Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are essential gear for many hikers and backpackers around the world. Trekking poles offer lots of advantages: They provide great stability and comfort when walking; they help considerably reduce leg strain; they reduce impact on the hips, knees and ankles when we hike downhill; and they help us keep our balance when we go uphill. Because they provide more supporting points, they increase our traction on the ground, and even help us set a regular pace when we’re covering long distances.

When choosing a good pair of hiking poles, you should consider several factors. There are foldable, telescopic and fixed models. Also, different materials are available, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, as are different types of grips.

In this article, I’ll explain the most important features you should know about. In addition, I have reviewed the 10 best models of the year, so you can find the one that best meets your needs.

Check out other articles to find the best solar chargers, running headlamps,  hiking shirts, down jackets and binoculars.

The Best Hiking Poles

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BLACK DIAMOND ALPINE CARBON CORK

Features: High-end poles for ultralight hikes. Efficient and secure FlickLock locking system. The cork grip is very comfortable and durable. The hand straps are padded and rotate 360 degrees. The carbide tips are interchangeable. Trekking and snow baskets are included.

Despite being a high-end model, this isn’t one of the most expensive options on the list.

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REI CO-OP FLASH CARBON

Features: Great quality, good design and lightweight. This model has a FlickLock locking system that works wonderfully. It’s one of the lightest options among the telescopic models. The foam grip is ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your hand. It includes protective tips and trekking baskets.

These poles are not cheap, but they perform well.

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BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE CARBON Z POLE

Features: Ultralight construction in carbon fiber. The foam grip has a special design so it’s breathable and it doesn’t retain moisture. Interchangeable rubber and carbide tips. Baskets included. Once folded, they take up very little space in your backpack. Different sizes are available, from 100 cm to 130 cm.

These are among the most popular trekking poles on the list because they have incredible weight and performance.

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BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE Z POLE

Features: This is the aluminum version of the previous model. Due to the material difference, they are somewhat heavier. However, they are still relatively lightweight and more durable. Also, they have a much more attractive price.

Probably the best value for the money among the foldable hiking poles.

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LEKI MICRO VARIO CARBON

Features: One of the most complete foldable models, as it offers a top section which is adjustable in length. Thus, you can adjust your poles between 110 and 130 cm, depending on your height and the type of terrain. Super-comfortable and ergonomic handles. The SpeedLock 2 locking system makes adjusting the length simple, and it feels very secure. A secure push button allows for fast assembly and collapse.

Although they are a bit heavier and more expensive than other foldable models, these poles offer more versatility.

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LEKI CORKLITE

Features: These hiking poles stand out for their solid construction. They are designed to have great durability. Cork grip with an ergonomic Aergon design, which is excellent for rainy treks. The grip straps retain little water and dry quickly. High-efficiency SpeedLock mechanism.

A good option for those who need sturdy poles during their mountain expeditions.

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LEKI LEGACY

Features: Strong and durable construction. The foam grip is not the best choice for trekking in winter, but it’s a good choice for the other three seasons. Adjustable straps, comfortable to use. SpeedLock 2 system for fast and secure adjustment. The tip provides a great grip; it’s very efficient in different terrain.

Robust and durable poles, perfect for warm and mild climates.

The best mid-range / budget hiking poles

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BLACK DIAMOND TRAIL ERGO CORK

Features: Adjustable length from 74 to 140 cm. A great option for all kinds of adventures, from short trips to multi-day routes. The FlickLock locking system provides for fast and secure adjustment. Trekking and snow baskets are included, so you can use your poles throughout the year. Robust and resistant construction: they are a bit heavier, but also very durable.

Mid-range hiking poles that perform well for a very reasonable price.

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FOXELLI

Features: Reasonably compressed size. Durable and resistant materials. Lever lock mechanism. Interchangeable pole accessories. Keep in mind that they are budget poles. They don’t have the most comfortable grip. Even so, they are a pretty good value for the money.

For the occasional hiker who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on mountain gear.

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Types of trekking poles

Telescopic:

These are the most popular trekking poles, as they are reliable, versatile and easy to use. Most telescopic models contain three sections and include a locking mechanism so that they can be adjusted to the right length. The connecting points between the sections make the pole very adjustable. However, these points also represent the poles’ greatest weakness. If you choose cheap hiking poles, the locking systems will probably start to fail at some point.

Foldable

Foldable poles work like the sticks in a camping tent. Most of them can be divided into three sections. Compared to telescopic poles, this type is often more compact and thinner – and, therefore, lighter. They are the favorite choice of trail runners and experienced hikers.

