Mountain Gear
Sizing ski poles in two minutes
Flip the pole, check your elbow and pick the closer size. A quick method for resort poles, plus what changes when you head into the backcountry.
By Rime & Ridge
The upside-down pole check
Stand in your ski boots, or in shoes as a close stand-in. Turn the pole upside down so the grip rests on the floor, and hold it just below the basket. Your forearm should be roughly level, with your elbow at about 90 degrees. If the angle is tighter, try a shorter pole; if it opens up, try a longer one.
Between sizes? Go shorter
Fixed-length alpine poles usually come in 2-inch (5 cm) steps, so many skiers land between two sizes. REI recommends choosing the shorter pole in that case. Height-based size charts are a useful starting point, but the elbow check accounts for your own arm length and boots.
Adjustable poles for touring and splitboarding
Backcountry skiers often use adjustable poles: a little longer for skinning on flats and traverses, shorter for steep climbs and the ride down. Splitboarders benefit most from poles that collapse small enough to stow on a pack. Check the listed adjustment range and collapsed length before you buy.