What poles do locals use for the Volta da Ilha Grande trek?

Ilha Grande, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, is home to the famous Volta da Ilha Grande trek – a 60‑80 km circuit of pristine beaches, dense Atlantic Forest, steep morros (hills), and countless river crossings. The trail is muddy, slippery, and often narrow. So, what poles do locals use for the Volta da Ilha Grande trek? The answer might surprise you: most locals avoid expensive carbon fiber poles and instead rely on simple, durable, and cheap alternatives.

The local favorite: aluminium hardware‑store poles

Guides and long‑time residents of Abraão Village (the main hub) rarely use high‑end brands. Instead, they pick up basic adjustable aluminium poles from Brazilian hardware chains (e.g., Leroy Merlin, Telhanorte) or outdoor discount bins. These poles typically feature:

• Twist locks (less ideal but functional if maintained)
• Steel tips (not carbide, but replaceable)
• Basic foam grips (not ergonomic)

Why? Because the trek is brutal on gear: sand, saltwater, and constant mud will destroy expensive poles within a few months. A $30 hardware pole lasts just as long as a $150 pole under these conditions.

The Decathlon Forclaz phenomenon

The most common brand name pole seen on Ilha Grande is the Decathlon Forclaz series (MT500 or MT900). Decathlon has a store in Rio (Barra da Tijuca) and online, making these poles accessible and affordable (R$150‑300). Locals love them because:

• Lever locks (reliable in sandy conditions)
• 7075 aluminium (strong enough)
• Cheap enough to replace if broken or lost in a river crossing

The simplest solution: a single wooden stick

Many local guides don’t use trekking poles at all. Instead, they pick up a straight piece of driftwood or a fallen branch from the beach. They sand the grip area and use it as a single walking stick. Advantages:

• Zero cost
• No maintenance
• Biodegradable – leave it for the next hiker

If you see a local on the trail, chances are they are carrying either one wooden stick or one cheap aluminium pole. Two poles are rare – the dense forest often makes a second pole a hindrance.

What locals avoid

• Carbon fiber poles – Sand gets into the joints and grinds them down; saltwater corroces metal components; a single rock impact can splinter the shaft.
• Twist‑lock poles – Mud and sand cause them to slip within minutes. Locals who have them often wrap tape around the joint for friction.
• Folding (Z‑pole) models – The locking buttons jam with fine sand and become impossible to fold or extend.

Practical advice from Ilha Grande locals

• Rinse your poles with fresh water after every beach crossing. Saltwater left on aluminium causes pitting.
• Take apart your poles each night to clean sand from the locking mechanisms.
• Don’t plant poles in soft sand – they sink and offer no support. Use them on hardpack or rocks.
• Carry a spare tip – The sharp steel tips wear down quickly on Ilha’s gritty trails.

Final recommendation for visitors

If you’re hiking the Volta da Ilha Grande, you don’t need to bring expensive poles from home. Upon arrival in Abraão, ask at local hostels or gear rental shops. Many rent simple aluminium poles for R$10‑20 per day. Or, do what the locals do: pick up a sturdy stick from the beach. Your knees will thank you on the descents, and your wallet will thank you when you don’t