7 Best Trekking Poles of 2024

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A female backpacker hiking up to the top of a red, rocky mountain pass in Glacier National Park using the REI Flash Carbon trekking poles
REI Flash Carbon – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Whether you’re thru-hiking across the country or heading out on a quick weekend jaunt, trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike.

We’ve done the research on 40 sets of poles and used dozens of different models over 20,000 miles of hiking and backpacking. We’ve analyzed each set in terms of the most crucial characteristics like weight, durability, packability, and grip comfort. Our side-by-side testing has led us to the best of the best trekking poles from brands like Black Diamond, LEKI, REI, and more.

And if you’re planning a trip and need some of the essentials, we have you covered with our reviews of the best backpacking tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags.

Quick Picks for TREKKING POLES

Check out this quick list of our favorites or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best trekking poles with in-depth reviews.

Best trekking poles overall: Black Diamond Pursuit ($150)

Best ultralight trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195)

Best budget trekking poles: Montem Ultra Strong ($75)

Best trekking poles for winter & rough terrain: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork ($200)

Lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles: REI Flash Carbon ($169)

Ultralight trekking poles at an affordable price: Fizan Compact 3 ($70)

Highly packable ultralight trekking poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z ($190)

Most durable trekking poles: LEKI Makalu Cork Lite ($150)

What’s new

We’ve done quite a bit of long-term testing with our current favorites and also introduced some new pics into the mix

  • The Black Diamond Pursuit poles take the number one spot for their low weight, packability, and comfortable cork grips.

  • We added some new findings to our review of the Fizan Compact 3 poles that led us to move them down the list considerably.

Black Diamond Pursuit

Best trekking poles overall

Price: $150

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 0.4 oz.

Shaft Material: Aluminum

Grip Material: Cork

Collapsed Length: 22.8 in.

Pros

  • Cork grips
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Built-in adjustment tool
  • Size options
  • Small collapsed length
  • Comes with two basket sizes

Cons

  • Expensive

The Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles are some of the lightest all-aluminum, cork-handled trekking poles we’ve ever tested. This means you’re getting the best of all worlds – the comfort of cork, the durability of aluminum, and not much added weight over carbon fiber poles.

We’ve always been big fans of trekking poles with cork handles, because this porous material breathes better than foam and wicks moisture away to help prevent blisters. But cork is usually heavier than the foam used for other handles which can leave the poles feeling top-heavy. We’re happy to report that this isn’t the case with the Pursuits, and we were very impressed by the balanced feel the moment we touched carbide tip to trail.

We really couldn’t decide which poles we like more, so the Pursuits are tied for first with the Gossamer Gear LT5s below. The choice for you will come down to what you value more – the weight savings of the LT5s or the more durable build of the Pursuits.

Gossamer Gear LT5

Best ultralight trekking poles

Price: $195

Weight (Pair): 10.6 oz.

Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber

Grip Material: Foam

Collapsed Length: 23.5 in.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Comfy handles
  • Easy to adjust
  • Very durable for the weight

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Carbon fiber isn’t as tough as aluminum

The Gossamer Gear LT5 carbon fiber trekking poles are incredibly light and comfortable. They’re easy to adjust with two simple twist-locks, and the foam handles are comfortable to hold on long hikes.

The LT5s are pretty pricey, but the excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes them worth the cost for anyone covering long distances with a light load. On top of that, Gossamer Gear offers replacements sections – top, middle, and bottom – so you can easily (and affordably) replace broken or worn out parts instead of replacing the whole set of poles.

We’ve taken ours a few thousand miles on some pretty gnarly trails, and they’ve still got plenty of distance left in them. Check out our full review here.

Montem Ultra Strong

Best budget trekking poles

Price: $75

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 3.2 oz.

