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A solid pair of trekking poles provides support to tackle the trail ahead, gives you leverage on the uphill, aids your weary knees on the descent, and helps keep you upright when the terrain gets unsteady.
The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon is our favorite pole for its comfy grip and compact design. This adjustable pole packs down super small and feels light in the hand. Our team loves the DynaLock Ascent for long hikes and backpacking.
We think the Black Diamond Trail Back is an incredible value and a great pole for nearly anyone. It's a super durable aluminum pole that can handle weight and abuse, plus it's adjustable, and it costs a lot less than the premium poles on the market.
Mountain runners and thru-hikers should check out the ultralight Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, which shaves weight with its carbon, non-adjustable build.
We've been testing trekking poles since 2012, and we've purchased and tested nearly 70 unique pairs. This review highlights 15 of the market's most intriguing pairs. We spent countless hours hiking, running, trekking, and climbing in terrain ranging from deserts to high mountain peaks and our local trail systems.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on Oct 2, 2026, to share new thoughts on award winners.
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 similarly priced aluminum Black Diamond Distance Z), the MSR poles have a remarkably light swing weight, feeling ounces lighter than their scale weight, and are ideal for backpacking and long-distance thru-hiking. “I packed these when I guided multi-day trips on alpine traverses because they tuck compactly into the side of my pack on more technical sections. They have a light feel, which I appreciate after hours on the trail,” our tester remarked. We also used these to pitch an ultralight shelter.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shaft Material
Carbon
Grip Material
EVA foam
Pole Design
Foldable
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)
At 15.7 ounces for the pair, the DynaLock Ascent Carbon isn't the lightest option on the market. If you want to move fast and light, you can shave almost 6 ounces with the Gossamer Gear LT5. We also found other poles like the Black Diamond Pursuit to be more durable (although they don't pack down as small). But overall, we love these poles from MSR. If you don't mind paying for them, this is a do-it-all pole that's great for almost any user in any season.
Our female testers valued the featherlight swing weight of the MSR DynaLock Ascent for trail running in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. This pole is perfect for fastpacking or mountain races—because its design balances low weight, quick handling, and control. Credit: Kate Pitts
The Black Diamond Trail Back is a durable workhorse pole capable of handling burly loads and long miles. The aluminum shaft feels reassuringly solid, even when you accidentally jam it between boulders. This is 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 Kate Pitts shared, “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 adjustment system, they transition smoothly from snowshoeing to summer multi-day backpacking trips.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Grip Material
EVA foam
Pole Design
Collapsible
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
18.25 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
25.0 in
The aluminum Trail Back poles are noticeably heavier than the carbon fiber models we tested. They're built like a tank, so if you're counting ounces for a thru-hike, the military-grade durability may be too much. The basic foam grip didn't blow us away for its comfort, but it does the job and is a comfortable size for most hands. At the end of the day, the Trail Back is a workhorse: dependable, straightforward, and built to last. We recommend this pole for beginner backpackers, family or community equipment, anyone carrying very heavy loads, or simply anyone seeking a quality and durable pole for a reasonable price.
The Trail Back's adjustability allowed us to easily find the ideal height for our hike, and once we reached camp, we could quickly secure it to set up our tarp. Credit: Kate Pitts
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 lead multi-day wilderness treks and have tested these with a diverse group of women on five-day backpacking trips and peak ascents. They appreciated the ergonomic grip and lightweight frame. The Cressida was reliable even during desert backpacking, helping us navigate through muddy potholes in deep canyons while bearing our weight.” Their locking and adjustment mechanisms are designed for ease of use, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced users. We also like that they slim down to a compact 16 inches for storing away when not in use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shaft Material
Carbon
Grip Material
Cork
Pole Design
Foldable
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
16.4 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
16.5 in
At 16.4 ounces, they're not heavy, but they're not hyper-light, either. If this matters to you, check out a super light pole like the Gossamer Gear LT5 or the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, which are both under 10 ounces. Additionally, since carbon fiber is less durable than aluminum, these poles are more susceptible to breakage than more burly aluminum poles. 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, the Cressida is a great choice.
Why do trekking poles need to be gendered in the first place? Well, they don't. Many companies make unisex poles. Women's specific trekking poles are generally designed for shorter people and/or folks with smaller hands. If that's you, don't feel like you have to buy the trekking poles designed for your gender. If you're less than 6 feet tall and have small hands, “women's” poles might be a comfortable fit for your grip.
