Trekking poles provide many benefits to hikers and backpackers, from added stability and balance on rough trails to less wear and tear on knees and hips, especially when hiking downhill. Most popular trekking poles are adjustable in length, with a lever lock adjustment system, because they are more reliable to use and easier to fix.

Here are the best trekking poles that we recommend.

Carbon fiber trekking poles have become increasingly popular in recent years and have begun to eclipse aluminum poles due to their lighter weight. If you’re still unsure about which poles to purchase, read the explanation of our trekking pole selection criteria and key considerations below. It provides a good introduction to the pros and cons of different trekking pole features and design choices. While brands like Leki and Black Diamond are much more expensive than no-name manufacturers, they are higher quality and offer strong warranties that make them worth the price if you’re hard on gear.

Black Diamond’s Pursuit Trekking Poles are adjustable aluminum poles with a natural cork grip that molds to your hands over time and absorbs sweat without becoming slippery. They have ergonomic handles designed to improve comfort and reduce hand fatigue. These three-section poles are adjusted using Black Diamond’s reliable flick-lock adjustment system, which is easy to tighten in the field if it becomes loose. They are available in two grip sizes, include snow baskets, and have replaceable carbide tips for extended product life. They’re available in two lengths (100-125 cm) and (125-140 cm), which weigh 16.4 oz and 17.6 oz per pair. These Pursuit Poles are also available in a folding (FLZ) model and a shock-absorbing model.

2. REI Traverse Trekking Poles

REI Traverse Trekking Poles are 3-piece adjustable, aluminum trekking poles with ergonomic cork grips.  Adjustable padded neoprene wrist straps are included for added support and comfort. The Traverse Poles have a flick-lock-style adjustment system and include trekking baskets and extra-durable carbide tips. Many brands charge extra for these accessories, so it’s nice that they’re included in an all-in-one package. Available in two lengths, 95 cm-120 cm and 105 cm – 140 cm, they weigh 18.5 oz and 19.5 oz per pair.

3. Leki Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles

Leki’s Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles are 3-section aluminum poles with ergonomic cork grips that have an 8-degree angle that keeps wrists in a neutral position, providing more efficient pole plants and less pressure on sensitive wrist joints. They are adjusted using Leki’s Speed flick-loc system and have trekking baskets and carbide tips, which are easy to replace with winter baskets or replacement tips. The Khumbu Lite is adjustable from 90-125 cm and 100 cm to 135 cm and weighs 17.4 oz per pair. They’re also available in an anti-shock model that reduces impact on your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Read the SectionHiker Khumbu Lite Review.

4. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are three-piece adjustable carbon-fiber trekking poles that use Black Diamond’s proven flick-lock adjustment system. These are serious poles that can stand up to four-season use if you like to snowshoe in winter. They have natural cork handgrips with EVA foam extensions, so you can shift your hand position up or down without adjusting the pole length on uneven terrain. Weight is just 17 ounces per pair. Both men’s and women’s lengths are available. Read the SectionHiker Alpine Carbon Cork Review.

5. Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ (ultralight)

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles are ultralight and designed for fastpacking and trail running. Made from high-strength carbon fiber, they offer exceptional stiffness and durability with minimal weight. The poles feature a FlickLock Pro adjustment system for quick, secure length changes, adapting easily to varied terrain. Their ergonomic foam handles provide a comfortable grip while wicking moisture, and the collapsible FLZ design folds compactly for easy storage and transport. Equipped with carbide tips and interchangeable baskets, they deliver reliable traction on diverse surfaces. These poles combine performance, portability, and convenience for serious outdoor athletes seeking speed and support.

6. REI Trailmade Trekking Poles

The REI TrailMade Trekking Poles offer reliable support and durability for hikers of all levels. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, these poles provide a solid balance between strength and weight. They feature adjustable lengths with a secure flick-lock mechanism to easily customize fit for different terrains. Comfortable EVA foam grips reduce hand fatigue and wick away moisture during long hikes. The poles come with durable carbide tips for excellent traction on various surfaces. Compact and sturdy, the REI TrailMade trekking poles are perfect for enhancing stability and reducing joint impact on your outdoor adventures. Read the SectionHiker review.

7. Durston Iceline Carbon Fiber Poles (ultralight)

While Durston Gear’s Iceline Trekking Poles are ultralight, they’re made with thicker carbon fiber for increased durability and stiffness. Available with or without hand straps, they’re three-section poles with a fixed-length bottom section and two telescoping upper sections with a reliable flick-lock adjustment. Weighing 10.2 oz/pair, they have contoured EVA foam handles and carbide tips. Read the SectionHiker Iceline Review. 

8. Leki Legacy Lite Trekking Poles

The Legacy Legacy Lite Trekking Poles are lightweight, durable, and designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable support. Crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, these poles offer excellent strength while minimizing weight. Adjustable in length, they provide customizable comfort for various terrains. Equipped with ergonomic cork handles, they ensure a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue. The poles feature a flick-lock style locking mechanism for stability and safety during hikes. Ideal for hiking and backpacking, the Legacy Lite poles are compact and a good value.

9. Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles (ultralight)

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are collapsible and ultralight 7001 series aluminum poles with foam grips that adjust with an internal twist lock. Adjustable from 22.8 inches (58 cm) to 52.2 inches (132 cm), each pole weighs 5.6 ounces. Their foam grips have breathable straps and rounded plastic tops you can rest your palms on for added stability when descending steep slopes. The poles have replaceable carbide tips for use on rocky trails and come with 2 sets of trekking pole baskets and rubber covers. Read the SectionHiker Fizan Compact 3 Review. 

