Are Pacerpole trekking poles any good for British terrain?

Yes, Pacerpole trekking poles are exceptionally good for British terrain – but they are not for everyone. Unlike traditional straight‑shaft poles, Pacerpoles feature a unique angled, ergonomic grip that positions your wrists in a natural, handshake orientation. This design was developed by a British physiotherapist specifically to reduce wrist and shoulder strain while improving walking efficiency. For the UK’s varied landscape – a mix of muddy paths, rolling hills, steep ascents, and wet, slippery surfaces – Pacerpoles offer distinct advantages. However, they also have a learning curve and some limitations. This article provides a balanced review.

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What makes Pacerpole different?

Traditional trekking poles have straight grips. You hold them with your palm facing down, similar to holding a ski pole. Pacerpoles have a bent shaft and a pistol‑grip style handle that allows you to keep your wrist in a neutral, thumb‑up position. This allegedly reduces tension in the forearm and shoulder, transfers power more efficiently, and encourages a more natural walking posture.

Key features:

• Angled handles – Made of bi‑material rubber/foam, shaped to fit the palm.
• Shorter shaft length – Typically fixed (adjustable versions exist but are less common).
• No wrist straps – Instead, you push against the angled grip, which some find more intuitive.
• Carbide tips and interchangeable baskets.

Advantages for British terrain

1. Mud and soft ground

On muddy, slippery trails, you often need to plant your pole firmly. The angled grip of a Pacerpole allows you to apply force directly down the line of your arm, reducing the risk of slipping or torquing your wrist. Many users report better control in sticky mud compared to straight poles.

2. Rolling hills and steep gradients

British hills – like those in the Peak District, Lake District, or Wales – involve constant changes in slope. Pacerpoles’ ergonomic design encourages you to keep your elbows close to your body, which provides better leverage on ascents and more stable braking on descents. The natural wrist position also reduces fatigue on long upland walks.

3. Wet weather comfort

The Pacerpole grip is made from a grippy rubber/foam compound that performs well in rain. It does not become as slippery as some cork or hard foam grips. Additionally, because you are not relying on a wrist strap, there is less chafing when your hands are wet.

4. Reduced upper body strain

For hikers with existing wrist, elbow, or shoulder issues – common in an ageing UK walking population – Pacerpoles can be a game‑changer. The neutral wrist alignment alleviates pressure on the carpal tunnel and reduces tennis‑elbow type pain. This makes them particularly suitable for older ramblers or those recovering from repetitive strain injuries.

Potential drawbacks

• Learning curve – Most hikers are accustomed to straight poles. Switching to Pacerpoles feels awkward initially. You may need several miles of practice to develop a natural rhythm. Some people never adapt.
• Fixed length – Many Pacerpole models are not adjustable (though adjustable versions exist). For hikers who need different lengths for uphill and downhill, this is a limitation. British terrain often demands length changes; you can compensate by changing your hand position on the grip, but it’s not as effective as telescoping poles.
• Heavier than ultralight options – A pair of Pacerpoles weighs around 450‑500g, which is more than carbon folding poles (300‑350g). For weight‑conscious backpackers, this may be a concern.
• Not ideal for scrambles – On hands‑and‑feet rocky sections (e.g., Striding Edge), the angled grip can catch on rocks and make stowing poles more awkward. Straight poles collapse or fold more easily.
• Cost – Pacerpoles are premium, typically costing £80‑120 per pair, which is comparable to high‑end Leki or Black Diamond poles but more than budget options.

What British users say

Online reviews from UK hikers are generally positive, especially among those with joint issues. Many report that Pacerpoles eliminated wrist pain they experienced with traditional poles. However, some found the fixed length problematic on steep Yorkshire dales or Scottish Munros. One user noted: “I loved them on the flat and gentle slopes, but on steep descents I missed the ability to lengthen my poles. I got used to it after a few trips.” Others found the transition period frustrating and returned to straight poles.

Comparison with traditional trekking poles

Verdict for British terrain

Pacerpoles are very good for specific types of British walking: moderate hills, muddy trails, and long distance paths where you don’t need frequent length changes, especially if you have wrist or shoulder problems. They are not ideal for steep, technical mountain scrambles or for hikers who rely on constant length adjustment. Before buying, try to borrow a pair or attend a Pacerpole demo day (the company occasionally runs events). If the angled grip suits your biomechanics, you may never go back to straight poles. But for many traditional hikers, a good pair of flick‑lock aluminium poles remains the safer, more versatile choice for the full range of British terrain.

Final verdict: Yes, Pacerpoles are good for British terrain, but try before you buy to ensure the unique grip works for your walking style.