From weekend strolls to full-on thru-hikes, trekking poles are essential for every hiker. They reduce knee impact, prevent long-term damage, and enhance stability to mitigate injuries on precipitous or uneven terrain. In this article, we share our favourite poles for 2024.
The Top Trekking Poles Reviewed
Best Overall Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
For their unrivalled comfort and ergonomic design, the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles take our top spot for the best overall trekking poles in 2024. Featuring natural cork grips and Bloom grip extensions, these poles manage moisture and reduce hand fatigue—perfect for those long, summer hikes. The soft-touch FlickLock+ system ensures quick adjustments, while the 7000 series aluminium shafts guarantee durability and stability.
What Others Are Saying About Them
The 5-star rating speaks for itself. Nathan N. sums it up neatly, writing, “Just a perfect trekking pole, nothing else to say.” Other reviewers have also noted comfort, ergonomic build, and reliability of the Pursuit trekking poles.
Features and Benefits
- Ergonomic Grip: Designed to improve comfort and reduce hand fatigue.
- Cork Grips and Bloom Grip Extensions: Manages moisture and provides additional hand positions on steep ascents.
- Solution 2.0 Wrist Straps: Made from post-consumer recycled fibres for eco-friendly comfort.
- Soft-touch FlickLock+: Allows quick and easy adjustments.
- Durable Aluminium Shafts: Built to withstand rigorous hiking conditions.
- Unisex Sizes Available: Usable lengths of 100-125 cm (S/M) and 100-140 cm (M/L).
Price: 0.00$
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Best Budget Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
The Life Sports Gear Easy Trail Trekking Poles are the best budget option for hikers seeking affordability and functionality. Despite the aluminium frame not being ultralight, it offers durability and reliability. The three collapsible joints ensure easy transport, and the soft handle with secure wrist wraps enhances comfort during hikes.
What Others Are Saying About Them
Hikers appreciate the cork handle construction and sheer affordability of these poles. Jose E. says, “Easy to assemble and very light. Took it on a 60km hike and did very well. Cork handles take the shape of your hand without taking the sweat.” A solid pick, especially for budget-conscious adventurers.
Features and Benefits
- Adjustable Length: Extends up to 135 cm.
- Carbon Steel Tip: Provides exceptional toughness and durability.
- Three-Section Aluminum Pole: Made of 6061-T6 aluminium for strength and ease of assembly.
- Comfortable Cork Grip: Antibacterial and ergonomic for a secure hold.
- Adjustable Handle Straps: Enhance stability and comfort.
- Compact Packed Size: Collapses to 67 cm.
- Versatile Baskets: Includes removable summer and winter baskets.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Trekking Poles for Women
Why We Love Them
Offering a mix of exceptional design and performance, the Leki Ultratrail FX One Trail Running Poles are a favourite among female hikers in 2024. Featuring the innovative Trail Shark grip-strap system, these poles are lightweight and provide direct power transfer for optimal performance. The compact packing size and carbon construction make them an excellent choice for both trail runners and hikers.
What Others Are Saying About Them
With a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews, these poles are loved for their comfort and efficiency. Annelle C. raves, “Very light and easy to assemble. Comfortable handles and the quick release is a bonus.”
Features and Benefits
- Trail Shark Grip: 30% lighter than the traditional Shark system.
- Shark Frame Strap Mesh: Fits like a glove and ensures direct power transfer.
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighs only 182 g and packs down to 36 cm.
- Four-Section Folding System: Easy to assemble with a push-button mechanism.
- Trail Running Tip: Equipped with a carbide tip for enhanced traction and durability.
- Durable Carbon: High rigidity carbon (HRC) for strength and reliability.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Ultralight Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
In a market over-saturated with empty ultralight claims, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are the real deal. Built with premium materials, these poles are designed with three 100% carbon fibre shafts that make them featherlight yet incredibly sturdy. Meanwhile, the updated FlickLock Pro, combined with the cork grip and ergonomic rubber grip extension, provides superior comfort and durability.
What Others Are Saying About Them
Coming in with a 4.9-star rating from 87 reviews, hikers praise these poles for their lightweight design, ease of use, and durability. Robin G. says, “I've taken these on a couple of hikes so far and they've been great. They're lightweight and strong, easy to set to the desired height, very comfortable in the hand, and I can tell they are helping me move more quickly and with less stress on my knees.”
Features and Benefits
- Lightweight Design: Weighs only 17 oz (486 g).
- Premium Cork Grip: Updated with a soft-rubber grip extension for enhanced comfort and control.