Shaft Material: Aluminum

Grip Material: Foam

Collapsed Length: 24 in.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork

The Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles are a solid budget buy. They’re durable, compact, easy to use, and much more affordable than the high-end poles on this list. Equipped with a flick-lock lever system, they are collapsible down to two feet, which is pretty good for stowing when not in use. The hand grips are soft and comfortable, but we do tend to prefer cork grips over foam. If you’re new to trekking poles or on a tight budget, the Montem Ultra Strong poles are a great buy.For those looking to shave ounces, Montem also offers Ultralight Carbon Trekking Poles for a surprisingly affordable price.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Best trekking poles for winter & rough terrain

Price: $200

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1.1 oz.

Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber

Grip Material: Cork

Collapsed Length: 24 in.

Pros

  • Cork grips
  • Durable
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles (also available in women’s sizes) are super tough 4-season poles that are reliable in almost any conditions. The easy flick-lock system is secure and makes it simple to adjust their length. We have used these dynamo poles over 6,000 miles of thru-hikes and they are still going strong. Though they aren’t the lightest option on the market, these poles are tough and their cork grips are quite comfortable and absorb sweat better than foam. For burly all-weather terrain, these are the poles we’d choose.

REI Flash Carbon

Lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles

Price: $169

Weight (Pair): 13.6 oz.

Shaft Material: Carbon fiber & aluminum

Grip Material: Foam

Collapsed Length: 25 in.

Pros

  • Affordable for the quality & weight
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not as compact as some
  • Foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork

The REI Flash Carbon trekking poles are a great option for those looking to trim a few ounces without breaking the bank. These poles have a simple and secure flick-lock system and comfortable foam hand grips. They’re made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum which makes them decently light while maintaining durability. The Flash Carbon poles also come in a lighter compact version for those who don’t need their poles to be longer than 120 cm.If you’re looking for a budget option and don’t mind carrying a few more ounces, the REI Traverse poles are a solid choice as well.

Fizan Compact 3

Ultralight trekking poles at an affordable price

Price: $70

Weight (Pair): 11.2 oz.

Shaft Material: Aluminum

Grip Material: Foam

Collapsed Length: 22.8 in.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Ultralight
  • Easy to adjust
  • Small packed size
  • Comes with two basket sizes

Cons

  • Not as durable as other aluminum poles
  • Segments have a tendency to get stuck

The Fizan Compact 3s cost a fraction of the price of other poles in their weight category. And amazingly, they achieve this weight with aluminum construction instead of carbon fiber. This is advantageous since aluminum is more forgiving than carbon fiber when your poles take the full force of your weight for stability or when they get caught between rocks.

These poles are practically identical to our top pick – the Gossamer Gear LT5s – when it comes to functionality, so why don’t the C3s sit at the top of our list?

To start, there aren’t catches at the tops of the pole segments, so it’s surprisingly easy to collapse the Compact 3s too much and get them stuck. On top of that, any moisture left on the poles while they’re fully collapsed can cause them to permanently become stuck closed. This was the fate of both our tester pairs of Compact 3s after about a year and a half of use, so make sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid this pitfall.

That said – as long as you’re careful to avoid that issue – the combination of price and weight on the Compact 3s truly can’t be beat.

Full review: Fizan Compact 3

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z-Pole

Highly packable ultralight trekking poles

Price: $190

Weight (Pair): 9.8 oz.

Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber

Grip Material: Foam

Collapsed Length: 13-17 in.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Small collapsed length

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Z-pole design takes some getting used to
  • Foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork
  • Fixed length

At only nine ounces, the Distance Carbon Z-Poles are the lightest trekking poles on our list. The folding Z-pole design allows them to break down to a small size for easy storage, so they’re a great choice for hikers who will only use their poles occasionally. The one downside with these poles is that they come in four different fixed lengths (100-130 cm.), which could be an issue depending on your specific needs. Hikers who use trekking poles to support their shelter should measure carefully to make sure these poles will be the correct length to serve their purposes.

LEKI Makalu Cork Lite

Most durable trekking poles

Price: $150

Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2 oz.

Shaft Material: Aluminum

Grip Material: Cork

Collapsed Length: 26.3 in.

