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A solid pair of trekking poles provides you with support to tackle the trail ahead, giving you leverage on the climb, aiding your weary knees on the descent, and helping keep you upright when the terrain gets unsteady.
Since 2012, we've tested nearly 70 unique pairs, with the top 17 featured in our current review. We spent countless hours hiking, running, trekking, and climbing from the hottest deserts to the tallest peaks with lots of trails in between.
Of the top picks, the best option is the collapsible MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon for its comfy grip, compact and ergonomic design, and versatility.
If you're looking to save a buck, the foldable Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 packs comfort and durability into a small package at a great price.
Editor's Note: Our trekking pole review was updated on March 24, 2025, to share a quick overview of our favorites as well as some direct quotes from our testing team.
The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon poles are comfortable, versatile, compact, and ergonomic. They excel in almost every application. The grip is simple yet elegant, and the length adjustment mechanism is strong and reliable. Though there are several lighter poles in our lineup (like the Black Diamond Distance Z), the MSR poles have a remarkably light swing weight, feeling ounces lighter than their weight on the scale, and are ideal for backpacking and long-distance thru-hiking. “I like these because they pack down small and have a light feel, which I appreciated after hours on the trail,” our lead tester remarked.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
17.0 oz (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
14.3 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
47.0 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Shaft Material
Carbon fiber
Pole Design
Collapsible
At 17 ounces a pair, the DynaLock Ascent Carbon isn't the lightest option on the market. If you want to move fast and light, the Gossamer Gear LT5 are the lightest poles we tested but also struggle in durability. There are also more durable options than the DynaLock Ascent Carbon, like the Black Diamond Pursuit. That said, the Pursuit doesn't pack down as small. “For 95 percent of users and anyone wanting one pole to do it all, no matter the season, I recommend the Ascent Carbon”, our main tester said.
The Leki Cressida FX Carbon is a premium foldable trekking pole designed for comfort and versatility. The soft cork grips prove comfy from day one and feature an ergonomic notch to accommodate your index finger. This pole has 5.5 inches of grip extension for fast transitions up steep terrain, and the minimalistic straps are among the most comfortable to use barehanded. “I found the cork handles comfortable enough for big days in the mountains and long days on the trail,” our main tester said. Our testers tend to prefer cork grips because they mold to the shape of your hands and resist moisture from sweat.
The Cressida also features carbon fiber shafts, which help dampen trail vibrations. The locking and adjustment mechanisms are expertly designed to be user-friendly — a feature that benefits the novice and seasoned professional alike. Finally, these poles pack down to 16 inches, which stows away nicely in most packs, and they come with a stuff sack for easy storage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
17.0 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
16.0 in
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
47.0 in
Shaft Material
Carbon
Pole Design
Foldable
The Cressida FX Carbon are premium poles with a matching premium price. They are among the most expensive poles we tested. Given their generous grip extension, they are also not featherweight. “I never felt hindered by their weight, but if you are trying to shave grams from your kit, you might want to consider a lighter pair,” one tester noted. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is one such option, weighing in at 10.2 ounces per pair.
Carbon fiber is less durable than aluminum, so these aren't the most durable poles for trekking. If you want an aluminum pair that is women's specific, check out the women's Black Diamond Trail. But if you are looking for comfortable, premium trekking poles that can move seamlessly between day hikes, peak bagging, alpine climbing, and mellow winter activities, then these are an excellent option.
Why do trekking poles need to be gendered in the first place? Well, they don't. Women's specific trekking poles are designed to work for shorter people and/or folks with smaller hands. Men's poles are designed for taller people or those with bigger hands. You may have larger hands and want the features of a “men's” trekking pole. If that's you, don't feel like you have to buy the trekking poles designed for your gender. Vice-versa, if you are less than 6' tall and have small hands but aren't a woman, don't sweat the pink accents- “women's” poles might be a better fit for you.
The Leki Cressida FX Carbon is a high-performance, women's specific trekking pole.
