Trekking poles?

I'm going on a group hike tomorrow. I've never used poles (besides snowshoeing) but they are on the list of required equipment. Does it matter what kind I get? Any features I need or don't need? Seems like prices range from about $30 to $200+ ...

What is the difference between "walking poles" and "trekking poles"?

Thanks all!

DH and I both have Black Diamonds that we picked up from REI last year. I can't remember the models--Trail Shock maybe. I love them, especially on steep terrain or rocky/wet terrain. They've saved my skin a number of times and generally helped me hike over longer distances without as much fatigue.

A few of the features that I recall looking at are shock absorbtion. Mine have it; DH's don't. I like mine better, and I think he wishes that he'd gone that route too. Another feature are the grips themselves. At the time we ordered them, I tried both the compact and non-compact versions. I preferred the former. The locking mechanisms (how you extend or shorten) the poles is also a feature to look for. How easy are they adjust on the fly? Do they stay secure? We've had no problems with ours, and they're easy enough to use. Finally, the weight and hand straps are also something to keep in mind.

I believe walking poles have rounded, rubber tips on the bottom, trekking poles are pointy.

Get adjustable ones so that when you are doing sustained climbs you can have them shorter, and when you are descending you can make them longer. We have several sets of trekking poles, ours have cost about $100 a set and they are well worth it.

All of our sets are Leki brand. We have one set that has an anti-shock system. I guess this feature helps if you have weak knees or ankles. I prefer the set without the anti-shock system.

My favorite set has cork grips, this conforms to the shape of your hands and reduces vibration.

Trekking poles are usually made of light, durable materials like aluminum or titanium alloy and they can be telescoped whereas walking poles are often made of natural materials like wood.

You can find out what kind of features you need or dont need by learning all the types of trekking poles here-
http://www.trekkingpolesguide.com/gu...king-poles.php

Not sure how challenging the hike would be since the trekking poles are on the requirement list. Usually it doesnt matter what kind of trekking poles you bring.

This might be a late reply for your trip. Hopefully it can be useful to you in the future....