The poor old trekking pole is the forgotten hiking accessory that is unfortunately as misunderstood as I was in high school. Hang in there buddy, I got you! Whilst it might be more fashionable to talk about the newest pair of waterproof boots or an all singing all dancing hiking backpack, the fact is, a hiking pole is the unsung hero of any trek.

Let’s be honest, bad knees are a bitch and a common one at that. My Grandma had a saying when I would work tables with her “save your legs”. If only I had listened because I’m 35 and my knees are fu*ked! Let me tell you, prevention is better than a cure but the best trekking poles offer both at least. In fact, statistically speaking they can decrease the force on your knees by up to 25%.

As with all travel gear, not all trekking poles were created equally or offer the same level of performance. At the same time, not everyone needs the most expensive set of hiking poles out there. Over the course of the last few years I’ve tested out every trekking pole I could get my hands on. It was a wild ride and I’m here to tell you my fascinating findings.

So tuck in and get ready for my definitive guide to the best hiking poles for 2024.

Quick Answer: These are the Best Trekking Poles of 2024

best trekking poles
Finding the right trekking poles for yourself will elevate your hiking game considerably (it did for me!)

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Best Poles for Backpacking and Hiking: Top Picks and Performance Breakdown

This review of the best hiking poles of 2024 offers up my top trekking pole tips and picks, a comparison table for easy cross-referencing, advice for first-time buyers, what to look for in quality trekking poles, thoughts of the best budget poles, best poles for women, advantages of using poles, and much more.

Here is the list:

Product
Description
BEST OVERALL POLES
Best trekking poles
BEST OVERALL POLES

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

  • Price > $199.95
  • Weight > 17 oz.
  • Grip > Cork
OPTIMAL POLES FOR WOMEN
OPTIMAL POLES FOR WOMEN

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

  • Price > $199.95
  • Weight > 1 lb. 0.8 oz.
  • Grip > Cork
OPTIMAL POLES FOR WOMEN
best trekking poles review
OPTIMAL POLES FOR WOMEN

Montem Ultra Strong

  • Price > $74.95
  • Weight > 19.2 oz.
  • Grip > Foam
BEST MULTI-SEASON TREKKING POLES
BEST MULTI-SEASON TREKKING POLES

Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles

  • Price > $149.95
  • Weight > 1 lb. 2 oz.
  • Grip > Cork
MOST DURABLE HIKING POLES
best trekking poles
MOST DURABLE HIKING POLES

Black Diamond Trail Back

  • Price > $89.95
  • Weight > 1 lb. 1 oz.
  • Grip > Rubber
BEST COLLAPSIBLE POLES
black diamond alpine flz trekking poles
BEST COLLAPSIBLE POLES

Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles

  • Price > $159.95
  • Weight > S/M: 1 lb. 1.4 oz. / M/L: 1 lb. 2.4 oz.
  • Grip > Cork
BEST COLLAPSIBLE HIKING POLES RUNNERUP
best trekking poles
BEST COLLAPSIBLE HIKING POLES RUNNERUP

Black Diamond Distance Z

  • Price > $139.95
  • Weight > 1.2 ounces – 12.6 ounces
  • Grip > Foam
BEST MULTI-SPORT TREKKING POLES
best trekking poles
BEST MULTI-SPORT TREKKING POLES

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

  • Price > $199.95
  • Weight > 1 lb. 1.1 oz.
  • Grip > Cork
BEST ANTI-SHOCK POLES
BEST ANTI-SHOCK POLES

Leki Legacy Lite AS Trekking Poles

  • Price > $119.95
  • Weight > 1 lb. 2.4 oz.
  • Grip > Cork/Rubber
BEST ULTRALIGHT POLES
best trecking poles
BEST ULTRALIGHT POLES

Gossamer Gear LT5

  • Price > $195
  • Weight > 10.6 oz.
  • Grip > Foam

#1 Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Best Overall Poles

best trekking poles
Specs
  • Price: $199.95
  • Weight per pair: 17 oz.
  • Type: Telescoping (lever lock)
  • Shaft Material: Carbon
  • Grip: Cork
  • Gender: Unisex

Black Diamond trekking poles are industry leaders in terms of producing the highest quality and performance. The Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles are a reflection of that – which is why we picked it as one of the best poles for backpacking.

