Hiking poles, or trekking poles, have become an essential piece of gear for many outdoor enthusiasts, offering increased stability, reduced strain on the joints, and improved endurance on both easy and challenging trails. Whether you’re traversing rugged mountain paths or enjoying a gentle forest hike, trekking poles can make a noticeable difference in your hiking experience. With so many options available, finding the right pair of poles depends on understanding key features, materials, and types.

Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best hiking poles for your needs.

4 Top Hiking Poles for 2025

Here are some of the top-rated hiking poles for 2024 that combine comfort, durability, and advanced features:

1. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles

These premium trekking poles feature carbon fiber construction and cork grips for maximum comfort and durability. They also come with flip-lock adjustments, making them versatile for a variety of terrains.

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon fiber
• Comfortable cork grips
• Sturdy flip-lock system

Best For: Serious hikers and backpackers looking for a durable, lightweight option.

2. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

Leki’s Micro Vario poles are foldable, making them highly portable and compact. These carbon poles are ultralight, and the Aergon Thermo grips provide excellent comfort.

Pros:

• Compact folding design
• Ultralight carbon construction
• Comfortable grips

Best For: Ultralight hikers and those who need poles that stow easily.

3. REI Co-op Trailbreak Trekking Poles

A great budget option, the REI Trailbreak poles are made from durable aluminum and feature foam grips. They are telescoping poles with simple twist locks, offering an affordable solution for casual hikers.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Durable aluminum
• Foam grips for comfort

Best For: Beginner hikers and budget-conscious adventurers.

4. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles

These affordable carbon fiber poles are lightweight yet sturdy. They feature quick-lock levers for easy adjustments and come with cork grips, making them comfortable and functional.

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon fiber
• Quick-lock system
• Affordable price

Best For: Budget-conscious hikers looking for lightweight performance.

Why Use Hiking Poles?

Hiking poles are beneficial for a variety of reasons, and they’re particularly helpful in specific situations:

A. Balance and Stability

Trekking poles provide extra points of contact with the ground, offering increased stability on uneven or slippery terrain. This is especially useful when hiking on rocky trails, crossing rivers, or navigating through snow.

B. Reduced Strain on Joints

Using hiking poles reduces the strain on your knees and ankles, particularly during descents. The poles absorb some of the impact from each step, making them beneficial for hikers with joint pain or those looking to prevent injury.

C. Improved Endurance

Hiking poles can distribute the effort between your arms and legs, allowing you to hike for longer periods with less fatigue. This can be especially important on long-distance hikes or multi-day treks.

D. Aid in Uphill Climbing

When hiking uphill, poles help by giving you additional leverage, allowing you to push yourself forward using your arms as well as your legs. This can reduce the energy needed to climb steep inclines.

E. Navigation and Safety

Poles can be used to probe water depth when crossing streams, stabilize yourself when crossing tricky terrain, and push aside brush or obstacles on the trail.

Types of Hiking Poles

There are several types of hiking poles, each suited for different needs and preferences. Here are the most common types:

A. Telescoping Poles

Telescoping poles are adjustable in length, making them versatile for different terrains and user heights. They usually have two or three sections that slide into each other, secured with a locking mechanism. These poles are ideal for hikers who need to adjust the length of their poles on the go, such as for steep ascents or descents.

Best For: All-around hiking, varied terrain, and users who want adjustability.

B. Folding Poles

Folding poles, also known as Z-poles, are designed to collapse into shorter lengths for easy packing. They are typically lighter than telescoping poles and fold down compactly, making them great for ultralight hikers or those who want to stow their poles when not in use. However, they offer less adjustability than telescoping poles.

Best For: Ultralight hikers and those who prioritize compact storage.

C. Fixed-Length Poles

Fixed-length poles are sturdy and reliable but lack the adjustability of telescoping or folding poles. These are a good choice for hikers who are confident in their preferred pole length and don’t require frequent adjustments.

Best For: Simple hikes and users who don’t need adjustable poles.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing Hiking Poles

When selecting hiking poles, there are several important factors to consider to ensure they meet your needs in terms of comfort, durability, and functionality.

A. Materials

The materials used in hiking poles affect their weight, durability, and price:

• Aluminum: Aluminum poles are durable, relatively lightweight, and affordable. They are great for rugged conditions and can withstand tough use without breaking. However, they are slightly heavier than carbon fiber poles.
• Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber poles are ultralight and absorb vibrations well, making them a great choice for long-distance hikers. However, they can be more expensive and are more prone to cracking or snapping under extreme stress.

Best For: Aluminum poles are great for rough terrain and durability, while carbon fiber poles are ideal for ultralight hiking and minimal weight.

B. Locking Mechanism

Adjustable hiking poles have locking mechanisms to secure the pole sections in place. The type of locking mechanism can affect how easy it is to adjust the poles on the trail:

• Lever Lock (Flip Lock): Lever locks are easy to use, even with gloves on, and provide a secure hold. These are the most common and reliable locking mechanisms.
• Twist Lock: Twist locks work by twisting the pole sections to lock them in place. While they can be lighter, they are often more prone to slipping over time or with heavy use.

Best For: Lever locks are generally more durable and user-friendly, while twist locks may appeal to those looking for a lighter design.

C. Grips

The grip material on hiking poles is important for comfort, especially during long hikes. The main grip materials are:

• Cork: Cork grips conform to the shape of your hands over time and wick away moisture, making them great for sweaty hands. They also provide some natural shock absorption.
• Foam: Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture, offering good comfort in both warm and cold conditions. They are typically lighter than cork grips.
• Rubber: Rubber grips are durable and ideal for cold-weather hikes. However, they can cause sweating in warmer conditions and may feel less comfortable for long hikes.

Best For: Cork for long hikes and sweaty hands, foam for lightweight comfort, and rubber for cold weather or shorter hikes.

D. Weight

Lighter poles reduce arm fatigue, making them ideal for long-distance hikers or those aiming to minimize the weight of their gear. However, lighter poles made from materials like carbon fiber can be more expensive and may sacrifice durability.

Best For: Ultralight hiking and long-distance trails where reducing fatigue is essential.

E. Shock Absorption

Some hiking poles come with built-in shock absorbers, which can reduce impact on the wrists and arms, especially on downhill sections. While this feature adds weight and cost, it can be useful for hikers with joint problems or those who do a lot of downhill hiking.

Best For: Hikers who frequently descend steep trails or need extra joint protection.

F. Baskets and Tips

Hiking poles typically come with interchangeable baskets and tips for different conditions:

• Baskets: Small baskets are best for regular hiking, while larger snow baskets are ideal for winter or snowy conditions.
• Tips: Carbide tips provide excellent traction on rocky or icy terrain, while rubber tips are better for flat surfaces or when trekking in sensitive environments like national parks where sharp tips could damage the trail.

Best For: Carbide tips for rugged trails and rubber tips for eco-friendly hiking.

 Caring for Your Hiking Poles

To extend the life of your hiking poles, make sure to clean them after each use, especially if you’ve been hiking through mud, sand, or snow. Dry them thoroughly before storage to prevent rust or corrosion. Regularly check the locking mechanisms and tips for wear, and replace any worn parts as needed.

Final Thoughts

Hiking poles can make a significant difference in your hiking experience, providing stability, reducing joint strain, and enhancing overall comfort. By considering factors like material, grip type, and weight, you can find the perfect pair of trekking poles to match your hiking style and needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the right poles will help you tackle any trail with confidence.