The Black Diamond Distance Z are simple, lightweight, and high-performance poles at a lower price than their carbon fiber counterparts. They feature the same design as the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, and the aluminum shaft construction adds only two ounces per pair compared to the carbon version. At the same time, they retain the same compact size and minimal yet still comfortable grip design as the carbon version. We love both versions of this pole, and since the aluminum-shafted Distance Z costs so much less than the carbon version, they are a great option for those seeking lightweight performance at a reasonable price. Both versions of the pole were upgraded in 2023 with better locking mechanisms that make it easier to use the poles when it is cold. “I found these upgrades nice, but they're not so significant that you need to upgrade your old ones,” one tester noted.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
12.5 oz (size: 110 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
14.0 in (size: 110 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
43.3 in (size: 110 cm)
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Pole Design
Foldable
These trekking poles lack adjustability, so shoppers must be mindful when selecting a size, or consider the adjustable MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon instead. We've also tested options with more comfortable grips. “I dislike the thin wrist straps, especially for hikers or trekkers carrying heavy packs,” our main tester noted. Still, the Distance Z poles are durable, simple, and affordable for the average day hike, mountain run, or casual backpacking trip.
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 are foldable three-section poles with some length adjustment for a price that can't be beaten. In the past, users paid a premium if they wanted compact, high-performance poles. Now, this modern technology is affordable. The grips are comfortable, the basket attachments add versatility, and the poles are durable. “These poles are a great deal for users who want a foldable and adjustable pair without breaking the bank,” one tester said.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
26.0 oz (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
15.0 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
47.0 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Pole Design
Foldable
What you save in money, you'll pay for in weight. At 26 ounces, these budget poles are by far the heaviest pair we tested. “I wouldn't carry these up and over an alpine climb,” said one tester. For activities like long-distance hiking, where every ounce counts, our testers agree the DynaLock Ascent Carbon is the better choice. Moreover, we only measured seven inches of length adjustability during testing, which is less than most other options available. Shortcomings aside, the Trek-Z is an excellent choice if you're getting into hiking and want high-performance, foldable poles at a budget-friendly price.
The Black Diamond Pursuit is a three-section telescoping pole that stands out for its solid performance across the board and relatively affordable price compared to the top performers. “I found this pole performs nearly as well as the best poles I tested, but at a much more palatable price,” our main reviewer said. It has comfortable grips, plenty of length adjustment, ergonomic locks, and padded wrist straps. Highly versatile, we love this pole for a variety of uses, from day-in and day-out use on the trail while hiking to rugged treks and winter activities. Plus, it has great construction quality, so your investment is protected.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
19.0 oz (size: M/L - 100-140 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
25.0 in (size: M/L - 100-140 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
55.0 in (size: M/L - 100-140 cm)
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Pole Design
Collapsible
At 19 ounces and a collapsed 25-inch length, the relatively heavy weight and packed size were the most significant disadvantages we encountered during testing. “I find there are better options out there for activities like alpine climbing, mountain running, and peak bagging, which demand the lightest and most compact models,” one tester stated. For those activities, we'd reach for the Black Diamond Distance Z. Notably, almost all of our favorite models we tested feature foldable (Z-style) designs. However, the Pursuit sticks to the time-tested and durable model of aluminum construction in a three-section telescoping design. The result is a less expensive, highly reliable, and versatile pole at an approachable price.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z offers great performance at a low weight. We have long been fans of this pole, and it got a minor upgrade in 2023. The newer version uses a thinner pole and is slightly lighter. The smaller diameter pole is noticeable, especially when you attach it to the side of your daypack or stash inside your pack. The weight shavings are not really noticeable.
