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10 Best Trekking Poles

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

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Adjustability
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Grip Material
The comfortable cork grips and sturdy wrist straps enhance the hiking experience, while the poles pack neatly into a bag that easily straps to a rucksack.
Weight
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Locking Mechanism
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are designed for both novice and experienced hikers. Made from 100% carbon fiber, these poles offer excellent lightweight durability, weighing just 7.6 ounces each. This makes them ideal for long treks as they minimize impact on joints while maintaining sturdiness. Their shock-absorbent properties enhance comfort on uneven terrains.

The poles feature quick-lock technology, allowing easy and rapid adjustments from 24 to 55 inches, catering to a wide range of heights, ensuring stability during use. The grip material is natural cork, which absorbs sweat and provides a comfortable, non-slip hold—essential for maintaining grip in various weather conditions. The poles also come with extra-padded wrist straps and EVA foam sleeves, improving comfort during extended use and adapting to terrain changes efficiently.

Equipped with tungsten carbide tips and thermoplastic rubber tips, these poles are adaptable to all terrains and conditions, from icy mountains to muddy trails. They come with essential accessories, including a carrying case for easy storage. However, users looking for ultra-lightweight options might find carbon fiber marginally heavier than some other materials. Despite this, Foxelli offers a generous 120-day return policy and a one-year warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are robust, versatile, and comfortable, suitable for both casual walks and more demanding hiking adventures.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Material
Adjustability
Grip Material
Material
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Adjustability
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Grip Material
The comfortable cork grips and sturdy wrist straps enhance the hiking experience, while the poles pack neatly into a bag that easily straps to a rucksack.
Weight
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
Locking Mechanism
The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Walking Poles are fantastic quality at a very reasonable price, offering lightweight durability and easy adjustability with their quick-lock technology.
#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
9.4
Weight
Adjustability
Weight
The poles offer a robust yet lightweight design that balances strength without feeling heavy on long hikes.
Adjustability
Adjusting the height is straightforward and secure thanks to the reliable twist-lock mechanism that holds well during use.

TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles offer a solid choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for lightweight, adjustable support. Made from durable aluminum, they strike a good balance between strength and weight, with each pole weighing just under 10 ounces, making them easy to carry on long hikes. Their telescopic design adjusts smoothly from 25.6 inches to 51.2 inches, fitting a wide range of users, and the quick twist-lock system is straightforward to use even with gloves on, avoiding the bulk and fiddliness of lever locks.

The ergonomic rubber grips provide comfortable, non-slip handling, and the included accessories—like rubber tips and baskets for mud or snow—make these poles versatile for different terrains and weather conditions. The built-in shock absorption helps reduce impact on rough trails, adding comfort and stability. They collapse compactly for travel but check airline luggage size rules if flying.

One downside is that aluminium poles can be less shock-absorbent than carbon fibre options and might feel a bit heavier for those seeking ultra-light gear. Also, the twist-lock mechanism, while convenient, may require occasional maintenance to keep it working smoothly. These poles are a dependable and versatile choice for casual to intermediate trekkers who want reliable support without the complexity or weight of high-end models.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Adjustability
Weight
The poles offer a robust yet lightweight design that balances strength without feeling heavy on long hikes.
Adjustability
Adjusting the height is straightforward and secure thanks to the reliable twist-lock mechanism that holds well during use.
#3

Leki Makalu FX Carbon, Black/Orange/Natural Carbon

Rating
8.8
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight
The poles are impressively lightweight and pack down easily, making them perfect for trekking and travel.
Adjustability
Adjusting the length is quick and simple once you understand the locking mechanism, though the included instructions could be clearer.
Grip Material
The poles feel solid and sturdy in hand, combining strength with a comfortable grip that handles moisture well.
Material
They offer a reliable balance between lightweight design and durable support, ideal for varied terrain.
Locking Mechanism
Adjusting the length is quick and simple once you understand the locking mechanism, though the included instructions could be clearer.

