold the pole, and adjust until your elbow is at about a right angle. Fine-tune for terrain.

What length trekking poles do I need for my height?

Use the height chart above as a starting point. For example, 170–180 cm → 115–125 cm range.

What is the 90-degree elbow rule?

Stand naturally with the pole tip on the ground beside you. Adjust the pole until your elbow forms approximately a 90-degree angle.

Are 135 cm trekking poles long enough?

For many hikers, yes — but the correct setting depends on your height and arm length. Don’t automatically use maximum extension.

Can short people use 135 cm trekking poles?

Yes — but they would typically use a shorter setting within the pole’s range, not the maximum length.

Can tall people use folding trekking poles?

Yes — many folding poles extend to 135 cm, which can accommodate taller hikers. Check the maximum length.

Should trekking poles be shorter uphill?

Yes — a slightly shorter pole can be more comfortable on climbs.

Should trekking poles be longer downhill?

Yes — a slightly longer pole can provide better reach on descents.

What length should trekking poles be on flat ground?

Use your normal comfortable setting — the one that gives you a relaxed elbow angle.

Does arm length affect trekking pole sizing?

Yes — two people of the same height can have different arm lengths, affecting the ideal pole length.

Does backpack weight affect pole length?

Yes — a heavy pack can change your posture, so test poles with your loaded backpack.

Should both trekking poles be the same length?

Usually yes on flat ground. On uneven terrain, you may adjust each pole slightly.

Are folding trekking poles adjustable?

Many are — check the product specifications. Adjustable folding poles allow fine-tuning for terrain.

What’s the difference between packed length and extended length?

Extended length is the pole in use; packed length is when folded for storage or travel.

Are folding poles better than telescoping poles?

Folding poles prioritize packability; telescoping poles offer more adjustment range. Choose based on your needs.

Can I use trekking poles if I’m between sizes?

Yes — start with the middle of the suggested range and fine-tune based on comfort.

How do I know if my poles are too short?

If your elbow is excessively bent, shoulders feel raised, or you’re bending forward to plant the poles.

How do I know if my poles are too long?

If your elbows are overly open, shoulders are reaching, or pole tips land too far forward.

Does the trekking pole grip affect sizing?

Yes — grip shape and thickness can change the effective length. Adjust based on comfort.

Do trekking pole tips affect length?

Tips have a minor effect — the main adjustment is in the shaft length.


The Right Trekking Pole Length Is the One That Feels Natural — Height chart → 90° elbow starting point → walk → fine-tune → shorten uphill → lengthen downhill.

Ready to choose your folding trekking poles?

Explore AdventureSupplier’s folding trekking poles and find the right length for your adventures.

Explore Folding Trekking Poles