Weighing in at roughly 8.5 ounces each, they are not the lightest trekking poles on the market. That said, they are pretty damn light, and whilst they might not be ultra-light, the solid design construction means that they can really take a beating.

Personally, I look for a more durable product over lightness. By design, trekking poles are light. A few ounces here and there don’t make a huge difference. Ultralight fanatics may have another opinion. Each of the three sections of the shaft is made from strong carbon fiber, providing you with a sweet balance of weight vs strength.

Furthermore, the Flicklock mechanism works like a charm. You can have full confidence that your trekking poles will stay locked when you need them to most. I love the cork grips of the Alpine Carbon Cork poles. They are moisture wicking, which is important because your hands will sweat a lot.

The fit in your hands is excellent and comfortable, even after hours on the trail. Replaceable trekking and snow baskets ensure that you can utilize these poles in all 4 seasons.

The price is a little high, but as far as high-end trekking poles go, you get what you pay for. These are the best Black Diamond poles for the money. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the Alpine Carbon Cork.

Our team felt these earned their title as the best-rated trekking pole. One of the common comments we got back was that they just “felt right” in their hands. The cork material is comfortable and hard-wearing, the poles are light but super strong and overall they confidence for our team when hiking, especially those with bad knees.

Pros
  1. Durable carbon shaft
  2. Black Diamond warranty included
  3. Packable
Cons
  • Not an ultralight trekking pole
  • Expensive
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#2 Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Optimal Poles for Women

Specs
  • Price: $199.95
  • Weight per pair: 1 lb. 0.8 oz.
  • Type:External Lever Lock
  • Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
  • Grip: Cork
  • Gender: Women

Black Diamond poles will continue to come up on my list so you will become familiar with them. Most trekking poles are in essence unisex. If you are a lady, you don’t necessarily need women’s poles. That said, Black Diamond has designed the Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles for use by women in the toughest backcountry environments, making it one of the best women’s trekking poles.

My favorite part about these sticks is just how light they are with the carbon fibre construction. It means that not only are they super light when thrown in or on a backpack, but when you’ve got them in your hands all day they also don’t begin the feel heavy or cumbersome.

Although these poles are at the higher end of the price spectrum, another neat feature is that they are 4-seasons compatible. They will accept 100 mm powder baskets for deep snow (sold separately) as well as the included trekking baskets and carbide tips for hiking over different terrain in a multitude of different weather conditions.

If you have knees prone to pain, the Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles will be a great asset in helping to protect your knees from punishing downhill descents.

The benefits that made FlickLock the best pole-locking mechanism on the market remain: it’s secure, fast and easy to use. Adjusting your poles is super easy, really.

In terms of comfort, the dual-density cork grip and padded wrist strap are sized specifically for women and provide secure, comfortable handling. The material is also much better for wicking away sweat, staying dry, grippy and odor free.

Basically, these are the best poles for women on the market for the reason stated. If you spend a lot of time on the trail and want trekking poles that can keep up with your demands, the Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are for you.

There are a couple of members of the team that have suffered knee injuries in the past and find descending hikes uncomfortable. They felt the comfortable handles and carbon fibre construction that absorb vibrations really made a huge difference to their pain levels.

The Women’s Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles featured below are also an excellent option.

Pros
  1. Cork handles absorb moisture
  2. Flick lock telescope design
Cons
  1. Adjustment clasps sometimes get caught on bushes
  2. Pricey

#3 Montem Ultra Strong

Best Budget Hiking Poles

best trekking poles review
Specs
  • Price: $74.95
  • Weight per pair: 19.2 oz.
  • Type: Telescoping (lever lock)
  • Shaft Material: Aluminum
  • Grip: Foam
  • Gender: Unisex

Meet the new guy in the room. Montem is new to the trekking pole scene, but one thing can be said for them: they are making some high-quality trekking poles for at a reasonable price point.

The Ultra Strong model features comfy foam grips, lever locks, and a relatively sturdy aluminum shaft design. If you are looking to buy trekking poles for the very first time, the Montem Ultra Strong make a great set of trekking poles without a big investment.

I still think the REI Traverse Power Lock poles mentioned below are of superior quality, but then again they are double the price.

