10 Best Trekking Poles for Hiking and Backpacking of 2021

March 24, 2021 shonda rogers 0 Comments

Trekking poles provide many benefits to hikers and backpackers from added stability and balance on rough trails to less wear and tear on knees and hips, especially when hiking downhill. The most popular trekking poles used by hikers and backpacks are adjustable in length, with a clamp-style lever lock adjustment system instead of twist-locks because they are more reliable and easier to fix. In recent years, carbon fiber trekking poles have become increasingly popular and have started to eclipse aluminum poles because of their light weight. This trend has been fueled by competition from low-cost manufacturers without huge advertising and marketing budgets like Paria Outdoor, Cascade Mountain Tech, and Hiker Hunger. Some of their products are really quite good values, especially for beginner hikers and backpackers, and offer a great way to try trekking poles without breaking the bank.

Here are the top 10 trekking poles that we recommend.

If you’re still unsure about which poles to purchase, read the explanation of our trekking pole selection criteria and key considerations below. It provides a good introduction to the pros and cons of different trekking pole features and design choices.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

Black Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are adjustable aluminum poles with a natural cork grip that Black Diamond claims molds to your hands over time and absorbs sweat without becoming slippery. The grips feature a 15-degree corrective angle that keeps your wrists in a neutral position for comfort while helping to reduce the risk of repetitive strain or wrist injury. These three-section poles are adjusted using Black Diamond’s reliable flick-lock adjustment system. The weight per pair is 18 ounces. Men’s length (27″-55″) and Women’s length (25″-49″) poles are also available.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Backcountry | Amazon

2. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are three-piece adjustable carbon-fiber trekking poles that use Black Diamond’s proven flick-lock adjustment system. They have natural cork hand grips with EVA foam extensions so you can shift your hand position up or down without adjusting pole length in uneven terrain. Weigh is just 17 ounces per pair. Both men’s and women’s lengths are available. Read our review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Amazon |

3. Leki Micro Vario Carbon AS

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon AS is a folding pole with an adjustable top segment that has an external lever lock for easy length adjustments. These poles are cushioned to reduce peak pole impacts on hard terrain by as much as 40% to protect muscles, joints, and ligaments. They have a thermal foam grip that provides extra comfort, lightweight and insulation in colder weather, and an 8-degree angle to keep your wrist in a neutral position. The poles/ high modulus carbon shaft sections provide reliable, lightweight performance while a polyethylene-coated, Kevlar-reinforced tension cord offers long-term reliability. Leki’s interchangeable basket system allows a variety of different-sized Leki baskets (sold separately) to be easily screwed on/off for different seasons and uses. The weight per pair is just 17.7 ounces with a 44″-52″ length and a 15: collapsed length,

Check out the latest price at:
REI |Backcountry | Amazon

4. Leki Cressida Cor-Tec

Leki Cressida Cor-Tec Trekking Poles are specifically designed for women with smaller grips, shorter straps, and overall smaller dimensions to fit smaller backpacks. They have a SpeedLock Plus lever locking mechanism that offers quick and secure length adjustments and a Cor-Tec cork grip material made from 80% natural ground cork. They have an 8-degree positive angle that helps keep your wrist in a neutral position while Leki’s interchangeable basket system allows a variety of different sized Leki baskets (sold separately) to be easily screwed on/off for different seasons and uses. The weight per pair is just 16.2 ounces with a 36″-5o” length.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Amazon

5. Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole Trekking Poles feature a versatile folding design that fits easily into packs and suitcases, making them ideal for backpacking and travel. Available in four lengths when fully expanded: 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, they collapse down to 14″-17″ in length when folded up. Opening and folding them up is simple using a push-button mechanism. The poles have extended EVA foam grips, with minimal mesh wrist straps. Non-marking rubber tips are standard but carbide tips are also included. Weight per pair is 11 to 13 ounces, based on pole length. Unisex.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Backcountry | Amazon

6. Paria Outdoor Tri-Fold Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Paria Outdoor Tri-fold CF Trekking Poles

Paria Outdoor Tri-Fold Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are 3 section folding poles with cork handles that fold down to 15″ in length making them perfect for travel and backpacking. Ergonomically shaped, natural cork grips with an articulated grip increase uphill propulsion when climbing, while the bulbous top facilitates braking on downhills. Air-textured, wicking straps dry quickly while improving stability and security. Includes baskets and carbide tips, which can be replaced if you manage to wear them out. Weight per pair is 18 ounces. Length is 24.4″ to 53.1″. While unisex, they are available in two sizes: one for people taller than 5’9″ and the other for people shorter. Read our review.

Check out the latest price at:
Paria Outdoors | Amazon

7. REI Traverse Trekking Poles

REI Traverse Trekking Poles are 3-piece adjustable, aluminum trekking poles with ergonomic cork grips. Adjustable padded neoprene wrist straps are included for added support and comfort. The Traverse Poles have a lever lock style adjustment system and include trekking baskets and extra-durable tungsten carbide tips. Available in two lengths, the weight of the shorter size poles 18.5 ounces per pair and 19.5 oz for the longer length size.

