NECASIL 5-Section Folding Trekking Pole

Steep descents are where most hiking injuries begin. Coming down Mt Longonot’s loose crater path, the rocky slopes of Ngong Hills or the long walk off Mt Kenya puts heavy strain on your knees, and one slip on gravel can end your day. A folding trekking pole gives you an extra point of contact with the ground, taking pressure off your joints and helping you stay balanced, then folds down small enough to disappear into your bag when you don’t need it.

This NECASIL folding trekking pole is made of five sections joined by an internal steel cable. To set it up, you hold the handle and the third section and pull them apart until the spring button clicks into place. Then you open the outer lock, slide the pole to the length you want and snap the lock shut. Folding it back down takes just as little time, so you can switch between walking with it and packing it away in seconds.

NECASIL is a trekking pole specialist founded in Beijing in 2008, and it focuses entirely on designing and making walking poles. Each folding trekking pole comes with a rubber tip cover for hard ground and pavements, and a trekking basket that stops the tip sinking into mud, sand or soft soil.

Why Choose This Folding Trekking Pole?

Most trekking poles only shrink as far as their longest section, so they still stick out of a daypack. A five-section folding trekking pole packs down much shorter, which makes it easy to carry on day hikes, fit into luggage when you travel and keep out of the way when you scramble with both hands. The quick-release outer lock lets you change the length on the trail: shorter for climbing, longer for descending.

If you want an even lighter option, compare it with our Ultralight Foldable Trekking Pole. For multi-day treks where every bit of comfort counts, pair your poles with the Merino Wool Hiking Socks to protect your feet as well as your knees.

Benefits

NECASIL says using a trekking pole can save up to 30% of your energy on a hike. Here’s what a folding trekking pole adds to your hikes:

• Less strain on your knees: Share the load on steep descents.
• Better balance: An extra point of contact on loose rock, mud and river crossings.
• Easier breathing and a steadier pace: Your arms share the work on long climbs.
• Packs away fast: Fold it into your bag when you need both hands.
• Right length for every slope: Shorten it uphill and lengthen it downhill.
• Travel-friendly: Small enough to carry in luggage or on a matatu.

Perfect For

• Steep day hikes and crater walks
• Multi-day treks and summit climbs
• Muddy forest trails and river crossings
• Hikers with sore knees or weak ankles
• Travel, where packed size matters

Where to Use a Folding Trekking Pole in Kenya

A folding trekking pole is at its best on Kenya’s steep and slippery routes. The loose, sandy path up and down Mt Longonot, the long ridge of Ngong Hills and the climb to Elephant Hill all reward an extra point of balance. On Mt Kenya, poles make the long descents from Point Lenana much easier on your knees, and many hikers use them through the muddy forest and bog sections too.

In the rainy seasons, forest hikes in the Aberdares, Kereita and Mt Elgon get slippery, and waterfall trails near Sagana and Thika involve wet rocks and stream crossings. Because this pole folds so small, you can carry it on every hike and only take it out when the trail gets tough.

Trekking poles are widely used by hikers and mountaineers to reduce the load on the legs and improve stability. You can read more about how they help in this overview of trekking poles. For anyone who hikes steep or uneven trails, a folding trekking pole is a simple tool that makes every descent safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up the folding trekking pole?

Hold the handle and the third section and pull them apart until the spring button clicks out. Then open the outer lock, slide the pole to your length and close the lock. Never extend it past the STOP mark printed on the pole.

What length should I use?

On flat ground, set it so your elbow bends at about 90 degrees while holding the grip. Shorten it a little for uphill sections and lengthen it for downhill.

The lock feels loose. What should I do?

Tighten the small nut on the outer lock clamp, then close the lock again. It should hold the pole firmly without needing too much force to close.

When should I use the rubber tip and the basket?

Fit the rubber tip on hard surfaces such as rock slabs, tarmac and pavements, where it grips better and protects the metal tip. Remove the tip cover on trails for full grip, and add the basket on mud, sand or soft ground so the pole doesn’t sink.

How do I use it safely?

Check that every section of your folding trekking pole is locked before you lean on it. Stop using the pole if it bends, cracks or won’t lock, and never use it to pull another hiker up a slope.

Should I buy one pole or two?

One pole helps with balance and river crossings. A pair spreads the load evenly and gives the most support for your knees on long descents.