Customers have stated in reviews how much they enjoy the choke-up adjustment design in the hand grips for steep ascents.

These wouldn’t be my top pick for the best sticks to take on a thru-hike or into a really rugged area, but generally speaking, the Ultra Strong trekking poles function like any good set of poles should.

Our team felt these were the best trekking poles under $100 for several reasons, the first being just how bloody strong they are for the price. Our team were able to take these on some pretty challenging hikes and they really stood up to a good thrashing.

Note: After testing the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles, I am really pleased with their quality. Check out my full review!

Pros
  1. Affordable price
Cons
  1. Questionable ‘toughness’ of design
  2. Not suitable for super abusive hikes.

#4 Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles

Best Multi-Season Trekking Poles

Specs
  • Price:$149.95
  • Weight per pair: 1 lb. 2 oz.
  • Type:External Lever Lock
  • Shaft Material: HTS 6.5 aluminum
  • Grip: Cork
  • Gender: Unisex

If you’re like me then you’re purchase trekking poles with the intention of using them year round. Backpacking trips in the summer and skiing in the winter. So trekking poles don’t have to be used just for hiking? Definitely not.

If you’re a tried and true backpacker, then anti-shock trekking poles are a win. However, if you plan to use your poles for more than backpacking then it’s worth sacrificing the anti-shock and making other considerations. That’s where the Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles come into play.

Oftentimes simplicity is the key to brilliance. That’s what many folks like about the Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles, their simplicity. With all the standard features, you have lightweight, compact and versatile poles that are ideal for year-round use and abuse.

Our team loved that these poles were great year-round, they felt that this made them much better value for money. They felt they performed well on a variety of different terrains whilst remaining comfortable and sturdy. They also remarked how light they felt when strapped to their packs.

Pros
  1. Ideal for year round use
  2. Highly packable
  3. Durable
Cons
  1. Heavier than ot trekking poles
  2. No shock absorber may be a deal breaker for some backpackers

#5 Black Diamond Trail Back

Most Durable Hiking Poles

Specs
  • Price: $89.95
  • Weight per pair: 1 lb. 1 oz.
  • Type:External Lever Lock
  • Shaft Material: Aluminium
  • Grip: Rubber
  • Gender: Unisex

Looking for an awesome pair of sticks that won’t cost you a pile of money? The Black Diamond Trail Back poles have got you covered.

You do lose some of the construction benefits seen in the higher-end Black Diamond trekking poles, though if saving money is more important to you than saving weight, the differences are subtle. The Trail Backs might not be ideal if you are a lock-distance backpacker.

For one, the Fliplock mechanism for adjusting and locking the poles is the same.

Major differences are in the shaft material (aluminum not carbon fiber) and the grips (rubber not cork).

Some hikers might argue that the rubber grips simply are not as comfortable as the cork grips. For me personally, I don’t notice much of a difference, though if I had to decide, I’d say cork grips are certainly more comfy.

As you are getting used to the feel of trekking poles you are more likely to experience chaffing and irritation from rubber grips.

As far as toughness and quality, Black Diamond Trail Back poles are solid and can certainly take abuse. If you are a casual hiker or planning to go on a long-term backpacking trip say to South East Asia, the Trail Back trekking poles are the best budget trekking poles I have come across.

Our team were big fans of these poles and felt they offered some of the best value on the market. They felt the difference in materials didn’t really affect them too much in practice and they were still light enough to carry around on longer trips. They also liked that they came in a few funky colours too.

Pros
  1. Competitive price
  2. Black Diamond warranty included
Cons
  1. Quite Heavy
  2. Rubber grips can be uncomfortable for some people

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    #6 Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles

    Best Collapsible Poles

    best trekking poles
    Specs
    • Price: $159.95
    • Weight per pair: S/M: 1 lb. 1.4 oz. / M/L: 1 lb. 2.4 oz.
    • Type: Folding
    • Shaft Material: Aluminum
    • Grip: Cork
    • Gender: Unisex

    Looking for the best collapsible walking sticks for hiking? We’ve got them here ya’ll!

    The Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles poles are both excellent ultralight trekking poles in addition to being my top pick for the best collapsible trekking poles out there.

    After weeks of hard use in the Pakistani Karakoram/Himalaya range, the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ model blew me away in terms of performance. I appreciated how easily and quickly they packed down when I was traveling, and vice versa when I needed to break them out at a moment’s notice. For backpackers on the go, the packability is truly a godsend!