The big upgrade to this pole is the locking/unlocking button. The old version used a very small button that was hard to use with gloves or when your hands were cold. The new button is much improved (we are talking grams here; the average person won't notice). This model shaves ounces by incorporating carbon fiber shafts, foam grips, and stripped-down features. “I often find that lighter poles can feel cheap or flimsy, but that's not the case here,” our lead tester said. Although we don't use these poles for heavy-duty trekking or backpacking, the Carbon Z is relatively versatile and excels in lightweight backpacking, hiking, trail running, or approaching technical climbs. They come with small snow baskets that work in spring snow but are not ideal for powder.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
10.2 oz (size: 110 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
13.0 in (size: 110 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)
39.0 in (size: 110 cm)
Shaft Material
Carbon Fiber
Pole Design
Foldable
The Carbon Z isn't adjustable. Instead, it's available in four lengths, so carefully identify your size before purchasing. Even if you have your perfect length, you won't be able to optimize the pole length for steep climbs or descents. We also noticed during testing that the grips are smaller in the new version than the old version, which makes it harder to “choke up” on the pole for steep climbs. “I didn't think the grips were the most comfortable, but they're not bad either,” one tester said. The sacrifices in comfort and adjustability won't be a big deal for weight-shaving enthusiasts. For most spring, fall, and summer days, these were the poles we reached for. If you want to save money, consider the Black Diamond Distance Z, a few ounces heavier but less expensive.
2 Sizes: S/M - 100-125 cm, M/L - 100-140cm (tested)
One size
3 Sizes: 95-110, 110-125 (tested), 125-140 cm
One size
4 Sizes: 100, 110 (tested), 120, 130 cm
5 Sizes:: 110 (tested), 115, 120, 125, 130 cm
One size
One size
One size
2 Sizes: 115-135 cm, 100-120 cm (tested)
One size
One size
2 Sizes: 95-120 cm, 105-140 cm (tested)
One size
One size
Advertised Weight Per Pair By Size (Per Manufacturer)
16 / 17.0 oz
17.2 oz
16.4 / 17.6 oz
16.0 0z
11.0 / 12.0 / 13.0 oz
17.0 oz
11.2 / 11.6 / 12.1 / 12.6 oz
9.3 / 9.6 / 9.9 / 10.2 / 10.4 oz
17.9 oz
10.0 oz
16.9 0z
19.0 oz / 22.0 oz
15.6 oz
20.8 oz
18.5 / 19.5 oz
17.0 oz
19.4 oz
Advertised Collapsed Length (Per Available Size)
14.3 in / 17.5 in
16 in
24.4 / 26.8 in
15.8 in
13.4 /14.6 / 17.75 in
24 in
13 / 14.6 / 15.7 / 17.3 in
13.0 / 14.6 / 15.8 / 16.6 / 17.3 in
25.2 in
23.5 In
24.4 in
15.0 / 15.0 in
26.0 in
26.0 in
22.0 / 25.0 in
25.0 in
24,5 in
Advertisd Max Length (Per Available Size)
47.0 in / 55.0 in
47.0 in
49 in / 55 in
51.2 in
43.3 / 49.2 / 55.1 in
51 in
39.4 /43.3 / 47.2 / 51.2 in
43.3 / 45.3 /47.2/ 49.2 /51.2 in
49.2 in
51 in
49.2 in
47.2 / 53.1 in
54.0 in
54.0 in
47.0 / 55.0 in
55.0 in
54.0 in
We use trekking poles almost everyday, finding that they make life a lot easier. Here, we used them on a rainy fall hike to cross a swollen creek.
Credit: Jackie Kearney
How We Tested
Since 2012, we have purchased and tested almost 70 pairs of trekking poles for our objective, side-by-side testing protocol. We start by scouring the market for the top options, seeking out the best new offerings, and listening to our peers and other outdoor enthusiasts for clues about the best products. Then, we select and purchase the best of the best for hands-on testing, where we hike, run, climb, and trek with each pole until we thoroughly understand each. We measure objective metrics like weight, minimum extended length, and adjustability range whenever possible. For subjective metrics like comfort, we get plenty of opinions from our diverse test team and ask friends and peers of all shapes and sizes to weigh in. For the full scoop on our testing process, see our How We Test article.