- FlickLock Pro Adjustability: Features a streamlined aluminium design for quick, secure, and easy adjustments.
- 100% Carbon Fibre Shaft: Ensures lightweight durability and stability.
- Interchangeable Tips: Allows switching between carbide and rubber tips to adapt to changing trail surfaces.
- Versatile Baskets: Includes 38 mm trekking baskets and ski-compatible ferrule for deep snow with 100 mm powder baskets.
- Adjustable Length: Ranges from 100-130 cm.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Premium Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
Epitomising quality in both materials and design, the Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles is a top-of-the-line option. These poles are crafted from 100% carbon fibre, ensuring both durability and ultralight performance. Meanwhile, their innovative Aergon Air system enhances grip and control, especially during downhill hikes—an outstanding feature for avid hikers seeking precision and reliability.
What Others Are Saying About Them
With a 4.9-star rating from 20 reviews, users praise the Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles for their exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and superior control. Ken B. says, “I've had Leki poles for years, and multiple types and styles. These are by far the best, most versatile ones I've ever had. I love the new locking system and the ability to collapse smaller, pack or strap to some of my smaller packs. Will now be my go to set.”
Features and Benefits
- Aergon Air System: Patented design provides maximum grip and control.
- 100% Carbon Fibre Frame: Combines lightweight construction with durability.
- Hollow Core Technology: Reduces the weight of each pole to a mere 8 oz (228 g).
- Ergonomic Cork Handles: Offer comfort and better control.
- Adjustable Length: Extends from 110 to 130 cm.
- Compact Pack Size: Folds down to 40 cm for easy transport.
- Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0: Ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
- Speed Lock 2 Plus System: Allows for quick and secure length adjustments.
- Versatile Tip and Basket: Equipped with Flex Tip Short (Carbide) and trekking baskets.
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Best Compact Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
If you’re looking for something you can easily collapse and toss into your backpack, consider the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles. They boast unmatched lightweight performance with their 100% carbon construction, and feature a three-section foldable design for quick deployment—perfect for fast-paced adventures. The breathable EVA grip and moisture-wicking strap also ensure comfort on the go.
What Others Are Saying About Them
With a 4.9-star rating from 34 reviews, users highly commend these poles for their lightweight and compact design, ideal for both hiking and running. Sergey V. says, “I have these poles for my trail running events around Calgary. They are lightweight and easy to set up. Amazing poles for my needs! I would buy them again.”
Features and Benefits
- 100% Carbon Fibre Shafts: Provides lightweight strength and durability.
- Z-Pole Fixed Length Construction: Speed-cone deployment for quick and efficient setup.
- Ultralight Design: Weighs only 5 oz (140 g) per pole, ideal for fast travel.
- EVA Foam Grip: Lightweight and comfortable, with a grip extension for more versatility.
- Breathable Strap: Moisture-wicking strap made from recycled materials.
- Interchangeable Tips: Compatible with both carbide and rubber tech tips.
- Removable Baskets: Z-Pole Snow Basket compatibility.
Price: 0.00$
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BEST TRAIL RUNNING POLES
Why We Love Them
Trail running demands poles that are equally lightweight and ergonomic. That’s why the Leki Cross Trail Carbon Trekking Poles are the best trail running poles in 2024. Featuring the innovative Cross Shark grip system, they combine the benefits of trail running and trekking grips, making them ideal for fast mountain workouts. Their carbon construction and adjustable design ensure durability and adaptability.
What Others Are Saying About Them
These poles have earned high praise for their comfort and functionality. Users appreciate the secure and breathable grip system, the lightweight feel, and the ability to adjust easily—making them a top choice for both trail running and hiking.
Features and Benefits
- Cross Shark Grip System: Combines the speed of trail running grips with the support of trekking grips.
- Adjustable Length: Extends from 100-135 cm to accommodate various terrains and preferences.
- Lightweight Carbon Construction: Weighs only 7.6 oz (217 g).
- Ergonomic Strap: Infinitely adjustable and made of breathable mesh.
- Grip Extension: Provides additional grip options on steep terrain.
- Speed Lock 2 Plus System: Allows for quick and secure adjustments.
- Versatile Tip and Basket: Features a robust Flex Tip and a Nordic basket.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Winter Trekking Poles
Why We Love Them
The Koti Sports L'Agile Snowshoes and Poles Set is the ultimate winter hiking companion, designed for strength and stability in snowy conditions. This set includes a pair of snowshoes and trekking poles, so you have all the gear you need for your winter adventures. Available in two sizes to accommodate.
