Trekking poles are one of the best hiking accessories you can buy. They’re not just for balance — they also help you push through tough terrain and keep your knees from buckling under the weight of your pack.
But it’s important to choose the right trekking poles, or they might end up hurting more than helping. Follow these tips to find the best trekking poles for your needs.
Trekking poles help hikers maintain balance on uneven ground, which is especially helpful when carrying a heavy load or ascending steep terrain. If you’ve never used trekking poles, we suggest trying them on a few short hikes before taking them on a long-distance trek. The best trekking poles will fit your body type and hiking style as well as your budget.
They can also be used as a makeshift crutch if you twist your ankle or get hurt in the wilderness. Trekking poles are also useful for setting up camp and making fire pits, so they’re an important tool to have with you on any outdoor adventure.
The Best Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles are high-quality, durable trekking poles with a lot of great features. The Distance Carbon Z poles feature an adjustable length system that allows you to adjust the length of your poles to the terrain and your body type.
The pole locks into place at each setting, so there’s no chance of it slipping while you’re hiking and walking. These poles also feature an ergonomic grip made from durable foam which helps absorb shock and provide comfort during long hikes.
These trekking poles are excellent for almost any type of hiking or backpacking trip. Their adjustable length makes them perfect for use with both men and women, as well as people at different heights. They’re also light enough that they won’t weigh down your pack or make it uncomfortable to carry around all day long.
These poles are made from carbon fiber which makes them extremely strong but also very lightweight, so they won’t add much weight to your pack or cause fatigue throughout long journeys through the mountains or along forest trails.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are the perfect hiking companion for all your adventures. They’re lightweight and sturdy, with a shock-absorbing foam grip for maximum comfort. The poles are made from lightweight aluminum alloy, so they won’t weigh you down on the trail.
The adjustable length means you can use them as needed. They extend from 24 inches to 53 inches, which is the ideal height for most people. This means that no matter how tall you are or how short your arms are, these trekking poles will be perfect for you!
The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles come with two different tips: a rubber tip and a snow basket. This allows you to use them on any type of terrain without worrying about damaging or sinking into the soft ground while also giving you traction when walking over slippery surfaces like snow or ice.
They also have an anti-shock system built into them that absorbs most of the impact when hitting rocks or roots on rugged trails so that there’s less stress on your joints and muscles during long hikes through the mountains or forests.
Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
The Distance FLZ Trekking Poles from Black Diamond are lightweight and durable, allowing you to conquer mountains without breaking your stride. The Distance FLZ poles are made from carbon fiber, which is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel. They also feature an adjustable length between 37″ and 55″ so you can find the perfect fit for your height.
The Distance FLZ trekking poles have a grip that’s comfortable on your hands, but it also has a foam grip that’s great at reducing the shock when you’re hiking over rocky terrain or walking on snow. The straps of these trekking poles adjust easily with SpeedLock technology, which means they can be adjusted quickly without having to fiddle with any buttons or clips.
The FlickLock Z system allows you to adjust the length of your poles on the fly without having to stop and adjust them. It’s also very easy to use — just flick it open and let go, then pull down on the lever until it locks. These features make them ideal for anyone who has to deal with a lot of changes in elevation or terrain while hiking or backpacking.
Mountainsmith Dolomite 7075 OLS Trekking Pole
The Mountainsmith Dolomite 7075 OLS Trekking Pole is a great option for hikers who are looking for a high-quality trekking pole. It has a lightweight aluminum shaft, which makes it easy to carry and use.
The rubber grip offers excellent comfort, while the cork handle provides a more natural feel. This model also comes with an adjustable wrist strap that can be used to secure the pole to your wrist when you aren’t using it.
The Mountainsmith Dolomite 7075 OLS Trekking Pole is made from carbon fiber and features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and use over long distances, as well as during steep climbs up mountains or through rugged terrain.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
The Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles from Black Diamond are built for serious hiking. The Alpine’s cork handles provide a secure, comfortable grip and the carbon fiber shafts are lightweight and strong.
In addition to their highly functional design, the Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles from Black Diamond have a solution strap for premium performance. You can also adjust the length of your trekking poles using a simple twist-lock mechanism that makes it easy to find the perfect fit for you or any member of your hiking party.
The Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles from Black Diamond are built to last through years of use on rough trails and steep terrain. Each pole features an aluminum shaft that can be easily shortened by pulling out a pin and removing sections using a hex key wrench (included).
What to Look For In A Good Pair of Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are an essential item for any hiker or backpacker. They’re designed to help you maintain balance on uneven terrain and make hiking easier. They can also serve as tent poles or walking sticks, which are invaluable for balance in muddy areas or when climbing steep slopes.
Trekking poles come in many styles and materials, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. Here are some tips for selecting the best trekking poles for your needs:
Select a pair of trekking poles that are comfortable to hold and use. They should fit your height and weight comfortably, with straps that don’t chafe or pinch after long hours of use.
Choose a pair of trekking poles with shock-absorbing tips that reduce stress on your knees while walking downhill or uphill over rocky terrain. Rubber tips work well on soft surfaces like dirt trails, but can bounce over rocks and roots on rough trails. Foam tips absorb more impact but may wear out sooner than rubber ones if they’re used frequently on rough trails.
Some trekking pole models have carbon fiber shafts that are strong enough to support your body weight without breaking under stress from falling limbs or other objects while hiking off-trail through dense forests.
The key to getting the maximum benefit from trekking poles is learning how to use them correctly. If you don’t use them properly, they won’t help you much at all! For example, if your elbows bend when you use them (as opposed to straightening), then they won’t provide much assistance when going downhill. Also, make sure that your hands are in line with your shoulders so that the weight is properly supported by your upper body rather than your wrists and hands.
What Height Should I Buy?
Trekking poles are a great way to lighten your pack, reduce fatigue and improve your safety while hiking. They’re also useful for balance on rough terrains, such as snow.
Trekking poles are one of those pieces of equipment that you either love or hate. There are very few people who can’t see the benefits of using a pair of trekking poles, but many just don’t like using them.
The truth is that if you have never used trekking poles before, they will feel awkward and unnatural at first. But once you get used to them, they become an essential part of your hiking gear.
The right length of the pole will make all the difference in how comfortable you are while hiking. If you’re unsure about which length to choose, check out our article ‘How to choose the right Trekking Pole’.
Here are some tips for using your trekking poles correctly:
Find the sweet spot between too long and too short – A good length for most people is just below hip height when standing upright with arms hanging by your sides. This allows you to use the poles with little effort or thought about using them.
Stand up straight with your trekking poles extended in front of you; if they reach floor level then they’re too long. Bend over from the waist without bending your knees (we know it sounds funny) and find out how far down they go before they touch the ground – if it’s less than 25cm/10in then they’re too short!
If you have ever watched professional hikers on TV scaling mountains with ease, then you may have noticed that they are always using some sort of pole or stick in their hands. This allows them to stay balanced and steady while climbing up steep slopes.
The same principle applies when hiking on the flat ground too: trekking poles keep us balanced and steady so we don’t fall over when we stumble or lose our footing on loose rocks and dirt surfaces.
How Much Should I Spend?
You don’t have to spend a fortune on trekking poles. In fact, there are lots of great options out there for under $100. But if you’re going to be using your poles for long days on the trail, and you want them to last, then it’s worth spending more upfront.
The answer to how much you should spend on trekking poles depends on what you’re using them for. If you’re just going to use them for day hikes and weekend backpacking trips, then the price range is about $20-$200.
If you plan on doing more serious hiking, including multi-day trips where weight matters and durability is important, then you should consider spending at least $60 for a pair of poles that will last longer and save you from injury.
The good news is that there are plenty of good options available at all price points. You can find very affordable models that will get the job done or top-of-the-line models that will last virtually forever.
Final thoughts
Trekking poles are valuable pieces of equipment to help you stay balanced and steady when you are on the trail. Also, they are a nice way to complement a hiker’s outfit and they work great as a photography prop. If you’re worried that they may be too heavy or bulky for your hiking trips, check out today’s best models, which are designed with lightweight materials. You’ll find that trekking poles are an excellent companion on every adventurous journey or just when you’re walking around town.
The last thing you want is to be in the middle of your hike and discover that your new trekking poles aren’t going to work out. Stay informed, use our research and we feel confident you’ll find the best trekking poles for you!
