Are you planning a mountain trail, an ultra with elevation, or just a long run on rough terrain? Then yes, trail poles can definitely make a difference. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trail runner, they’ll help you climb better, relieve your legs on descents, and keep your balance on technical sections.
But between folding or telescopic, carbon or aluminum, one-piece or multi-piece… it’s not easy to figure it out. We’ll help you make the right choice.
What size to choose?
The right length is the foundation. A pole that’s too long will pull you backward. Too short, it won’t help at all.
The simple rule: your height in cm x 0.67. For example, if you’re 1.80 m tall, aim for 120 cm poles. You can adjust a bit depending on your style, but aim for a 90° angle at the elbow when you hold the pole vertically.
Not sure if you want to use poles? We explain here why they’re really useful.
One-piece or folding?
The one-piece is the purists’ choice: lighter, stiffer, perfect for steep climbs like vertical kilometers. But you have to run with them in your hand all the time – unless you have a good quiver. At Raidlight, our Ultralight Carbon Made in France are made for this kind of intense effort. Light as a feather, stiff as a pull-up bar.
Folding or multi-piece poles are much more practical: you take them out when you want, pack them away in 2 seconds in your bag or quiver. It’s the ideal format for trails with varied profiles or ultras. Our Compact Z Carbon are a good example: compact, light, durable – everything you need to tackle any terrain.
💡 Terrain tip: if you run with one-piece poles, hold them upside down (at the balance point) when you’re not using them, so you don’t break your stride.
Folding or telescopic?
Both have their advantages:
- Folding (Z-shaped, 3 or 4 sections): very light, ultra easy to pack, perfect for long distances or mountain formats.
- Telescopic: more robust, often height adjustable, and more versatile (ideal for hiking, skiing, trekking).
Looking for versatility? Our Hybrid Carbon poles combine the best of both worlds, with 3 interchangeable tips for trail, snow, or hiking.
Carbon or aluminum?
- Carbon is absolute lightness. But beware: more fragile to twisting.
- Aluminum is a bit heavier, but much stronger if you hit a rock or slip.
At Raidlight, we also offer hybrid composites carbon + aluminum, for a good balance between flexibility, strength, and featherweight.
How to run with your trail poles?
Using poles in trail running isn’t just about your arms: it’s a technique in its own right. Poorly mastered, it can tire you out more than it helps.
Here are some basics:
- On steep climbs: simultaneous technique to relieve your thighs.
- On gentle slopes or narrow trails: alternating technique, smoother, more natural.
But that’s just the start. To really learn how to get the most out of your poles and adopt the right reflexes, we recommend reading our dedicated article:
👉 How to run well with trail poles?
And what about storage?
A good pole is great. A good carrying system is even better. Whether you keep them in your hand or prefer to store them on your pack, belt, or quiver, you need a practical, quick, and secure system, especially during a race.
At Raidlight, we’ve developed solutions like our front-flip quiver for easy access even during intense effort. But there are several options depending on your style and gear.
👉 To understand everything about storing and carrying poles, check out our complete guide: How to carry your trail poles: quivers, bags, tips
In summary
Choosing your trail poles is like choosing your shoes: they have to be adapted to your profile, your terrain, and your running style. Well chosen, well adjusted, and well used, they can save you precious minutes, or even save you on ultras.