We divide our testing and scoring of trekking poles into six performance metrics:
Comfort (20% of overall score weighting)
Weight (20% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Locking and Adjustability (15% weighting)
Packed Size (15% weighting)
Construction Quality (10% weighting)
We tested each and every trekking pole with various tests to make sure the ones we recommend are the best.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Why Trust GearLab
Our test team is led by mountain guide, climber, hiker, and skier Jeff Dobronyi. Jeff is an internationally-certified Mountain Guide and leads climbers, trekkers, and backcountry skiers all over the world, from his home in Colorado to the Tetons, Wind River Range, Washington's Cascades, and beyond. He has also guided four expeditions on Denali. In the Rocky Mountains, where approaches and hikes are marked by climbing up and down thousands of feet over rocky terrain, trekking poles are a must. Jeff goes through multiple pairs each year and seems to have poles in his hands every day, whether he's out for an alpine climb, an overnight hike, or a training run.
Using the MSR Dynalock on a slippery descent in Hawaii.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Jeff was assisted by avid alpine climber, hiker, and backpacker Mary Witlacil. Mary has logged thousands of miles carrying heavy loads all over the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California. From multi-day expeditions in the Andes, the Wind Rivers, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra to humping heavy loads of climbing gear into the backcountry, this gal is a veritable pack mule. While alpine climbing is her first love, Mary logs tons of miles with trekking poles while day-hiking, peak-bagging, backpacking, and romping around in the backcountry. For this round of testing, she spent the majority of her time testing poles in the sandy red rock deserts of the Colorado Plateau in Utah, alpine climbing day trips, and hiking in the mountains and foothills in Colorado.
Our team hiked, backpacked, and logged lots of miles to find the very best on the market.
Analysis and Test Results
We break down the performance of each trekking pole into specific performance categories to help you find a pair that meets your needs. You'll find detailed descriptions of each metric and the top scorers in each of them.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Trekking poles span a wide range of prices, and we find that, in general, you get what you pay for. That said, poles aren't as complex as other pieces of equipment, and the least expensive ones will often provide nearly the same level of performance as the most expensive ones. Only the most dedicated trail users will appreciate the comfort, weight, and design benefits of the most expensive poles. If you are an occasional trail hiker or go on regular walks to stay fit, any poles in this review will get the job done. If you have a specialized use in mind, prepare to pay a little bit more.
The Trekology Trek-Z is a good choice for rugged trails and budget-minded hikers.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Poles range dramatically in price, and luckily, there are some great options that won't break the bank. The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 provides many of the features of more expensive poles at a fraction of the price. These features include comfortable foam grips, a foldable design that allows the poles to pack small, a durable aluminum construction, and plenty of tip and basket attachments. The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock is also a great deal. They are made from carbon fiber, so they are incredibly lightweight, and they come equipped with plenty of attachments in a telescoping design. The Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Aircraft Grade is an even better deal, with the exact same design as the carbon version, with aluminum construction and a slightly higher weight. The Leki Lhasa AS strikes a good balance between affordability, durability, and user-friendly design features. The REI Co-op Traverse features exceptional durability at an affordable price, and the TrailBuddy Gear Aluminum Cork are also notable for their affordability — though we don't recommend them because of durability issues.
Out for hike with the Leki Lhasa AS.
Credit: Mary Witlacil
Another product that is notable for its value is the Black Diamond Pursuit. This pole isn't the cheapest on the market, but it performs nearly as well as the best poles out there, and it costs a lot less. It still can't beat the value of the Trek-Z 2.0, but if you want a high-performance pole that will feel like a best-in-class product without the high price tag, the Pursuit offers a good value.
The Black Diamond Pursuit offers good value in a top-of-the-line trekking pole.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
In the lightweight category, the Black Diamond Distance Z weighs a tad more than folding carbon fiber poles and is much more affordable, allowing users on a budget to access the ultra-lightweight trekking pole market.
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is a great choice for everyday hiking and walking at an affordable price.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Comfort
Trekking poles transfer some of your body weight from your legs to your arms. However, after hours or days of walking, the hands and wrists can take a beating from supporting this additional weight. To combat such fatigue, poles often incorporate cushy grip and strap materials, as well as ergonomically shaped handles. In our experience, grip shape, or how well the handle is contoured to a real hand, makes the most impact on comfort. Other features that can increase comfort are an extended “secondary” grip for choking down on the pole in steep terrain, a thick and soft wrist strap, and carbon fiber shafts that absorb shock when the pole hits the ground. Grips are typically made of some combination of cork, foam, rubber, or plastic. Cork grips deliver some of the best comfort, but not all cork grips are created equal. Softer cork breaks in faster and delivers better out-of-the-box comfort, while harder cork might be more durable, but it takes longer to break in.