The Leki Makalu Fx Carbon poles are designed for trekkers looking for a lightweight yet sturdy option. Made from carbon fiber combined with aluminum, these poles offer strength without adding much weight, which is a big plus for long hikes. They weigh about 635 grams, which strikes a good balance between being light enough to carry comfortably and strong enough to provide reliable support. The poles adjust from 110 to 130 cm, giving you flexibility to find a comfortable height whether you're walking uphill or downhill. The locking mechanism is secure, helping the poles stay fixed at your chosen length during use.

The grips are made from synthetic material, offering a comfortable hold that manages moisture well, but they might not feel as soft as natural cork grips for some users. These poles come in a sleek black, orange, and natural carbon color mix, making them visually appealing too. While not the cheapest on the market, the Leki Makalu Fx Carbon poles have a high customer rating, reflecting good satisfaction among users who appreciate their durability and performance.

If you want reliable, adjustable trekking poles that perform well across different terrains and seasons, these are a solid choice. Those who prefer ultra-light poles or softer grip materials might want to explore other options.

Rating
8.8
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight
The poles are impressively lightweight and pack down easily, making them perfect for trekking and travel.
Adjustability
Adjusting the length is quick and simple once you understand the locking mechanism, though the included instructions could be clearer.
Grip Material
The poles feel solid and sturdy in hand, combining strength with a comfortable grip that handles moisture well.
Material
They offer a reliable balance between lightweight design and durable support, ideal for varied terrain.
Locking Mechanism
Adjusting the length is quick and simple once you understand the locking mechanism, though the included instructions could be clearer.

Buying Guide for the Best Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are essential tools for hikers and trekkers, providing stability, reducing strain on your legs, and enhancing your balance on uneven terrain. Choosing the right trekking poles involves understanding various features and how they align with your hiking needs. Consider factors such as the type of terrain you'll be navigating, your physical condition, and the length and duration of your hikes. By evaluating these aspects, you can select trekking poles that will enhance your hiking experience and provide the support you need.
MaterialThe material of trekking poles affects their weight, durability, and cost. Common materials include aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are generally more durable and less expensive, making them a good choice for rugged terrain and beginners. Carbon fiber poles are lighter, which can be beneficial for long hikes or when every ounce counts, but they can be more expensive and less durable if subjected to heavy impacts. Consider your hiking style and terrain; if you prioritize weight savings and hike on less rocky paths, carbon fiber might be ideal. For more rugged use, aluminum could be the better choice.
AdjustabilityAdjustability refers to the ability to change the length of the trekking poles. Adjustable poles are versatile and can be shortened or lengthened to suit different terrains or user heights. They are particularly useful for varying inclines, as you can shorten them for uphill climbs and lengthen them for descents. Fixed-length poles are lighter and simpler but lack this versatility. If you often hike on varied terrain or share poles with others, adjustable poles are a practical choice. For those who prefer simplicity and hike on consistent terrain, fixed-length poles might suffice.
Grip MaterialThe grip material of trekking poles affects comfort and moisture management. Common materials include cork, foam, and rubber. Cork grips conform to your hand over time, absorb sweat, and reduce vibration, making them comfortable for long hikes. Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture, providing comfort in wet conditions. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold, ideal for cold weather but can become slippery when wet. Choose a grip material based on the climate and conditions you typically hike in; cork is great for long, dry hikes, foam for wet conditions, and rubber for cold environments.
WeightThe weight of trekking poles can impact your energy expenditure over long hikes. Lighter poles are easier to carry and swing, reducing fatigue, especially on long treks. However, lighter poles, often made from carbon fiber, can be more expensive and less durable. Heavier poles, typically made from aluminum, offer more durability and stability, which can be beneficial on rugged terrain. Consider the length and difficulty of your hikes; if you prioritize endurance and speed, opt for lighter poles. For more challenging terrains where durability is key, heavier poles might be more suitable.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism on adjustable trekking poles secures the pole at the desired length. Common types include lever locks and twist locks. Lever locks are easy to adjust and reliable, even in cold or wet conditions, making them a popular choice for most hikers. Twist locks are lighter and more streamlined but can be less reliable if not properly maintained. If you need quick and easy adjustments, especially in varying weather conditions, lever locks are recommended. For those who prefer a lighter setup and are comfortable with maintenance, twist locks might be adequate.