Pros

  • Cork grips
  • Durable
  • Easy to adjust length
  • No tools required for adjusting locks

Cons

  • Long collapsed length
  • A bit heavy

If you’re particularly hard on gear or often find yourself hiking in places off the beaten path, the LEKI Makalu Cork Lite might be just what you need. These sturdy aluminum poles are some of the most durable we’ve ever tested, and their quality construction is evident from cork grip to carbide tip.

Despite the name, the Makalu Lites aren’t particularly lightweight, but we still think they’re reasonable for how solid they are. They also have a longer collapsed length than most other trekking poles we’ve tested. These traits mean they’re not the best choice for hikers who tend to stow their poles in their backpack for flat sections of trail. Rather, the Makalus are made for hikers who want the added support and stability at all times.

While the Makalus aren’t our first choice for longer hikes (despite the fact that we tested them over a few hundred miles on the Arizona Trail), they’ve still got a lot of great things going for them. Their cork handles are very comfortable, you don’t need tools to tighten the locks in the field when they inevitably loosen up over time, and their durability is second to none.

Hikers holding their Black Diamond Pursuit and LEKI Makalu Lite trekking poles up in the air while looking out over an expansive view of mountains and lakes
Black Diamond Pursuit &LEKI Makalu Lite – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Trekking Poles?

PRICE

Spending more for a quality pair of trekking poles that you can trust won’t crack or split is best since you may need to put your body weight on them in tricky situations. You can find a reliable pair with an affordable price tag, but you’ll typically sacrifice some features – like comfier grips and the ability to field repair – with cheaper poles. Below we recommend a range of dependable trekking poles from budget buys to high-end poles.

Best budget trekking poles

Best mid-range trekking poles

Best high end trekking poles

WEIGHT

Weight is important when determining the best trekking poles for your needs since the ounces matter as you’re lifting your arms potentially tens of thousands of times a day. 

We prefer to hike with ultralight trekking poles when backpacking to save energy while hiking and to lessen the impact on our pack weight when we need to stow our poles on trail.

If you typically only go on short day hikes or you do a lot of winter trekking, a heavier and more durable pair of poles may be more appealing since they’re often a bit more affordable as well.

Best ultralight trekking poles

Best lightweight trekking poles

DURABILITY

When you’re crossing a fast-moving stream, balancing on a narrow ridge, or plunging your poles into crusty snow, it’s important to know that they’ll support you. Though this isn’t a hard and fast rule, carbon fiber models are lighter and more energy efficient, but they tend to be less durable over the long run. Aluminum poles are heavier, but they tend to be the more durable option and will bend before failing completely.

Best durable trekking poles

GRIP

Trekking pole grips create friction against your hands that can lead to sore spots or even blisters, so it’s important to choose poles that feel comfortable. Most trekking pole grips are made from either cork or foam. Cork wins by far for durability and comfort, while foam is usually more affordable but tends to break down a bit quicker and can lead to clammy hands.

Best cork-handled trekking poles

Best foam-grip trekking poles

PACKABILITY

When not in use, it’s nice to have trekking poles that can pack down small for storage on the outside of your pack or in luggage for travel. Generally, folding Z-poles offer the best portability with the smallest collapsed length.

Most compact trekking poles

Critical Trekking Pole Considerations

Below, we break down some important things to consider when making a new trekking pole purchase. If you’re still unsure about whether or not hiking with poles is right for you, check out our post on the Pros and Cons of Hiking with Trekking Poles.

Gossamer Gear LT5 – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

MATERIALS

The two most common materials used for trekking poles are aluminum and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber poles are far lighter, but they’re also more expensive and generally more likely to break if bent the wrong way with great force. Aluminum poles are heavier, but they’re more economical and likely to bend instead of snapping under pressure. Some poles combine both materials, using an aluminum lower shaft with a carbon fiber upper.

POLE DESIGN

Telescoping

Telescoping trekking poles are the most common option. They usually consist of two or three sections that nest into each other with a locking mechanism to hold them in place when extended. They’re highly adjustable and can pack down small.

