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10 Best Hiking Poles

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leki Makalu FX Carbon, Black/Orange/Natural Carbon

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,313
Adjustability
Weight
Adjustability
Fantastic quality - collapsible for easy packing, quick and easy to adjust, solid yet lightweight and comfortable.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to pack away and reassemble.

The Leki Makalu Fx Carbon Poles offer a high-quality option for hikers seeking durable and adjustable trekking poles. These poles are made from carbon fiber, which is lightweight yet strong, making them suitable for long hikes. The extended length of 130 cm ensures they can accommodate various heights and preferences. Additionally, the material combination of carbon fiber and aluminum provides a balance between weight and sturdiness.

At 635 grams, these poles are relatively lightweight, which is a significant advantage for reducing fatigue during extended use. The grip material is synthetic, designed to offer comfort and reduce strain on the hands. However, it may not be as breathable as natural cork grips, which could be a consideration for some users. Adjustability is straightforward, allowing fine-tuning between 110 cm and 130 cm, suitable for different terrains and user heights.

The product has a solid customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 139 reviews, indicating general satisfaction among users. These trekking poles are a great choice for multi-sport and year-round usage, especially valued for their lightweight and adjustable features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,313
Adjustability
Weight
Adjustability
Fantastic quality - collapsible for easy packing, quick and easy to adjust, solid yet lightweight and comfortable.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to pack away and reassemble.
#2

TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles - 2 Pack With Antishock And Quick Lock System, Telescopic, Collapsible, Ultralight For Hiking, Camping, Mountaining, Backpacking, Walking, Trekking

Rating
9.7
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
Lightweight yet sturdy construction makes these poles reliable for extended use, especially beneficial for those with joint issues or recovering from surgery.
Adjustability
The quick-lock system works effectively once properly understood, ensuring secure adjustments without hassle.
Grip Material
Extra-long foam grips provide good moisture absorption and comfort, though long-distance users might prefer gloves for additional hand protection.

TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles are made from strong yet lightweight 6-series aluminum, making them durable without feeling heavy during long hikes. They have excellent shock absorption thanks to built-in anti-shock features, which can help reduce strain on your joints, especially on rough terrain. The poles adjust quickly and easily from 26 inches to 51 inches using a reliable quick-lock system, allowing users to set a comfortable length based on height or trail needs. This collapsibility also means they pack down small, fitting neatly into a backpack.

The extra-long EVA foam grips feel soft and absorb moisture, which keeps your hands comfortable and prevents slipping, and the included wrist straps add extra security. The package comes with rubber accessories useful for different surfaces, which adds versatility. At just over 450 grams for the pair, they’re light enough for most hiking and trekking activities without causing fatigue. One possible downside is that the maximum recommended height is 74 inches, so very tall users might find them a bit short.

These poles represent a solid choice for hikers, campers, and backpackers seeking lightweight, adjustable, and shock-absorbing trekking poles with good grip comfort.

Rating
9.7
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
Lightweight yet sturdy construction makes these poles reliable for extended use, especially beneficial for those with joint issues or recovering from surgery.
Adjustability
The quick-lock system works effectively once properly understood, ensuring secure adjustments without hassle.
Grip Material
Extra-long foam grips provide good moisture absorption and comfort, though long-distance users might prefer gloves for additional hand protection.
#3

TheFitLife Collapsible Trekking Poles for Hiking – Lightweight Folding Walking Sticks for Men and Women with Extra-Long Foam Handle and Metal Flip Lock

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight
Adjustability
The adjustment clamp is secure yet unobtrusive, making assembly straightforward with clear markings.
Grip Material
Comfortable foam handles and adjustable wrist straps help reduce hand fatigue during long walks.
Weight
Lightweight design significantly reduces arm fatigue, making them suitable for extended trekking sessions.
Material
Good quality and performance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands without sacrificing key features.