The Cressida offers a comfortable grip, sturdy support on uneven terrain, and minimizes impact, even on hard granite, while boulder hopping in Rocky Mountain National Park. Credit: Kate Pitts
We used the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z for trail runs and fast-paced hikes. It's easy to get a steady rhythm going with this lightweight pole and keep it swinging forward with little effort, which reduces strain on the wrists and forearms. Our testers appreciated this on high-mileage days, when heavier poles felt cumbersome. Their lightweight efficiency lends to their comfort, because over time that lighter, quicker plant and swing translates to less overall fatigue, which matters more than grip cushioning when covering ground quickly. This pole breaks down into sections for packing away, and easily assembles back together, giving the pole what one tester described as “a solid, smooth rocket ship feel” once assembled. It's a minimalist pole that still provides the added stability that's useful on technical trails.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shaft Material
Carbon
Grip Material
EVA Lite Foam
Pole Design
Foldable
Measured Weight Per Pair (Size Tested)
8.70 oz
Measured Collapsed Length (Tested Size)
14.0 in
The Carbon Z isn't a pole designed for weighting heavy loads. It's made for those wanting to move fast and light with a little extra support. Its fixed length means there's no adjustability for steep climbs and descents, and it means you need to choose the right size from the get-go. If you're looking for those attributes (durability or adjustability), we've tested other versions of this pole, including the Distance Z, which is the aluminum version and a little heavier and burlier, and the Distance Carbon FLZ, which has some telescoping adjustability along with the Z-folding design. Both pairs are lightweight, though still a couple of ounces heavier than the Distance Carbon Z, which wins out for its ultra-low weight.
The Distance Carbon Z is about as light and compact as a trekking pole gets. It's super fast to break it down and stash it on the side of your pack. Credit: Chris McNamara
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 are foldable three-section poles with some length adjustment for a price that's hard to beat. In the past, you paid a premium if you wanted compact, high-performance poles, but you can find some decent options for an affordable price. Trek-Z's grips are comfortable, the basket attachments add versatility, and the pole shafts are durable. Our lead tester interviewed a family that had used these poles 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. And because it can fold up compactly and fit in a suitcase, it's ideal for traveling.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Grip Material
Foam
Pole Design
Foldable
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)
These aren't ultralight, but they're not super heavy, either. They offer about 7 inches of length adjustability, which is less than most other poles offer. It's also worth mentioning that although we had no durability issues in our testing, we've received some durability complaints about these poles and read a few online. They are good for day hikes and ultralight backpackers, but might not be the most durable if you weight them heavily. Shortcomings aside, the Trek-Z is a good choice if you're getting into hiking and want a decent pair of foldable poles at a budget-friendly price.
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is the best budget-friendly option on the market. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Product Comparison Table
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 around 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 five performance metrics:
Comfort (25% of overall score weighting)
Locking and Adjustability (25% weighting)
Construction Quality (25% weighting)
Packed Size (15% weighting)
Weight (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.
We enthusiastically gathered feedback from countless amazing women traipsing the wilds to discover the perfect trekking poles for women and those with smaller grips. Credit: Kate Pitts
Kate Pitts also tested poles for this review. After a decade with the National Park Service as a Park Ranger (Interpreter, backcountry ranger, and Search and Rescue professional), Kate now guides expeditions for Wildland Trekking and enjoys helping others connect deeply with nature. She leads groups on multi-day expeditions in the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and the deserts of Utah, and teaches backpackers how to use poles to keep their joints happy. Kate appreciates her poles for absorbing impact on 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 rainstorm. May the poles you choose prevent pain and ease your strain, so your steps feel light!"
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 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 can vary wildly in price, but it's possible to get totally decent performance from an affordable pole, especially if you're only an occasional trail hiker. If you have a specialized use in mind, prepare to pay a little bit more.
If you can afford a $100 pole, we highly recommend the burly aluminum Black Diamond Trail Back. This is a durable pole meant to take a beating (so much so that guide services often use them as their rental poles for customers). It's comfortable, with good adjustability and not crazy heavy.
The Trail Back is adjustable, durable, and best of all, affordable. Credit: Kate Pitts
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is our favorite value option in the $50 range. It offers many of the features of more expensive poles (adjustability, a folding design, additional tips and basket attachments) at a fraction of the price. Some online used reviews state durability issues, so if you're hard on your gear, you might take note. However, we never experienced issues during our testing.
