--- title: "WALX Poles for Hiking and Trekking: A Guide to the Grip, Features and Setup" description: Discover what makes WALX poles different for hiking and trekking, from the Ergo Grip to adjustable shafts, packing options and practical setup advice. url: "https://walx.co.uk/knowledge/product-info-and-equipment-guides/walx-poles-for-hiking-and-trekking-a-guide-to-the-grip-features-and-setup" updated: "2026-11-04" category: Product Info and Equipment Guides --- # WALX Poles for Hiking and Trekking: A Guide to the Grip, Features and Setup ### Understand what makes WALX poles different, how to choose a practical hiking model and how to get useful support and propulsion on the trail. Choosing hiking poles involves more than comparing weight and packed length. Those details matter, but so does the connection between your hands and the poles—and how comfortably you can use them over several hours. For hiking and trekking, poles need to adapt to changing demands. On a climb, you may want help with propulsion. On a descent, the priority becomes controlled support. Between the hills, you want a comfortable rhythm that works with your natural stride. WALX poles bring these uses together through the patented WALX Ergo Grip and angled design. This guide explains those features, what to look for when choosing your poles and how to set them up for your adventures. #### The WALX difference starts with the handle Your hand is where effort transfers from your upper body into the pole. A handle that encourages excessive squeezing or an awkward wrist position can make that connection uncomfortable. The WALX Ergo Grip is contoured to support the whole hand. Its thumb rest provides an additional point of contact, helping you maintain control without relying on a tight grip. The design incorporates a 15° vertical angle and a 12° horizontal offset to accommodate a natural hand and wrist position. For hikers, the practical aim is straightforward: comfortable contact that lets you apply useful pressure through the pole. The handle supports the movement; it does not replace technique. Pole height, placement and the timing of your pressure all influence the result. #### Whole-hand support: why it matters on longer walks On a long route, small points of discomfort can become persistent distractions. If you constantly squeeze a narrow handle, your hands and forearms may feel tense. The Ergo Grip gives your palm, fingers and thumb a shaped contact surface. This is designed to distribute pressure across the hand and encourage a more relaxed hold. You should still maintain enough contact to control the pole. “Relaxed” means avoiding unnecessary tension rather than letting the handle become insecure. As you walk, check that your shoulders remain comfortable and your wrists are not being forced into an awkward position. If you feel discomfort, review your setup and technique before continuing. #### Propulsion without traditional Nordic Walking straps Many pole systems use straps to help transfer force. Traditional Nordic Walking, in particular, uses a strap-assisted technique that includes opening and releasing the hand during the stride. The WALX Ergo Grip is designed to allow useful pressure through the handle without requiring that traditional strap system. This gives hikers a different way to connect with the poles: whole-hand contact through a shaped, supportive grip. It also makes releasing the handles straightforward when stopping at a gate, checking a route or taking a photograph. You will still need to hold or stow the poles when both hands are required. Some WALX models offer optional wrist loops. Check the specification of your chosen model, as a retaining loop and a Nordic Walking propulsion strap have different functions. #### How this helps on hiking terrain On suitable uphill sections, well-timed pressure through the poles allows your arms and upper body to contribute to moving you forwards. The Ergo Grip supports your hand during that pressure, helping you maintain comfortable control without clenching. On descents, the emphasis changes. Securely placed poles can provide additional support and transfer some load through your arms as you step down. On gentler paths, a coordinated alternating rhythm can help you use the poles comfortably alongside your natural stride. These are potential benefits of effective pole use generally. WALX’s distinctive contribution is the design of the hand-to-pole connection, combined with appropriate setup and instruction. #### Adjustable or fixed-length poles? For varied hiking and trekking, adjustable poles are usually the most practical starting point. They allow you to establish a suitable length for your body and walking style, with flexibility to adapt your setup where appropriate for the terrain. Fixed-length poles may suit someone who already knows their preferred setup and has a specific use in mind. They offer less flexibility for changing requirements or sharing equipment. Do not assume your usual setting on a straight-shaft trekking pole will transfer directly to WALX. The angled design affects how the pole sits in your hand, so follow guidance for the particular WALX model. #### Telescopic sections and packed size Think about where the poles need to fit when you are not using them. Telescopic poles shorten by sliding their sections inside one another. A three-section model offers a different packing arrangement from a two-section pole and may be useful for travel or attaching to a backpack. The WALX Xplorer is a three-section option intended for trekking and travel. The WALX Velocity is another adjustable option to consider for hiking alongside fitness walking. Check the current product specifications before choosing. In particular, distinguish between: - **Collapsed length:** the size when the telescopic sections are shortened but remain assembled. - **Separated length:** the size when sections are taken apart, where the model permits this. - **Adjustment range:** the usable walking lengths available. These measurements answer different questions. A pole that fits comfortably on the outside of your daypack may still be too long for a particular suitcase. #### Pole materials and overall weight Weight matters when equipment stays in your hands for much of the day. However, compare it alongside comfort, durability and control. WALX hiking options such as the Velocity and Xplorer use lightweight alloy construction. Check the current specification for the model you are considering, including whether a quoted weight refers to one pole or a pair. Avoid judging a pole solely by the lowest weight on a product page. A comfortable handle and a setup you can use effectively are also important over a long route. Consider how the complete pole feels in your hands, including its balance and how easily you can place and recover it with each stride. #### Choosing tips, paws and baskets The contact point with the ground needs to suit the surface. Carbide tips are commonly used on softer ground where they can gain purchase. Rubber paws are intended for suitable harder surfaces, while baskets can help limit sinking into soft ground. Check which accessories are supplied with your chosen WALX model and how they should be fitted and orientated. No tip guarantees grip on every surface. Wet rock, loose stones, roots and mud all require judgement. Test contact before committing substantial pressure, and replace worn components when needed. #### Setting up before your first hike Start on an easy path rather than making a demanding climb your first lesson. Check that the sections are assembled correctly and all locking mechanisms are secure, following the model’s instructions. Set a comfortable working length using WALX guidance, with your shoulders relaxed and your hands supported naturally. Begin walking at an easy pace. Let your arms move with your stride, then practise applying gentle, purposeful pressure through the handles. A short session with a WALX instructor can help you identify whether the height, grip or timing needs adjustment. Small corrections can make the poles feel much more natural. #### Adapting your technique to the route Use the poles according to what the ground requires. On steady climbs, focus on controlled steps and useful pressure through securely planted poles. On descents, prioritise reliable placement and support before stepping down. You do not need to apply maximum force with every step. Equally, simply touching the poles to the ground will provide a different effect from actively using them for propulsion. When a section requires your hands for scrambling, stow the poles securely. Equipment should support your judgement and movement on the terrain. #### Choose the complete walking experience The right hiking poles should be comfortable to hold, practical to pack and straightforward to use. With WALX, begin by understanding the Ergo Grip, then compare adjustment, packed size, materials and accessories against your routes. Finally, make time for setup and practice. The combination of suitable equipment and effective technique is what turns a pair of poles into a useful part of your hiking kit. **Explore the WALX trekking and hiking range, and ask the team for help choosing a model and setup for your next adventure.** > [Trekking & Hiking Challenges](https://walx-poles.walx.co.uk/trekking-hiking-challenges/) [“Trekking & Hiking Challenges” — Walx Poles](https://walx-poles.walx.co.uk/trekking-hiking-challenges/embed/#?secret=EEyHjr0GqO#?secret=gdbASe25xv)