Fixed:

Fixed poles are formed by a one-piece shaft. These poles have some advantages: They are lighter, they have great stability, and they can’t be shortened or lengthened unexpectedly. However, you won’t find many hikers using this type of pole because they don’t offer much in the way of versatility. You can’t adjust the length of the shaft, which can make them difficult to use when you’re walking uphill or downhill. In addition, they are uncomfortable to transport and store.

How to choose the best trekking poles:

Adjustability

To correctly adjust your trekking poles, your arms should form an approximately 90-degree angle with the pole placed vertically and with the tips resting on the ground. Make sure you are in a comfortable position so you don’t strain your arms and neck.

At the same time, you must adjust the length of your poles so that they adapt to the terrain. When you start hiking uphill, you should shorten your poles. It’s recommended that you shorten them between 5 and 10 centimeters, depending on the slope. When you are going downhill, you should lengthen them about 10 centimeters to compensate for the change in inclination. That’s why, when you’re taking certain mountain trails, you’ll want to make sure your poles are adjustable.

Length

If you aren’t planning to buy adjustable poles, pay attention to the length because it’s a crucial factor. Many foldable trekking poles are not adjustable, so you must choose the right size. Use the following formula to determine the length that suits you best: Multiply your height by 0.67 and choose a model which is closest to that measurement. Keep in mind that hiking poles are available in increments of 5 cm, like 130 cm, 135 cm, 140 cm, etc.

Shaft material

Nowadays, the most commonly used materials are aluminum and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber shafts are lighter than aluminum shafts. However, they are more expensive and more fragile. Aluminum poles are more durable. If you apply too much force, they could bend (but they shouldn’t break), while those of carbon fiber can crack or break.

Aluminum poles offer a good quality-price-durability ratio. However, carbon fiber poles are the preferred choice of pro hikers looking for the lightest models on the market.

Grip material

The grip is the point where you grab the stick. Considering that you might be hiking for hours (or even days), it’s very important that you get a model with a comfortable grip. The most commonly used materials are cork, foam and rubber. Each material has its advantages, disadvantages and recommended uses.

Cork can wick away water and reduce vibrations. It’s a good option for all-year hiking, including winter and summer. It’s a comfortable material to grab, making it one of the best options for long treks and demanding expeditions.

Foam is a good option for warm climates because it wicks away moisture efficiently. Foam grips are comfortable to hold and provide good cushioning. The main disadvantage is that foam is less durable. Also, it’s a bit colder than rubber and cork, so some people don’t like this material for winter hiking.

Rubber is a durable and comfortable material to grab. However, it’s not recommended for summer. It doesn’t absorb moisture and can cause blisters on your hands.

Tip

A pole’s tip usually contains a plastic body with a metal tip, typically made of hardened steel or carbide. The tip is designed to bite into the earth, rock and ice, thus providing good traction. Manufacturers recommend changing your tips every 3000 kilometers.

Shock absorption

Some models have a special system containing springs that absorb impact. This is helpful for your knees and wrists, especially during steep descents. On the other hand, poles with a shock absorption system tend to be heavier. Therefore, many long-distance hikers don’t like this feature.

Weight

Weight is a key factor when choosing virtually any type of mountain gear. We always want to go light, especially on long treks. The weight of the poles will depend on the materials and design. For instance, telescopic shafts are heavier than foldable and fixed shafts. Those with a shock absorption system are heavier, too.

Lock mechanism

Foldable poles use a locking mechanism so that the shaft can be set to the preferred length. There are two main types of systems: 1- The interior system uses a brake which is activated by a twist lock. 2- The exterior system is operated by flick locks that apply pressure to the shaft and lock it.

The internal system works well, but in the long run, it tends to cause problems, especially when dust and debris get inside the mechanism. The FlickLock system is the most popular and reliable option.

Durability

When it comes to trekking poles, durability relates directly to weight and thickness. The thinner the model, the more fragile it is. Carbon fiber poles are lighter, but they are not as durable. Aluminum poles are heavier, but they last longer. Also, in case of damage, they are easier to repair.

Accessories

There are several interesting accessories you might need:

Baskets are circular plastic pieces placed into the lower part of the shaft. Their function is to prevent the shaft from sinking into soft or irregular terrain. They are used mainly for hiking on muddy or snowy trails. Toothed baskets, which are usually larger, work very well in the snow. To avoid falls, you should disassemble the baskets when you’re hiking on regular ground.

Rubber caps are special pieces which are placed on the tip of the shaft. They are helpful when you’re walking on paved or rocky terrain, as they reduce vibrations and improve traction.

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