    The Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles feature natural cork grip handles with dual-density tops and breathable, moisture-wicking straps. I love the feel of the Black Diamond cork grips.

    One of the greatest benefits I experienced while traveling with the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles is that they collapse down small enough to fit into my 18-liter daypack! They can go from being stowed away in my bag to in my hands on the trail in less than 1 minute. I am a big fan of that.

    Let’s be honest: we are not trekking 100% of the time on any given backpacking trip. When you are living out of a backpack, the ability to stash quality, collapsible trekking poles and hit the road makes a world of difference.

    The Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles were designed to bear heavy loads in the mountains. If you are on an extended multi-day backpacking trip and carrying all of the associated gear, these offer a sturdy support system, so that your knees and hips do not feel the full load. Awesome and essential.

    When it comes to collapsible trekking pole reviews, our team felt these came out on top. They liked that the mechanism for folding was quicker than unscrewing and it meant fewer breakable parts too. They also felt they still offered a great level of stability and strength, especially when one of our team rolled their ankle and had to use them almost as crutches!

    Note: Check out my super in-depth Black Diamond Alpine FLZ trekking poles review here, an earlier model of the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles.

    Pros
    1. Folding poles have superior packability
    2. Black Diamond warranty included
    Cons
    1. Expensive
    2. Cork grips started to wear out after limited use.

     #7 Black Diamond Distance Z

    Best Collapsible Hiking Poles Runnerup

    best trekking poles
    Specs
    • Price: $139.95
    • Weight per pair: 11.2 ounces – 12.6 ounces
    • Type: Folding
    • Shaft Material: Aluminum
    • Grip: Foam
    • Gender: Unisex

    The Black Diamond Distance Z design is very similar indeed to its carbon cousin listed above. There are some differences though.

    The shaft is made out of aluminum, not carbon so that it is just a few ounces heavier. That is hardly noticed. You have to ask yourself is saving 3 ounces worth $60? Some would say no.

    If you are looking for the best value collapsible trekking pole, well, you have found it. For traveling convenience, the Distance Z model ranks high on my list of the best sticks to take traveling.

    Remember that the Distance Z is also non-adjustable.

    Both the Distance Z and the Distance Carbon trekking poles do go on sale from time to time at REI. If you are in the market for trekking poles at the right moment, you might get lucky and pay far less than they normally sell for. No promises here, but something to keep in mind anyway.

    Our team felt these poles were a great compromise if you’re looking for collapsable poles but don’t want to fork out for the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ above. They offer very similar functionality and comfort while compromising only in certain areas like using foam rather than cork on the handle. But for occasional use, they felt for the savings this was a decent compromise.

    Pros
    1. Foldable poles have superior packability
    2. Black Diamond warranty included
    Cons
    1. Non-adjustable.

    #8 Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

    Best Multi-Sport Trekking Poles

    Specs
    • Price:$199.95
    • Weight per pair: 1 lb. 1.1 oz.
    • Type: External Lever Lock
    • Shaft Material: Aluminum
    • Grip: Cork
    • Gender: Unisex

    As the summer winds down, it becomes time to pack away all the backpacking and summer camping gear. Once the summer gear is stored, time to bust out winter gear! One thing you can leave aside while transitioning your gear closet is the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles.

    Black Diamond engineers always go for versatility. Why own a pair of trekking poles AND ski poles? Ridiculous right? Durable, lightweight and compact make this a great option for all the multi-sport backcountry adventurers out there.

    In addition, the natural cork wicks moisture and sweat while the soft rubber grip extensions are ideal for short term steep upward hikes. So you don’t have to adjust your pole length to compensate for a change in terrain angles.

    Our team were a little sceptical as to how these would actually fare when used for both hiking as well as in the snow. But they were pleasantly surprised and love the addition of the snow baskets for deep snowfall and so felt they performed well across the seasons. They did think they were a little heavier than some others on the market but that this also added a feeling of extra security and stability when in use.

