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10 Best Collapsible Hiking Poles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles - Balance Support for Seniors, Women, and Men, 2pc Per Set

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,421
Weight
Foldability
Adjustability

Most important from
11816 reviews

Weight
These poles are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, weighing less than a full water bottle, making them ideal for all-day hikes.
Foldability
The compact tri-fold design fits effortlessly into a daypack or travel bag, enhancing portability without sacrificing sturdiness.
Adjustability
Adjusting the pole length is quick and smooth, allowing for comfortable use on varying terrain and elevation changes.
Grip Material
Cork-textured grips provide a comfortable, sweat-wicking hold that improves overall hiking experience.
Locking Mechanism
While the flip-lock system offers secure length adjustment, occasional tightening may be needed to prevent slipping.
Tip Material
The tips provide good initial grip but tend to wear out quickly, exposing metal ends that can become slippery and unsafe.

The TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking Poles are a lightweight and compact choice for hikers, seniors, and anyone needing extra balance support during walks or treks. Weighing just about 10.4 to 10.8 ounces per pole, they’re easy to carry all day without feeling heavy. Made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles strike a good balance between durability and lightness, which is great for rough terrains. The cork-textured grips help keep your hands dry by wicking away sweat, and the poles also include mud stops to improve stability on slippery or muddy paths. One of the standout features is the adjustable length with a flip-lock system that allows a smooth 20 cm adjustment, making them suitable for a wide range of heights.

The locking mechanism uses metal stoppers and reinforced joints, which provide a secure feel, although flip-locks sometimes require occasional tightening to avoid slipping. These poles fold down to just 15 inches thanks to a tri-fold design, fitting easily into backpacks or travel bags—ideal for those who want compact gear. While the EVA foam shafts offer an extra grip option, some users might prefer more cushioning over long hikes. This set also includes a handy carrying bag, adding convenience for storage and transport.

Trek-Z poles are suitable for casual to moderate hikers, seniors, or anyone wanting a sturdy, adjustable, and easy-to-carry pole. They might not have some premium features like shock absorption or carbon fiber weight savings, but they deliver solid performance for their price and purpose.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,421
Weight
Foldability
Adjustability

Most important from
11816 reviews

Weight
These poles are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, weighing less than a full water bottle, making them ideal for all-day hikes.
Foldability
The compact tri-fold design fits effortlessly into a daypack or travel bag, enhancing portability without sacrificing sturdiness.
Adjustability
Adjusting the pole length is quick and smooth, allowing for comfortable use on varying terrain and elevation changes.
Grip Material
Cork-textured grips provide a comfortable, sweat-wicking hold that improves overall hiking experience.
Locking Mechanism
While the flip-lock system offers secure length adjustment, occasional tightening may be needed to prevent slipping.
Tip Material
The tips provide good initial grip but tend to wear out quickly, exposing metal ends that can become slippery and unsafe.
#2

Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Collapsible Walking Sticks for Travel | Walking Poles for Women | Hiking Poles for Men | Hiking Sticks | Walking Stick - 3k Black & Green Cork

Rating
7.9
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
3070 reviews

Weight
The poles themselves are incredibly lightweight, which is a HUGE plus for me as I intend to take them on extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Adjustability
These trekking poles are awesome! They are super easy to use and adjust as you go.
Locking Mechanism
The joints are easy to loosen and tighten to ensure that they will not collapse in on themselves based on how much pressure you are putting on the poles.
Grip Material
The cork grips are the perfect size for comfort and functionality and help to prevent your hands from getting super sweaty and slippery while hiking.

The Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles offer an impressive mix of features catering to both serious hikers and casual walkers. Made from 100% carbon fiber, each pole weighs just 7.6 ounces, making them very lightweight and easy to carry, which is great for long hikes. The carbon fiber construction also ensures that they are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear compared to aluminum poles, meaning they should last you a long time. They are also collapsible and can be adjusted from 24 inches to 55 inches, making them versatile and suitable for users of different heights, including both adults and kids.

This adjustability is secured with a reliable flip lock mechanism that uses metal locks for added strength, which means you won't have to worry about the poles slipping or collapsing during use. The ergonomic cork grips are designed to wick away moisture and feel comfortable in your hands, reducing the risk of blisters, and there's even an EVA foam grip extension for those particularly steep climbs. However, while the cork grip is a nice touch, it might not be as durable as some synthetic materials over very long periods of heavy use.

The poles come with various tips and baskets, including rubber tips, snow baskets, and mud baskets, making them adaptable to different types of terrain. They fold down to a compact size of 24 inches, so they are easy to pack and carry. On the downside, some might find the flip lock mechanism a bit tricky at first, and since they are made of carbon fiber, they might be a bit more expensive than some basic aluminum models. Despite a few minor drawbacks, these trekking poles come with a 3-year warranty, showcasing the brand's confidence in their product’s longevity.