TheFitLife Collapsible Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers between 5'5" and 6'2" looking for lightweight and packable walking sticks. Made from durable 7075 aluminium alloy, they offer good strength while keeping weight low at around 280 grams per pole. This lightness helps reduce arm fatigue over long walks. The poles fold down to just 14.6 inches, making them easy to carry in a backpack, and they come with a handy storage bag. Their foam handles are extra-long and ergonomically shaped to keep your hands comfortable and reduce sweating, with adjustable wrist straps to relieve hand pressure.

The metal flip lock and hidden button locking system are designed to be secure and quick to adjust, though some users might find the 20 cm adjustment steps less precise than smaller increments. The poles come with tungsten steel tips plus rubber, mud, and snow baskets, so they can handle various terrains and weather conditions well. While there’s no specific mention of shock absorption features, the sturdy aluminium build offers good support. These poles are a great fit for casual to moderate hiking, especially if you value easy transport and comfort.

If you need very fine height adjustments or advanced shock-absorbing features, you might want to consider alternatives. TheFitLife poles provide reliable performance with thoughtful details for most walkers and hikers in the UK.

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight
Adjustability
The adjustment clamp is secure yet unobtrusive, making assembly straightforward with clear markings.
Grip Material
Comfortable foam handles and adjustable wrist straps help reduce hand fatigue during long walks.
Weight
Lightweight design significantly reduces arm fatigue, making them suitable for extended trekking sessions.
Material
Good quality and performance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands without sacrificing key features.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Poles

Choosing the right hiking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain on your joints, and improving your balance. When selecting hiking poles, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
MaterialThe material of hiking poles affects their weight, durability, and cost. Common materials include aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are generally more durable and less expensive, but they are heavier. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and reduce fatigue over long distances, but they can be more expensive and less durable. If you prioritize durability and cost, aluminum might be the best choice. If you need lightweight poles for long hikes, consider carbon fiber.
AdjustabilityAdjustable hiking poles allow you to change their length to suit different terrains and your height. This is important for comfort and efficiency. Adjustable poles can be telescoping or folding. Telescoping poles are easy to adjust and sturdy, while folding poles are more compact and easier to pack. If you hike on varied terrain or share poles with others, adjustable poles are ideal. For those who prioritize compactness, folding poles are a great option.
Grip MaterialThe grip material of hiking poles affects comfort and sweat management. Common grip materials include cork, foam, and rubber. Cork grips conform to your hand shape over time and manage moisture well, making them comfortable for long hikes. Foam grips are soft and absorb sweat, providing comfort in hot conditions. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold, but they can become slippery when wet. Choose cork or foam grips for comfort and moisture management, and rubber grips for durability.
WeightThe weight of hiking poles can impact your energy levels and fatigue over long hikes. Lighter poles are easier to carry and reduce fatigue, while heavier poles can provide more stability and durability. If you plan on long-distance hiking or have joint issues, lighter poles are preferable. For shorter hikes or rough terrain, heavier poles might offer better support.
Shock AbsorptionSome hiking poles come with shock absorption features, which can reduce the impact on your joints, especially on downhill sections. This is particularly important for those with joint issues or those planning to hike on hard surfaces. Shock-absorbing poles can be slightly heavier and more expensive. If joint protection is a priority, look for poles with shock absorption. If you prefer simplicity and lighter weight, non-shock-absorbing poles might be sufficient.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism of adjustable poles ensures they stay at the desired length. Common types include lever locks, twist locks, and push-button locks. Lever locks are easy to adjust and very secure, twist locks are lighter but can be less reliable, and push-button locks are simple and quick to use. If you need quick and secure adjustments, lever locks are ideal. For those who prefer lightweight options, twist locks might be suitable.
Basket SizeThe basket at the bottom of the pole prevents it from sinking into soft ground. Larger baskets are useful for snow or muddy conditions, while smaller baskets are better for rocky or hard-packed trails. If you hike in varied conditions, consider poles with interchangeable baskets. For specific environments, choose the basket size that matches the terrain you will encounter most often.