Trekking poles will take your hikes to the next level. They improve your balance and ease tension in your legs while walking, making this low-stress form of exercise even better for your health.
Not only do they reduce the impact on your knees, but they also get your upper body more involved in what’s usually a lower-leg workout.
Below we’ve ranked the best trekking poles by popularity, and based on their sturdiness, ease of use, material, durability, weight, affordability, and packability.
Top 5 Best Trekking Poles – Editor’s Pick
This table showcases our 5 picks of the best trekking poles that you can use to improve your game.
Product Name |
Material |
Height |
Get It AT |
| Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles | Aluminum (7075) | 24″ – 53″ | |
| High Trek Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles | Aluminum (7075) | 25″ – 53″ | |
| Paria Outdoor Products Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles | Carbon Fiber with Aluminum Alloy connectors | 39″ – 47″ or 45″ – 53″ | |
| Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Carbon Fiber | 24″ – 54″ | |
| BAFX Products Anti Shock Trekking Poles | Aluminum | 26.5″ – 53″ |
8. Alpine Summit Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles
Ideal for: All terrain hikes
The poles are telescopic and have lever locks that are adjustable from 25 to 53 inches, and feature an easy and reliable lever lock height adjustment.
These poles have comfortable and conforming cork handles that provide sweat-absorption also.
Moreover, it is under warranty and has a 1-year assurance against manufacturer defects.
Heights:
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
Plains:
- Snow baskets loosen during the walk.
- The locks for the height adjustment do not always stay in place.
7. Foxelli Collapsible Trekking Poles
Ideal for: Local hikes of all levels
These poles from Foxelli can be adjusted from 24” to 55”, making them quite versatile.
They’re made of carbon fiber material for a lightweight feel and are sturdy and durable as well.
These do not become more compact than their 24” size, making them less ideal for backpacking or traveling and more for local hikes.
Heights:
- Shock-absorbent
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight
Plains:
- Not compact
6. Alpine Summit Trekking Poles
Ideal for: All-terrain hikes
Next on our best trekking poles is this lower cost option from Alpine Summit.
These poles come in two colors and can be adjusted from 25.5” to 53” long.
They’re made from 7075 aluminum and are just a little heavier at 8.5oz each.
These poles don’t have the spring shocks found in some other models, but will still help reduce stress on your knees.
Heights:
- Comfortable grip
- Suitable for any terrain
- Durable
Plains:
- No spring shock absorption
- Extra few ounces
5. Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
Ideal for: Moderate hikes
These Montem poles come with wrist straps, too, for safety and convenience.
They’re made out of 7075 aluminum, so they’re strong enough for regular use. Their average weight is at around 9.6oz per pole.
They adjust from 24” to 53”, making them suitable for a variety of heights.
While they’ll fit in a regular suitcase, they’re not compact enough to fit in a traveling or hiking backpack.
Heights:
- Durable
- Adjustable
- Strong material
Plains:
- Handles can be slippery
- Vibrate/rattle during use
4. High Trek Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles
Ideal for: Light to moderate hikes
These poles from High Trek come in several colors for a doable price.
They weigh just 8.5oz each and are made of 7075 aluminum.
They feature large EVA foam handles for a comfortable grip and wrist straps for security.
They’re not too difficult to set up and fulfill all their necessary shock-absorbing duties.
Moreover, they adjust from 25” to 53”, however, these are non-collapsing poles.
Heights:
- Ease of use
- Comfortable grip
- Easily adjustable
Plains:
- Quality control due to low price
3. Paria Outdoor Products Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Ideal for: All hiking, backpacking
These poles from Paria Outdoor Products are essentially an upgraded version of the cheaper ones higher up on our list.
These ones are quite a bit more popular since they have an improved lock mechanism for adjusting the height and are made with carbon fiber shafts rather than solely aluminum.
This makes the poles more comfortable and lightweight at 9oz per pole, and just as compact as the previous version.
Heights:
- Compact (less than 15 inches folded)
- Carbon fiber and aluminum alloy construction
- Lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
Plains:
- Thin handles
- Not easily adjusted while in use
2. Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Ideal for: All-terrain hiking
These Hiker Hunger poles are some of the lightest poles you’ll find — they’re 7.6oz each.
You may or may not notice the difference, but every bit of weight counts, especially if you’re using them during travel.
While they’re not collapsible or compact like the Paria poles, they do come with a carrying bag.
They also come with plenty of add-ons like extra rubber tips. Also, they adjust from 24” to 54”.
Heights:
- Comfortable grips with EVA foam and cork
- Ultra-lightweight
- Carbon fiber shafts
Plains:
- Non-collapsible
1. BAFX Products Anti Shock Trekking Poles
Ideal for: Trekking pole beginners
These BAFX poles are the most popular bargain option and are also perfect starter poles. They’re made of aluminum and can be adjusted from 26.5” to 53”. They feature ergonomic hand grips with wrist straps and are a little heavier at 12oz each.
Heights:
- Comfortable handles
- Adjustable
- Affordable price
Plains:
- Not collapsible
- Not as lightweight
Conclusion
Whether you’re a trekking pole veteran or are just considering buying a pair for the first time, one of our picks is sure to suit your needs.
There are so many hiking poles out there, but these are some of the most reliable and popularly used.
Which poles on this best trekking poles list have you used before? Let us know about your experiences below!