    Pros
    1. Versatile for the multi-sport backcountry athlete
    2. Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips
    3. Black Diamond warranty included
    Cons
    1. Heavier than other similar products

    #9 Leki Legacy Lite AS Trekking Poles

    Best Anti-Shock Poles

    Specs
    • Price: $119.95
    • Weight per pair: 1 lb. 2.4 oz.
    • Type: Telescoping (lever lock)
    • Shaft Material: Aluminium
    • Grip: Cork/Rubber
    • Gender: Unisex

    Have you ever carried an 80+ pound pack over a pass, gotten to the top then look down at the descent only to see a steep scree field partially covered in snow and receting ice. You think to yourself “How the hell am I going to pull this off?”. The honest answer is not very easily, at that point you have no choice but to trust yourself and your gear.

    Heavy weight, steep angles and uneven ound are the ideal terrain conditions for any shock absorbing pole, especially the Leki Legacy Lite AS Trekking Poles.

    Some backpackers think shock absorption is a load of crap. I don’t agree with those backpackers. Having shock absorption is proven to reduce wear and tear on your ligaments and joints. Proven? Like in a science experiement? Kinda, I carried a heavy pack through diverse and varying terrain without proper equipment once. Then I learned my lesson the hard way and upgraded my gear before the next expedition which made a noticable difference. So take that science!

    Leki Legacy Lite AS Trekking trekking poles are the go-to poles for backpackers that want to get way out there.

    Our team loved these and felt they were the best anti-shock trekking poles on the market by far. They not only offer awesome support for those of us with bad knees, but one of the stand-out features was just how rugged and hard-wearing they found them to be.

    Pros
    1. Competitive price
    2. Dynamic suspension system (anti-shock)
    Cons
    1. Heavy compared to similar types of trekking poles
    The best present of all… is CONVENIENCE!

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    So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

    Buy on REI!

    #10 Gossamer Gear LT5

    Best Ultralight Poles

    Specs
    • Price: $195.00
    • Weight per pair: 10.6 oz.
    • Type: Telescoping (twist lock)
    • Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber
    • Grip: Foam
    • Gender: Unisex

    Don’t worry ultralight backpackers! I am here for you!

    The Gossamer Gear LT5′s are the best ultralight trekking poles on the market hands down.

    They are constructed from ultralight carbon fiber and feature comfortable foam handle grips. The brilliance of these trekking poles is in the simplicity of the design. Simple is sometimes best because there are fewer pieces you can potentially break.

    To adjust these poles there are two easy-to-use twist lock mechanisms. Simply adjust the poles to the desired length and twist them into locking position. Done.

    If you are looking to tackle a big thru-hike or just cut down on your overall base weight, the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles weight significantly less then the competition.

    The question of durability and toughness often comes up when considering ultralight trekking poles. The Gossamer Gear LT5s have received consistently excellent reviews in that department. You will certainly be able to get a long life out of them even in the most punishing backcountry circumstances.

    As you’ll most likely be aware if you’re a regular follower, our team just loves packing light! So when it came to trekking poles they were excited to see what was offered on the market. Our team were super impressed by how strong, secure and stable these poles were given how light they are. They took them out on some pretty rigorous adventures and they stood up to the task with vigour!

    Pros
    1. Ultralight
    2. Simplistic design
    Cons
    1. Expensive
    2. Questionable long-term durablity
    best trekking poles
    NameWeightGripPrice
    Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork17 oz.Cork$199.95
    Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles – Womens1 lb. 0.8 oz.Cork$199.95
    Montem Ultra Strong19.2 oz.Foam$74.95
    Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles1 lb. 2 oz.Cork$149.95
    Black Diamond Trail Back1 lb. 1 oz.Rubber$89.95
    Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles1 lb. 1.4 oz.Cork$159.95
    Black Diamond Distance Z11.2 ouncesFoam$139.95
    Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles1 lb. 1.1 oz.Cork$199.95
    Leki Legacy Lite AS Trekking Poles1 lb. 2.4 oz.Cork/Rubber$119.95
    Gossamer Gear LT510.6 oz.Foam$195

    How to Choose the Best Hiking Poles

    Below I cover what to consider and what to look for when thinking about buying trekking poles…

    Wait… Why Do I even need poles?

    The simple answer? Because they are awesome. 

    Trekking poles greatly reduce the harsh impacts of hiking on your body. They provide balance, help establish rhythm, and take the load off of your vulnerable ankles, knees, and hips.