The Trek-Z is a svelte fit in a small daypack's outer pouch, making it one of our favorites for easy packing for hiking or travel. Credit: Kate Pitts
The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock is also quite affordable, with all the basket options you need, from mud tips to snow baskets. However, it needs to be tightened frequently and collapses under weight, so we think it's better suited for casual hikes than a reliable option for rugged conditions.
Best suited for casual use, the Cascade Mountain Tech offers an easy-to-adjust range and a low entry price, but its build and lock reliability fall short of more durable options. Credit: Kate Pitts
We found some low-cost poles, like the TrailBuddy Gear Aluminum Cork and TheFitLife Nordic, to have durability issues, so we don't recommend them as readily as other low-priced poles. However, we thought the REI Co-op Trailmade was a good and affordable option. It's not as comfortable as some, and it's middle-of-the-road in weight, but it's decently constructed and backed by REI's warranty.
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a decent pole for an affordable price. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Although budget-friendly, the TheFitLife Nordic feels heavy and bulky in the backcountry. Credit: Kate Pitts
Comfort
Trekking poles help transfer some of your body weight from your legs to your arms, but after hours or days of hiking, your hands and wrists can take a real toll from supporting that extra load. To reduce fatigue, many poles feature cushioned grips, padded straps, ergonomically designed handles, and lightweight materials. In our experience, the shape of the grip—how well it fits the natural contours of your hand—has the biggest impact on comfort. For folks with a smaller frame, poles with lightweight shafts and smaller ergonomic grips are often more comfortable.
Other design features that enhance comfort include an extended “secondary” grip for steep terrain, thick, soft wrist straps, and carbon fiber shafts that help absorb shock when the pole hits the ground. Grips are usually made from a mix of cork, foam, rubber, or plastic. Our test team tends to favor cork grips for their superior comfort, but not all cork is created equal. Softer cork tends to break in more quickly and offers better initial comfort, while harder cork is more durable but takes longer to mold to your hand.
The Black Diamond Pursuit has a wonderfully contoured cork grip that molded to our hands over time. 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.
The grip of the Cressida FX Carbon is specially contoured and padded to fit the anatomy of a petite hand, ensuring a more secure grip and reducing fatigue over time. Credit: Kate Pitts
Carbon poles can absorb more impact shock than aluminum poles, which is noticeable when using trekking poles on firm bedrock surfaces like the sandstone slabs in the desert and the 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 Leki Cressida Carbon had the best shock-absorbing performance in our testing but is relatively heavy due to the thickness of the carbon shafts. In this case, increasing comfort means increasing weight.
The BD Pursuit's cork grip molds to the hand with use. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
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.
At just half a pound for the pair, the Carbon Z keeps swing weight exceptionally low, making it feel comfortable and easy on icy jaunts up to high alpine lakes. Credit: Kate Pitts
Among the lightweight designs, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Distance FLZ, and Distance Z have a simple foam grip that is comfortable enough for long distances. Though we prefer cork grips, what we really appreciate about these poles is their lightweight design, which means arm fatigue is nearly zero. Ultralight poles feel more comfortable because the low swing weight reduces arm fatigue over long miles, keeping your stride efficient and your arms from working harder than they need to - think light weights at the gym.
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.
The Trail Back's rubber grips comfortably fit most people, stay grippy in the rain, dry quickly, and can be adjusted intuitively on the fly. Credit: Kate Pitts
The Leki Legacy Lite offers a more traditional feel and a cork composite grip. It has a slightly higher weight but a stable, well-balanced swing and supportive grip that subtly conforms over time. However, some of our testers commented that the grip felt a bit small.
While the pole offers a reliable and easy swing, individuals with smaller hands find the Legacy Lite's cork grip to be comfortable. Credit: Kate Pitts
Locking and Adjustability
All of the poles in our test break down to a shorter length for storage, travel, and packing, then extend to a usable length when needed. Many of these poles also feature an adjustable length mechanism for minor adjustments during use. This metric rewards poles with a wide 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.
Typically, telescoping poles offer the most length adjustment. A lever lock clamps to the shaft, securing the pole in place at your desired length. We are big fans of Black Diamond's metal lever locks on the Pursuit, finding them to be among the best locks in our review. Though the Black Diamond Trail Back's locks are plastic, we also found them durable, and our lead tester has seen them used and abused again and again when guiding clients, and they still stand the test of time. 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.
