Best Trekking Poles of 2026

CleverHiker drew upon our 100,000 miles of combined thru-hiking experience to rank the best trekking poles. After researching promising poles, we put 14 of the best models through side by side testing to narrow down your choices.

Editor’s Note: We last updated this guide on April 7, 2026 to verify 2026 prices and tech specs and to add two new models to our list.

How to Test

For this gear guide, our analyst field tested 14 trekking poles while backpacking in the Southwest and skiing in Colorado’s San Juans. After taking them into the field for months, we rated each trekking pole for durability, weight, comfort, ease of use, packability, and features.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

#1. Best Trekking Poles Overall

The Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles are comfortable in hand and durable for the long haul. We’ve hiked 2,000 miles in the backcountry with these poles, and their light weight and cork grip make them our favorites.

VIEW AT REI

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.

1. Best Trekking Poles Overall: Black Diamond Pursuit ($170)

2. Most Innovative Design: Durston Iceline ($189)

3. Best Trekking Poles for Trail Running: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($240)

4. Best Folding Trekking Poles: LEKI Black Series FX Carbon ($220)

5. Most Durable Carbon Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork ($230)

6. Best Flick Locking Trekking Poles: MSR DynaLock Explore ($120)

7. Best Included Accessories Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock ($65)

8. Best Telescoping Poles: LEKI Makalu Cork Lite ($160)

9. Best Budget Buy Trekking Poles: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 ($56)

10. Best Beginner Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Back ($100)

11. Best Ultralight Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195)

12. Best No-Frills Trekking Poles: LEKI Legacy Lite ($110)

13. Best Streamlined Design: REI Flash Carbon ($189)

14. Best Budget Ultralight Trekking Poles: Zpacks Minimalist ($120)

Analysis & Results

We rank trekking poles based on six metrics: durability, weight, comfort, ease of use, packability, and features. Our comparative results below outline the top performers in each metric.

Which trekking poles offer the best value?

Value is determined by comparing a piece of gear’s performance to its price. There are a few models that provide a lot of value, such as the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, Cascade Mountain Tech, and Black Diamond Pursuit.

The Pursuit was one of our favorite pairs of trekking poles in the field, and they also performed strongly in our side-by-side tests. We also love how versatile these poles are. Because they come with a variety of add-ons and are durable, they can be used for both summer and winter outdoor activities. We enjoyed hiking with these poles on summer backpacking trips and also used them for downhill skiing in the winter. With that in mind, most users will get thousands of miles out of these poles, making them well worth the cost.

We have two budget pole options in our lineup, both of which performed really well in all our tests. The first is the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0. The Trek-Z poles are made of aluminum, and though they aren’t the most durable, they pack down really small and are loaded with features. The features, in particular, make them very useful as they come with multiple baskets, rubber tips, and a storage bag.

Likewise, the Cascade poles come with a similar assortment of add-ons. They were slightly more difficult to set up, but we really appreciate how durable these poles are. Given the low price point and carbon fiber construction, we assumed they would fall apart easily. However, they proved us wrong and were sturdy enough to ski or snowshoe with. Like the pursuit, the durability and add-ons mean these poles can accompany you year-round, making them a great investment.

Which trekking pole is the most durable?

We expected many of the results from the durability tests, but there were a few surprises too. We started by throwing each trekking pole as far as possible, like a javelin. After picking up the poles, we proceeded with the drop test. Again, all of the poles survived with minimal damage. The bend test was the most telling, resulting in the broadest range of results.

The Black Diamond Pursuit, Black Diamond Trail Back, and Cascade Mountain Tech poles all impressed us with their durability during these tests.

All three of these poles felt physically difficult to bend, even when we “put our back into it,” so to speak. Given that aluminum has a propensity to bend rather than break, it was a promising sign that both the Pursuit and Trail Back models did not want to bend. That signals that they will likely last a long time on trail before wearing out. Carbon fiber, on the other side, is known for being strong but can suddenly snap during use. This is usually predated by some hairline cracks and crackling in our experience. We didn’t notice either of these signs when we pushed hard on the Cascade poles. We do want to note that some of the plastic flick locks on the Cascade poles could be prone to damage, but they come with a warranty or the option to buy new pole sections.

In the field, we used the Pursuit, Trail Back, and Cascade poles while downhill skiing. This puts a lot of extra strain on the poles due to dragging at high speeds, sudden jerks when changing direction, and placing full weight on them without thought in moguls or on catwalks. All three models stood up well to the rigors of the ski hill, demonstrating their supremacy as our most durable models.

Which trekking pole is the lightest weight?

Unsurprisingly, the lightest trekking poles we tested are all made from carbon fiber. The Gossamer Gear LT5 took the top spot, closely followed by the Durston Iceline and Zpacks Minimalist. All three trekking poles are explicitly designed for ultralight backpacking, so they lack features that add weight and may cut corners elsewhere to compensate.

