Pacerpoles: My Favorite Trekking Poles for Over a Decade
When it comes to hiking gear, few items can transform your experience as much as a pair of trekking poles. After years of using traditional poles, I discovered Pacerpoles in 2011 and have used them ever since. These innovative walking poles are designed to enhance comfort, boost efficiency, and improve posture. In this detailed Pacerpoles review, I’ll cover why these poles stand out, how they work, and why they’re a top choice for hikers, backpackers, and walkers.
What Are Pacerpoles?
Pacerpoles are uniquely designed trekking poles developed in the UK by Heather Rhodes, a physical therapist and avid hill walker. Unlike conventional trekking poles that have straight handles, Pacerpoles feature sculpted, ergonomic grips shaped to fit the natural curve of your hands. This design aims to promote better posture and more effective pole placement, resulting in more efficient and less tiring hiking.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Ergonomic Grip Design
The most noticeable feature is the unique handle. Instead of a cylindrical grip, Pacerpoles have a palm-shaped contour that cradles your hand. This grip allows you to relax your hands, reducing fatigue and the risk of strain. The ergonomic handle also encourages correct wrist alignment, which can help prevent the common overuse injuries seen in long-distance hikers.
2. Posture Improvement
A standout benefit is improved walking posture. The angled handles prompt you to walk more upright with your shoulders back and head up. Many users report less back and neck pain on hikes because Pacerpoles promote a natural, aligned gait.
3. Efficient Power Transfer
Unlike traditional poles that rely on pushing down from the wrist straps or clenching the handle, Pacerpoles’ design lets you push forward with your palm. This helps your arms to work in sync with your legs, propelling you forward with each step. These poles also let you engage your triceps and shoulders, particularly on inclines, providing a boost to offload your leg muscles. The result is greater efficiency and less wasted energy, particularly in mountainous terrain
4. Lightweight Construction
Pacerpoles come in both carbon fiber and aluminum (alloy, as the Brits call them) models, which are lightweight yet durable. The carbon fiber version is especially popular with hikers who want to keep pack weight down without sacrificing performance. I recommend you get their Dual-Lock Carbon Fiber model, which is lightweight and very durable.
5. Adjustability and Versatility
Both two-piece and three-section telescoping versions are available. The adjustable models are easy to resize for different users or terrain. The poles are also compatible with a variety of tips and baskets for everything from rocky trails to winter snowshoeing.
Real-World Performance
Pacerpoles have earned praise from experienced hikers and outdoor experts alike. On long hikes, users consistently report that Pacerpoles reduce fatigue and improve stability, especially on steep descents or rough terrain. In addition to improved comfort, they encourage proper walking mechanics, resulting in less shoulder, wrist, and leg pain.
Before I switched to Pacerpoles, I experienced near-constant bouts of illiotibial band syndrome (ITBS), a painful cramping along the side of my right quad that forced my knee out of alignment, making it hurt too. This would flare up on long day hikes and limited my ability to hike more than 75 miles at a time on section hikes before my ITBS would force me off the trail. I tried everything to rid myself of ITBS, from patellar straps and knee braces, stretching, yoga, and physical therapy, but none of it worked. But since switching to Pacerpoles in 2011, I have not had a single bout of ITBS. Since then, I’ve hiked over 8000 miles without leg pain, including two 200-mile coast-to-coast backpacks across Scotland, which I attribute entirely to Pacerpoles.
Why Choose Pacerpoles Over Traditional Trekking Poles?
1. Superior Ergonomics: Traditional poles focus on wrist support; Pacerpoles support your whole hand and arm.
2. Better Efficiency: Their design allows you to use your upper body more effectively, taking pressure off your legs and improving endurance.
3. Enhanced Comfort: The unique grip eliminates wrist fatigue and soreness caused by gripping standard poles.
4. Improved Posture: The angled handle naturally aligns your spine and legs, helping prevent muscular imbalances and aches.
5. Proven Durability: Both carbon fiber and aluminum models withstand challenging conditions without bending or snapping.