    Every backpacker is different. Weight, price, style, and durability all go into the decision of what makes a potential pair right for any given person.

    Let’s look at some of the most important things you need to take into consideration when buying trekking poles for yourself.

    Trekking Pole Durability

    How long would you like your trekking poles to last (within reason)?

    You’ll have to ask yourself this question when the time comes to buy your own set. The more lightweight the shaft material is, the more likely it is to crack, break, or bend over time.

    So, do you really need a tough-as-nails design? Is an ultralight trekking pole for you? This depends entirely on your intended use.

    I have put my poles through every sort of difficult terrain over the years including an Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt, and I never had a one straight up break on me. For my thru-hike I was using the Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles and I never had an issue with them.

    There are certainly lighter options available for long-distance hikes like the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ trekking poles for example.

    If you go the ultralight route don’t expect them to last forever, but also expect a very enjoyable user experience for the time you do have them.

    hiking in the mountains
    I certainly tend to be rough on my trekking poles, so I prefer a more durable build rather than an ultralight design.

    Weight

    Talking about weight is a good transition from talking about trekking pole durability because they are related.

    If you go with carbon fiber trekking poles they will be lighter. There is no denying that. Some hikers swear by them, especially thru-hikers. If you are on the trail day in and day out, your arms will notice if you are carrying heavier poles. Certainly,bythe end of the day your arms and shoulders will be beat.

    That’s not to say that buying carbon fiber poles will eliminate fatigue completely. But the fewer ounces you are working with, the less tired your arms should feel pure an simple.

    If you are a weekend hiker or just want to go on a few backpacking trips with your mates, I’d say going ultralight isn’t necessary.

    For a good balance of reasonably light, yet plenty durable, consider the Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles.

    the french alps hiking
    Ideally, you can find a balance of light and tough when you are considering your trekking pole options.

    Shaft Materials

    Higher-end trekking poles tend to almost always be constructed out of carbon fiber. Some companies are pushing the very limits of ultralight by making trekking poles smaller and smaller in diameter (at the expense of (toughness).

    Many hikers opt for aluminum trekking poles for the simple fact that they last longer, cost less, and can survive a dent or two.

    It is now possible to find carbon-aluminum hybrid trekking poles as well. I’d say if you are keen to give carbon fiber trekking poles ago but don’t want to spend the money, go with something like the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber poles. They will only set you back $45.00 and they will give you a taste of the carbon fiber experience.

    In the world of outdoor gear you get what you pay for. So you should have a realistic expectation of how $45 trekking poles will perform long-term.

     Black Diamond Alpine Carbon
    The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles are my favorite high-end carbon fiber poles.

    Locking Mechanisms

    Choosing a trekking pole with a reliable, confidence-inspiring locking system is very important indeed. The last thing you want is your trekking poles to collapse on you when you are depending on them for balance. Sometimes your life literally depends on your trekking poles staying locked.

    Basically there are two main types of locking mechanisms (with the ultralight folding poles in their own category). These two options are the lever lock and the twist lock.

    For years, twist lock trekking poles were standard. I myself have owned several pairs. For the most part, twist locks work great. They are, however, prone to issues as many a seasoned hiker can attest.

    There are many potential issues one can have with twist lock trekking poles indeed. The twist can be so tight that the lock seizes up and is stuck in place unless it is rescued by a pair of vice grips (this has happened to me). Likewise, if you under tighten the twist lock, the trekking poles will collapse.

    Personally, I have never had major issues operating twist lock trekking poles. Point being though, they are kind of going out of style.

    Nowadays it is all about the lever locking system. Most hikers find opening and collapsing trekking poles with lever locks a breeze. Lever locking trekking poles certainly do inspire more confidence as they rarely will let you down when you really need them (which I guess is always) for support.

    Lever locking trekking poles are not without their own small issues as well. Occasionally you will have to tighten the lever mechanism with a tool to ensure you get a firm lock. Such is life sometimes.

    hiking pole locking mechanisms
    The Lever Lock design is where it’s at these days in the trekking pole world.

    Trekking Pole Grip Material: Cork, Foam, Rubber and Plastic

    Possibly the second biggest consideration when buying trekking poles concerns the hand grips.

