Friday, July 18, 2025

Pacerpoles: The Greatest Trekking Poles Reviewed


Pacerpoles on the Lengthy Path, July 2025

In relation to climbing gear, few objects can remodel your expertise as a lot as a pair of trekking poles. After years of utilizing conventional poles, I found Pacerpoles in 2011 and have used them ever since. These revolutionary strolling poles are designed to reinforce consolation, increase effectivity, and enhance posture. On this detailed Pacerpoles overview, I’ll cowl why these poles stand out, how they work, and why they’re a best choice for hikers, backpackers, and walkers.

What Are Pacerpoles?

Pacerpoles are uniquely designed trekking poles developed within the UK by Heather Rhodes, a bodily therapist and avid hill walker. In contrast to typical trekking poles which have straight handles, Pacerpoles function sculpted, ergonomic grips formed to suit the pure curve of your fingers. This design goals to advertise higher posture and more practical pole placement, leading to extra environment friendly and fewer tiring climbing.

Key Options and Advantages

1. Ergonomic Grip Design

Probably the most noticeable function is the distinctive deal with. As an alternative of a cylindrical grip, Pacerpoles have a palm-shaped contour that cradles your hand. This grip means that you can chill out your fingers, lowering fatigue and the danger of pressure. The ergonomic deal with additionally encourages right wrist alignment, which can assist forestall the frequent overuse accidents seen in long-distance hikers.

2. Posture Enchancment

A standout profit is improved strolling posture. The angled handles immediate you to stroll extra upright together with your shoulders again and head up. Many customers report much less again and neck ache on hikes as a result of Pacerpoles promote a pure, aligned gait.

3. Environment friendly Energy Switch

In contrast to conventional poles that depend on pushing down from the wrist straps or clenching the deal with, Pacerpoles’ design helps you to push ahead together with your palm. This helps your arms to work in sync together with your legs, propelling you ahead with every step. These poles additionally allow you to have interaction your triceps and shoulders, notably on inclines, offering a lift to dump your leg muscle tissue. The result’s higher effectivity and fewer wasted power, notably in mountainous terrain

4. Light-weight Building

Pacerpoles are available each carbon fiber fashions, that are light-weight but sturdy. The carbon fiber model is particularly well-liked with hikers who wish to maintain pack weight down with out sacrificing efficiency. I like to recommend you get their Twin-Lock Carbon Fiber mannequin, which is light-weight and really sturdy.

5. Adjustability and Versatility

Each two-piece and three-section telescoping variations can be found. The adjustable fashions are simple to resize for various customers or terrain. The poles are additionally suitable with a wide range of ideas and baskets for all the things from rocky trails to winter snowshoeing.

Pacerpoles in Scotland - 2013 (Photo: Martin Rye)
Pacerpoles in Scotland – 2013 (Picture Credit score: Martin Rye)

Actual-World Efficiency

Pacerpoles have earned reward from skilled hikers and outside consultants alike. On lengthy hikes, customers constantly report that Pacerpoles cut back fatigue and enhance stability, particularly on steep descents or tough terrain. Along with improved consolation, they encourage correct strolling mechanics, leading to much less shoulder, wrist, and leg ache.

Earlier than I switched to Pacerpoles, I skilled near-constant bouts of illiotibial band syndrome (ITBS), a painful cramping alongside the aspect of my proper quad that compelled my knee out of alignment, making it damage too.  This could flare up on lengthy day hikes and restricted my skill to hike greater than 75 miles at a time on part hikes earlier than my ITBS would drive me off the path. I attempted all the things to rid myself of ITBS, from patellar straps and knee braces, stretching, yoga, and bodily remedy, however none of it labored. However since switching to Pacerpoles in 2011, I’ve not had a single bout of ITBS. Since then, I’ve hiked over 8000 miles with out leg ache, together with two 200-mile coast-to-coast backpacks throughout Scotland, which I attribute totally to Pacerpoles. 

Why Select Pacerpoles Over Conventional Trekking Poles?

1. Superior Ergonomics: Conventional poles concentrate on wrist assist; Pacerpoles assist your entire hand and arm.

2. Higher Effectivity: Their design means that you can use your higher physique extra successfully, taking strain off your legs and bettering endurance.

3. Enhanced Consolation: The distinctive grip eliminates wrist fatigue and soreness attributable to gripping customary poles.

4. Improved Posture: The angled deal with naturally aligns your backbone and legs, serving to forestall muscular imbalances and aches.

5. Confirmed Sturdiness: Each carbon fiber and aluminum fashions face up to difficult situations with out bending or snapping.

Pacerpole Trekking Poles
Pacerpole Trekking Poles (2011)

Who Ought to Use Pacerpoles?

Pacerpoles are perfect for:

  • Lengthy-distance backpackers searching for decreased fatigue and ache
  • Day hikers who need improved consolation and posture
  • Walkers with arthritis or joint ache
  • Anybody recovering from accidents or in search of ergonomic assist

Ultimate Ideas: Are Pacerpoles Value It?

After intensive use, together with knowledgeable evaluations right here on SectionHiker and by Chris Townsend within the UK, Pacerpoles stand out as a number of the finest trekking poles obtainable at this time. Their ergonomic design, posture advantages, and sturdy building make them a worthwhile funding for any outside fanatic. For those who’re looking for trekking poles that supply extra than simply stability, ones that may really enhance your climbing expertise, Pacerpoles are a best choice. Give them a strive in your subsequent journey; your physique will thanks mile after mile.

For extra data or to buy, go to the official Pacerpole web site.

 

SectionHiker by no means accepts cost for gear evaluations or editorial protection. Whenever you purchase by affiliate hyperlinks on our website, we could earn a small fee at no additional value to you. Assist us proceed to check and write unsponsored and unbiased gear evaluations, climbing and backpacking FAQs, and free climbing guides.

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