Choosing the Right Hiking Poles for Your Style of Adventure

Choosing the Right Hiking Poles for Your Style of Adventure

When you’re heading into the New Zealand backcountry, whether it’s chasing Tahr in the high country, navigating steep bush tracks, or carrying out a multi-day hunt, the right hiking poles can make all the difference. Domex’s High Trek range is designed to keep you stable, reduce fatigue, and help you move efficiently over rugged terrain. Here’s how to choose the right poles for your adventure, with a focus on collapsibility, weight, and grip style.

Collapsible Poles for Packable Performance

All High Trek poles are collapsible, making them ideal for hunters and backcountry travellers who need to pack light. With cam-lock or twist-lock mechanisms, you can quickly adjust your poles on the trail or stow them in your pack when climbing or scrambling.

Collapsible poles give you flexibility without compromising strength, essential when every gram matters in your pack.

Weight Considerations for Long Days Outdoors

  • Lightweight Poles: For long treks or alpine hunts, poles like the Altitude Carbon  Walking Pole minimise arm fatigue while offering solid support over uneven terrain.
  • Standard Weight: Poles like the Peak 6061 Walking Pole strike a balance between stability and portability, making them reliable for mixed terrain and heavier packs.

Choosing the right weight comes down to the distance you’ll cover and the loads you’ll carry. Lighter poles let you move faster, while slightly heavier poles offer more stability when crossing rocky or slippery surfaces.

Grip Styles for Comfort and Control

Grip style can be just as important as pole construction. Domex poles feature grips designed to match your activity and terrain:

  • Cork or EVA Foam Grips: Comfortable, sweat-resistant, and reduce vibration, ideal for long treks or carrying heavy loads. Try the Expedition 7075 Walking Pole for all-day comfort.
  • Ski-Style Grips: Quick release and easy handling, suited to snow-covered tracks or alpine conditions, as seen in the Wanderer 6061 Walking Pole.

Choosing the right grip enhances control and keeps your hands comfortable, even after hours of walking through rough country.

Matching Poles to Your Adventure

  • Long-distance backcountry treks: Odyssey 7075 Walking Pole
  • Versatile, all-terrain hunting or hiking: Rambler 6061 Walking Pole or Quest 6061 Walking Pole
  • Comfort and grip for rugged terrain: Expedition 7075 Walking Pole
  • Snow or alpine hunting: Wanderer 6061 Walking Pole with ski-style grip

With the right collapsible poles, weight, and grip style, you’ll move with confidence and efficiency, whether you’re stalking through bush, climbing tussock ridges, or navigating the high country. Domex High Trek poles are built to handle New Zealand’s toughest trails so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

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