What Others Are Saying About Them
With a 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews, customers rave about the durability and lightweight design of the Koti Sports L'Agile Snowshoes and Poles Set. Samantha B. writes, “I went on a long hike and they held up well, I had no trouble putting them on and they're very light. I really like them.”
Features and Benefits
- Steel with Powder Coating: Ensures durability and resistance to the elements.
- 1-Pull Binding System: Allows for quick and secure adjustments.
- Heel Raising System: Provides additional support and comfort on steep inclines.
- EVA Padded Harness: Enhances comfort during long hikes.
- Two Sizes Available: S/M (8'' x 21''), suitable for 100 - 150 lb, or L/XL (8'' x 25''), suitable for 150 - 200 lb.
- Artist Designed: Features unique designs by Montreal-based artist Jason “JASNKO” Nankoo.
- What's in the Box?: Includes snowshoes, trekking poles, and carrying bags.
Price: 0.00$
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What to look for when buying trekking poles
Pole Material
The two most common hiking pole materials are aluminium and carbon fibre. The former is affordable and extremely durable, while the latter is ultralight and flexible.
If you tend to lean heavily into your poles or frequently require them for balance, aluminium is a safe bet. If you like to move quickly, you’ll adore carbon fibre but this does come at a higher price.
Grip Material
Cork is best when it comes to trekking poles. It’s fast-drying, malleable, and smooth to the touch. In second place is any kind of foam, as it’s also soft and lightweight, though more likely to retain odours.
The least desirable grip material is firm plastic, which is both heavy and increases the likelihood of gnarly blisters. Though, incidentally, plastic is probably the most sanitary.
Wrist Wraps
A standard feature across most walking poles, wrist wraps let you keep a looser grip on your poles without fear of dropping them. A looser grip also allows for more pole flexibility on uneven surfaces and requires less energy from your arms.
Length
At a minimum, your poles should extend to the height of your hips. This is the ideal height for ungraded (flat) surfaces. You will, however, need to adjust the height when going up or downhill.
If you plan on using your poles to pitch your tent, check the required specs. Nesting poles (whereby each inner tube is nested in its parent tube) offer the most versatility when it comes to length adjustment.
Weight
Trekking poles can weigh anywhere from under a pound to several pounds. For ultralighters in three-season conditions, lightweight carbon fibre trekking poles is the way to go. For winter hikers relying on their poles for balance and support, expect a heavier set.
Locking System
Locking systems keep your pole rigid at your desired height. There are three main locking systems, including twist locks, external lever locks, push-button locks, or a combination thereof. All systems are dependable and this mostly comes down to personal preference.
Packability
Many cheaper poles or obsessively ultralight poles aren’t collapsible, making them a terrible choice for packability.
The most packable poles have between two and three joints, where they can be collapsed to a reasonable length that fits in your backpack’s external pocket or dedicated pole loops.
Strength & Durability
As previously mentioned, aluminium is stronger than carbon fibre. That said, carbon fibre is exceptionally strong for its density. Overall, an aluminium set will be more durable in the long-run. But don’t discount the strength of a carbon set!
Versatility
Beyond being a mere glorified walking stick, trekking poles are actually multi-purpose. For one, they can be used as a last-ditch attempt against a charging bear.
More importantly, they can be used in place of tent poles to pitch your tent. Many ultralight brands have ditched tent poles altogether, allowing them to shave ounces off their base weight.
FAQs for trekking poles
How tall should my trekking pole be?
When it comes to pole length, the top of the handle should align with your hips. This is true whether hiking on flat or graded trails.
To achieve this when going downhill, extend the poles; when going up, shorten them. If your poles are much higher than your waist, your arms will tire. If lower, you’ll be putting undue strain on your wrists and not absorbing as much impact.
Are trekking poles worth it?
While trekking poles aren’t strictly necessary, they’re undeniably worthwhile. Trekking poles have been proven to reduce strain on your joints and, in particular, on your knees.
You’ll especially notice this when going downhill. As we’ve seen, they can also double as tent poles for ultralight tents.
How do you pack trekking poles?
Most trekking poles are collapsible, either by way of folding or by nesting. If they’re not, it’s worth paying a little extra for some that are.
When not in use, simply collapse your poles and attach them to your backpack. Many backpacks feature hiking pole loops. Alternatively, you can stuff ‘em in your pack’s large external pocket.
Conclusion
Hiking poles are immeasurably useful for serious hiking. For the highest quality and most versatile poles, we recommend the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles.
Next up, pick out the perfect hiking shoes for all your 2024 backpacking trips. Happy trails!
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