Check out the latest price at:
REI

8. Cascade Mountain Cork Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Cascade Mountain Tech CORK CF Trekking Poles

Cascade Mountain Cork Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are three-section, carbon fiber trekking poles that weigh just 15.4 ounces per pair. Priced at less than half of what Black Diamond or Leki carbon fiber poles cost, they’re an exceptional value if you’re looking for a flick-lock style trekking pole for hiking and backpacking. These are fully-featured, durable, and adjustable trekking poles with adjustable length retainer straps, cork handles, extended grips, and titanium carbide tips. Handle-to-tip length ranges from 26″-54.5″. Snow baskets, rubber feet, and curved pavement feet are included. Unisex. Read our Review.

Check out the latest price at:
Amazon

9. Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole 2.0

Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles 2.0 are 3-section poles have cork handles and flick-lock adjusters that come with a complete set of 4-season accessories including snow baskets. They have extended EVA foam grips so you can quickly adjust your hand position without having to readjust pole the pole length when hiking up or down hills and mountains. Protective tip caps, trekking baskets, and rubber tips for concrete surfaces are included. Guaranteed for three years. Weight is 15.2 ounces per pair and they’re available in one unisex length (24″-54″).

Check out the latest price at:
Amazon

10. Pacerpole Dual Lock Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Pacerpole Dual Lock Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are three-piece trekking poles with a unique hand-grip that promotes better biomechanical efficiency, posture, and pace while helping to engage your larger arm muscles when climbing up hills and mountains. Best known in the UK, they have a cult following in the United States with hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers. The Dual Lock poles have a top lever lock for quick adjustment and a pin lock to hold the lowest section in place. The molded hand-grips eliminate the need for thick hand straps and only require a loose grip, relieving forearm tension, and reducing fatigue. Read our Pacepole Review.

Check out the latest price at:
PacerPole

Key Considerations for Buying Trekking Poles

Here are the important features for you to consider when choosing which trekking poles to buy including pros and cons.

Three-Piece, Two-Piece, Fixed Length or Folding Poles

Most hikers and backpackers prefer three-piece poles or folding poles over two-piece or fixed length trekking poles because they’re easier to stow when not in use. Folding poles are especially convenient for traveling although you can also pull apart three-piece poles and reassemble them when you arrive.

Lever Lock or Twist Lock Trekking Pole Adjusters

Multi-piece trekking poles are telescoping with thinner sections collapsing into thicker ones. When extended there are two main adjustment mechanisms to make them hold their desired length. Lever Locks, called Flick Locks on Black Diamond trekking poles are external clamps that fold down over the thinner section and prevent them from collapsing further. They are easy to adjust, repair, and are very durable. Twist Lock poles rely on a plastic expander inside the poles that expands inside the thicker segment and prevents the thinner tube from moving higher. These expanders tend to wear out over time and stop working, which can be really frustrating if you’re in the middle of nowhere. We’ve used both and far prefer lever lock poles because they are so easy to care for and tighten if they loosen up. You literally tighten and external screw with a penknife or twist it tight with your fingers.

Carbon Fiber or Aluminum Trekking Poles

Many companies claim that carbon fiber poles are lighter weight than aluminum ones, or that they vibrate less, or that they’re more durable. We have seen any evidence that one material is better than another because poles made with both still break if you trap the tip between rocks or fall on them. The only advantage of aluminum is that you can usually bend them back into shape whereas carbon fiber shatters. The most important thing when deciding between the two, besides price (carbon fiber is always more expensive), is that you can buy replacement sections from the seller when you break a segment or a pole tip.

Cork Handles or EVA Foam Trekking Pole Handles

Most trekking poles come with cork handles or foam handles. Both repel moisture and provide an excellent grip. In fact, many cork poles have foam extensions under the handle if you need to lower your hands when climbing uphill. Some people will argue that cork is better because it absorbs sweat and molds to your hand over time although we’re not terribly convinced it does either. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and price.

Shock Absorbing Trekking Poles or Regular

Some trekking poles have a shock-absorbing component, usually built into the handle or as a spring between shaft segments, that reduces the shock you’ll feel in your wrists or forearms when hiking over rock trails or asphalt. They can be very helpful to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries in your wrists or inflammation if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.

Trekking Pole Baskets

The trekking pole baskets have several purposes. The small ones called trekking baskets are designed to prevent your pole tips from getting caught between rocks and broken. The wider ones called snow baskets are designed to float in top of the snow so they don’t sink in. Many budget pole companies don’t include snow baskets in the purchase price of their poles, even though you’d want them for snowshoeing and skiing. It’s just something to watch out for if you want poles for four-season use.

Trekking Pole Tips

Most trekking poles cope with carbide tips for hiking over bare ground and rock. It’s very difficult to wear these out and you’re more likely to break them. If either happens you want to make sure that the poles you buy have replaceable tips and that you’re able to purchase them separately. Many poles also come with rubber tips, which can be used on asphalt. These may be curved on the bottom or just bulbous rubber caps. Either type works well.

Unisex vs Gender-Specific Poles

The only difference between unisex and gender-specific poles is the length. Men’s and unisex poles tend to be an inch longer than women’s poles. Otherwise, they’re interchangeable.

Check Out All of SectionHiker’s Gear Guides!

Editor’s note: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the affiliate links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and some sellers may contribute a small portion of the purchase price to support SectionHiker’s unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.