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is our favorite grip because it is perfectly contoured to fit our hands, and the cork also molds over time. The Black Diamond Pursuit has a nearly identical grip. We also are big fans of the understated contouring on the MSR DynaLock, which fits our testers' hands well. The Leki Cressida FX Carbon features some of the most comfortable, ergonomic, and soft cork grips of the poles in our lineup. Among the lightweight designs, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z and Distance Z have a simple foam grip that is comfortable enough for long distances.
The MSR Dynalock's grip features subtle contours that are very comfortable for every hand size.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Poles made from carbon can absorb more shock from impact with the ground than poles made from aluminum, and this distinction is noticeable when using trekking poles on firm bedrock surfaces like the sandstone slabs in the desert and high alpine granite basins. If you will be using your poles primarily on dirt trails, then the shaft material won't matter much for comfort, but if you are in rocky environs, carbon poles with thick shafts are the most comfortable. The BD Alpine Carbon Cork, Leki Cressida Carbon, and Leki Black Series FX Carbon had the best shock-absorbing performance in our testing but are relatively heavy due to the thickness of the carbon shafts. In this case, increasing comfort means increasing weight.
The BD Alpine Carbon Cork grips are excellent and contour to the user's hand over time.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Given that aluminum is a less forgiving material, some manufacturers use simple shock absorbers to make up for the harsher feel of aluminum trekking poles. While the anti-shock system of the Leki Lhasa AS was somewhat stiff, this might be a good option for dampening trail vibrations without the steeper price tag of the well-crafted carbon poles in our review.
The “AS” stands for “Anti-Shock System,” which refers to the small shock-absorbers just above the mud baskets on the Lhasa.
Credit: Mary Witlacil
The Black Diamond Pursuit merits a special mention for its comfortable features. The wrist straps are made of thick, soft padding, making these poles a dream to wear on the trail, mile after mile. In addition, the lever locks are coated with rubber, making them easy to open and snap closed without hurting your fingers. Both of these features help make this pole one of the most comfortable we have ever tested.
You'll want to select a trekking pole that fits your height, especially if you are tall or plan on sharing with a taller friend. The REI Co-op Traverse has the longest settings of our lineup with 55.1 inches for a size 105-140. The REI Trailmade, Pursuit, and Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight also expand to 55 inches. All trekking poles in this lineup are adjustable, so as long as your desired height is below the max height, you should be good to go. If you are on the taller side and need more, sizing up will likely be the best option. Otherwise, opt for one of these longer pairs.
The REI Co-op Trailmade has one of the most extended lengths in the lineup.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Weight
As mountain running and ultralight backpacking become more popular, weight is an increasingly important component of a trekking pole. Most of the time, lighter poles are less durable. But if you're only using them during runs, day hikes, or short overnight trips, durability isn't a major concern and a lighter pole is noticeably more pleasant to use than a heavier one. Weight is less critical if you need a pole to support heavy loads in remote areas and one that absolutely must not break.
At 10.2 ounces per pair, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is among the lightest in our lineup. To achieve such a low weight, these poles have a streamlined foam grip, minimalist wrist strap, and, most notably, ZERO length adjustment. Fixed-length poles save tons of weight by eliminating lever locks and overlapping shaft sections. No need to fear, though: this pole still has the ability to collapse into sections for stowing in a small backpack. At 12 ounces, the aluminum Distance Z is only slightly heavier than the lightest carbon option, but it costs much less. Both poles are available in many length options, making them suitable for both men and women.
The Carbon Distance Z is about as light as it gets.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The Gossamer Gear LT5 are the lightest poles in our test, thanks to carbon shafts, lightweight plastic twist-lock length adjustment mechanisms, and foam grips. These poles lack durability, but they have a very light swing weight, making them great for users with wrist injuries or chronic wrist pain. They aren't suited to backcountry use, but they are great for low-impact hikes and walks.
