Hiking pole maintenance: Keep your trekking poles in top condition

By: Andrew Forrest - January 2025

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, this guide will cover everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and repairing your poles.

Trekking poles are a hiker's trusty companion and, for many people, are part of their essential hiking kit. They provide balance on uneven terrain, reduce knee strain, and boost endurance over long distances. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure your hiking poles last for many adventures.

• How to maintain trekking poles
  • Regular inspections
  • Tighten locks
  • Avoid prolonged exposure
  • Disassemble when storing
• Cleaning your hiking poles
• Should you apply lubricants to hiking poles?
• Fixing a broken hiking pole lock mechanism
  • Flip lock repairs
  • Twist lock repairs
  • Push button mechanisms
• Trekking pole care guide for beginners
• Hiking pole maintenance summary

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How to maintain trekking poles

Proper maintenance begins with understanding your poles' structure. Most hiking or trekking poles are adjustable and made from lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre. They have locking mechanisms, grips, and tips designed to withstand tough conditions.

Here's how to keep your poles in top shape:

Regular inspections:

Before and after each hike, carefully inspect your hiking and trekking poles for any signs of wear or damage. Check for cracks in the shafts, worn grips or straps, and loose connections in the grips. Examine the tips and baskets for any broken or missing parts. Ensure that all fittings between sections are secure, and look for worn areas on the tips or grips that could lead to slippage or breakage if not addressed. If any parts are broken, they can generally be replaced with spare parts. Manufacturers such as Leki and Black Diamond sell spare parts for many of their hiking and trekking poles.

Tighten locks:

Ensure the locking systems - whether flip locks, twist locks, or push-button mechanisms - are secure but not over-tightened.

Avoid prolonged exposure:

UV rays, salt water, and extreme heat can degrade materials. Store your poles in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Disassemble when storing:

If your poles are collapsible, separate the segments before long-term storage to prevent them from seizing up.

Cleaning your hiking poles

Cleaning your hiking poles after a muddy hike is non-negotiable. Dirt and grime can damage the locking mechanisms, scratch the poles, and shorten their lifespan, as I have found out in the past.

1. Disassemble the poles: Take apart all adjustable sections.
2. Wash with mild soap and warm water
3. Rinse: Rinse the poles under warm water to remove surface dirt. For stubborn grime, use a soft brush or cloth, but do NOT use anything abrasive.
4. Clean the locks: Mud can clog locking mechanisms. For twist locks, wipe the threads carefully; for flip locks, use a toothpick to remove debris.
5. Dry with a cloth or towel: Use a lint-free cloth to dry the poles immediately.
6. Air dry: Allow them to air dry completely before reassembling. This prevents oxidation from forming inside the tubes.
7. Check the tips: Mud often accumulates around the tips. Unscrew removable baskets and clean the threads and the tips.

Should you apply lubricants to hiking poles?

You should always consult and follow your pole manufacturer's specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines, as manufacturers such as Leki and Black Diamond do NOT recommend lubricant.

NEVER put lubricant/silicone on the pole shafts, as this can cause joints to slip.

All that being said, I have found in the past that a very tiny bit of lubricant can help sticking twist joints. This should be a last measure, and you should just try cleaning the poles first, as that generally fixes any sticking issues. If you do use, wipe off when it becomes unstuck.

If I have used one it is a silicone based lubricant like WD-40 Specialist Silicone Spray or 3-IN-ONE Silicone Lubricant. I always have at least one of these two at home, as besides being used on hiking poles, they have many other uses for many of my tools in the garage.

WD-40 Specialist Silicone Spray

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3-IN-ONE Silicone Lubricant

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Fixing a broken hiking pole lock mechanism

A broken lock mechanism is a common issue, but don't throw your poles away just yet. Many problems can be resolved with basic tools.

Flip lock repairs:

• Problem: The flip lock doesn't stay tight.
• Solution:
  1. Tighten the small adjustment screw with a Phillips screwdriver or hex key.
  2. If the lock lever is worn or bent, replace it with a spare part from the pole's manufacturer.

Twist lock repairs:

Problem: The twist lock will not hold or slips under pressure.

Solution:

1. Disassemble the locking system by unscrewing the segments.
2. Inspect the plastic expander for cracks; replace it if damaged.
3. Reassemble and test. If the lock still slips, try adding a small piece of tape around the expander to increase friction.

Push button mechanisms:

Problem: The button gets stuck.

Solution:

1. Clean the button and surrounding area with warm water and a soft toothbrush.
2. Apply a small amount of silicone spray for smoother operation.

Trekking pole care guide for beginners

If you're new to trekking poles, it's easy to overlook maintenance. Here are some beginner-friendly tips:

• Learn how to use adjustable poles: Practice adjusting the length properly to avoid overtightening, which can damage the locking mechanisms.
• Replace tips as needed: The carbide tips wear down over time. Swap them out when they lose their sharpness or become uneven.
• Keep grips clean: Grips can absorb sweat and dirt, leading to unpleasant odours. Wash them with mild soap and water after extended use.
• Invest in accessories: To extend the life of your poles, use mud baskets for wet terrain and rubber tips for urban walking.
• Pack poles carefully: When travelling, secure the poles with straps to your backpack or in a carrying case to prevent scratches and bends.

Hiking pole maintenance summary

Trekking poles are an investment in your hiking comfort and safety, and maintaining them ensures they'll serve you well for many walks to come. With a little effort, you can keep your poles in peak condition by cleaning after muddy trails, applying the right lubricants, and addressing issues like broken locks.

Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your trekking poles but also enhances your hiking experience. Whether you're tackling rugged mountain paths or leisurely countryside strolls, well-maintained poles will always have your back.

Happy walking...

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