Should I buy adjustable poles?

Yes, if you frequent the backcountry, because that’s where these telescoping wonders of aluminum and carbon fiber, like the Indigo Epic, come in handy. A longer means of propulsion makes poling more efficient. Plus, on long traverses across steep slopes, you can shorten the uphill pole, rather than grip it midway down the slippery shaft. The Epic, like any decent adjustable pole, has a metal button that holds the pole tightly in place and keeps it from collapsing. But be warned: Repeated thrashings in the moguls can cause adjustables to snap, so it’s best to use fixed rods inbounds.