Best Trekking Poles of 2024: Find Your Perfect Companion for the Trails
Hello, and welcome to our best trekking poles review of 2024. If youโre passionate about hiking or just beginning to explore the great outdoors, having the right trekking poles can elevate your trekking experience. We trust and love trekking poles – they save our knees and energy for those long hikes. We use them extensively in our hiking adventures, including the recent Tour Du Mont Blanc. In this guide, weโll explore top-rated options, including the best ultralight trekking poles, the best lightweight trekking poles, and durable trekking poles to suit your specific needs.
We have meticulously tested dozens of hiking poles across various terrains and weather conditions to bring you this review. Our evaluation focused on critical features like durability, weight, grip comfort, adjustability, and value for money. These are the top five trekking poles out of all we tested, each offering unique benefits.
Reading this review will help you avoid spending hundreds of dollars on trekking poles that might not meet your needs or break after a few uses. Our expert recommendations will guide you to reliable, durable, and tailored options to enhance your hiking adventures.
Ready to find the perfect hiking poles for your next outdoor adventure? Letโs dive into the details and help you make an informed choice!
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Also Read: Hiking Essentials for Beginners
Quick Summary
If youโre in a hurry, weโve compiled a brief overview of the top trekking poles for different needs and preferences. These selections represent the best in their categories, ensuring you find the perfect match for your hiking adventures.
- Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z: Best Overall Trekking Pole. Perfect for hikers seeking a balance of durability and performance, this pole is made from carbon fiber and is designed to withstand rugged trails while remaining lightweight.
- Leki Micro Vario Carbon: Best Ultralight Trekking Pole. Ideal for serious hikers focused on reducing weight without sacrificing strength and adjustability. Its compact design, such as folding poles, makes it easy to pack and carry, especially suited for activities where space is a concern, like scrambling and hiking on technical sections.
- Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber: Best Value for Money. A great option for budget-conscious hikers looking for reliable performance. This pole offers excellent durability and features typically found in more expensive options.
- Black Diamond Women’s Trail Pro Shock: Best Trekking Pole for Women. The Black Diamond Women’s Trail Pro Shock poles are tailored for female hikers seeking ergonomic comfort and enhanced stability. With a womenโs-specific design and Control Shock Technology, these poles provide effective shock absorption and comfortable grips, making them perfect for diverse terrains.
- REI Co-op Flash Carbon: Best for Beginners. This pole is designed for those new to hiking who want a reliable and easy-to-use option. It offers a balance of comfort, weight, and affordability, making it a great starting choice.
Also Read: Best Hiking Backpacks
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z
Ideal for serious hikers who value a combination of durability, comfort, and lightweight design.
Overall
9.3 / 10
Price: $190
Leki Micro Vario Carbon
Ideal for ultralight and experienced hikers, offering excellent weight savings and adjustability.
Overall
9.0 / 10
Price: $200
Cascade Mountain Tech
Excellent choice for budget-conscious hikers, offering great performance and comfort at an affordable price.
Overall
8.5 / 10
Price: $50
Black Diamond Womenโs
For female hikers, offering excellent comfort, stability, & shock absorption for various terrains.
Overall
9.0 / 10
Price: $120
REI Co-op Flash Carbon
Excellent for beginners, providing a good balance of performance and affordability.
Overall
8.7 / 10
Price: $160
Each of these poles has been selected for its unique strengths and the specific needs of different hikers. Read on to find out more about each and decide which is best for you.
Ready to dive into the specifics? Letโs get started and find the hiking pole that best fits your hiking style and needs.
Best Trekking Poles: Product Reviews
1. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z – Best Overall
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z trekking poles are among the most durable trekking poles designed for avid hikers who need a reliable tool for rugged trails. These poles stand out due to their carbon fiber construction, which offers strength without compromising weight. They are perfect for anyone looking to balance performance and durability on long hikes or challenging terrains.
Our Take
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z poles are made from 100% carbon fiber, offering an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. They are designed for demanding hikers who require gear that can withstand intense use. The three-section folding design makes them easy to pack away, ideal for travel or when not in use.
The foam grips provide comfort during long hikes, reducing hand fatigue and offering a secure hold in all weather conditions. Unlike adjustable poles, these come in fixed lengths, which some users might find limiting. However, this feature reduces potential weak points and enhances stability.
In testing, these poles performed exceptionally well on rocky and uneven terrain. Their lightweight nature made them easy to maneuver, while the sturdy construction provided confidence on difficult paths. Compared to other models, the Alpine Carbon Z stands out for its combination of durability, comfort, and weight, making it a top choice for serious trekkers.
COMFORT
WEIGHT
VERSATILITY
PACKED SIZE
CONSTRUCTION
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Everything you need to know
Material
100% carbon fiber
Weight
17 ounces (0.48 kilograms) per pair
Foldable Design
Three-section folding for easy packing
Grip
Comfortable foam grip with an extended section
Length Options
Available in multiple lengths to suit different heights
Price
$190
Collapsable Length
15 inches (38 cm)
Max Length
51 inches (130 cm)
Ideal for serious hikers who value a combination of durability, comfort, and lightweight design. See it on Amazon ->
2. Leki Micro Vario Carbon – Best Ultralight Trekking Pole
Leki Micro Vario Carbon
The Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles are designed for hikers who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing performance. These ultralight telescoping poles are ideal for backpackers and travelers who need a lightweight yet durable option for various terrains.