    As the trekking poles are going to be spending hours on end in your hands, you want them to feel comfortable. I have had the most experience using foam hand grips. More or less, I have always found foam grips to be comfy.

    It is undeniable that cork grips are very comfortable too. If you are prone to sweaty palms as well, cork is great at wicking away moisture. That said, cork material tends to hold smell more as well. Get ready for the dreaded stink mitts!

    Most high-end trekking poles will come with cork grips. This is not always the case though as sometimes they come with foam grips as well.

    Foam grips are also great at wicking moisture and can take a bit of the impact from your hands as well. As I said, I am a fan of foam and my ego is unaffected if my poles are not equipped with cork grips, which has in effect become the trademark look of the trekking pole enthusiast.

    Rubber and plastic grips are found on budget trekking poles. Rubber grips are ok, though many hikers have reported chaffing as the result of using them. A benefit of having rubber grip poles is that they can easily be cleaned and sanitized when they get filthy (wash off the stink mitt smell).

    Plastic grips are typically found on the shit quality trekking poles costing $25-35.

    The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork are pretty damn comfortable cork grip trekking poles.

    trekking in nepal annapurna
    No matter if you are going on weekend jaunts or long-distance hikes, you want your trekking poles to offer up a comfy feel.

    Anti-Shock Poles

    For me, I really tend to go for trekking poles that feature anti-shock technology. The performance on a step or challenging hike is obvious. The more impact you can transfer from your knees and hips to the trekking poles the better.

    Having rigid trekking poles comes with the benefit of less weight. If you are an ultralight nut than anti-shock trekking poles simply won’t cut it generally. If you move fast and cover big miles you are likely interested in hauling the least amount of weight possible.

    That said, preserving my knees for the long haul is my top priority. I plan on trekking into my ripe old age, and my long term plan to make that happen includes always using anti-shock trekking poles.

    As a wise older man once told me: (he is a triple crown thru-hiker having made successful bids of the AT, PCT, and CDT, 10,000 miles+) “Good shock absorbing trekking poles will add 20 years to your knees.”

    I am all about that.

    I suggest you try both types of trekking poles (rigid and shock-absorbing) and see which style works for you. Every hiker is different, but yeah, anti-shock trekking poles kick ass in my opinion.

    french alps hiking
    My dad using anti-shock trekking poles at age 66 in the French Alps.

    Winter and 4-Season Trekking Poles

    In an ideal world, you will purchase one set of trekking poles that will cover all your bases.

    If you plan on trekking in winter and/or snow, you are going to need tough, durable trekking poles that offer up a solid amount of support and balance.

    Most mid-range and above (even some budget options) should come with the associated interchangeable baskets that attach to the bottom of your trekking poles for winter use.

    If you have the budget and the space in your garage, you might find yourself with two pairs of trekking poles to be used during different times of the year.

    If you are after one solid pair of trekking poles to cover all of your bases, I recommend going with the Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles trekking poles. They are lightweight, yet durable enough to be a solid 4-season trekking pole option.

    hiking in the snow with poles
    An investment in a good pair of trekking poles means you can enjoy them in 4-season conditions year round.

    Best Hiking Poles for Women

    Most hiking poles out there are unisex. Though if you look at the average anatomy of women vs men, women tend to be shorter and also tend to have smaller hands. Solution?

    Companies like REI and Black Diamond make trekking poles designed specifically for women’s bodies. They can be adjusted to shorter lengths, so one can achieve the perfect fit, even if you are only standing five feet tall. Plus women’s trekking poles often come in many awesome colors that men’s poles do not.

    Women’s trekking poles also feature narrower hand grips to better accommodate smaller hands and fingers.

    I’d say most women will find that using unisex trekking poles works just fine for them. Though, if you are a lady who finds yourself dissatisfied with a trekking pole fit (hand grips too large, poles too long) you might want to look into buying one of the best women’s trekking poles.

    The Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles Women’s trekking poles are very well reviewed and seem to be the go to mid-range option for lady trekkers.

    woman hiking in the grand canyon
    My wife rocking the  REI Co-op Traverse Power Lock Cork women’s trekking poles in Grand Canyon National Park. One of the best pair of poles for women in 2021/2022

    Budget Poles

    Budget trekking poles are great for people new to the world of trekking pole use. For a little bit of money you can dip your toes into the sea of a better hiking experience. There is a huge variation in quality across the board depending on the company however.