10. Pacerpole Dual Lock Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Pacerpole Dual Lock Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are three-piece trekking poles with a unique hand-grip that promotes better bio-mechanical efficiency, posture, and pace while helping to engage your larger arm muscles when climbing up hills and mountains. Best known in the UK, they have a cult following in the United States with hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers. The Dual Lock poles have a top lever lock for quick adjustment and a pin lock to hold the lowest section. The molded handgrips eliminate the need for thick hand straps and require only a loose grip, relieving forearm tension and reducing fatigue. When expanded, they range in length from 97 cm to 133 cm and weigh 20.1 oz per pair. Snow baskets and rubber tips are included. I’ve been using them for over 10 years and love them. Read the SectionHiker Pacerpole Review.

Key Considerations for Buying Trekking Poles

Here are the important features to consider when choosing which trekking poles to buy, including pros and cons.

Price and Warranties

There is a big price difference between premium poles from Black Diamond and Leki vs less expensive off-brands like Montem, Paria, Cascade Mountain, and the dozens of other trekking pole companies you’ve never heard of on Amazon. When you buy a set of premium poles, they are of better quality, have tighter-fitting parts, and have a stiffer feel. Black Diamond and Leki also have much more generous warranty departments and will often replace broken poles or pole segments for free, which can be a big deal if you hike a lot. The off-brands are less expensive but good for people who want to try trekking poles for the first time and don’t want to make a huge investment. Their poles are perfectly usable for hiking, but there is a noticeable difference in durability and longevity over time.

Three-Piece, Two-Piece, Fixed Length, or Folding Poles

Most hikers and backpackers prefer three-piece or folding poles to two-piece or fixed-length trekking poles because they’re easier to stow when not in use. Folding poles are especially convenient for traveling, although you can also pull apart three-piece poles and reassemble them when you arrive.

Lever Lock or Twist Lock Trekking Pole Adjusters

Multi-piece trekking poles are telescoping, with thinner sections collapsing into thicker ones. When extended, there are two main adjustment mechanisms to make them hold their desired length. Lever Locks, also called Flick Locks on Black Diamond trekking poles, are external clamps that fold down over the thinner section and prevent them from collapsing further. They are easy to adjust and repair and are very durable. Twist Lock poles rely on a plastic expander inside the poles that expands inside the thicker segment and prevents the thinner tube from moving higher. These expanders tend to wear out over time and stop working, which can be frustrating if you’re in the middle of nowhere. We’ve used both and far prefer lever lock poles because they are so easy to care for and tighten if they loosen up: you tighten an external screw with a penknife or twist it tight with your fingers.

Carbon Fiber or Aluminum Trekking Poles

Many companies claim that carbon fiber poles are lighter weight than aluminum ones, vibrate less, or are more durable. We have not seen any evidence that one material is better than another because poles made with both still break if you trap the tip between rocks or fall on them. The only advantage of aluminum is that you can usually bend it back into shape, whereas carbon fiber shatters. Besides the price (carbon fiber is always more expensive), the most important thing when deciding between the two is whether you can buy replacement sections from the seller when you break a segment or a pole tip.

Cork Handles or EVA Foam Trekking Pole Handles

Most trekking poles come with cork or foam handles. Both repel moisture and provide an excellent grip. In fact, many cork poles have foam extensions under the handle if you need to lower your hands when climbing uphill. Some people will argue that cork is better because it absorbs sweat and molds to your hand over time, although we’re not terribly convinced it does either. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and price.

Shock Absorbing Trekking Poles or Regular

Some trekking poles have a shock-absorbing component, usually built into the handle or as a spring between shaft segments, that reduces the shock you’ll feel in your wrists or forearms when hiking over rock trails or asphalt. They can be very helpful in reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries in your wrists or inflammation if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. If you want to try them, we recommend buying them at REI so you can return them if you don’t like the feel of the shock absorption.

Ultralight Carbon Fiber Poles

Some smaller ultralight backpacking companies sell extremely lightweight carbon fiber poles that are considerably lighter than carbon fiber poles from Black Diamond or Leki. These ultralight poles are much less durable and may break frequently, depending on your hiking style and terrain. For example, I have a friend who’s used the same pair of carbon-fiber trekking poles for years, while I consistently break mine within a day. Just be aware that there is usually a durability difference between very thin, ultralight carbon fiber poles and thicker, heavier ones.

Trekking Pole Baskets

The trekking pole baskets have several purposes. The small ones, called trekking baskets, are designed to prevent your pole tips from getting caught between rocks and breaking. The wider ones, called snow baskets, are designed to float on top of the snow so they don’t sink in. Many pole companies don’t include snow baskets in the purchase price of their poles, even though you’d want them for snowshoeing and skiing. It’s something to watch out for if you want poles for four-season use.

Trekking Pole Tips

Most trekking poles come with carbide tips for hiking over bare ground and rock. It’s very difficult to wear these out, and you’re more likely to break them. If either happens, you want to ensure that the poles you buy have replaceable tips and that you can purchase them separately. Many poles also come with rubber tips, which can be used on asphalt. These may be curved on the bottom or just bulbous rubber caps. Either type works well.

Unisex vs Gender-Specific Poles

The main difference between unisex and gender-specific poles is length and grip size. Men’s and unisex poles are typically an inch longer than women’s and have a narrower grip because women tend to have smaller hands. Otherwise, they’re interchangeable.

Trekking Pole Tents

If you plan to use trekking poles to set up a trekking-pole tent, make sure you get ones that are long enough and adjustable. Folding poles are often fixed length when expanded and may or may not be adjustable, depending on the make and model.

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