Most of the poles tested have durable locks that won't break with some wear and tear.
On the other hand, folding poles like the Black Diamond Distance Z offer little to no adjustability and feature a completely different locking mechanism. Each pole section fits with the next, and an internal pull cord tightens the links. 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, it generally doesn't include as much length adjustment.
The Distance Carbon Z are a fixed-length pole. They break down into Z sections for storage, but you can't adjust their length. Credit: Kate Pitts
If you want a packable pole that offers different lengths, consider poles like the Leki Cressida FX Carbon, Leki Black Series FX Carbon, and Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, all of which feature a single lever lock and a foldable, Z-style design. This allows modest length adjustments once the pole is unfolded, just enough to dial in the fit and to extend on descents.
The Leki Cressida is a Z-style pole that folds down small but still has a lever lock for a bit of adjustability. Credit: Mary Witlacil
Poles, especially those with locking levers, may need to be tightened as they are used. Some poles need a proprietary tool to adjust or re-tighten, which is a pain to keep up with and not what we look for in terms of convenience. The best pole adjustment mechanisms can be adjusted by hand, with a knife/multi-tool, or with a coin in the field.
Compared to traditional telescoping poles, the FLZ offers less overall range, but the added adjustability over a fixed-length Z-pole gives us about 15–20 cm (roughly 6–8 inches) to play with—enough to noticeably lengthen on descents or shorten for climbs Credit: Kate Pitts
Construction Quality
The bone-snapping crack of a trekking pole snapping is a terrible sound, and nobody wants to find themselves deep in the wilderness trying to duct tape metal twigs together. If you are carrying a heavy load across streams or through rough terrain, a broken pole could pose a serious safety hazard. 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 features a solid aluminum shaft that can withstand 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
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.
We feel comfortable taking the Trail Back in snow and rocky terrain. Credit: Kate Pitts
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. The Distance Carbon Z is one of the lightest poles and still quite durable, making it our favorite for trail running.
Black Diamond's Distance Carbon Z were strong enough to hang a dromedary bag full of water. Credit: Kate Pitts
Poles don't typically withstand that much of a beating, but some poles were downright disappointing, breaking quickly during our testing period. The TrailBuddy's plastic locking mechanism level broke 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 tester 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.
The TrailBuddy Gear Aluminum Cork (left) and Gossamer Gear LT5 (right) both took damage with light use during our testing period.
Packed Size
If you plan to hold your poles the entire trip, the 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, the packed size is an important consideration.
Poles with longer collapsed lengths (24-26 inches) are generally fixed-length or telescoping, while the folding-style poles can get much more compact, around 13-16 inches. These foldable poles, or “Z-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, including some budget models.
The DynaLock Ascent, Distance Z, and Distance Carbon Z pack down the smallest of the poles tested.
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.
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
A Z-pole like the Carbon FLZ uses a fixed-length shaft that breaks down into three sections connected by an internal tension cord, folding into a compact “Z” shape for fast deployment and easy storage. Credit: Kate Pitts
Recent advancements in the durability of lightweight folding models have led us to recommend Z-poles for technical missions or for those who prefer to store their poles either on the outside or inside of a backpack.
Weight
None of the pairs of poles we tested are crazy heavy (most are in the one-pound range), but for some folks, like mountain runners and ultralight backpackers, weight will matter. 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, as long as it absolutely must not break.
At 8.7 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. Despite lacking any adjustability, the Z-design of this pole can still 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.
We measured the two poles at just over half a pound, so they're among the lightest trekking poles out there. Credit: Kate Pitts
The Gossamer Gear LT5 are also super-light, 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
Generally, aluminum poles weigh more. Poles like the REI Co-op Traverse (21 ounces) and TrailBuddy Gear (20 ounces) are among the heaviest we tested. At 10 ounces per pole, we think that's still a reasonable weight for casual outings.
How to Choose Your Trekking Poles
Whether you're descending the vertical mile into the depths of the Grand Canyon or hopping through boulder fields in the Rocky Mountains, the right trekking pole supports your balance, protects your joints, and reduces muscle fatigue. 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.