We evaluated weight by placing all of the models in our lineup on a scale. When we did this with the LT5’s, they came in at 5.3 ounces per pole. The Durston and Zpacks poles followed closely at 5.5 and 5.7 ounces, respectively. Generally, we don’t notice the weight of average trekking poles too much, but all three of these models felt noticeably lighter when we used them on hiking and backpacking trips in the San Juans and Chiricahua Mountains.

The downside is that all of these poles do have some durability concerns. The Zpacks in particular feel quite flimsy, which is something to keep in mind when choosing a pole solely based on weight. That said, one of our editors has used the LT5 poles on thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail without any problems.

Which trekking pole is the most comfortable?

When we ranked the trekking poles we tested on comfort features, we had two main standouts. The Black Diamond Pursuit is our favorite by far for comfort, thanks to the well-padded wrist straps and ergonomically designed cork handles. There is about twice as much padding on this wrist strap as on any other in our lineup, which provides a nice way to rest the arms at pit stops. Likewise, the shape of the handles just seemed to fit the hand better than any other model we tested. The cork material helps to wick moisture and absorb shock from the ground.

Another favorite is the Leki Legacy Lite thanks to the unique vent holes in the cork handle. There are three little holes near where the bottom of the hand holds the handle, which provides extra airflow to the hand when in use. We do wish that there was more padding on the wrist straps, but overall, the handle’s shape was comfortable to hold. Not quite as comfortable as the Pursuit, but still nice in the hand. We weren’t sold on the texture of the cork grip at first, but after using them on a seven-mile day hike, we no longer noticed it.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork and Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Poles had slightly lower scores but were our next-best options for comfort. Both these poles also have cork grips (see the theme there?) and padded wrist straps. Most of the other models in our lineup had only one of those features. The Cascade poles, in particular, had nice, fuzzy fleece lining the straps, though there wasn’t much padding.

Which trekking poles are the easiest to use?

After timing how long it took to set up each pole, we had a few clear favorites: the Durston Iceline, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, and Leki Makalu Cork Lite. To keep testing fair, we had a helper time how long it took to set up each pole from fully collapsed to ready to walk down the trail. We then used their times and our field experience to compare and rank them.

One advantage of the Durston Iceline’s unique design is that it is faster and easier to set up. This model was the quickest when we timed how long it took to extend a collapsed pole to hiking length. The single folding joint, paired with a shaft that slides easily along the telescoping section, speeds up the process. The way the folding joint fits together is the fastest method we have tested so far, though the flick lock is necessary for adjustment.

Another model that was incredibly easy to put together was the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ. The shafts were easy to lock together thanks to the inner cord, and the new closure on the updated model has the perfect tension for both ease of use and security. When we timed these models, they both took about six seconds per pole to set up.

The Leki Makalu Cork Lite poles are also among our favorites due to their well-designed flick-lock shapes and shafts, which do not stick when expanded. When we timed how long it took to set up these poles, it took nine seconds.

All three of these poles were easy to set up each morning while backpacking in the Chiricahuas and White Mountains of Arizona, and on day hikes around Durango, Colorado.

Which trekking pole is the most packable?

Trekking poles with a folding design tend to be more compact than telescoping models. After measuring the collapsed length of each pole in our lineup, we found that the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ and Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 models were easily the most compact trekking poles. The Leki Black Series FX Carbon poles are not too far behind.

The Distance Carbon trekking poles are geared a bit more towards trail runners, but still make an excellent pole for hiking and backpacking in our experience. The folding design makes them short, but the smaller shaft diameters prevent them from being wider. We also like that they come with a small velcro closure that can be used to hold them together. They are our top choice for trips where the poles will be stowed away for most of the trip, but are also helpful for steep ascents and descents in tough terrain, such as our thru-hike of the Vancouver Island Trail.

The Trek-Z poles were only slightly longer at 14.75 inches versus the Distance Carbon’s 14.25 inches. This, paired with a slightly wider packed width of 3.5 inches, brought them into second place. Again, they came with velcro straps to hold them together, and they were easy to carry in our backpack on backpacking trips. The Black Series poles measured 16 inches long, with a slightly wider width, and rounded out third place in this category.

Which trekking poles have the best features?

The Cascade Mountain Tech and Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 trekking poles have the most features, making them highly versatile. Specifically, these poles include the basics, such as wrist straps and summer and winter baskets, several tip covers, and a grip extension. Both also come with a storage bag.

One thing we like about the Cascade poles is that, even though replacing the carbide tips is hard (but possible), replacement parts are sold for almost every part of the pole on Cascade Mountain Tech’s website. That makes it easy to keep this pole going, rather than having to replace the entire thing when something breaks. We found the grip extension to be very helpful and comfortable to use when on a winter snowshoe trip and when skiing.

