What to check when buying second-hand trekking poles

Trekking poles are easy to judge by appearance and harder to judge from one folded photo. Open them fully, check every joint and confirm that the parts belong together before deciding whether they’re a good buy.

What the design and length numbers mean

• Telescoping: Sections slide inside each other and lock at the chosen length. Useful when you want a broad adjustment range.
• Folding: Sections separate and fold together on an internal cord. Compact when packed; some are fixed-length and others adjustable.
• Adjustment range, such as 100–135 cm: The usable extended lengths. Your required setting must fall inside that range.
• Packed length: The length when folded or collapsed, useful for checking whether they fit your bag.
• Lever lock or twist lock: The mechanism holding an adjustable section. Operate it using the model’s instructions and check that it grips securely.

Choose the right size before worrying about low weight. Check whether an advertised weight is for one pole or the pair, and whether the price includes both.

Identify the design and adjustment range

Confirm whether the poles are telescoping, folding or fixed-length, and check the model’s stated length range. If sold as a pair, make sure both poles are the expected model and length.

Ask which baskets, tips and straps are included. Replacement parts can be model-specific, so establish availability and cost before assuming a missing piece is a cheap fix.

Inspect the shafts and joints

Look along each shaft for cracks, dents, bending or damaged surfaces, with extra attention around joints. Inspect folding-pole connections and cables where accessible without dismantling parts that the maker says to leave alone.

Extend and secure the poles according to their instructions. Check for unwanted movement or slipping under normal, controlled use. Don’t test a suspect pole by putting your full body weight on it; get uncertain damage assessed or leave the purchase.

Check the small parts you will use all day

Handle shape, strap condition and tip wear can affect whether the poles are useful to you. Look for loose grips, fraying attachments and uneven or missing tips.

• Try the adjustment mechanism on both poles.
• Check that length markings can still be read where needed.
• Confirm the locks hold at a suitable setting.
• Ask about past repairs or replaced sections.

Adjusting a lock is different from fixing a cracked component. Don’t let a seller’s ‘just needs tightening’ replace an inspection.

Follow the care instructions for that design

LEKI gives different drying instructions for telescoping and folding poles. Its telescoping-pole guidance also says not to use oils, fats or lubricants. That’s a good reason to read the exact model guidance rather than spraying a stiff joint with whatever is nearby.

Clean and dry used poles before taking them into a new area. Our general used-gear checklist can help you weigh condition, missing parts and the full cost.

Sources and current details

Buying guide. Sources checked 26 September 2026.

• Official source

References for these explanations

Checked 26 September 2026. LEKI: trekking-pole designs.

Updated 26 September 2026: added plain-language explanations of ratings, terms and buying choices.