Who Should Use Pacerpoles?
Pacerpoles are ideal for:
- Long-distance backpackers seeking reduced fatigue and pain
- Day hikers who want improved comfort and posture
- Walkers with arthritis or joint pain
- Anyone recovering from injuries or looking for ergonomic support
Final Thoughts: Are Pacerpoles Worth It?
After extensive use, including expert reviews here on SectionHiker and by Chris Townsend in the UK, Pacerpoles stand out as some of the best trekking poles available today. Their ergonomic design, posture benefits, and durable construction make them a worthwhile investment for any outdoor enthusiast. If you’re searching for trekking poles that offer more than just stability, ones that can truly improve your hiking experience, Pacerpoles are a top choice. Give them a try on your next adventure; your body will thank you mile after mile.
For more information or to purchase, visit the official Pacerpole website.
- Pacerpole Dual-Lock Trekking Poles
- Pacerpoles: Why aren’t all Trekking Poles this Good?
- Pacerpole “Posture Poles”
- Pacerpoles: SectionHiker Gear of the Year
- Pacerpole-Over-Mitts
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Two things: First a typo. I think that in #4 under Key Features it looks like you edited out a mention of an aluminum model but forgot to remove “both”.
I don’t use these as Heather intended, but I still love them. Since my father first cut me a walking stick when I was about 10, I’ve used a pole as a third leg — for example when using stepping stones to cross a stream. Most of the time I was just carrying it, ready to use at a moment’s notice. When I switched to trekking poles I tried to use them for assistance in moving forward, but was never able to get used to using them effectively. but they were still an improvement when used for balance. A walking stick needs to be held at about shoulder height (the wrist angle problem). A trekking pole can be held loosely with my palm on the top of the pole and is lighter as well. The only problem is that it takes a second or two to reset my grip when needed.
As I’ve gotten into my seventies my balance has deteriorated some. Pacer poles are always ready for instant use if (when) I stumble from a misplaced foot. This restores the one thing that I had lost when giving up my walking stick. And they are more comfortable to hold than anything else that I know of. When that day finally comes, I plan to use a pair of Pacer poles rather than a walker.
I also used these one as crutches when I sprained my ankle badly. Got me around.
Went to these as I hated regular poles on steep downhills. I am a convert for everything but trail running. My wife uses hers all the time, including during rehab from hip replacement surgery. She won’t go anywhere without them. The handles are great!
1. Issues for pitching an a-frame tarp, or a pyramid?
2. I see black diamond discontinued the ergo model. Are their any other examples with the canted grips?
Not a problem – been doing it for years.
Leki’s Khumbu Lite has the most canted besides pacerpole, but really there no comparison
I have a pair of Black Diamond ergo corks that I got over12 years ago that I am very happy with. When and if these ever wear out I’ll have to check these out as I don’t think they make the version I have anymore
Philip, How are they for use with a trekking pole supported tent?
Not an issue. Been doing it for years with every tent or tarp you can imagine.
I have severe arthritis in my hands (well, actually all over my body) and these are wonderful. The grip is perfect for painful hands. It matches the natural curve of the fingers, which also makes then easier to hang onto. There is also a set of pogies available, which makes them much warmer in inclement weather, a wonderful thing for those affllcted with Reynaud’s.
To answer the question on hiking pole shelters, they work just fine for handle up or handle down structures. No problem whatsoever.
Thanks to you both….cheers from the rocks!
I had a pair of Pacerpoles for about three years, the twist lock type, but gradually they lost their locking ability, and eventually they failed me. My experience was that I liked them, but not enough to buy another pair. I just wasn’t keen to have that large handgrip any more, and I wanted something smaller to carry.
As an 80-year-old hiker, I also decided that two poles walking was not really my thing, so I now only use one pole. My way forward was to buy the lightest foldable carbon fibre pole, so I bought a fixed height (100cm) Black Diamond Z. For me, a better option, but I realise most people prefer two poles.
