Difference between walking poles and Nordic walking poles – While you usually spend the evenings relaxing with your loved ones in front of the roof tent or in the awning on a camping vacation, the days are filled with exciting excursions and hikes.
So that you can explore everything the idyllic region has to offer, you should definitely take hiking poles or walking sticks with you for longer trips.
But which option is the right one for you?
Here you will find the main differences between hiking poles and Nordic walking poles.
Back to the definition of walking poles.
Camping Ratgeber:
Why do I need a walking stick?
To get the most out of your time in nature, you should pack hiking poles!
This will allow you to tackle even longer excursions with ease.
Hiking poles also have other advantages.
Hiking poles reduce the strain on your knees and explicitly promote an upright gait.
Hiking poles also help you to cross rivers and give you the necessary stability and greater surefootedness on uneven ground.
- You can also tackle more difficult tours
- Your joints are relieved
- Increased stability and surefootedness
Hiking poles are the perfect companion on long day trips away from the campsite! 
Which walking pole is the right one?
Hiking stick or walking stick – which is better for me and my camping vacation?
First of all, there are several different models that differ in length, size and material.
The main differences between hiking poles, also known as trekking poles, and Nordic walking poles are the material, the grip and, above all, the hand strap. [sv slug=”camping”]
Length and material
Hiking poles are available as foldable versions or telescopic poles.
This allows the length to be optimally adjusted when walking downhill or uphill.
They are usually made of aluminum and are therefore heavier than walking poles.
Walking poles are therefore very lightweight and usually have a high carbon content.
Ideally, they consist of a fixed pole that is adapted to the respective body size.
Two poles are always required for Nordic walking, but trekking poles can also be purchased individually, as hikers often only need one pole.
Difference between hiking poles and walking poles:
- Hiking pole: length may vary; made of aluminum
- Walking pole: Fixed pole, light weight, high carbon content
Construction of the hand strap
All hiking pole models only have a simple wrist strap that runs over the wrist.
This ensures that the pole is not easily lost.
Nordic walking poles, on the other hand, are not necessarily suitable for mountain hikes.
The poles have hand loops that are ergonomically shaped so that the thumb can be guided through a thumb loop.
This allows the poles to be released again and again during the forward movement while walking and gripped again immediately afterwards.
This technique allows you to walk quickly with the poles.
Difference between hiking poles and walking poles:
- Hiking pole: Simple, loose hand strap
- Walking stick: Ergonomically shaped hand strap
Features of the handle
Hiking poles usually have a solid grip, which ensures a good hold even on steep, downhill routes.
The handle of a Nordic walking pole, on the other hand, is quite narrow and rather thin.
As the name suggests, it is designed for walking and is therefore shaped so that it can be gripped loosely.
Difference between a hiking pole and a walking pole:
- Walking stick: Solid handle
- Walking stick: Narrow and thin handle
Depending on whether you want to go hiking or Nordic walking on your camping vacation, the respective pole variant is recommended! 
Conclusion: walking pole vs. Nordic walking pole
While hiking poles are suitable for long hikes and are used as a relief aid, Nordic walking poles are suitable for building up strength while walking.
Depending on what you are planning to do on your camping vacation, one pole or the other is more recommended.
The main difference is the design of the handle and the hand strap.
Hiking poles are therefore not suitable for walking and walking poles are not suitable for hiking.
Here is a summary of the advantages of each model:
| Advantages of hiking/trekking poles | Advantages of Nordic Walking poles |
| Additional grip on longer and steeper paths | Use on flat terrain |
| Increased surefootedness on uneven terrain | Easy release and gripping of the pole |
| Reduced effort | Ergonomically shaped hand straps |
| More upright gait = better breathing | Enable brisk walking on straight ground |
| Relieves the joints and muscles | Promotes fitness and muscle development |
Hiking pole guide: Tips for beginners
Are you a camping beginner and still unsure which hiking pole is right for you?
Then take a look at the following video as a hiking pole guide with exciting tips!
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