The Gossamer Gear LT5 achieves a low weight thanks to thin carbon shafts and plastic locking devices that expand when twisted.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Versatility
Some products in our review are purpose-built for specific activities, while others may be used for most or all backcountry activities. Some poles include various baskets and tips to adapt to trail or off-trail conditions. Most users don't need a pole that performs on loose talus approaches or on long treks through burly or unchartered terrain. That said, some poles in our review can do all of it with ease.
For instance, the MSR DynaLock is versatile enough to be used in any situation you might need a pole, from day hiking and long backpacking trips to technical climbs and backcountry ski tours. Most folding poles are weaker than their telescoping counterparts and thus can't be recommended for rugged terrain while carrying a heavy backpack, but the DynaLock does it all. Another top contender in versatility is the Cressida FX Carbon, which is light enough for alpine running and peak bagging, compact enough to use for alpine climbing (when you need to stow your pack away during climbs), comfortable enough for backpacking, and burly enough for most winter activities. The Leki Black Series FX Carbon also earns high marks in the versatility category for its small collapsed length, relatively low weight, and well-designed grip for long treks.
The MSR DynaLock is ready for just about any adventure, whether it be rolling hills in the summer or backcountry skiing in the winter.
The lightweight poles in our review are great for mountain running, ultralight backpacking, technical climbing, day hikes, and on-trail backpacking with heavier packs. This includes the Carbon Z, Carbon FLZ, and Distance Z. The only activities we wouldn't use them for are international trekking and off-trail travel with heavy loads. They also accept snow baskets for glacier travel or high alpine traverses in the early summer.
Compact collapsible poles like the BD Carbon Distance Z quickly fold away and can be stashed inside your pack or on the side. Most other pole designs are more clunky to store.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Other poles come with many baskets and tip attachments to help them perform well across the board. We especially like the non-marking rubber tips that attach to the Distance Z, Distance FLZ, Distance Carbon Z, Distance Carbon FLZ, Gossamer Gear LT5, Trailbuddy, and Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Aircraft Grade poles. If you spend time hiking on the sandstone of the American Southwest or anywhere else with soft rock and a fragile, aesthetic ecosystem, we recommend rubber tips because they won't scratch and permanently alter the appearance of the rock.
An assortment of baskets, from super lightweight and small on the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (left), to the super wide powder baskets on the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (right).
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Locking and Adjustability
All of the poles in our test break down to a smaller length for storage, travel, and stowing in a pack, then extend back to a usable length when needed. Most of the poles in our review also feature an adjustable length mechanism for minor adjustments during use. This metric rewards poles that have a large range of length adjustment and that securely lock into the chosen length. We also consider how easily adjustments can be made to wrist strap lengths and locking mechanism tightness.
Trekking poles with the most length adjustment feature a telescoping design where different sections of pole shafts slide inside each other to collapse or extend to the desired length. A small lever lock fastener clamps the outer shaft material down tight over the inner shaft, creating enough friction to secure everything in place. We are big fans of Black Diamond's metal lever locks on the Alpine Carbon Cork and Pursuit, finding them to be the best locks in our review. The durable aluminum lever locks on the REI Traverse can take a beating while still doing their job, and they are easy to tighten in the field without a tool.
The Black Diamond models and REI Traverse have durable locks that won't break with some wear and tear.
On the other hand, folding poles offer less (and sometimes zero) adjustability and feature a completely different locking mechanism. Each pole section fits together with the next, and an internal pull cord tightens the links together. When pulled tight enough, the cord engages a spring-loaded locking mechanism that prevents the sections from coming apart. Although this pole style can fold down to a smaller packed size than telescoping models, they generally don't include as much length adjustment.
The Distance Z poles have a great button that makes the pole quick to break down. However, there is no adjustability; you have to choose the right length for yourself and can't easily share it with people who are a different height than you.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Poles like the Distance Z save weight by avoiding any adjustment mechanisms, but they are not ideal if you are between sizes or want to lend your poles to a friend. If you want a packable pole that offers different lengths, consider poles like the Cressida FX Carbon, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, or Leki Black Series FX Carbon, all of which feature a single lever lock and,, a foldable, Z-style design. This allows modest length adjustments once the pole is unfolded.
