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10 Best Hiking Poles

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
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
10.0
Chosen by1,444
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.
#2

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles – Collapsible, Lightweight, Shock-Absorbent Hiking Trekking Poles with Natural Cork Grips, Flip Locks, 4 Season/All Terrain Accessories & Carry Bag

Rating
9.4
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
The carbon fiber construction makes these poles incredibly lightweight yet strong, perfect for long hikes without arm fatigue.
Adjustability
Quick flip locks with clear markings allow easy and secure adjustment, adapting well to different users and terrains.
Grip Material
Natural cork grips combined with foam sleeves keep hands dry and comfortable, enhancing the hiking experience.
Locking Mechanism
Quick flip locks with clear markings allow easy and secure adjustment, adapting well to different users and terrains.
Basket Size
The included snow and mud baskets, tip covers, and a convenient carry bag make these poles versatile and travel-friendly.

The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles stand out mainly because they’re made from 100% carbon fiber, making them very lightweight at just about 7.6 ounces each. This helps you hike longer without tiring your arms. The poles also provide good shock absorption, reducing stress on your joints during rough terrain. Adjustability is handled well with quick flip locks that are easy to use and secure, allowing the poles to extend from 24" to 55", suitable for most adults and even kids.

The natural cork grips are a nice touch, as they absorb sweat and keep your hands dry and comfortable on long hikes. Added foam sleeves offer extra grip options when needed. The poles come with sturdy baskets and tips designed for various terrains, including snow and mud, which makes them versatile across different seasons. They also include a carrying case for convenience.

A minor drawback might be the relatively small packed size, which could be less compact than some ultralight models, but this is balanced by solid durability. The locking mechanism is reliable but might require occasional maintenance to keep smooth. These poles are well suited for hikers looking for lightweight, comfortable, and all-around dependable trekking poles that perform well on many trail conditions.

Rating
9.4
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
The carbon fiber construction makes these poles incredibly lightweight yet strong, perfect for long hikes without arm fatigue.
Adjustability
Quick flip locks with clear markings allow easy and secure adjustment, adapting well to different users and terrains.
Grip Material
Natural cork grips combined with foam sleeves keep hands dry and comfortable, enhancing the hiking experience.
Locking Mechanism
Quick flip locks with clear markings allow easy and secure adjustment, adapting well to different users and terrains.
Basket Size
The included snow and mud baskets, tip covers, and a convenient carry bag make these poles versatile and travel-friendly.
#3

TheFitLife Carbon Fibre Trekking Poles - Collapsible and Telescopic Walking Poles, 2-Pack, Ultra Light, Extendable, Best Walking Sticks for Traveling Camping Hiking Mountaineering (Blue)

Rating
8.2
Weight
Locking Mechanism
Grip Material
Weight
The poles are impressively lightweight and easy to carry, barely noticeable even with a full hiking pack.
Locking Mechanism
The flip-lock system is very secure and solid, providing stable support once extended.
Grip Material
Cork handles offer excellent comfort and grip, effectively managing sweat even during intense use.
Adjustability
Adjustable wrist straps enhance comfort and security, making the poles easier to handle on varied terrain.

TheFitLife Carbon Fibre Trekking Poles are designed to support a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. Made from 100% carbon fibre, they are very lightweight—each pole weighs just 0.44 lbs (0.2 kg), which makes them easy to carry over long distances without tiring your arms. Their shock-absorbing material helps reduce impact on your knees and joints, which is great if you’re walking on uneven or rough terrain.

The poles adjust smoothly using a flip-lock system, extending from 24 inches (62 cm) up to 53 inches (135 cm). This makes them suitable for users of different heights, including children and adults. The measuring scale on the poles helps you find the right length quickly. The comfortable cork grips absorb sweat and fit your hand well, while adjustable wrist straps add extra security and support. They also include EVA foam sleeves for gripping during tricky climbs. The pole tips come with rubber accessories that improve traction on slippery or muddy surfaces, making them versatile for various conditions. A waterproof carrying bag is included for easy transport and storage.

These poles combine durability, lightness, and comfort, making them a solid choice for anyone from casual hikers to more serious trekkers looking for reliable and adjustable walking support.

Rating
8.2
Weight
Locking Mechanism
Grip Material
Weight
The poles are impressively lightweight and easy to carry, barely noticeable even with a full hiking pack.
Locking Mechanism
The flip-lock system is very secure and solid, providing stable support once extended.
Grip Material
Cork handles offer excellent comfort and grip, effectively managing sweat even during intense use.
Adjustability
Adjustable wrist straps enhance comfort and security, making the poles easier to handle on varied terrain.

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.