Hiking Pole Accessories

Essential Hiking Pole Accessories in the UK: What to Buy, Where to Buy, and How to Use Them

Why hiking pole accessories matter

If you use hiking poles, you know they’re more than fancy sticks — they’re an extension of your balance, your rhythm, and sometimes your safety net on steep, slippery trails. Accessories turn a basic pole into a specialized tool: softer tips for paved sections, larger baskets for mud, ergonomic grips for aching hands. Think of accessories like clothes for your poles — they protect, adapt, and make life easier. Whether you trek a muddy moor or run a rocky footpath, picking the right add-ons can change a slog into a breeze.

Black Diamond Rubber Tech Tips: what they are and why they’re popular

Black Diamond Rubber Tech Tips are small but mighty upgrades for poles with carbide tips. They fit snugly over the metal point to reduce noise, protect fragile surfaces, and add grip on tarmac or packed dirt. If you’re a trail runner or enjoy a lot of mixed terrain walks, these tips give a confident, quieter contact point underfoot. RunningXpert lists them as a go-to for trail running, and they’re often recommended by hikers who want to switch quickly between hard and soft surfaces without carrying a second pair of poles.

Who should choose rubber tech tips?

If you spend time on both road and trail — perhaps you drive to a trailhead then jog along a paved section — rubber tips are for you. They’re also ideal for nature reserves and historical sites where metal tips might damage sensitive ground. They reduce vibration, too, which is great if you have wrist or elbow niggles.

How to fit and maintain rubber tips

Fitting rubber tips is usually a one-minute job: push the tip over the carbide point until it seats firmly. To keep them working well, clean off grit and let them dry after muddy outings. Rubber eventually wears down, so check them regularly and replace when the rubber layer gets thin — better to swap them at home than lose grip on a slippery descent.

Carbide tips and replacement points: durability for rocky trails

Carbide tips are the workhorses for abrasive surfaces like shale, scree, and coarse gritstone. They bite into rock and give reliable purchase where rubber slips. If your adventures drag you across lots of rough ground, keep a spare set of carbide tips in your pack. Many UK stores, from specialist outdoor shops to running retailers, sell direct-fit replacements that thread or press onto the pole shaft.

Recognizing when to replace carbide tips

Look for rounding, flattening, or obvious chipping. Rounded carbide is less effective and can lift the pole away from the surface instead of piercing into it. If your poles start to feel less stable on steep slopes, that’s a sign the tips have worn. Replacing tips every season or two is common for frequent hikers; casual walkers might only change them every few years.

Pole baskets: keep your poles floating in mud and snow

Baskets stop your pole sinking into soft ground or snow. They range from tiny mud-busters to broad snow baskets that measure a few inches across. When choosing baskets, think about the surfaces you use most: slim baskets for hard-packed trails, mid-size for muddy moorland, and wide baskets for deep snow. You can swap baskets quickly, so many people carry a spare set for winter trips.

Recommended basket sizes and uses

A 2-inch basket is great for summer trails and light mud; a 3 to 4-inch basket suits boggy moors and soft soil; a 5-inch-plus snow basket gives flotation in deep winter snow. Pick a size based on the worst conditions you’ll face — the wider the basket, the less your pole sinks, but the more wind resistance you may feel.

Grips and straps: comfort that keeps you going

Grips and straps are the parts you touch most, so comfort matters. Cork grips mould to your hand, wick sweat, and reduce blisters; foam grips are soft, lightweight, and warm; rubber grips are durable and good in wet weather. Straps help transfer load from your hand to your forearm, which saves energy on long ascents. Some hikers prefer thin, quick-release straps for running, while long-distance walkers often choose padded, adjustable straps for maximum comfort.

When to upgrade grips and straps

Swap grips if they feel slippery, cracked, or cause hotspots on your palm. Upgrading straps can reduce hand fatigue on long treks; look for those that adjust easily and have soft padding where the wrist sits. A small change here can make a massive difference on a 10-mile day that turns into a 15-mile adventure.

Shock absorbers and dampers: cut down wrist impact

Shock-absorbing systems built into the pole help reduce jarring on descents and hard surfaces. These range from simple foam inserts to more advanced spring or elastomer units. If you suffer from joint problems or tackle a lot of steep downhill, a damped pole feels kinder on your wrists and shoulders. They’re not magic, but think of them like good running shoes for your poles — they protect and prolong comfort over time.

