The Best Trekking Poles of 2025

Other Trekking Poles to Get Down the Trail With

The seven trekking poles above are our favorites for pretty much anything we like to do outdoors, whether that’s a quick day hike or rucking deep into the backcountry. That said, we’ve tested plenty of other winners in our day, and you should consider the alternates below before deciding which pole is right for you.

Trekking Poles Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Trekking Poles

We pride ourselves on a testing process that exposes flaws and highlights strengths while observing a range of equipment options. Good gear should last a long time, and to do that, it needs to exhibit durability. When evaluating the best trekking poles, we test the features that commonly break down, including the locking mechanisms, grips, and straps, to ensure that only the most reliable poles make it on our list. 

1. Field testing: We field-tested these poles in a wide range of environments and weather over different types of terrain. As avid users, we know the features that can elevate one pole above the rest. To find the best, we analyzed what makes each pole unique and tested them in their respective environments, performing activities that these poles are more likely to be used for.
2. Weight and length measurements: We take these trekking poles to the bench to measure accurate weight and lengths (both extended and collapsed). Doing this ourselves allows us to see through marketing claims and make the best suggestions possible.
3. Our trekking pole rating system:
   • Comfort: 30% weighted. Comfort is key to a solid set of walking sticks, and we look for both in-hand comfort, related to grip shape and material, as well as any straps. A forward angle to a grip will earn a higher score, along with cork grips, which don’t get as sweaty in the hand.
   • Durability: 30% weighted. Long-term durability is important, and we look for longevity across at least a summer before rating poles. Carbon shafts are lighter in weight but may not be as durable as aluminum poles in the long run. We also inspect the wear on adjustable components and the rate at which the carbide tips wear down.
   • Adjustability & Locking: 20% weighted. To score highly on adjustability, a trekking pole needs a wide range of lengths and a good locking mechanism. Poles that offer in-field tension adjustment earn bonus points.
   • Weight: 20% weighted. Most trekking poles weigh between half a pound and a pound and a half, which can be tough to distinguish in the hand (unless you’re undertaking something like trail running or thru-hiking). Because of this, we weigh the overall weight of trekking poles less in our rating system. Poles below a pound per set earn the highest scores.

Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds

The testing team has collectively crossed the United States in a north-to-south fashion at least six times, and we’ve taken some further afield trips as well. From weeks-long traverses in Iceland to nosing into the Himalayas, having stable footing and easing our knees was a constant requirement.

Finally, once we’ve formed an opinion, we cycle these poles out to different members of the testing team so that our coverage is well-balanced.

Weight from pole to pole typically doesn’t vary much, but it’s surprising how a few ounces can build up over an entire day. That’s why we weigh each pole in-house to verify it for ourselves. We also break out the ruler for collapsed and extended lengths, and even the micrometer to measure pole thickness.

We also tested the ease with which each of these poles could be serviced at home, and we compared notes on tightening or cleaning different adjusters, putting on new baskets, or replacing carbide tips.

Our Expert Testers

Chris Carter, one of the lead authors of this guide, has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He knows the value of a reliable trekking pole for absorbing impact on the body, helping with stability over tricky terrain, and pitching a shelter at night. He’s pretty particular about the poles he depends on in the backcountry.

Jackson Sims-Myers and Samuel Martin also both contribute to the testing team, and are both thru-hikers as well. That brings the trail mile cred for this guide to well north of 20,000 and climbing. Sims-Myers is a multi-sport guide located in southern Utah, while Martin is a commercial photographer who covers the Eastern Seaboard from Charlotte, North Carolina. Both have bent a trekking pole or two in their days.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Trekking Pole

Do You Need Trekking Poles?

Before deciding on a pair, a little primer on the why behind trekking poles is in order. To keep it short, trekking poles have been proven to lessen the load on your joints when descending hills while hiking and provide a bit of a load-off when pulling yourself up the steep stuff.

Trekking poles can also be excellent balance aids and assist you when crossing awkward trail features, water, or snow. Check out our explainer article for 10 Reasons to Try Trekking Poles if you still aren’t convinced.

Weight & Packed Size

The packed-down length isn’t of vital importance to most hikers and backpackers. But, for those who plan to travel with their poles, it’s best to look for a pole that packs down small enough to fit in your luggage.