It's important to size (and adjust!) your trekking pole right for your height. Many poles are adjustable, but still come in different size ranges. Generally, for folks shorter than 5'1", a 100 cm pole works, and for those 6'0"+, a 130 cm pole is necessary. Those in between will likely be in the 110-120 cm range. To know if your pole is sized and adjusted correctly, hold it at the grip and stand with the tip near your shoe. Adjust the pole so there's around a 90-degree bend in the elbow. You may need to shorten or lengthen for sustained uphill or downhill stretches.
Asking where you see your poles can help you determine the poles best suited for the landscapes you plan to walk in. The type of tips on your poles is a good place to start when choosing their suitability for different terrains. Poles with carbide tips grip well on rocky, icy, and uneven terrain and are great for taking into the mountains. If you do more urban walking or on flat, rocky trails, then rubber tips are quieter, better for Leave No Trace because they don't scratch the ground, and provide a more stable base. If you plan to hike in deep sand or snow, select poles that include wide baskets.
Ask yourself what support your body needs. If you're searching for a pole to help you find balance and maintain rhythm while pacing yourself, consider choosing a lightweight pole that swings easily.
If you carry a heavy pack or you're looking to reduce joint impact, select a pole with a sturdy shaft, ergonomic grips, and reliable locking mechanisms. An aluminum pole will be strong enough to withstand weight when you lean on them during steep descents or when carrying weight.
How often will you use your poles? If you're just using them a couple times a year on casual hikes, you may not need the hottest technology and the lightest options available (which is great, cause those factors drive up price). Also consider how you'll transport your pole when not in use. Does it need to stash away inside a daypack, or are you okay with lashing it to the outside? Will you be trekking in foreign countries, necessitating carrying your poles in a suitcase? Many poles can collapse quite small, making them great for travel or outdoor activities that require you to stow them quickly during technical sections.
Weight is another important factor; long-distance hikers or anyone counting ounces may prefer ultralight poles. On the other hand, if you're carrying heavy loads or seeking the most durable pole, you might opt for something more robust.
A good mountain pole is lightweight but strong enough to handle being jammed and torqued in a boulder field. Credit: Kate Pitts
Other Trekking Poles to Consider
Leki Makalu Lite - If you're looking for a heavy-duty pole for rugged use on long backcountry expeditions, this is one of our testers' favorite poles. It's ideal for wilderness adventures where you can't easily replace gear if it fails. The aluminum construction offers a solid feel without adding significant weight, making it reliable for carrying heavy expedition packs and handling high-impact situations like river crossings. The adjustment system is quick and secure, offering a wide adjustment range suitable for families or guests, and the latest version offers cork handles.
Black Diamond Distance FLZ - If you like the idea of the Distance Carbon FLZ pole but can't quite swing the price, Black Diamond makes an aluminum version, the Distance FLZ. This version will save you around $50 and is only about 4 ounces heavier, still weighing in under a pound. They use the same FlickLock locking mechanism and have the same Z-style of adjustability, but their aluminum build makes them a bit sturdier for the backcountry.
We love all of Black Diamond's Distance poles, and the flick lock on the Carbon FLZ gives it enough adjustability to dial in your fit and adjust for inclines. Credit: Kate Pitts
Durston Iceline - We didn't test this ultralight pole, but it's definitely on our radar. It weighs around 10 ounces yet boasts full adjustability, which is rare in a featherlight pole. It's carbon fiber, but has a thicker diameter around the bottom to provide more stability. However, they lack extras like multiple basket attachments and, strangely, straps.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork - This is a lightweight carbon pole with great shock absorption and a comfortable cork grip that will mold to the hand over time. Though carbon, they have a thicker build than usual, so they're not the lighest out there, but they are durable and a great pole for dedicated hikers who don't mind to shell out the cash for a quality set of poles.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles - If you prefer telescoping poles, the Black Diamond Trail poles are among the lightest and most compact options available. They collapse easily, making them convenient to pack for travel or to strap onto a backpack when not in use. While they are shorter than the Trail Back model, the Trail poles feature a more streamlined design for easier transport. Despite their lightweight construction, the aluminum shafts are sturdy and provide reliable support on uneven terrain, ensuring stability during both ascents and descents.
The Trail is durable like other Black Diamond poles, but lighter and easier to pack in a suitcase or a haul bag than other telescoping poles. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Conclusion
With so many trekking poles available, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. The good news is that for most day hikers, any standard pole will do the trick. However, if you're looking for poles tailored to a specific purpose, you'll need to dig a bit deeper—and that's where this review comes in. We hope our insights help you find the ideal pole for your adventures. See you out there on the trails!
