The 6 Best Trekking Poles of 2025

Our Picks of Trekking Poles

Best Overall Trekking Pole

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

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.

Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)	15.7 oz (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)	14.5 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)	47.5 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Shaft Material	Carbon
Pole Design	Foldable

We have very few gripes with these poles, overall. 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. 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.

Read more: MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon review

Best Overall Women's-Specific Trekking Pole

Leki Cressida FX Carbon

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 cork grip extension below the main handles, allowing you to shift your grip when heading up steep terrain, and the minimalistic straps are among the most comfortable to use barehanded. Our lead tester commented, “I guide multi-day wilderness treks and tested these with a diverse group of women on five-day backpacks and peak ascents. They appreciated their ergonomic grip, lightweight frame, and svelte profile when folded in a pack on technical sections.” Their locking and adjustment mechanisms are designed for ease of use, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Additionally, these poles can be compacted down to 16 inches, allowing for convenient storage in most packs.

Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)	16.4 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)	16.5 in
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)	47.8 in
Shaft Material	Carbon
Pole Design	Foldable

Given the Cressida FX Carbon's generous grip extension, they are not light but not hyper-light. “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. Additionally, since carbon fiber is less durable than aluminum, these poles aren't as long-lasting in the long run. Check out the Black Diamond Trail Back for an aluminum pole that can last your hiking lifetime with proper care. However, 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.

Read more: Leki Cressida FX Carbon review

Outstanding Value in a Lightweight Pole

Black Diamond Distance Z

The aluminum Black Diamond Distance Z are simple, lightweight, and high-performance poles that cost around $50 less than their carbon fiber cousins, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z. The Distance Z retains the same compact size and minimal yet still comfortable grip design as the carbon version, and only weighs around two ounces more. We love both versions of this pole, and since the aluminum-shafted Distance Z costs so much less than the carbon version, we recommend them for those seeking lightweight performance at a reasonable price. Both versions of the pole were upgraded in the past couple years 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.

Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)	11.9 oz (size: 110 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)	14.5 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 or Trek-Z 2.0 instead. We've also tested options with more comfortable grips like the Leki Cressida. “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. “As one of our lightest poles, they are my favorite for peak bagging because I don't get arm fatigue and they are quick and easy to stash in my pack's sidepouch during technical sections,” comments our lead female tester.

Read more: Black Diamond Distance Z review

Best on a Tight Budget

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0

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.

Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)	19.1 oz (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)	14.75 in (size: 100-120 cm)
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)	47.3 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 MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon is the better choice. Moreover, we only measured seven inches of length adjustability during testing, which is less than most other poles offer. 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.

Read more: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 review

Excellent Balance of Performance and Affordability

Black Diamond Pursuit

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 excellent construction quality, so your investment is protected.

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. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, which has a similar weight but folds down smaller.

Read more: Black Diamond Pursuit review

A Reliable Value for Heavy and Mixed Use

Black Diamond Trail Back

The bone-snapping crack of a trekking pole snapping is a terrible sound, and if you never want a pole to break and leave you trying to duct tape its metal twigs in the wilderness, then consider the shatterproof Black Diamond Trail Back. This pole can handle hefty weights and heavy miles. The aluminum shaft feels reassuringly solid, even when you accidentally jam it between boulders. It's the kind of pole you can toss in the trunk, or lend to a friend without asking them to baby your gear. We think it could be a staple in a community recreation gear shed—it'll perform well with every user. Our lead tester remarked, “The backpacking company I guide for provides this pole for guests of all shapes and sizes during extended backpacking trips, where we carry loads of up to 60 pounds. I don't know of another pole with such a universal fit that can endure that level of abuse and be trusted not to fail during a trip.” With included snow baskets and a robust FlickLock system, it transitions smoothly from summer multi-day backpacks to snowshoeing.

Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)	18.25 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)	25.0 in
Measured Max Length (Tested Size)	55.5 in
Shaft Material	Aluminum
Pole Design	Collapsible

At almost one pound per pair, the Trail Back is noticeably heavier than carbon fiber models. It is built like a tank, and if you're counting ounces for a thru-hike, the military-grade durability may be too much. The Trail Back's foam grip isn't fancy, but it is a comfortable size for most people. If you're more interested in a comfortable cork grip, the Leki Lhasa AS is a similar telescoping pole that's affordable and durable. At the end of the day, the Trail Back is a workhorse: dependable, straightforward, and built to last. As such, it is an excellent choice for beginner backpackers, family or community equipment, and anyone carrying very heavy loads.

Read more: Black Diamond Trail Back review

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 scour the market for the top options, seeking out the best new offerings, and listen 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 set of trekking poles 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 gather a wide range of opinions from our diverse test team and invite friends and peers of all shapes and sizes to share their thoughts. 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)

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.

