One of the essential items for backpackers, hikers, and walkers has to be a hiking pole. It is standard equipment for explorers as it helps to provide stability on any terrain. Additionally, it helps to alleviate pressure on your joints while reducing the impact on your knees.
If you are looking for quality hiking poles, below are our top picks. Also, don’t forget to pair them with the best hiking shoes on the market.
Table of Contents
Top Hiking Poles
1. Gylmnis Trekking Poles
If you are looking for a foldable and compact option, these are some of the best poles on the market.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- High-quality materials
- Adjustable length
- Comes with accessories
- Multiple functions
The poles come in a high-quality aero scope grade 7075 aluminium material. It is strong and durable and more reliable than carbon finer ones. The poles feature adjustable length to adapt to the hiking conditions and provide optimal support.
They are super lightweight to suit multiple uses such as walking, trekking, skiing, etc. With the accessories these poles come with, you can enhance your next adventure.
2. The Fit Life Nordic Walking Trekking Poles
These anti-shock poles are ideal for use on any terrain.
Key Features
- Extra-long EVA Foam handles
- Durable quality
- Extendable design
- Aluminium material
The aluminium material of these poles lasts long with regular use. Additionally, it is lightweight to suit different conditions. The poles are extendable from 26 inches to 53 inches. This feature is essential to adapt the length of the pole to the hiking conditions and your height.
The poles are easy to collapse when not in use for convenient storage. Although the rubber ends tend to fall, the poles work well for regular users.
3. Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles
With these walking poles, you can increase your footprint, prevent injury, and support your body during hikes.
Key Features
- EVA foam grips
- Long-lasting quality
- Compact design
- Adjustable length
- Lightweight
The poles come in aircraft-grade aluminium material. It is strong and lasts long with regular use. The poles come in handy to enhance stability when walking as well as reducing the impact on your knees. They are easy to adjust to a suitable length.
These are compact and collapse to fit in your luggage. Additionally, these are lightweight, so you do not have to worry about adding more weight to your essentials.
4. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
The design of these hiking poles makes them some of the best for regular use.
Key Features
- Carbon fibre construction
- Lightweight and compact
- Quick-lock and extendable
- Comfortable cork grip
The quality of these poles is outstanding in handling pressure from all angles. These anti-shock poles are lightweight and compact for use by hikers, backpackers, campers, etc. With the quick-lock, you can easily extend the length of the pole and keep it in place.
With the cork grip, these poles are super comfortable for long hours of walking. They come with tungsten carbide tips and adjustable wrist straps, which are essential.
5. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Trek Poles
If you are looking for comfortable trekking poles, these from Black Diamond are ideal.
Key Features
- Natural cork grip
- 15-degree corrective angle
- Double flick lock adjustability
- The soft rubber grip extension
The poles are suitable if you are a regular hiker. They come with a natural cork grip that wicks away sweat. With the soft-rubber grip extension and the solution strap, these poles remain secure and are easy to handle.
The best thing is that you can adjust these and use the double flick lock to keep the length secure. They hold up well and withstand any conditions.
6. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles
With the model of Black Diamond poles, you can improve joint support for comfortable hikes.
Key Features
- Lightweight construction
- EVA foam
- Carbon fibre
- Comes with tops and stopper basket
The design of the poles makes them easy and comfortable to use. They feature a lightweight EVA foam grip with breathable and moisture-wicking properties. This means you can use the pole when trekking in the summer and not worry about sweaty hands.
The carbon material is durable and lightweight. You will love that these Black Diamond poles are foldable in three sections to a compact, convenient size.
7. Triwonder Folding Trekking Poles
The design of these poles combines the durability of aluminium and breathability of the EVA foam.
Key Features
- High-quality construction
- Collapsible and adjustable
- Quick locks
- Easy to install
The breathable grips keep your hands dry for long hours of walking. The poles are easy to collapse and adjust. These features contribute to the convenience of using and carrying the poles. With the quick locks, you can easily set the ideal height and secure it in place.
These are easy to install and can come in handy to prevent falling or slipping.
Types of Trekking Poles
Trekking poles come in different materials and features.
Material
Aluminum Trekking Poles
Aluminium is one of the most versatile materials. It makes durable and sturdy hiking poles. Aluminium trekking poles tend to be heavier than the other types, and this explains why they are much more durable. This type of poles is excellent for providing stability and reducing the impact on your joints.
Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
This type of poles is more specialized with a focus to reduce weight. Usually, these poles are lighter than other materials hence much more flexible for long hikes. Carbon fibre poles are ideal for backpackers that regularly travel with their poles.
They are also suitable for someone that is looking to preserve energy on their adventure. Like aluminium ones, these poles reduce the impact on the knees while providing support.
Features
When it comes to the features of poles, there are a few designs.
Anti-shock Trekking Poles
Hiking poles with shock absorbers come in handy for long-distance hiking. Like other types, these reduce the impact on the knees but provide additional relief to joints. The poles also feature a spring mechanism within the pole that absorbs impact when it comes into contact with the ground.
Folding Trekking Poles
Another essential feature in some designs is affordability. These poles come in both aluminium and carbon materials. This design combines locking mechanisms that include a twist lock. This feature means you can fold them down to a smaller, compact size. This type is ideal for backpackers looking to save their luggage space.
Grip Style
The most common and comfortable grip style features cork. Cork grips mould to the hands and dampen vibration naturally when hiking. Cork gives you a better grip when your hands are sweaty, and it is the lightest option.
Other grip styles feature to rubber. It is ideal for cold weather hiking as it provides insulation. Rubber also has vibration dampening properties. However, rubber can cause chafing and become slippery during warmer climates.
Foam is another grip style you can consider. The foam absorbs sweat and is soft on your hands. However, when it is hot, and your palms get sweaty, the material can become slippery.
Locking Mechanisms
Most trekking poles come with a twist lock. As the name suggests, this system tightens when you twist the shaft in opposite directions, locking the pole in place. This mechanism is easy to use; however, with freezing weather, it can be challenging to secure the pole in place.
The other locking mechanism is the clasp lock. This features a metal or plastic jacket between two sections of the trekking pole. The clasp tightens the lock in place and remains secure in any weather conditions.
FAQ
Trekking poles are essential to help provide stability as you hike on rough terrains. They also help to alleviate pain on joints and reduce the impact on your knees [1].
Most hiking sticks come with adjustability features. You should make sure you adjust the height to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle when holding the pole with the tips on the ground. When going uphill, however, you should adjust the pole a few centimetres down to cater to the difference in gradient.
Trekking poles are available for sale online or in sports stores. You can get some from Amazon with the wide variety available.
The Bottom Line
The importance of hiking poles cannot go unnoticed. With the support and stability they provide, you get to maneuver easily on any terrain. This walking poles review is a great starting point if you are looking for one. With consideration of the features above, you can select a trekking pole that works best for your needs.