The locking mechanism and length-adjusting lever on the MSR Dynalock are both sleek and effective.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Packed Size
If you plan on using your poles in your hands for your entire trip, then packed size might not matter. On the other hand, if you'll be using your poles on scrambles, you'll have to stash them in your backpack during technical sections. Additionally, if you'll be traveling and need poles that can fit into your luggage, packed size is an important consideration.
The most packable poles currently available are the ones featuring a foldable design, also known as Z-poles. These poles have become more prevalent in the past few years, and for good reason. This design packs down to nearly half the length of standard telescoping poles. Black Diamond revolutionized and popularized the Z-pole, and now many brands offer their own version of the design.
The Dynalock packs down smaller than other foldable poles on the market, making it a useful tool for pack size-conscious missions.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z packs down to just 13.0 inches for a size 110. The Distance Z collapses down to as little as 14 inches for a size 110. Both the top-ranked MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon and Leki Cressida FX Carbon, as well as the budget-friendly Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, feature a foldable design.
The Leki Black Series FX Carbon is another foldable model we tested that packs down to 15.5 inches. Foldable poles are the best option if you need them to fold up and disappear inside your pack. Most telescoping poles only collapse down to 24 inches, making them much more challenging to fit inside a backpack. With recent developments in the durability of lightweight folding models, we recommend z-poles for technical missions or for users who want the option to store their poles on the outside or inside of a backpack.
Foldable poles (bottom) pack way smaller than telescoping poles (top). If you plan on stashing your poles in your pack, foldable poles are the way to go.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Construction Quality
Trekking poles are worthless if they break, leading to less efficient travel. If you are carrying a heavy load across streams or through rough terrain, a broken pole could also be a serious safety concern. Furthermore, if your shelter system incorporates your poles into the design, as some modern lightweight backpacking tents do, then a broken pole might be a major inconvenience. After our extensive testing period, we have a good idea of which poles are the most trustworthy.
Carbon fiber poles can break when bent or smacked against rocks but are strong when loaded properly along the axis of the pole (from the top down). Aluminum poles can bend when loaded heavily, even along the main axis of the pole, but aluminum usually bends much more than carbon before snapping. Chipped carbon is more prone to snapping, even when loaded along the major axis. We were most impressed by the durability of the Black Diamond Pursuit. This pole has solid aluminum shafts that can take a beating on rugged treks. They also feature burly metal lever locks that inspire confidence and perform well.
The Black Diamond Pursuit's burly aluminum shafts and metal lever locks deliver excellent durability.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Despite the Black Diamond Distance Z's ultralight design, it's actually quite robust and durable. It is made from aluminum and doesn't include many parts that can break. If you are looking for a pair of well-built carbon-fiber poles, the BD Alpine Carbon Cork is a good option due to the thick carbon shafts.
The Trailbuddy Gear Aluminum Cork (left) and Gossamer Gear LT5 (right) both took damage with light use during our testing period.
Poles don't typically withstand that much of a beating, but some poles were downright disappointing and broke quickly during our testing period. We broke the plastic lever on the Trailbuddy locking mechanism right out of the box, making the poles nearly unusable. We also broke the Gossamer Gear LT5 on our third day of testing when a user tightened the twist-locking shafts a little too much, and the plastic expansion piece inside the pole broke through the carbon shaft. We would recommend avoiding these two choices if you want a pole that will last a long time. We are also hesitant to recommend the plastic lever locks of the Black Diamond Trail - Women's and REI Co-op Trailmade.
Mary pausing to check out the Ship's Prow in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trekking poles are a great trail companion when carrying heavy climbing gear into the high country.
Credit: Fernando Urias-Cordero
Conclusion
There are so many trekking poles on the market that finding the perfect pair is daunting. The good news is that for most day hikers, any trekking pole will get the job done. If you need poles for a more specialized use, you'll have to do a little more research, which is where this review comes in. We hope our work helps you find the best pole to suit your needs. See you on the trails!