The LEKI Black Series FX is a perfect example of extreme packability. Its collapsible z-pole design separates the segments completely, allowing it to pack down to a mere 16 inches, easily fitting into most daypacks alongside other supplies.

For weight, you can’t beat the Gossamer Gear LT5. At 4.9 ounces each, you’ll hardly notice these sleek poles, and you can keep them handy for just-in-case scenarios.

And while some poles will only collapse into themselves, others, like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, have independent segments that fold up when collapsed, making them smaller than most collapsible poles. These poles do use more section joints than other poles, which should be a consideration for long-term use. In our testing, however, we’ve yet to see fold-up poles expire prematurely.

Pole Length

Pole length is one of the most significant factors for a good trekking pole fit. To estimate the ideal length, stand up straight (preferably wearing the hiking shoes you’ll hike in) and bend your arm to a 90-degree angle. Measure from the floor to your elbow to calculate your length.

In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100 cm pole. Those from 5’1″ up to 5’7″ will use a 110 cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” will need a 120 cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130 cm option.

A pole with a wide range of adjustability will work for almost everyone. Once you’ve measured your size, you can explore fixed-length options.

Fixed Length vs. Adjustable

There are viable reasons to consider each option. Adjustable poles will allow you to quickly change their length to fine-tune them on the trail to your personalized needs. If you’re exhausted, you can adjust them to transfer more weight to your upper body.

Adjustable poles allow you to extend or retract steep ascents or descents. The downside is an increased possibility of failure or slippage at the locking points, especially with twist locks.

Fixed-length poles offer less fine-tuning but can handle more weight. Generally, fixed-length poles are ideal for trail running and other fast-paced endeavors where adjustments will only slow you down.

Some fixed-length poles, like the trail-running-specific Black Diamond Distance Carbon Poles, don’t fold up. Others are a fixed length when deployed but break down for packing.

Women’s-Specific Trekking Poles

Generally, women’s-specific trekking poles have a smaller grip diameter (which offers increased comfort for smaller hands) and a shorter maximum length.

Another bonus of women’s-specific trekking poles is that the minimum length is shorter, which increases packability. Due to their smaller size, the women’s options also shed a bit of weight.

In reality, it’s less about the gender of the given user and more about the size. Anyone looking for a smaller grip and a shorter pole should consider buying a women’s-specific trekking pole.

Grips

Trekking pole grips come in three primary materials: cork, foam, and rubber. Ideal grips will wick moisture well, be comfortable on your skin, and work as shock absorbers. Cork and foam are the most common materials used for trekking pole grips, and for most, the preference simply comes down to feeling.

• Cork is exceptionally light, wicks moisture well, and is also very environmentally friendly. Cork grips are the best at absorbing shock, and also form to your hand over time. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork offers an ergonomic cork grip.
• Foam grips are also very light, but rather than wicking moisture, they tend to absorb it. The tradeoff would be for grip, as EVA foam is quite tacky. Higher-quality foam, like on the LEKI Makalu Lite, performs well across all categories. Between foam and cork, the weight difference is negligible.
• Rubber grips are rarely used in modern trekking poles, and tend to be utilized strictly for snow sports.

Tips

Most manufacturers of trekking poles offer the industry standard: carbide tips. They’re incredibly durable and offer grip and pinpoint precision over various terrain, performing equally as well over rock, ice, and softer, variable surfaces.

However, carbide tips can damage the environment, so some prefer rubber tips when traversing delicate landscapes. They can also be noisy over rocky terrain. Gossamer Gear includes some very handy rubber boots with its ultralight LT5 poles, which are easy to place and remove.

Any tip will wear down after prolonged use and should be replaced when the metal wears up to or near the plastic.

Rubber tip protectors come with or are available for most trekking poles. They’re useful not only if you find yourself on shelves of rock or pavement but can also extend the life of your tips in storage (and keep them from snagging clothing in your pack).

Baskets

Trekking poles generally come with “mud baskets.” These baskets not only prevent splashing and provide support in mud but can also help when traveling over soft dirt or sand. They are especially beneficial for thru-hikers who will encounter snow on high-elevation passes.

