How to Prevent Metal Walking Poles From Getting Cold?

Metal walking poles are renowned for their durability and reliability on the trail. However, anyone who has ventured into cold weather knows their significant drawback: the shafts can become painfully cold to hold, sometimes enough to make them unusable. The metal acts as an efficient "heat sink," rapidly drawing warmth from your hands. Fortunately, with a few strategic approaches, you can effectively mitigate this issue and maintain a comfortable grip in freezing conditions.

Solution 1: Prioritize Your Primary Contact Point - The Grip

Your first and most important line of defense is the grip itself.

• Cork Grips: Cork is a natural insulator. It does not feel as cold to the touch as metal or plastic and is less effective at conducting heat away from your hands. Many hikers find cork to be the ideal compromise, offering warmth without bulk.
• Foam Grips (EVA): For pure insulation, high-density foam is the superior choice. Foam contains countless tiny air pockets, which are excellent at trapping heat and creating a barrier between your skin and the cold metal shaft. While it may wear faster than cork over many years, its thermal properties in the cold are unmatched.

If your existing poles have rubber or plastic grips, they will feel very cold. While replacing the entire grip is complex, the following solutions can help.

Solution 2: Add Aftermarket Insulation

This is where you can get creative and highly effective.

• Wrap the Shaft: A simple and inexpensive solution is to wrap the upper section of the metal shaft (just below the grip) with self-adhesive foam tape or neoprene tape. This material, often used for hockey sticks or tool handles,