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 also added the LEKI Makalu Lite as our most durable trekking pole pick.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.