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Gear Guide

Poles, typically 100 to 140 centimeters long, range from basic aluminum models to those with carbon composite materials, which are lighter and stiffer but slightly more expensive. Poles can also be adjustable — good for traveling or sharing — or a fixed length, which are more stable. For sizing, your elbow should be at 90 degrees when you’re holding the grip. A general rule is that you multiply your height in centimeters by 0.66. (First, figure out your height in centimeters by multiplying how many inches tall you are by 2.54.) For example, a 5-foot-9-inch person would probably select a pole of 115 cm. Here are a few options from the three major manufacturers (for online outlets, see the “Resources” section):

Exel Nordic Walker Stride is a carbon composite pole that’s geared toward the recreational Nordic walker enthusiast ($85).

LEKI Traveller collapses to 80 cm — small enough to fit into a duffel bag for trips — and has an aluminum shaft ($130).

Swix CT4 is a lightweight, shock-absorbing pole made of a carbon/fiberglass composite ($80).