Gear Review – Vango Deluxe Walking Pole

Vango might well be a name you’d more associate with tents, but they make a range of items to help us walkers – and the Deluxe Walking Pole is one of those.

Now, there seems to be a debate about whether walking poles provide any benefit to walking… some people swear by them, while others would never use them.  I've used several walking poles over the years to review them for magazines and for the Walks Around Britain blog, and I must say I've become quite a convert towards them.  I don’t often use them whilst I’m filming the video walks on our site, as I quite enough kit to look after and carry, but when I’m on a walk when I’m not filming, I do use them.  So when the Vango Deluxe Walking Poles dropped through my letterbox, I was very eager to try them out.

So let’s have a look at the pole.  Vango say it is a “strong durable alloy 3-part pole with contoured handle and lower sleeve that offers superb grip and comfort.  Anti-shock on/off feature for shock impact on hard terrain.”





Well, after several trips out with the pole, I’d agree with the strong and durable bit.

The locking extended sections work easily and the pole still extends comfortably even after being subjected to several muddy puddles Peppa Pig would be proud of…

The pole extends to 140 cm, which should cater for even the tallest of walkers – and still feels ridged and stable extended to this length.  Minimum height is 70 cm, which allows my 9 year old daughter to use it, and therefore feel like a “proper walker” – her words…



The pole is made from “T-7075 alloy”, which presumably means something to somebody – possibly that it is strong, and coming in at 320 grams certainly means it is not a heavyweight piece of kit.





The grip is a Bi-injected 2-tone rubber with lower neoprene sleeve, which basically means it minimises that nasty feeling of material falling off into your hand after several trips out.  For adult hands, it’s a comfortable grip which gives you confidence to stride out.





The tip on any walking pole is very important – will it rust over time when exposed to so many muddy puddles… Well I’m happy to report the tungsten tip of the Deluxe Walking Pole helps ensure that doesn't happen.  And after many trips out and pushing that tip into boggy ground, there is no hint of rust or any other problems.




So, overhaul, I’m very impressed with this pole, and with a cost of £13.00 direct from the Vango website, it’s a great price too.  If you are a walker who has had walking poles recommended to them, or if you've been tempted to try one to see what all the fuss is about, then this certainly won’t disappoint you.


What’s good

Strong and durable
Lightweight
Great price
Seemingly rust-resistant tip


What’s Bad

Could be a tad more comfortable on the grip but otherwise nothing at this price bracket

Vango Deluxe Walking Pole - Rough Price - £13

Walks Around Britain rating  9/10

Find out more on the Vango website here.