Folding

“Z-type” folding trekking poles usually have three sections that fold to roughly 1/3 of their full length. Held together by an internal tension cord, each section unfolds to create a single shaft when locked into place (similar to a tent pole). Though they pack down small and are often lighter than telescoping poles, most models are not length adjustable. Some folding trekking poles will have one telescoping section, which will allow you to adjust the length of the pole.

Fixed

The least common type of trekking poles on the trail is fixed-length, straight shaft trekking poles. They’re not adjustable and don’t collapse making them difficult to stow away when not in use. Due to their storage impracticality, we don’t really recommend fixed poles for hiking.

REI Flash Carbon – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)
Black Diamond Pursuit – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

LOCKING SYSTEMS

Trekking poles have either an internal or external locking system to hold the pole’s sections in place. Internal locking systems usually employ a “twist lock,” which expands a small bracket inside the poles when twisted to hold the sections in place. External locking systems, or “flick locks,” use a lever to put pressure on the shaft and hold both sections in place. Twist locks are a bit more complicated than flick locks, so they tend to have a slight learning curve and aren’t as easy to repair in the field. Flick locks are typically more reliable over time, but we’ve had long-term success with poles using both locking methods.

STRAPS

To use the straps correctly, your hand should enter from below before grabbing the grip. This will create a loop around the back of your hand with two sections of strap running through your palm. This method allows you to put a lot of pressure from your upper body on the pole without needing to white-knuckle the hand grip. Straps are often made of nylon webbing, which can produce chafing. Fleece or soft chamois straps tend to be more comfortable, but they may make your hands sweat in hot weather.

Montem Ultra Strong – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)
Black Diamond Pursuit – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

BASKETS

Many poles come with removable baskets (a wide circular plastic section, like on ski poles) near the tips. Their main purpose is to keep the poles from driving too deep in snow, sand, or mud.

TIPS

Pole tips are usually comprised of a plastic body that holds a durable carbide point at the end. They’re designed to increase stability and traction by biting into dirt, rock, and ice. To maintain optimal functionality, tips should be replaced every 1,500-2,000 miles or so.

SHOCK ABSORBERS

Shock absorbers are small, spring-like mechanisms near the tips of poles that help reduce the impact of striking the ground. Internal shock absorption systems are more common on high-end poles and will increase price and weight. Some people love the cushion they provide, but we generally avoid them. The springs in them create a less secure pole plant and can make ascents a bit more difficult due to the springs absorbing some of your uphill push. They can also be somewhat squeaky, which can get annoying after a full day on the trail.

Fizan Compact 3 – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)
Fizan Compact 3 – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

ADJUSTMENTS

When properly adjusted, your arms should form a 90-degree bend when the poles are held at your sides with their tips on the ground. It’s important to make sure your poles are adjusted properly and feel comfortable, as you can easily stress your neck, shoulders, and wrists with poles set at an improper height.

When heading uphill, you may want to shorten your poles about 5 to 10 cm. to provide better planting and traction. With slightly shorter poles, you should be able to maintain uphill momentum. When heading downhill, you can lengthen your poles 5 to 10 cm. to help maintain solid footing and stability.

GENDER SPECIFIC

Some brands offer gender-specific poles, but that mostly amounts to tweaks in color and pole length. The majority of trekking poles are unisex and work equally well for men and women. We recommend buying the ones that fit you best.

LEKI Makalu Lite – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)
Gossamer Gear LT5 – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

Trekking poles can cause damage to trails, soil, vegetation, and rocks bordering the trail. High-traffic trails – especially after periods of snow melt or rain – are susceptible to erosion and wash outs. Always be mindful of where you plant your poles and practice LNT backpacking.

Lightweight Footwear & Trekking Poles Video

As part of our Lightweight Backpacking Gear Basics video series, we put together this video on footwear and trekking poles. Some of our feelings have changed a bit in the years since the making of this video, but there’s still a lot of useful info in there. If you just want trekking pole info, skip to minute 3:40.

Watch the video here.

Using the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles for a glacial river crossing
Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)