If you are a tall hillwalker, you've probably stood in an outdoor shop, holding a pair of "one size fits most" poles and wondered: "Should I get the longer ones?" The short answer is yes—taller people generally need longer trekking poles. But the answer is not as simple as "tall = long." The correct length is a direct function of your arm length, your torso height, and your stride. This guide explains why taller people need longer poles, how to find your perfect length, and the critical difference between "long enough" and "too long."

The Basic Rule: Height and Length Are Linked

The most common formula for trekking pole length is:

Height (cm) × 0.68 = Pole Length (cm)

For a person of average height (175 cm / 5'9"), this gives about 119 cm. For a tall person (190 cm / 6'3"), this gives about 129 cm. The formula clearly shows that, all else being equal, a taller person needs a longer pole.

Why? As you get taller, your arms get longer and your stride gets longer. A longer pole allows you to maintain the correct 90° elbow angle on flat ground, ensuring your shoulder stays relaxed and your wrist stays straight.

The Golden Rule: The 90° Elbow Test

The formula is a starting point. The only reliable test is the 90° elbow test.

1. Put on your hiking boots.
2. Stand on a level surface.
3. Hold the pole vertically with the tip on the ground beside your foot.
4. Bend your elbow to 90° —your forearm should be horizontal.
5. Adjust the pole until the tip just touches the ground and your wrist is straight.

For a 6'4" (193 cm) person, this usually yields a flat‑terrain length of 125‑130 cm. A 5'6" (168 cm) person will be around 110‑115 cm. The difference is significant.

Why a Taller Person Needs the Extra Length

1. To Maintain Proper Biomechanics

On flat ground, the 90° elbow angle is the neutral, most efficient position for walking. If a tall person uses a pole that is too short, they will have to hunch their shoulders and bend their wrist to reach the ground. This leads to:

• Shoulder and neck strain.
• Reduced lung capacity (because you're hunched).
• Wrist pain (from a bent wrist).

2. For Uphill Propulsion

On a steep ascent, a taller person with longer legs takes a longer stride. They need the extra reach to plant the pole ahead of their foot, using their arms to help pull themselves up the hill.

3. For Downhill Braking

On a steep descent, a taller person needs the extra reach to plant the pole ahead of their foot to act as a brake. A pole that is too short won't allow you to reach ahead sufficiently, meaning you'll be leaning forward, and you'll lose the braking power you need to protect your knees.

The Trade‑Off: The Longer the Pole, The Heavier and More Unstable

Longer poles are not without their downsides, even for tall people.

1. Increased Weight

A longer pole is heavier. A typical telescopic pole adds about 5‑10g for every extra 10 cm of length. This might not sound like much, but over a long day, you will feel the extra weight in your arms. It's a genuine downside.

2. Reduced Stability in Wind

A longer pole has a higher centre of gravity. In strong winds, a longer pole can act like a sail, catching the wind and making it harder to stay upright. For tall walkers on exposed ridges, this is a real consideration. You may find yourself wanting to shorten your poles slightly on windy days, even if it's not your "correct" length.

3. Harder to Swing

A longer pole requires a wider swing. This can feel cumbersome and less efficient on narrow, overgrown paths.

The Danger of Over‑Sizing

While taller people need longer poles, you can have too much of a good thing. A pole that is too long for your frame is a hazard.

• Shoulder Strain: You'll be constantly reaching down, straining your shoulders.
• Loss of Control: A long pole is harder to control on tight, twisting paths.
• Increased Fatigue: The extra weight and width of swing will tire you out faster.

The rule: Size to your body, not to the terrain. If you feel your shoulders lifting or your wrist bending, your poles are too long. A tall person should not use a pole that is too long; they should use a pole that is long enough to allow for their correct biomechanics.

The "Tall Walker's Compromise"

Many tall walkers find that a single "flat‑terrain" length is not always practical.

• Uphill: Shorten by 5‑7 cm.
• Downhill: Lengthen by 5‑10 cm.
• Windy Ridges: Shorten by 2‑3 cm to reduce wind resistance.

Mark your lengths on the shaft with tape or a permanent marker so you can adjust quickly.

The "One Size Fits Most" Problem

Many budget poles have a maximum length of 125 cm or 130 cm. This is fine for most people, but a tall person (e.g., over 6'2") may find that the pole is fully extended and still feels too short. If you're tall, you must check the maximum length of any pole you buy.

• Look for poles that extend to 135 cm or 140 cm if you're over 6'2".
• Also ensure the minimum length is suitable for your uphill setting (you need to be able to shorten it enough).

Summary: Is the Answer Simply "Yes"?

The Final Verdict:

Yes, longer trekking poles are generally better for tall people, but only up to the point where they correctly fit your biomechanics. The perfect length is the one that allows you to achieve the 90° elbow test without straining your shoulders or bending your wrist. For a tall person, that will be a longer pole than for a shorter person.

However, you must also consider the weight, the wind resistance, and the type of terrain you are walking on. A tall person on an exposed, windy ridge may prefer to shorten their poles slightly, even if it's not their "textbook" length. The best length is a compromise—long enough for efficiency, short enough for control. (Word count: ~1,080)

Are longer trekking poles better for tall people?