I too switched to Pacerpoles. I have the heavier aluminum model. Because I have broken most of my lightweight conventional carbon fiber poles. I bought a second set of lower poles, which allowed me to customize one version for winter mountaineering, where I prefer a longer point and oversized baskets. And yes they support my two pole tent year round. I use the rain mitts with sun gloves. That way I have my fingertips available for navigating with my phone, but can instantly put my hands back into the dry and warm rain mitts. I made a lighter version (less warm) of rain mitts out of 1 mill neoprene. They have served me well from -25C to +30C. i find I don’t need the orange rope wrist straps, but there is then the risk of dropping one in very steep terrain.
Thanks for the great review, Philip.
Have you used the Pacerpoles with a standard sil-poly Durston X-Mid?
If so, have you placed the handle superiorly in the tent canopy or on the ground?
Thanks,
Ned Vasquez
Really can’t remember, but yes I’ve pitched it many times with pacer poles as it’s still my favorite tent
Ive had a pair of Pacerpoles foe a while now and love them. Your 5 points above are so on point. I especially see the difference when hiking down hill.
Would love to know which pack you have on in the photo that accompanies this article. (Other than that, a big thank you for what sectionhiker.com does for us!)
It’s a pack from a new company that doesn’t have its website up yet. I’ll be running a review of it on August 11 if you want to check back then. I love it. I provided some feedback on an earlier version of it a year ago (pro bono) and it ticks all my boxes. Good eye, by the way.
I am assuming I can only purchase the Pacer Poles from the UK company and not REI or Amason?
Yes. I’ve never had any issues with the shipping.
Over the years, I’ve bought two sets of poles and a set of pogies from them. Shipping has never been a problem.
“Strapless” can be a benefit if it slips down between rocks and jams when you have some momentum going. Kind of an edge-case but when this happened to me I instinctively let go and then removed the Pacerpole undamaged. If it was a pole with a strap on my wrist the result would have been different.
I am nearly 65 years old and have been dealing with Left insertional Achilles tendonitis and right knee arthritis (both a consequence of an acute L Achilles tendon rupture and repair 3 decades ago that resulted in my mostly unconsciously favoring the left leg). After I developed painful knee arthritis several years ago, I started extensive physical therapy and weight training, and I’ve been able to return to doing shorter day hikes without poles. But I always use poles when backpacking or carrying a heavier daypack (e.g. due to needing a lot of water). I have to cross-train (swim, row) to stay in shape because too much walking/hiking on a daily basis exacerbates these chronic problems.
Based on this article in July, I immediately ordered a pair of the carbon dual lock Pacerpoles for an upcoming August trip to hike some rugged sections of the East Coast Trail on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. They arrived more quickly than I expected. Videos and tips on the website were helpful for using them to best advantage, and there was time to try them on a day hike.
Despite being bulkier than the poles I used before (now my husband’s!) I really, really like these poles. They helped me keep up with people who were less handicapped by chronic problems than I on 8- to 11-mile hikes in Newfoundland, and I came away with less pain and swelling than I often do on long trips. They were helpful on uphills (when the Achilles hurts) and downhills (knees). I really like the way the Pacerpoles balance and direct force from the base of the hand into the ground. I do wear sun gloves, and I think they help with grip comfort.
I’ve noticed that with these poles, my iPhone Health app reports very low “walking asymmetry” (a number that can get disturbingly high for me when I’m tired).
I do have one question for Phil or anyone else who uses Pacerpoles – any clever advice on how to attach Pacerpoles to a backpack when they’re not in use (for rock scrambling or off-trail? Because of the handle shape, they don’t line up or nest as nicely as other poles. I have a single ice axe loop on my day pack and two on my backpack, but still the poles carry awkwardly and stowing them takes more time than I’d prefer. Thank you!
I stuff the handles in the side pockets of my pack and lash poles down with my compression straps. But its in very rare instances where I’m not using the poles or holding onto them…like crawling through caves.
Thank you – that was one of the things I tried and probably the fastest.
What do the poles weigh ?