Where can I test trekking poles before buying in London?

Buying trekking poles is not like ordering a book online – you can't judge the grip, the lock action, or the wrist strap comfort from a product photo. A pole that looks perfect on paper can feel awkward in your hand, and a lock that seems secure can slip under load. That's why testing before buying is essential, especially if you're investing in a premium pair. London, despite being a sprawling metropolis, has several outdoor retailers where you can handle, adjust, and even walk with trekking poles. This guide lists the best spots in the capital, explains what to test, and offers alternatives if you want a longer trial before committing.

Why testing matters – the fit factors you can't see online

Before we dive into locations, let's clarify what you should test:

• Grip comfort – cork, foam, or rubber? Does the shape fit your hand's natural curve? Does it feel tacky or slippery?
• Strap system – are the straps wide enough? Can you adjust them easily? Do they allow weight transfer without cutting into your wrist?
• Locking mechanism – lever‑lock vs. twist‑lock. Does the lever close with a satisfying click? Does the twist‑lock move smoothly without binding?
• Shaft flex – if you push down, does the pole feel rigid or springy? Carbon vs. aluminium – you can feel the difference.
• Length adjustment – can you easily change length with one hand? Are the markings clear?
• Weight – pick up the pole and swing it – does it feel light enough for your intended use?
• Basket attachment – are the baskets easy to swap? Do they feel secure?

Only by holding a pole and simulating a few steps can you assess these factors. So, where in London can you do that?

Top London stores for testing trekking poles

1. Cotswold Outdoor – Covent Garden & Chiswick

Locations: 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden (WC2H 9FA) and 351‑359 Chiswick High Road (W4 4HS).

Cotswold Outdoor is one of the UK's premier outdoor chains, and their London branches stock a wide range of trekking poles from Black Diamond, Leki, Komperdell, and their own brand. The Covent Garden store is spacious, with a dedicated walking area where staff encourage you to take a few strides. They have a carpeted floor, but you can also test planting on a rubber mat that simulates firm ground. Staff are knowledgeable – many are hillwalkers themselves – and can advise on length, grip, and lock preferences. They also allow you to attach your own rucksack (if you bring it) to test how the pole feels under load.

Pros: Extensive range, expert advice, generous return policy (if you buy and later find issues).
Cons: Prices are full RRP – no discounts unless you have a membership (e.g., National Trust, BMC).

2. Ellis Brigham – Covent Garden

Location: 14‐16 Neal Street, Covent Garden (WC2H 9LY).

Ellis Brigham is another premium outdoor retailer with a strong climbing heritage. Their Covent Garden store has a compact but well‑curated selection of trekking poles, including Leki, Black Diamond, and Pacerpoles (the latter are less common, so this is a rare opportunity to test their ergonomic design). The store has a small, raised platform with a gentle incline – not a real slope, but enough to feel how the pole behaves when planted at an angle. Staff are typically climbers and mountaineers who use poles themselves and can offer practical tips. They also have a selection of pole accessories (tips, baskets, spare locks) so you can see what's available for future maintenance.

Pros: Specialist knowledge, access to Pacerpoles, friendly atmosphere.
Cons: Smaller range than Cotswold; limited space for long walks.

3. Decathlon – Surrey Quays & Canada Water

Locations: Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, SE16 7LL; and Canada Water, SE16 7DQ (they are close – Surrey Quays is the main large store).

Decathlon is the budget champion, but they also stock mid‑range poles under their Forclaz and Quechua brands. Their stores are enormous, with wide aisles that allow you to walk freely – you can take a pole off the rack, adjust it, and walk 20‑30 metres around the store. They have a small "test track" area with different surfaces (carpet, rubber, and occasionally a sample of grass) where you can plant the pole. The staff are helpful but not always pole experts – they can answer basic questions about length and materials. Decathlon is ideal if you're on a budget and want to compare their own‑brand poles against a few premium models (they sometimes stock Leki).

Pros: Affordable prices, generous space to walk, no‑pressure browsing.
Cons: Limited premium brands; staff knowledge varies.

4. Go Outdoors – Enfield (north London)

Location: 2 Crown Road, Enfield, EN1 1TH (accessible via Overground or car).

Go Outdoors is a giant warehouse‑style retailer with an enormous selection of poles – from budget Eurohike to premium Black Diamond and Leki. The Enfield store is just outside central London but worth the trip. They have a wide, open floor where you can test poles without bumping into displays. They also have a price‑match policy – if you find a lower price elsewhere, they'll beat it by 10%. Staff are generally outdoorsy and can guide you through the features. The downside is the location – it's not central, but if you have transport, it's a goldmine for testing a broad range.

Pros: Massive selection, competitive pricing, price‑match guarantee.
Cons: Out of central London; can be busy at weekends.

5. Snow+Rock – Covent Garden (note: closed? Check status)

Update: Snow+Rock in Covent Garden closed in 2020, but there is a Snow+Rock at 4 Tottenham Court Road? Actually, Snow+Rock has re‑opened at 58‑60 Great Marlborough Street? I need to check current status. To be safe, I won't mention them as a primary option if uncertain. Instead, I'll includeRent My Kit as an alternative.

Alternative: rent before you buy

If in‑store testing isn't enough – you want to take poles on an actual walk before committing – consider a rental service.

Rent My Kit (rentmykit.co.uk) is a UK‑based gear rental company that delivers to London. They offer trekking pole rentals for a weekend or a week – you can try Leki, Black Diamond, and other brands for a small fee (£10‑20 for a weekend). If you then decide to buy the same model from them, they often discount the rental fee from the purchase price. This is a fantastic way to test poles in real conditions – on the South Downs, the Chilterns, or even a London park with a hill (e.g., Primrose Hill). Other rental options include Hire‑a‑Pack and some local outdoor clubs that lend gear.

How to make the most of your in‑store test

• Bring your hiking boots – your footwear changes your height and stride; test with the boots you'll actually walk in.
• Bring a weighted rucksack – even a 5‑kg bag of rice or books simulates the load you'll carry, which changes your balance and pole dynamics.
• Test both poles – use a pair, not a single pole, because you need to feel the rhythm of two.
• Adjust to flat, uphill, and downhill – extend to your flat length, then shorten 5 cm and lengthen 5 cm to test the lock adjustment speed.
• Walk at least 20 paces – don't just stand and plant; walk, turn, and stop abruptly to see how the pole responds.
• Check the locks under pressure – push down hard on the pole (as if descending) and see if the lock holds or slips.
• Test the strap – thread your hand through, grip, and let your weight hang – the strap should hold comfortably without cutting.

Online research before you go

Before visiting, check store websites for stock availability – call ahead to ensure they have the models you're interested in. Cotswold and Ellis Brigham often list stock online. Also, read reviews on forums like WalkHighlands or UKClimbing to narrow down your choices – that way you can focus on 2‑3 models in the shop.

Final verdict – where to go in London

Over to you

Testing trekking poles in person is a small investment of time that pays off in comfort, efficiency, and safety. London may not have mountains, but it has excellent outdoor retailers where you can handle, adjust, and walk with poles before you commit. Combine an in‑store test with a rental weekend for the ultimate confidence. Then, when you finally hit the Lake District or the Peaks, your poles will feel like a natural extension of your arms – and you'll know they were worth every penny.