    You can find some budget trekking poles for around $20! If you go down that road you can expect the associated performance. Though I must admit I have owned some super cheap trekking poles before and they actually worked very well (they were heavy).

    If you are the kind of person that just can’t have nice things (you always seem to destroy nice things) then you should consider going with budget poles, at least at first.

    That way you can abuse them conscience-free.

    As I have said, budget trekking poles are often bulky, heavy, and can feature uncomfortable plastic or rubber grips. If cheap, shit sticks are all you have known than you will probably continue to be happy with them.

    If you are (somehow) unsure whether or not poles are for you, pick up some budget trekking poles and see how they feel. You can always upgrade later on down the line.

    The Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles are good budget candidates.

    hiking in new zealand
    I picked up some budget trekking poles on a New Zealand backpacking trip and they served me quite well!
    Photo: Elias Braunschweiler.

    Health Benefits of Using Poles

    If you don’t know by now that trekking poles offer up huge health benefits you haven’t been paying attention. Trekking poles with seriously reduce the wear and tear on your body over time, period.

    Hiking and trekking in the mountains takes its toll on you. You want to have every advantage when you are spending time in the world’s harshest environments.

    The sooner you get on the train the better. With enough abuse, your knees, ankles, feet, hips, and back will eventually wear out. I honestly believe that trekking poles will add decades of life to those body parts.

    I have hiked well over 4,000 miles in the mountains with trekkingpoles and at this point there is no going back. They are a mandatory staple in my hiking kit. I feel unnatural when I don’t have them (which is almost never).

    The difference you feel using vs not using trekking poles is huge.

    Some words from a physiotherapy and wellness organization regarding trekking pole use and benefits:

    • you incorporate 90% use of body muscles (only 40% while walking without poles)
    • increases your cardiovascular workout
    • increases of up to 46% higher calorie expenditure
    • there is reduced stress on your hips and knees through the support of the poles
    • you improve your posture and balance
    • perceived as less workout than the actual true physical exertion
    • upper body activity using the poles improves upper body mobility
    • upper body activity using the poles reduces upper back, neck and shoulder pains
    • suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels

    Convinced yet?

    walking with cows
    Live long, stay healthy, and go trekking for as long as you can!

    How We Tested This Gear

    There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. But we’ve got enough experience here at The Broke Backpacker that we think we can do a pretty kick-ass job at it!

    Whenever we test a piece of gear, we get at least one of our members to give each item a test run out in the field. There are a few things we pay a bit more attention to when testing. Firstly, how well each one performs its primary task. Then we look at things like weight, build quality, durability, packability and for these walking pole reviews, grip and sturdiness too.

    one of our team takes it out for a spin and puts it through its paces. In all cases, we pay close attention to how well-made a piece of gear is, how heavy or light it is, how packable it is and of course, how well it fulfils its primary purpose. 

    Finally, we also take into account the price of each item. When it came to finalising our walking poles reviews, we were harsher with more expensive products, expecting a higher level of performance. At the same time, cheaper poles were given a bit more leeway.

    FAQ about the Best Trekking Poles

    Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

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      Final Thoughts

      There you have my fellow trekking friends. You have made it to the end of my review.

      I know just how hard it can be to choose a pair of hiking pole for yourself. After reading this review you are now armed with all of the important information you need regarding the best poles on the market. You can now make an informed decision based on your own needs, budget, and trekking style.

      For an all-around awesome trekking pole experience go with my top pick: the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork.

      For you hiking ladies out there I recommend the Women’s Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles.

      Finally, for all of you backpackers that want to pick up a decent pair of budget poles, the obvious choice is the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber poles.

      I can guarantee you that you will feel the difference after using a quality set of trekking poles. Pick up a pair of badass sticks and start reaping the benefits immediately.

      See you on the trail amigos.

      *Author’s note: This was not a sponsored post. I did not receive any free gear from any companies to write this review. Thus, I had no agenda or particular bias whilst crafting this article. All thoughts expressed within are indeed my own opinion based on my own experiences. Cheers!

      hiking in the snow around a bridge
      Trekking Poles will change the way you experience trekking. Good luck!

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      the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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