Which trekking poles do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommend?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is the UK’s premier youth development programme, with thousands of young people undertaking expeditions across British hills and moorland each year. A frequent question from participants and parents alike is: which trekking poles does the DofE officially recommend? The short answer is none – the DofE does not endorse specific brands. However, they provide clear, practical guidelines on the specifications, features, and quality standards that make a pole suitable for DofE expeditions. This guide unpacks those recommendations, so you can choose a pole that meets the Award’s requirements and keeps you safe on the hill.

The DofE approach – competence over brands

The DofE philosophy is about developing skills and judgement, not selling gear. Their official kit lists and expedition guidance emphasise that participants should use equipment they are familiar with and know how to use correctly. They do not name brands because:

• Young people have different budgets and access to equipment.
• Terrain and seasons vary across DofE expeditions (Dartmoor in winter vs. the Peak District in summer).
• Personal preference – some walkers prefer cork grips, others foam.

Instead, the DofE provides a set of functional requirements that any good trekking pole should meet. If your poles tick these boxes, they are DofE‑suitable.

The DofE’s key recommendations – what to look for

Based on their official expedition guidance and advice from DofE assessors, here are the features they consistently recommend:

1. Adjustable length

DofE expeditions involve varied terrain – steep ascents, long flat sections, and rocky descents. Adjustable telescopic poles (with lever‑locks or twist‑locks) allow participants to shorten for uphills (5‑7 cm shorter) and lengthen for downhills (5‑10 cm longer). Fixed‑length folding poles are not recommended for DofE because they lack this versatility – a significant limitation on uneven British hills.

2. Reliable locking mechanism

The DofE strongly favours external lever‑locks (like Black Diamond’s FlickLock or LEKI’s SpeedLock) over internal twist‑locks. Why? Twist‑locks can seize or slip in wet, muddy conditions – exactly what DofE expeditions encounter. Lever‑locks are easier to adjust with cold hands, are less prone to grit contamination, and are more reliable when you need them most. Assessors often report participants struggling with twist‑locks on damp moorland – a preventable problem.

3. Aluminium shafts – durability over lightness

For DofE expeditions, aluminium (especially 7075 alloy) is the recommended material. Carbon fibre poles are lighter, but they can snap under sideways stress – when jammed between rocks or during a stumble. Aluminium bends rather than breaks, which is a safer failure mode when you're miles from support. Many DofE groups use aluminium poles from Decathlon, Black Diamond, or LEKI, and they survive the abuse of repeated expeditions.

4. Comfortable, non‑slip grips

Grips should be comfortable for long hours – cork or foam are preferred over rubber, which can become slippery in rain. Cork moulds to the hand and stays tacky when damp; foam is lightweight and absorbent. Extended grips (a rubberised extension below the main handle) allow participants to choke up for scrambles – a feature DofE assessors appreciate.

5. Interchangeable baskets

Mud baskets are essential for soft UK terrain – they prevent the pole from sinking too deep. Snow baskets are smaller and less effective in peat. DofE recommends poles that come with (or can accept) mud baskets – easily swapped as conditions change. Some budget poles don’t include baskets at all – avoid those.

6. Weight – practical, not ultra‑light

DofE doesn’t specify a weight limit, but they advise against ultralight racing poles (which are fragile and expensive) and against heavy, cheap poles (which tire young arms). A pair weighing 500‑600g total (about 250‑300g per pole) strikes the right balance between durability and manageable weight for a 15‑17 year old carrying a 10‑12kg rucksack.

7. Packed length – 60‑70cm

Poles should collapse to a length that fits inside or strapped to a 60‑70 litre rucksack. This matters for transport on trains, buses, and during the expedition itself when poles are stowed for scrambling sections. Most three‑section telescopic poles fit this criterion.

What DofE does NOT recommend

• Carbon fibre – too fragile for young, sometimes inexperienced walkers.
• Twist‑locks – unreliable in UK wet conditions.
• Fixed‑length folding poles – no adjustability for terrain.
• Budget supermarket poles – plastic locks and soft aluminium fail under load.
• Poles without replaceable tips – carbide tips wear quickly; non‑replaceable tips mean a new pole.

Recommended models that meet DofE requirements

While the DofE doesn’t endorse these, they are commonly used and recommended by DofE leaders and outdoor centres:

All of these are adjustable, aluminium, with lever‑locks and replaceable tips. They meet the DofE’s functional criteria without breaking the bank.

Where to buy for DofE groups

Many DofE centres have arrangements with retailers for group discounts:

• Cotswold Outdoor – offers a 15% discount for DofE participants with an ID card.
• Go Outdoors – price match and bulk discounts for schools and groups.
• Decathlon – competitively priced own‑brand poles – no discount but already affordable.
• Ellis Brigham – offers DofE kit consultations and discounts for registered groups.

It’s also worth checking second‑hand markets (Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or school kit swaps) – many poles are lightly used after one expedition and can be bought cheaply.

Practical tips for DofE participants

1. Practise setting up your poles before the expedition – locking, adjusting length, and stowing them in your pack.
2. Mark your lengths – use a permanent pen to mark your flat, uphill, and downhill settings on the shaft – saves time on the hill.
3. Carry a spare tip and a small Allen key – for quick repairs if a lock loosens or a tip wears out.
4. Don’t forget the baskets – mud baskets are essential for UK moors; without them, poles sink deep and become useless.
5. Team up – if your group buys together, you might get a bulk discount or share spare parts.

The assessor’s perspective

DofE expedition assessors often notice the difference between well‑chosen and poorly chosen poles. They report that participants with:

• Lever‑locks – spend less time fiddling and more time walking.
• Aluminium shafts – are less likely to have gear failure mid‑expedition.
• Cork grips – complain less about blisters and hand fatigue.

In contrast, twist‑locks are a frequent source of frustration, with participants stopping repeatedly to re‑tighten or unstuck their poles. Assessors appreciate when leaders have given clear guidance on pole choice.

Final verdict – choose wisely, not by brand

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award does not recommend a specific brand – but they do give you a clear blueprint: aluminium, adjustable lever‑locks, cork/foam grips, mud baskets, and a total weight under 600g. Pick a pole that matches those specs, and you’ve got a DofE‑suitable pole.

Whether you choose a budget Decathlon or a premium Black Diamond, the most important factor is that you know how to use it properly. Practise adjusting lengths, stowing it quickly, and walking with a natural rhythm. That’s what really counts when you’re navigating across Dartmoor or the Peak District – not the logo on the shaft.

Happy expedition planning – and may your knees thank you at the finish line.