Black Friday trail sticks

Folding or telescopic poles on sale during the operation

During Black Friday, the trail and hiking poles on sale are gathered here, with filters by brand, type and length. Folding models pack away in seconds into a running vest, while telescopic ones can be adjusted precisely to the centimetre for walking. Just the thing to equip yourself for the mountain trails of the beautiful season.

Folding, telescopic, one-piece: how it works

A folding pole collapses into three or four sections connected by a cable, like a tent pole. It's designed for trail use: you pull it out on the uphill and stash it away as soon as the terrain becomes flat again. A telescopic pole slides and locks at the desired height, which makes it more versatile for hiking when ascents and descents follow each other. The one-piece model, made from a single piece, remains the stiffest, but it doesn't fit in a bag.

Carbon or aluminium: lightweight versus sturdy

Carbon significantly lightens the pole, and you can feel the difference after several hours of running. However, it doesn't handle side impacts as well, such as when the tip gets stuck between two rocks, for example. Aluminium weighs a bit more but bends instead of breaking, a reassuring choice on very rugged terrain. Also consider the grip: cork absorbs sweat, while foam remains comfortable in the rain and cold.

Finding your pole length

The simplest guide: with the tip on the ground and the grip in hand, your elbow should form a right angle. This roughly corresponds to your height multiplied by seven-tenths. In trail running, many runners take off a few centimetres to maintain a quick motion on steep slopes. If you're torn between two lengths, a telescopic model allows you to adjust according to the terrain and incline.

Leki, TSL, Black Diamond, Swix: who does what

Leki, a German manufacturer founded by a skiing enthusiast, has been designing poles for decades and offers its folding models for both trail running and walking. TSL, a family business from Haute-Savoie known for its snowshoes, also makes hiking and trail poles in France.

Black Diamond, an American brand that originated in the climbing world, offers lightweight folding poles loved by many trail runners. Swix, a well-known name among Norwegian cross-country skiers, brings its expertise from cross-country skiing and Nordic walking.

Other Black Friday equipment to check out

Your bag is just as important as your poles: the hydration packs page features vests equipped with loops to attach them. To monitor your elevation, check the GPS watches. After a long outing, the rollers on the massage page help relieve sore calves. All the operation's gear can be found on the equipment page.

Outside Black Friday, other good deals

End-of-line equipment can be found in the equipment clearance, and the current discounted prices can be found in the special trail offers. For urgent needs, the selection of equipment dispatched in 24h features items ready to go.

Frequently asked questions

Where to find cheap trail poles for beginners?

Here, filtering by type "trail pole" to exclude walking models. To start, a folding aluminium pole is more than enough: it absorbs shocks and costs less than carbon. The equipment clearance is also worth a look for end-of-line items.

Cheap hiking poles: telescopic or folding?

For walking, the telescopic one is the most practical, as it adjusts to the slope. The folding one is more compact but less finely adjustable. For walking, shoes and backpacks await you on the page Black Friday hiking.

Do you need poles for a first trail?

On a short and flat course, not necessarily. As soon as the elevation adds up, they help relieve your thighs on the climbs and secure your descents. Train with them before the race, and make sure to have a vest to carry them, like those on the hydration packs page.

Are poles allowed on all trail races?

No. Some regulations prohibit them, while others require you to keep them from start to finish. Always read your event’s regulations before equipping yourself, then complete your gear on the equipment page.

How to maintain folding poles?

Rinse them with clear water after a muddy outing and let them dry unfolded. Regularly check the inner cable and the wear on the tips. Replacement tips and accessories can also be found in the good deals equipment.