If you are a tall hillwalker, you've probably stood in an outdoor shop, holding a pair of "one size fits most" poles and wondered: "Should I get the longer ones?" The short answer is yes—taller people generally need longer trekking poles. But the answer is not as simple as "tall = long." The correct length is a direct function of your arm length, your torso height, and your stride. This guide explains why taller people need longer poles, how to find your perfect length, and the critical difference between "long enough" and "too long."

The Basic Rule: Height and Length Are Linked

The most common formula for trekking pole length is:

Height (cm) × 0.68 = Pole Length (cm)

For a person of average height (175 cm / 5'9"), this gives about 119 cm. For a tall person (190 cm / 6'3"), this gives about 129 cm. The formula clearly shows that, all else being equal, a taller person needs a longer pole.

Why? As you get taller, your arms get longer and your stride gets longer. A longer pole allows you to maintain the correct 90° elbow angle on flat ground, ensuring your shoulder stays relaxed and your wrist stays straight.

The Golden Rule: The 90° Elbow Test

The formula is a starting point. The only reliable test is the 90° elbow test.

1. Put on your hiking boots.
2. Stand on a level surface.
3. Hold the pole vertically with the tip on the ground beside your foot.
4. Bend your elbow to 90° —your forearm should be horizontal.
5. Adjust the pole until the tip just touches the ground and your wrist is straight.

For a 6'4" (193 cm) person, this usually yields a flat‑terrain length of 125‑130 cm. A 5'6" (168 cm) person will be around 110‑115 cm. The difference is significant.

Why a Taller Person Needs the Extra Length

1. To Maintain Proper Biomechanics

On flat ground, the 90° elbow angle is the neutral, most efficient position for walking. If a tall person uses a pole that is too short, they will have to hunch their shoulders and bend their wrist to reach the ground. This leads to:

• Shoulder and neck strain.
• Reduced lung capacity (because you're hunched).
• Wrist pain (from a bent wrist).

2. For Uphill Propulsion

On a steep ascent, a taller person with longer legs takes a longer stride. They need the extra reach to plant the pole ahead of their foot, using their arms to help pull themselves up the hill.

3. For Downhill Braking

On a steep descent, a taller person needs the extra reach to plant the pole ahead of their foot to act as a brake. A pole that is too short won't allow you to reach ahead sufficiently, meaning you'll be leaning forward, and you'll lose the braking power you need to protect your knees.

The Trade‑Off: The Longer the Pole, The Heavier and More Unstable

Longer poles are not without their downsides, even for tall people.

1. Increased Weight

A longer pole is heavier. A typical telescopic pole adds about 5‑10g for every extra 10 cm of length. This might not sound like much, but over a long day, you will feel the extra weight in your arms. It's a genuine downside.

2. Reduced Stability in Wind

A longer pole has a higher centre of gravity. In strong winds, a longer pole can act like a sail, catching the wind and making it harder to stay upright. For tall walkers on exposed ridges, this is a real consideration. You may find yourself wanting to shorten your poles slightly on windy days, even if it's not your "correct" length.

3. Harder to Swing

A longer pole requires a wider swing. This can feel cumbersome and less efficient on narrow, overgrown paths.

The Danger of Over‑Sizing

While taller people need longer poles, you can have too much of a good thing. A pole that is too long for your frame is a hazard.

• Shoulder Strain: You'll be constantly reaching down, straining your shoulders.
• Loss of Control: A long pole is harder to control on tight, twisting paths.
• Increased Fatigue: The extra weight and width of swing will tire you out faster.

The rule: Size to your body, not to the terrain. If you feel your shoulders lifting or your wrist bending, your poles are too long. A tall person should not use a pole that is too long; they should use a pole that is long enough to allow for their correct biomechanics.

The "Tall Walker's Compromise"

Many tall walkers find that a single "flat‑terrain" length is not always practical.

• Uphill: Shorten by 5‑7 cm.
• Downhill: Lengthen by 5‑10 cm.
• Windy Ridges: Shorten by 2‑3 cm to reduce wind resistance.

Mark your lengths on the shaft with tape or a permanent marker so you can adjust quickly.

The "One Size Fits Most" Problem

Many budget poles have a maximum length of 125 cm or 130 cm. This is fine for most people, but a tall person (e.g., over 6'2") may find that the pole is fully extended and still feels too short. If you're tall, you must check the maximum length of any pole you buy.

• Look for poles that extend to 135 cm or 140 cm if you're over 6'2".
• Also ensure the minimum length is suitable for your uphill setting (you need to be able to shorten it enough).

Summary: Is the Answer Simply "Yes"?

The Final Verdict:

Yes, longer trekking poles are generally better for tall people, but only up to the point where they correctly fit your biomechanics. The perfect length is the one that allows you to achieve the 90° elbow test without straining your shoulders or bending your wrist. For a tall person, that will be a longer pole than for a shorter person.

However, you must also consider the weight, the wind resistance, and the type of terrain you are walking on. A tall person on an exposed, windy ridge may prefer to shorten their poles slightly, even if it's not their "textbook" length. The best length is a compromise—long enough for efficiency, short enough for control.