How to maintain and clean trekking poles?

Trekking poles are built to withstand mud, rocks, and streams, but regular maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity, reliability, and smooth performance. Neglecting care can lead to stuck sections, corroded components, and eventual failure—problems you don’t want mid-hike. With a few simple steps after each adventure, you can keep your poles functioning like new for years to come.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Dirt, sand, and moisture are the biggest enemies of your poles. Grit can jam locking mechanisms and scratch inner shafts, while moisture can cause corrosion in aluminum poles or weaken composite materials. Regular cleaning prevents these issues, maintains resale value, and, most importantly, ensures your poles are safe and dependable when you need them.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Disassemble (If Possible):Start by collapsing your poles. If they are telescopic, extend all sections fully. For twist-lock mechanisms, unscrew them slightly beyond the normal unlocking point to expose the inner shaft for cleaning.
2. Rinse Thoroughly:Use clean, lukewarm water to rinse the entire pole, focusing on joints, locks, and the lower shafts. A gentle hose spray or showerhead works perfectly. Avoid high-pressure water, which can force grit deeper into mechanisms.
3. Scrub Away Grime:For stubborn dirt, mud, or salt, use a soft brush (an old toothbrush is ideal) and a small amount of mild dish soap. Gently scrub the shafts, grips, and especially the locking mechanisms. Pay close attention to the interior of lever locks and the threads of twist locks.
4. Dry Completely:This is the most critical step. Extend all sections and leave the poles in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely, ideally for 24 hours. Never store them damp or wet, as this will lead to corrosion and mildew, particularly on foam grips.

Part-Specific Maintenance Tips

• Lever Locks: Ensure the lever mechanism and its housing are free of debris. Check that the locking cam moves freely and isn’t worn down.
• Twist Locks: After cleaning and drying, lightly lubricate the inner nylon bushings with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based products like WD-40, as they can attract more dirt and degrade plastics.
• Grips and Straps: Foam grips can be cleaned with a mild soap solution. For sweaty straps, hand-wash them with soap and water and air dry.
• Tips and Baskets: Inspect tungsten carbide tips for wear and replace them if they become smooth. Remove baskets to clean out packed mud and check for cracks.

Routine Inspection and Storage

• Inspect: Regularly check your poles for stress fractures, bends (especially in carbon fiber), and fraying straps. Ensure all locks tighten securely.
• Storage: Store your poles partially extended or fully collapsed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade foam and plastic components over time.

By investing a few minutes after each hike, you protect your investment and ensure your trekking poles remain a trusted partner on every trail. Proper care guarantees they’ll be ready to provide stability and support for countless adventures to come.