10 Best Trekking Poles on the Market

No matter whether you’re hiking, walking, or backpacking, if you’re heading out to the trails for an adventure you might wonder if you need trekking poles or a hiking stick? Many backpackers love trekking poles because they reduce the stress on knees and provide support for crossing different types of terrain like steep hills and rivers. In a pinch, you can be use them to pitch an ultralight tent. Are hiking sticks necessary? And what is the difference between a hiking stick and trekking pole?

What’s the Difference Between a Hiking Stick and a Trekking Pole?

A Hiking Stick

A hiking stick is just what it sounds like…a stick used by hikers for walking and a variety of other purposes – such as clearing spider webs, thick brush, and for support when walking up steep hills. You can either buy a hiking stick, pick one up along the trail or have one custom-made. Are hiking sticks necessary? They’re not an essential piece of gear but they do have many beneficial features for hikers and should be considered as an accessory.

What Are Trekking Poles?

Trekking Poles are two-handled walking sticks with a handle, safety strap, and rubber tips for stability. They resemble ski poles – but have baskets at the bottom for mud and snow – and are constructed in two to three sections to fold down for carrying. They are used for support and provide added safety when hiking steep slopes and long trails. They also reduce stress on the joints and help the hiker keep a steady pace when carrying a heavy pack.

Are Walking Sticks Helpful?

Yes, they are very beneficial for hikers and adventurers. Walking sticks or trekking poles with foam or cork hand grips and rubberized tips give you something comfortable to lean on when you need to take a short break, reduce the impact on joints for older hikers, and provide added safety because the rubber tips provide better traction and help when crossing rivers, streams, and damp areas to reduce slipping.

What Are Some Considerations When Buying?

•  Durability

The number one consideration should be durability. You don’t want your poles to break the first time you take them out. Plus, it could cause a safety hazard if you’re carrying a heavy load. Sturdy carbon fiber or aluminum construction makes them durable and lightweight.

• Comfort

Comfort is another consideration when buying trekking poles. They help balance your weight and lighten the burden on your legs. The hand grips should be padded with EVA foam or a natural cork material to keep moisture from sweat away from your hands. The ergonomically shaped handles are comfortable and reduce the stress on your arms. 

• Weight

When it comes to hiking and backpacking, weight is an important factor in a trekking pole. It should be lightweight but durable. Lighter poles are great for day trips and hikes when you’re not carrying a pack. You’ll want something a little heavier when carrying a pack to help you balance your weight and cushion your steps.

• Value

Value is always subjective. It doesn’t necessarily mean price, but more on the side of what benefits you get for the money spent. You don’t have to buy the most expensive pair on the market, there are many good products out there and sometimes you can get good deals when you take your time and look around

Features of Trekking Poles:

• Construction: Three-Piece, Two-Piece, Fixed Length or Folding Poles
• Locking System: Lever Lock or Twist Lock Adjusters
• Material: Carbon Fiber or Aluminum Construction
• Ergonomic Design: Cork or EVA Foam Handles

Here are 10 of the best trekking poles on the market today:

LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Pole Pair

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Poles are made from 100% pure carbon making them durable and sturdy. This set is a 3 piece assembly made from carbon and aluminum sleeving on the tips to reinforce them. Tension spring makes assembling and disassembling easy and quick. Security straps help you keep a tight grip on the poles and the foam hand grips make for a non-slip contact in wet or damp conditions. They are lightweight and durable for trekking anywhere in the world. Leki manufacturers all poles with their signature SpeedLock 2 external pole locking system, and are the only trekking poles certified by the TUV Sud, a global certification organization.

Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles

Black Diamond’s Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles are made of sturdy aluminum with an adjustable flick-lock and shock absorbing padded handles to reduce the impact on your wrists and elbows when crossing hard terrain. The poles are easily adjustable for your height; no tools required. The adjustable wrist straps and foam handles reduce hand fatigue and offer added stability. The weight per pair is 20 ounces. This 3-piece set is lightweight, easy to assemble, and available in Men’s length (27″-55″) and Women’s length (25″-49″).

