What accessories should I buy with my first pair of trekking poles?
When buying your first pair of trekking poles, you’ll likely need a few additional accessories to get the most out of them and keep them functioning well. Here is a practical checklist of the most useful items.
Essential accessories
- Spare carbide tips – Tips wear down on rocky or abrasive ground. When they become blunt, grip is reduced. Buy a genuine or compatible pair (£10–15) to have on hand.
- Rubber tip ferrules – Essential for walking on tarmac, pavements, or indoors. They protect the carbide tip, reduce noise, and prevent slipping on hard surfaces (£5–10/pair).
- Mud or snow baskets – If you walk on soft ground, mud, or snow, baskets stop the pole from sinking too deep. Many poles come with small baskets, but larger mud baskets or snow baskets are a worthwhile upgrade for boggy or winter conditions (£5–15/pair).
- Pole bag or sleeve – A padded bag protects your poles during travel and storage. It also stops the tips from damaging your rucksack (£10–20).
- Hex key (Allen key) – Most lever‑lock poles come with a small hex key for adjusting lock tension. Keep it in your repair kit – without it, a loose lock can be a problem on the trail.
- Silicone spray or PTFE dry lube – For lubricating lever‑lock pivots and twist‑lock threads. Use sparingly; it prevents sticking and keeps locks smooth (£5–10).
- Spare wrist straps – Straps fray over time. A replacement pair is cheap (£10–15) and easy to fit.
Optional but useful
- Spare baskets – Baskets crack, especially on rocky ground. Carry a spare pair for long treks.
- Trekking pole tips with larger diameter – Some walkers prefer larger tips for soft ground.
- Carrying strap or tether – A simple loop to keep poles together when collapsed.
- Pole‑mounted camera adapter – If you like photography, a small adapter lets you use a pole as a monopod.
What you can skip for now
- Shock‑cord repair kit – Only needed for folding (Z‑pole) poles.
- Specialist ice grips – For winter mountaineering; not needed for general walking.
- Decorative or branded accessories – Functional spares are more useful.
Pro tip
Before buying accessories, check what is included with your poles. Many kits come with rubber tips and small baskets. Start with spare tips and rubber ferrules – they are the most used and most easily lost. Build your accessory kit gradually as your walking habits develop. For occasional use on well‑maintained trails, you may only need spare tips and rubber ferrules. For regular walking on varied terrain, add mud baskets and a pole bag. For long‑distance or winter walking, invest in snow baskets and a repair kit.
Final verdict
For your first pair, focus on: spare carbide tips, rubber ferrules, and a hex key. Add a pole bag if you travel with them. Over time, you will discover which accessories suit your walking style – but starting with these essentials will keep you safe and your poles in good working order. Happy walking.