Kate Pitts led the testing of women's specific poles. After a decade with the National Park Service as a Park Ranger (Interpreter, backcountry ranger, and Search and Rescue professional), Kate now guides expeditions as a wilderness trekking guide and enjoys holding space for others to connect deeply with nature. She leads groups on multi-day expeditions in the Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and deserts of Utah and teaches backpackers how to use poles to keep their joints happy. Kate appreciates her poles for absorbing impact knee-pounding descents on Colorado 14ers, and as a thru hiker, she comments, “My favorite poles are multi-purpose because I use them to pitch my own shelter or a tarp for a group I am guiding to keep everyone dry in a rain storm. May the poles you choose prevent pain and ease your strain, so your steps feel light!”

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.

Analysis and Test Results

We break down the performance of each trekking pole into specific performance categories to help you find a pair of poles that meets your needs. You'll find detailed descriptions of each metric and the top scorers in each of them.

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 pole in this review will get the job done. If you have a specialized use in mind, prepare to pay a little bit more.

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. These telescoping poles are constructed with carbon fiber and are incredibly lightweight, and they come equipped with plenty of attachments. 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. Some poles, like the TrailBuddy Gear Aluminum Cork, are low-priced, but we don't recommend them because of durability issues.

Another pole notable for its value is the Black Diamond Pursuit. It's not 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 Trail Back is one of the most durable poles on the market and an unmatched value if you want a super-durable pole that won't break — and won't break the bank.

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.

For those on the absolute tightest of budgets, the FitLife Nordic is the most affordable pole we tested. There is nothing high-tech about it, but it offers several basket options, including rubber tips for urban walking, and may work just fine if you don't demand high performance. This pole may be okay for folks looking to try out trekking poles, but we generally recommend spending a bit more on a pole like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, which scored much higher in our tests.

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. Women, children, or people with smaller frames might find lighterweight poles with a smaller ergonomic grip more comfortable.

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 are also 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, and our female testers found it had the most comfortable grip for women or users with small hands. The handle is slightly shorter and narrower than standard trekking pole grips, fitting petite hands more naturally without feeling bulky. Plus, the 45-degree angle on the head is ideal for palming on the downhill.

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.

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, the shaft material won't significantly impact comfort. However, in rocky environments, 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.

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 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.

The Black Diamond Trail Back is designed for comfort and practicality in all weather conditions. Its rubber grip fits most hands and does not absorb moisture, ensuring a solid, non-slip hold whether your hands are dry, sweaty, or covered with gloves. This comfortable pole is easy to share among different users and is an excellent choice if you prioritize durability, grip, and reliability in various weather conditions.

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.

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 fold down into sections for stowing in a small backpack. At 11.9 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 people of different heights.

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.

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 uncharted 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 extended 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 MSR DynaLock does it all.

Another top contender in versatility is the Leki 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. Our lead guide interviewed a family that had used the Trek-Z for weeks hiking in the Alps. Mom, Dad, and the kids loved the pole, saying it was lightweight and a good fit for people of different sizes. It is ideal for traveling as it fits compactly in a suitcase.

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 Black Diamond 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.

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 Black Diamond poles (the Distance Z, Distance FLZ, Distance Carbon Z, Distance Carbon FLZ), as well as the 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 ecosystem, we recommend rubber tips because they won't scratch and permanently alter the appearance of the rock.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 14.5 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.

Construction Quality

Trekking poles are worthless if they break. 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 appropriately loaded along the axis of the pole (from the top down). Aluminum poles can bend when loaded heavily, even along the central 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 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.

One of the most durable poles on the market is the Black Diamond Trail Back. Guiding companies have had this pole in heavy rotation with multiple users carrying expedition loads for up to eight years without the pole breaking. It is made from three 7075 aluminum shafts, which resist bending and denting better than lighter alloys, especially when your poles get caught between rocks or roots. The FlickLock adjustment lever locks have metal-on-metal contact points, giving a strong clamp that's less likely to slip under load compared to cheaper twist locks.

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.

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 REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles.

How to Choose Your Trekking Poles

Whether you're descending the vertical mile into the depths of Grand Canyon or hopping through boulderfields in the Rocky Mountains, the right trekking pole aids your balance, protects your joints, and prevents muscle fatigue. But with dozens of designs on the market, how do you know which one will support your goals when the trail gets real? Our testers hone in on what matters in a supportive pole: terrain, comfort, durability, and lifestyle fit. Because choosing the best trekking pole isn't about chasing specs—it's about selecting a tool that aligns with your intentions, supports the weight you carry, and helps protect your body. A good pole will help you to feel lighter, more balanced, and healthier on the trail.

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!

Whether you're setting out on your next backpacking trip or looking for a great pair of hiking boots to hit your local trails for the afternoon, we've tested all varieties of hiking gear, from all the top brands, to help you have a great time.