The Trek-Z had almost identical features; the biggest difference is that it isn’t possible to replace the carbide tips. This is something we would like to see to keep them usable for longer. That being said, we really appreciate the extra baskets, storage bag, and rubber tip covers, particularly given the price point for these poles.

Our overall top performer, the Black Diamond Pursuit, also did well in the features category. They include great winter baskets that we used while skiing and a small tension adjuster hidden inside the lower pole shaft. Both the MSR DynaLock Explore and the Leki Black Series FX Carbon offered similar versatility to the Pursuit due to their respective combinations of features. More specifically, the Black Series comes with a storage bag, and the DynaLock includes two sets of baskets. We really appreciate the storage bag with folding poles, as it makes less of a mess when not being used.

How to Choose Trekking Poles

What’s the best material for trekking poles?

Carbon fiber and aluminum are the two materials that make up most trekking poles. Carbon fiber is an excellent choice for those who prioritize weight, but it is typically not as durable. This material does not bend, so a large amount of weight will cause the pole to snap. 

Aluminum poles tend to weigh more than carbon fiber poles but tend to offer greater durability. They have more give and will bend some before breaking. Some poles have shafts made up of both materials in different sections for those looking for the best of both.

are expensive trekking poles worth it?

Poles can get spendy! Some price tags reflect more value, comfort, and versatility. Usually, cork handles and carbon fiber shafts are the culprits for a high price tag. 

Sometimes, spending a little bit more for a set of poles that will last a long time might be worth it as the cost will be more economical in the long run. There is nothing wrong with choosing a cheap pair of poles; however, they may come with some tradeoffs in terms of weight, durability, and packability.

is weight an important consideration for a trekking pole?

Even though trekking poles are not typically counted towards a backpack’s base weight, the ounces still add up when your arms are doing thousands of lifts throughout a trip.

Weight becomes more of a consideration if trails require you to stash them on your pack. For day hikers or winter use, a heavier/more sturdy pole may be a better option.

which trekking poles are most durable?

Aluminum trekking poles are more durable than trekking poles made of carbon fiber. When crossing streams, snowfields, or bushwhacking off-trail, we trust aluminum poles. At worst, they’re might bend – but probably won’t break – under stress.

Cheap poles will bend and it can be a big bummer. Sometimes they won’t telescope and nest in the larger shaft or slide into their adjacent pole if it deforms enough.

What pole designs do trekking poles come in?

Telescoping

The most common style of trekking pole, telescoping poles, consists of two to three poles nested together. A locking mechanism keeps them in place when packed down or extended, allowing for incredible flexibility when choosing the pole’s length.

Folding

This style folds down very small, is lightweight, and has thinner shafts, making these poles great for activities where they are stowed away frequently, such as trail running. Most have a fixed length, but some include a telescoping section to increase adjustability.

Fixed

Fixed poles, mostly used by downhill skiers, have no built-in adjustability. Instead, they consist of one long pole that cannot be broken down or collapsed. These poles are not typically well-suited for hiking or backpacking, as better options are available that are easier to stow away.

What locking systems are available?

The two most common locking systems are flick and twist locks. Flick locks feature an external locking mechanism that can be easily adjusted for optimal use.

Twist locks have an internal system with a small bracket that expands when activated. Flick locks are more reliable and adjustable, whereas twist locks are more streamlined but take longer to set up.

What grip material should i choose?

Grip material can significantly affect comfort, blister prevention, cleanliness, weight, and durability. We recommend choosing a cork grip for its comfortable grip, its ability to minimize dirty hands, and its durability. If weight or price is a bigger priority, foam might be the way to go.

do i really need straps?

Straps can help increase stability and prevent the pole from being lost if it is dropped on a slope. They also help relieve hand fatigue from all the gripping.

The most efficient way to use the wrist straps is to place the hand through the strap from below and then grab the pole. Some poles have thicker padding on the wrist straps to avoid chaffing or discomfort. Others are no-frills affairs with rudimentary webbing, but these don’t usually feel very good at the end of a long day. Most poles also feature a cinch system to adjust the strap length.

what is the purpose of baskets?

Round plastic baskets at the end of the pole are a great feature for preventing them from plunging into snow, mud, or sand. Most poles include at least one small summer basket, and some include a second, larger basket for winter use. Poles typically have threading just above the tip, making it relatively easy to replace or exchange the baskets.

are trekking pole tips replaceable?

Pole tips typically consist of a plastic body that holds a carbide tip, enhancing stability and traction. This tip is durable but can wear down over time as it comes into contact with rocks. Fortunately, they can usually be replaced by removing either the carbide tip or the entire plastic body, then inserting a new tip from the manufacturer.

