Best Hiking Poles: 6 Top Picks for Trekking Poles
Good trekking poles take a real load off your knees on descents, steady you on loose or wet ground, and keep you moving more efficiently—studies and thru-hikers alike report less fatigue at the end of a long day. The trick is matching the pole to how you hike. Below are six of our favorite trekking poles, from a $30 workhorse to ultralight carbon and folding designs, plus a short guide to picking the right pair.
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Poles pair naturally with supportive hiking shoes and a well-loaded daypack—see our hiking gear for beginners checklist and day hiking gear list for the rest of your kit.
How to choose trekking poles
- Material — aluminum (often 7075 aircraft-grade) is tough, affordable, and bends rather than snaps under load. Carbon fiber is lighter and dampens vibration but can crack if pinched or levered hard. Most hikers are well served by aluminum; weight-counters lean carbon.
- Locking mechanism — external lever (flick) locks are quick, glove-friendly, and easy to adjust on the move; twist locks are simpler but can slip over time. Folding (Z-style) poles pack down smallest.
- Grip — cork molds to your hand and wicks sweat; EVA foam is lighter and softer; rubber is best for cold weather. An extended grip section lets you choke down on steep climbs without re-adjusting.
- Adjustability and packed size — telescoping poles dial in any height; fixed-length and folding poles save weight and pack smaller. Check the collapsed length fits your pack.
- Tips and baskets — carbide tips bite rock and ice; rubber tips protect floors and pavement; swappable mud and snow baskets keep poles from sinking.
Here are our six picks ↓
When are trekking poles most useful?
Contrary to a common myth, poles earn their keep on steep, uneven, and slippery terrain—not flat pavement. They shine on long descents (saving your knees), on stream crossings and loose scree, and when you're carrying a heavy pack. On easy, level ground many hikers stow them. They also double as tent-pole supports for ultralight shelters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring trekking poles in a carry-on when flying? No. The TSA classifies trekking poles as carry-on prohibited in the U.S.—they must go in checked baggage. Always confirm with your specific airline before you fly.
Aluminum or carbon fiber—what's better? Neither is universally best. Aluminum is more durable and budget-friendly and tends to bend (not break) under stress, making it the safer all-around choice. Carbon is lighter and reduces vibration, ideal if you prioritize weight and treat your gear carefully.
Can trekking poles get wet? Yes—they're built for it. Just wipe them down and, on telescoping poles, occasionally pull the sections apart to dry the inside so grit and moisture don't seize the locks.
How long do trekking poles last? With basic care, a quality pair lasts many seasons. Replace worn carbide tips as needed, rinse off mud and salt, and store them loosened and dry between trips.
The picks
If you want featherweight poles that disappear in your pack, the Distance Z is our pick. The folding Z-pole design deploys in seconds with a speed-cone, weighs about 150 g per pole, and uses durable 7075 aluminum shafts. A moisture-wicking strap and EVA foam grip with extension keep things comfortable. Note these are fixed-length, so buy the size that matches your height.
The best-value pole on this list. For around $30 you get aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, quick flick-locks that adjust from 26" to 54", a comfortable cork grip with an extended EVA section, and a full accessory kit—carbide tips plus mud and snow baskets and a carry bag. It's the pole we recommend to most beginners.
For hikers who want carbon's light, vibration-damping feel without a $200 price tag, these Hiker Hunger poles deliver. The 100% carbon-fiber shafts are stiff and lightweight, the quick flip-locks adjust on the fly, and the natural cork and EVA foam grips stay comfortable for hours. They ship with a full set of tips and baskets for any season.
If your knees and elbows take a beating on descents, the Trail Pro Shock's Control Shock elastomer system absorbs impact to smooth out hard, rocky trails. Built on stout 7075 aluminum with glove-friendly FlickLock Pro adjustment and fast SmashLock deployment, it's the most feature-rich pole here—and the one to choose for big-mileage, high-impact days.
TrailBuddy hits the sweet spot of light, strong, and affordable. Each pole is 7075 aluminum, weighs about 9.7 oz, and adjusts from 24.5" to 54" with one-handed lever locks. The moisture-wicking cork handles mold to your hands, and the kit includes tips and baskets plus a carry bag. A great, well-rounded all-around pair.
The Trek-Z folds down to about 15 inches thanks to its tri-fold design, so it stows easily in a daypack or carry-on-sized bag (checked, of course). The 7075 aluminum shafts are strong and the flip-lock adds 20 cm of fine adjustment, and cork-texture grips wick sweat. A smart pick if compact packed size matters most.
Top 3, head-to-head
About the author
Victoria Miller
Victoria Miller is passionate about literature and outdoor adventures. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Utah, she spent a year traveling and hiking throughout New Zealand and Europe. She is an avid reader and has a penchant for escaping into worlds of her own creation.