Choosing shock systems for your needs

Lightweight runners might avoid shock units because they add weight and slightly change pole behavior. For hill hikers, especially on rocky descents, a mild damper can be a worthwhile trade. Test poles with and without the system before buying, if possible, or look for user reviews that mention downhill comfort.

Storage, travel, and packing solutions

If you fly or take public transport, throwing poles in a bag is often required. Travel sleeves and pole straps protect the pole tips and make it easier to handle in a crowded train or a checked luggage hold. Some collapsible poles fold down to under 24 inches, which is handy for packing into a bag or attaching to a rucksack. A small repair kit — spare tips, an Allen key, and spare screws — can also save the day far from a shop.

Packing tips for folding poles

Folded length matters: many trek poles fold to about 22 to 24 inches, which fits in a medium backpack. Always wrap tips in cloth or a travel sleeve to avoid scratches to other gear. If you plan to fly, check airline rules for trekking poles, and always pack a basic repair kit to avoid being stranded with a broken shaft.

Trail-running accessories: going fast with poles

Trail runners using poles want them light, quick to deploy, and unobtrusive. Rubber tech tips like the Black Diamond model mentioned earlier are popular because they allow silent, confident contact on mixed terrain. Quick-release straps, minimal baskets, and light carbide tips are the common mix. RunningXpert highlights products tailored for this niche, but most major outdoor stores in the UK also carry suitable running-specific add-ons.

Speed vs. stability: how to balance your setup

For fast outings, shave weight where you can: smaller baskets, lighter tips, and minimal shock systems. For ultra-distance or steep terrain, favour control and comfort — a slightly heavier setup that saves your shoulders over 20 to 30 miles is often the better choice. Think of it like choosing shoes: lightweight trainers for speed, sturdier boots for the long haul.

Where to buy hiking pole accessories in the UK

Several UK retailers and specialists sell a full range of pole accessories. RunningXpert, referenced in product descriptions, carries trail-running-focused gear and is a good source for items like Black Diamond Rubber Tech Tips. Other reliable UK outlets include Cotswold Outdoor, Ellis Brigham, Go Outdoors, Decathlon UK, Mountain Warehouse, Wiggle, and Blacks. Each retailer has strengths: Decathlon offers budget-friendly basics, Ellis Brigham stocks premium brands, and Cotswold provides a wide specialist selection. Always compare specs — tip fittings and thread types can vary between brands and pole models.

Buying tips: matching accessories to your pole

Before buying, check your pole’s tip fitting type — press-fit, threaded, or proprietary. Some manufacturers use unique fittings that need their own accessories. If you’re unsure, take a picture of your pole tip and shaft end or note the model name; most stores can guide you to compatible parts. Also, check weight in ounces and folded lengths in inches if travel size matters.

Budgeting and value: how much to spend

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable accessories. Basic rubber tips and mud baskets are inexpensive, often costing less than a few pounds, while premium shock systems or branded ergonomic grips can run higher. Think in terms of investment: spend a little more on parts that protect the pole and your body — a quality grip or durable carbide tip can outlast several cheaper replacements, saving money over time.

Where to save and where to splurge

Save on small, replaceable items like basic baskets or simple rubber tips, which you’ll replace more often. Splurge on grips, straps, and dampers if you have chronic discomfort or long-distance goals. If you’re not sure, try a mid-range option first and upgrade based on how your poles feel after a few outings.

Quick checklist before your next hike

Before you head out, run a quick mental checklist: are your tips worn or rounded? Do your baskets fit snugly? Are straps comfortable and free of fraying? Carry a spare set of tips and a tiny multi-tool if you’re going remote. A little prep saves cold feet and a ruined hike.

A final tip on fitting and testing

Fit accessories at home and take a short test walk to see how they feel. You’d be surprised how many people only discover a strap rubs the wrong way after several hours on the trail. Testing gives you time to swap parts before commitment, and it often makes the whole hiking experience far more enjoyable.

Whether you’re a weekend walker, a steep-slope lover, or a trail runner, the right set of hiking pole accessories transforms your poles and your comfort on the trail. From Black Diamond Rubber Tech Tips for mixed surfaces to oversized baskets for snow, the little extras matter. Shop thoughtfully, match parts to your pole, and keep a small repair kit handy — your future self on the summit will thank you.