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles are lightweight and durable with EVA foam grips for comfort. They are designed for adventurers of all ages. The Distance Carbon Z Strong, made of carbon fiber, and has improved joint support making it the ultimate in folding trekking poles. The EVA foam provides exceptional cushioning for hands, stays cool and comfortable, and reduces the occurrence of blisters from gripping. They are adjustable so you can either increase or decrease the length to suit the height of the person using them.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trek Poles

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Poles are lightweight, durable and affordably priced. The natural cork handles are ergonomically designed for comfort, and reduce stress on the wrist and hand. Adjusts to various heights (men, women, teens) easily with the flick-lock system. The hand grips are angled at 15 degrees for a stable walking position. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are made of durable aluminum and are a 3-piece assembly. These are high-quality and a good buy for the money.

The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles provide a durable, lightweight, trekking pole of the highest quality. It is made from high-quality aluminum and is priced lower than its carbon counterpart. This pole features the exact same design as the Distance Carbon Z, and It retains the same compact size and comfortable cork grip. Both versions of the Distance Z are high-quality and a good buy for the money. If you’re looking for a lightweight version, this is it. It is easy to assemble and folds down to be carried in a backpack or carry bag. The pole sections lock into place with Slidelock technology and the EVA foam grips are comfortable and keep your hands cool and resist moisture.

Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole 2.0

Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles are made of 100% carbon fiber material, which makes them strong and durable. They are also lightweight, weighing only 7.6 ounces each, and easy to assemble. The ergonomic cork handle conforms to the shape of the hand for easy gripping. It’s like slipping on a glove. The poles lock into place with a fliplock and tightening bolt making a strong, non-slip connection to the ground. Adjustable, the poles can be raised to fit the height of an adult, teen, or lowered for a child. Comes with a zippered carry bag for easy transport.

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Foxelli Trekking Poles are made from 100% carbon fiber material, which makes them sturdy but lightweight for carrying. Carbon fiber is shock-absorbent and significantly minimizes the impact on the wrist and knee joints. The weight of each pole is only 7.6 oz, allowing you to hike faster and easier without tiring yourself out. They are adjustable and lock into place in seconds making assembly quick and easy. The natural cork handles absorb moisture and provide a non-slip grip. The adjustable wrist straps secure the poles to your hand so you won’t lose them, even in rough terrain.

Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Paria Tri-fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles offer comfort and durability with their carbon fiber construction, cork handle grips, and Tungsten carbide tips. They quickly adjust and use a flicklock to lock in place for a sturdy, non-slip contact. Great for hikers and backpackers, these poles fold down to 15 inches to fit in any pack for easy carry. They are lightweight in design (less than 9 ounces) and reduce arm fatigue when carrying.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are made from 100% carbon fiber for strength and durability. They have a comfortable cork grip with safety straps for easy gripping. The height is adjustable. When fully extended they reach 54” in height. The locking mechanism with the tightening screw keeps the poles tightly in position for safely traversing any terrain. The solid rubber boot tips cushion hard surfaces and reduce impact on hands and knee joints. They are available in several colors and come with mud and snow baskets for better leverage and a non-slip contact.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – 2-Piece Pack Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles sturdy aluminum construction can withstand impact better than carbon fiber, especially for supporting heavier weights. Trail Buddy Trekking Poles are lightweight and easy to carry and assemble.  Fitted with cork handles for comfort and a non-slip grip, these poles are easy to adjust even when wearing heavy gloves. These are available in a variety of colors and are easy to lock in place when assembling the 2 piece set. Non-slip rubber tips make trekking through streams and rivers a breeze and help keep you from slipping on wet rocks.

Conclusion

There are many good trekking poles on the market and you’re sure to find something that will fit your lifestyle – as well as your budget. They’re a great accessory to have with you whenever you hit the trails.