Should I Choose a Model With Shock Absorbers?

Shock absorbers are small, spring-like mechanisms near the pole’s tip that help absorb some of the impact of striking the ground. Shock absorbers are a personal preference, though we tend to avoid them. For one, the moving internal parts are prone to breakdown and difficult to repair. They also reduce some of the stability benefits of poles in rugged terrain and can become squeaky, which is annoying at the end of a long day.

How long should my trekking poles be?

Regardless of the pole design, your arms should not be bent more than 90° when holding the poles vertically when standing still on flat ground. This helps reduce the chance of injury and maximizes efficiency. Shortening the poles 5 to 10 centimeters when hiking uphill may help improve traction and planting. On descents, lengthening the poles can increase stability and footing.

Should I Buy a Gender-Specific Pole?

While there are a few gender-specific poles on the market, most of the difference is in color options and pole length. The majority of trekking poles are unisex, and our recommendation is to choose the pole that feels best on the trail.

Why Trust CleverHiker

Gear analyst Bailey Bremner has spent over 600 nights and nearly 9,000 miles on trails across the U.S. with various trekking poles. Many of her shelters have been trekking pole tents, and she leans on trekking poles to help her hike through rugged terrain on and off the trail. She found her trekking poles particularly useful while backpacking in Alaska and thru-hiking original routes such as the San Luis Loop, Columbine Route, and Western Wanderer Route.

Testing Methodology

How do we Test durability?

Durability is essential for various reasons, including those who rely on their poles for stability in uneven terrain, use them to pitch their shelter, or for crossing swift rivers. 

We tested the durability of each model by subjecting it to several tests. In the first assessment, we threw each trekking pole approximately 10 feet, like a javelin. Afterward, we dropped every pole onto a large boulder. Might sound crazy, but we’ve had some gnarly crashes while sliding down scree fields and boulder hopping.

Finally, we planted each pole in the ground and leaned on it. We don’t actually want to break any poles, so we noted which poles seemed likely to be very easy to break and which would be very difficult to snap. This test was the primary basis for our ranking system. However, we also used the degree of cosmetic damage to help with rankings.

How do we Assess weight?

The importance of weight varies by use case, but for most backpackers, every ounce counts. You’re already hauling your life on your back, so poles don’t need to add to the afternoon slumps.

The difference between the lightest and heaviest trekking poles is easily noticeable, particularly at the end of a long day. Although trekking pole weights are listed online, we weighed each model on our scale to verify the listed weights.

We used a small kitchen scale to weigh each pole for our test. Because the poles are long and don’t fit well, we used a medium-sized box and zeroed the scale before placing each trekking pole inside to weigh it. We weighed just one pole at a time, as many hikers prefer one pole. Those looking to compare pole weights should always ensure they know whether the listed weights refer to one or two poles and whether the straps are included in the weight.

What Do We Look At For comfort?

Cork handles quickly come to mind when choosing a pole specifically for comfort. Compared to foam, cork reduces vibrations in the hand from the pole hitting the ground. It also absorbs sweat better, reducing dirt on the handle. Aside from cork, we also examined whether each pole had padded wrist straps, the handle diameter, and how the handle’s shape felt in our hands. 

We gave each model a point for every comfort feature it had and counted the total. Before giving each model a final ranking, we also considered design features that would negatively impact comfort, such as weirdly shaped lumps or uncomfortable wrist straps. We took points away if those were present.

How do we test ease of use?

After testing many trekking poles, it is evident that some are easier to set up and use than others. The storage design, the tightness of any flip locks, and the materials affect how easy it is to open the poles in the field.

To test for this, we practiced setting up each pole to the desired length a few times, then timed how long it took to switch the pole from fully collapsed to ready to use. The model with the shortest time is the easiest to use, and the pole with the longest time is the most difficult to use.

How do we Assess packability?

Packability is an essential quality for traveling with trekking poles or storing them. We have found this to be especially true when flying or hitchhiking. To test how small each set of poles packs down, we completely collapsed each set and measured the length from end to end.

The set of poles with the shortest length is the most packable. While we primarily focused on length, we also measured their collapsed dimensions. This measurement was used only to break ties.

How Do We Look For features?

Different features can provide more versatility for each pair of trekking poles. We awarded points to each model for features such as wrist straps, summer and winter baskets, tip covers, the ability to replace the tip, flip-lock tightness adjusters, grip extenders, and storage bags. We awarded the model with the most features the highest ranking in this category.

Conclusion

There is a wide variety of trekking poles on the market. Some are designed to save as much weight as possible; others take a well-rounded approach; and still others focus on offering the most competitive price. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information needed to choose the best trekking pole for your needs.