Rating
7.9
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
3070 reviews

Weight
The poles themselves are incredibly lightweight, which is a HUGE plus for me as I intend to take them on extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Adjustability
These trekking poles are awesome! They are super easy to use and adjust as you go.
Locking Mechanism
The joints are easy to loosen and tighten to ensure that they will not collapse in on themselves based on how much pressure you are putting on the poles.
Grip Material
The cork grips are the perfect size for comfort and functionality and help to prevent your hands from getting super sweaty and slippery while hiking.
#3

LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Carbon Collapsible Lightweight Trekking Poles for Hiking & Trail Running - Red-Black - 110 cm

Rating
7.6
Weight
Locking Mechanism
Grip Material

Most important from
185 reviews

Weight
Incredibly lightweight, you might forget they are stowed in your hydration vest.
Locking Mechanism
Super easy to figure out the push button release, with just enough resistance to avoid accidental release.
Grip Material
The grip shape is perfectly designed to move naturally without forcing.

The LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Carbon Collapsible Lightweight Trekking Poles are an excellent choice for avid hikers and trail runners. Weighing only a quarter-pound each, these poles are incredibly lightweight, which is a significant advantage for long-distance activities. The carbon construction ensures durability and rigidity without adding extra weight, which is ideal for maintaining balance and stability on rugged trails.

Additionally, the poles' collapsibility, made possible by a convenient push-button mechanism, allows them to break down into three compact sections that are easy to pack and carry, measuring only 16.1 inches when folded. This feature makes them particularly suitable for trail runners and hikers who need to minimize their gear's bulkiness during travel.

The Trail Shark grip, crafted from cork, provides comfortable handling and conforms to the shape of your hand, reducing fatigue over extended periods of use. The adjustable mesh strap further enhances convenience by allowing quick and easy adjustments. However, while the poles are available in various fixed lengths from 105 to 135 cm, they lack adjustability in terms of height, which could be a limitation for those who prefer customizable pole lengths.

Rating
7.6
Weight
Locking Mechanism
Grip Material

Most important from
185 reviews

Weight
Incredibly lightweight, you might forget they are stowed in your hydration vest.
Locking Mechanism
Super easy to figure out the push button release, with just enough resistance to avoid accidental release.
Grip Material
The grip shape is perfectly designed to move naturally without forcing.

Buying Guide for the Best Collapsible Hiking Poles

Choosing the right collapsible hiking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain on your joints, and improving your balance on uneven terrain. When selecting hiking poles, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
WeightThe weight of hiking poles is crucial because it affects how easy they are to carry and use over long distances. Lighter poles are generally preferred for long hikes as they reduce fatigue, while heavier poles might offer more durability and stability. If you plan on long-distance hiking or backpacking, opt for lightweight poles. For shorter hikes or if you need more robust support, slightly heavier poles might be suitable.
MaterialHiking poles are typically made from aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are durable and less expensive but can be heavier. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and absorb shock better, but they can be more expensive and less durable in extreme conditions. Choose aluminum if you need durability and are on a budget, and carbon fiber if you prioritize weight and shock absorption.
AdjustabilityAdjustable hiking poles allow you to change the length to suit different terrains and personal preferences. This is important for comfort and efficiency, as the correct length can improve your posture and reduce strain. Poles with a wide range of adjustability are ideal for varied terrain. If you hike on consistent terrain, fixed-length poles might be sufficient.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism secures the poles at your desired length. Common types include lever locks, twist locks, and push-button locks. Lever locks are easy to adjust and reliable, twist locks are lighter but can be less secure, and push-button locks are simple but may offer fewer length options. Choose a mechanism that you find easy to use and reliable for your hiking conditions.
Grip MaterialThe grip material affects comfort and moisture management. Common materials include cork, foam, and rubber. Cork grips are comfortable, absorb sweat, and conform to your hand over time. Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture well, while rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold but can become slippery when wet. Choose cork or foam for comfort and moisture absorption, and rubber for durability.
Tip MaterialThe tips of hiking poles are usually made from carbide or steel. Carbide tips are more durable and provide better traction on rocky surfaces, while steel tips are less expensive but wear out faster. If you frequently hike on rocky or icy terrain, carbide tips are a better choice. For general use on softer ground, steel tips may suffice.
FoldabilityCollapsible hiking poles can be folded or telescoped for easy storage and transport. Foldable poles break down into smaller sections and are very compact, making them ideal for travel. Telescoping poles collapse into themselves and are generally quicker to adjust. Choose foldable poles if you need maximum compactness, and telescoping poles for ease of adjustment.

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