Our Take
The Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles use high-quality carbon fiber, ensuring that they remain lightweight while offering robust support. The adjustable length via the SpeedLock 2 system allows hikers to customize the pole height according to their needs, making them versatile for both uphill and downhill treks.
The AERGON Thermo foam grip provides a comfortable hold, reducing fatigue on long hikes. These poles are particularly beneficial for those who need to pack light, as they collapse to a compact size, making them easy to carry in a backpack or travel bag.
In comparison to other ultralight models, the Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles offer superior adjustability and comfort. During testing, they provided excellent support on varied terrains, with the locking mechanism ensuring a secure hold at all times. The combination of ultralight design and adjustable features makes them a top choice for hikers looking to reduce pack weight.
COMFORT
WEIGHT
VERSATILITY
PACKED SIZE
CONSTRUCTION
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Everything you need to know
Material
100% carbon fiber
Weight
16 ounces (0.45 kilograms) per pair
Foldable Design
Length can be adjusted via SpeedLock 2 system
Grip
AERGON Thermo foam grip
Compact Design
Collapses to a compact size for easy storage
Price
$200
Collapsable Length
15 inches (38 cm)
Max Length
51 inches (130 cm)
Ideal for ultralight and experienced hikers, offering excellent weight savings and adjustability.
3. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber – Best Value for Money
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber hiking poles offer budget-conscious hikers a reliable and affordable option without compromising on quality. These poles are ideal for those looking to explore different terrains while maintaining a tight budget.
Our Take
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber poles are constructed from carbon fiber, making them both lightweight and durable. They feature a twist-lock mechanism that allows users to adjust the length easily, accommodating different hiking needs and terrains.
The cork grips provide a natural feel and comfort, molding to the shape of your hand over time. These poles come with various accessories, including rubber tips and snow baskets, enhancing their versatility across different environments.
In comparison to other budget options, these poles offer superior materials and construction, often matching the performance of more expensive models. During field tests, they handled well across a range of terrains, providing reliable support and stability.
COMFORT
WEIGHT
VERSATILITY
PACKED SIZE
CONSTRUCTION
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Everything you need to know
Material
100% carbon fiber
Weight
15.2 ounces (0.43 kilograms) per pair
Adjustable
Twist-lock mechanism for easy length adjustment
Grip
Cork handle for natural comfort
Accessories
Includes rubber tips, snow baskets, and carrying case
Price
$50
Collapsable Length
26 inches (66 cm)
Max Length
54 inches (137 cm)
Excellent choice for budget-conscious hikers, offering great performance at an affordable price.
4. Gossamer Gear LT5 – Lightest Trekking Pole
Gossamer Gear LT5
The Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles are designed for ultralight hikers who prioritize reducing pack weight above all else. These poles are perfect for long-distance trekkers and backpackers seeking the lightest possible option without compromising basic functionality. Unlike ski poles, which are specifically designed for snow conditions and often feature snow baskets for enhanced performance, the LT5 trekking poles excel in a variety of hiking environments.
Our Take
The Gossamer Gear LT5 poles are crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, making them exceptionally light at just 10.6 ounces per pair. Despite their minimal weight, they maintain sufficient strength for most hiking scenarios. The twist-lock mechanism allows for easy length adjustments, while the EVA foam grips provide comfort during extended use.
Their ultralight nature makes them perfect for long-distance treks where every ounce matters. However, they are best suited for less rugged terrain, as their lightweight design is not intended for heavy-duty use.
In comparison to other ultralight poles, the Gossamer Gear LT5 stands out for its weight and simplicity. Field tests showed that they offer excellent comfort and ease of use for long hikes, although they are not recommended for extremely rough conditions.
COMFORT
WEIGHT
VERSATILITY
PACKED SIZE
CONSTRUCTION
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Everything you need to know
Material
100% carbon fiber
Weight
10.6 ounces (0.30 kilograms) per pair
Adjustable
Twist-lock mechanism for length adjustment
Grip
EVA foam grips
Design
Minimalistic design for ultralight packing
Price
$195
Collapsable Length
23.5 inches (60 cm)
Max Length
53 inches (135 cm)
Perfect for ultralight enthusiasts and long-distance trekkers who prioritize minimizing weight.
5. REI Co-op Flash Carbon – Best for Beginners
REI Co-op Flash Carbon
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon budget trekking poles are designed for those new to hiking who want a reliable and easy-to-use option. These poles offer a great balance of performance and affordability, making them perfect for beginners looking to explore different terrains.
Our Take
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon poles are made from carbon fiber, providing durability without excessive weight. They feature a lever-lock mechanism that allows for quick and easy adjustments, making them ideal for those who are still learning how to use trekking poles effectively.
The cork grips are ergonomic and comfortable, ensuring a secure hold during hikes. These poles are perfect for beginners due to their user-friendly design and reasonable price point, offering good performance without overwhelming new users.
In comparison to other beginner-friendly models, the REI Co-op Flash Carbon poles offer a well-rounded package that combines ease of use with quality construction. Field tests showed that they perform well across various terrains, providing reliable support and comfort for new hikers.
COMFORT
WEIGHT
VERSATILITY