If you’re traveling over snowy terrain without baskets, you’ll find out the snow depth pretty quickly, and unless you can lengthen the poles to match that depth, they’ll be rendered useless.

Nowadays, almost all poles available come with standard-size mud baskets, and many even come with extra powder baskets for all-season use. If you want to use your poles for winter sports, check to see if they come with powder baskets, and be sure to check compatibility if you order them from a third-party manufacturer.

Price & Value

Trekking poles are well worth what you might pay for them, but that being said, there is a certain price you’ll pay for access to nicer options. Typically, this will mean trading dollars for features and comfort, but also in dropping weight. Consider how often you’ll be using your trekking poles, as well as where you’ll be going. The needs of an ultra runner are certainly different than a day hiker.

Budget

Balancing quality and price can ensure the average user gets the trekking poles they need without breaking the bank. Aluminum is the standard here, along with two — or three-piece designs that collapse down. You typically won’t see the most adjustable lengths here, but so long as they fit you, you should be fine.

Typically running from between $30 and $80, budget options like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 ($44) balance needs well, and are even a z-pole design that compresses down small enough to fit in your pack. The slightly higher weight of 8 ounces north of a pound is common, and while these poles are heavy, there are lighter options.

Mid-Tier

From $100 to $150 is where you’ll get a lot more for your money, and we generally believe that most folks are best served at the upper end of this range. Under $150 is the cutoff for carbon fiber poles (with the Durston Icelines representing the bottom dollar — a great value at $169), and you’ll also get more breathable cork handles and smaller collapsed lengths.

The Black Diamond Pursuits are a great value for the price, and while they are still aluminum, they weigh less than the LEKI Makalu Lite. The adjustment mechanism is one of the only moving parts on a trekking pole, and it’s worth investing in smooth-operating examples with lever locks. The alternative here is twist locks, which aren’t as solid in our experience.

Premium

Paying north of $150 ought to have a good reason, and these poles are most often specialized carbon fiber jobs that are either wickedly light or sport all the best features. These include all-aluminum adjusters like the FlickLock Pros on the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks that just work perfectly, or collapsible systems that allow the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon ($250) poles to pack down to 16″.

The race to the bottom is also where the big bucks are, and our favorite UL hiking pole (Gossamer Gear LT5) and ultra-running pole (Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z) are both $190 or more, but are also less than 5 ounces per pole. Over a thousand miles or two, weight adds up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking poles aren’t required, but they can certainly be helpful! For long treks with a heavy pack, they help distribute your weight and decrease the impact on descents. They’re also great for stabilization on rocky treks, hiking along an exposed trail, or when river crossings might get a bit techy.

You could use a single pole or a hiking staff, but, in general, we recommend a pair of hiking poles. They provide a more balanced, ergonomic gait and increased stability.

Packable options allow you to stow a pole away when both don’t seem necessary, or if you need one hand free for snapping photos.

The trekking pole grip should rest comfortably in your palm when your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle.

In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100cm pole. Those up to 5’7″ will use a 110-115cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” need a 120cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130cm option.

The short answer is yes, but it depends. Some hikers prefer to use them all the time; others rarely use them and might even remove them from the pole entirely to cut additional weight, especially if they tend to hike on easy-going trails.

The use of straps comes down to personal preference, but there are some real benefits to utilizing this feature. Straps increase stability and allow more power transfer into the poles on steeper gradients. It’s also much harder to drop your poles off the side of a mountain or exposed terrain if they are attached to your body.

Telescoping poles offer a more extensive range of usable lengths than all the others. While they take a little longer to set up than folding poles, these poles are more durable and customizable to the terrain you’re hiking or running on.

Folding poles are often lighter and much more compact in their collapsed position; however, they have a significantly smaller range of adjustability. But for runners and fast-packers, their quick setup or breakdown on the move is unmatched.

Some companies offer a combination of the styles, like our best overall trekking pole of 2025. These poles combine aspects from both styles, blending the speedy setup, compact storage, and some adjustability — the primary compromise is the smaller range of adjustment this design type offers.

Fixed poles are not collapsible, but they are the lightest out there. When deciding to purchase a pair, you’ll need to make sure you find the size that works for you. Check out our Comparison Chart for a breakdown of the specific size ranges, price points, and weight per pair for our favorite poles of the year.