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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
9.8
Chosen by1,115
Weight
Adjustability
Foldability

Most important from
11417 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to use, they fold up quickly and don't take up much room, ideal for portability.
Adjustability
These poles are easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight, making them reliable for various hiking conditions.
Foldability
Lightweight and easy to use, they fold up quickly and don't take up much room, ideal for portability.

The TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles are designed for a wide range of users including seniors, women, and men. They are quite lightweight, with the 100-120cm size poles weighing just 294g and the larger 115-135cm size poles weighing 306g. This makes them easy to carry for extended periods. One of the key strengths is the material: they're made from 100% air-space grade aluminum, which is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand tough terrains and heavy weights.

The adjustable length with a range of 20cm and a reliable flip-lock system makes them suitable for various heights, from 4'11" to 6'5", ensuring a good fit for most users. Additionally, the poles can collapse down to a compact 15 inches, making them highly portable and easy to pack in luggage or backpacks. The grip features a cork-texture that effectively wicks away sweat, providing a dry and comfortable hold, while the EVA foam shafts enhance grip in extreme conditions.

However, the product is not without its flaws. While the cork-texture grip is excellent for keeping hands dry, it may not be as durable as pure cork grips over time. Also, the origin of the product being from China might be a point of consideration for some users who prioritize locally made goods. Despite these minor drawbacks, the TREKOLOGY Trek-Z poles offer a blend of lightweight design, adjustability, and compactness, making them a reliable choice for hiking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,115
Weight
Adjustability
Foldability

Most important from
11417 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to use, they fold up quickly and don't take up much room, ideal for portability.
Adjustability
These poles are easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight, making them reliable for various hiking conditions.
Foldability
Lightweight and easy to use, they fold up quickly and don't take up much room, ideal for portability.
#2

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles - Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Backpacking Gear - Pair of 2 Walking Sticks for Hiking, 7075 Aluminum with Cork Grip

Rating
9.6
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
62019 reviews

Weight
These trekking poles are sturdy, lightweight, and adjustable to any height, making them a great buy at an excellent price.
Adjustability
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the poles' locking mechanisms are reliable and have never failed, even under full body weight.
Locking Mechanism
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the poles' locking mechanisms are reliable and have never failed, even under full body weight.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid choice for avid hikers, offering a good mix of durability and lightweight design. Made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, these poles are tough enough to handle rugged terrains yet remain lightweight at just 1.21 pounds for the pair. This makes them easier to carry during long hikes compared to average trekking poles.

The adjustability feature is a strong point, allowing you to set the height anywhere from 54 inches down to 24.5 inches, making these poles versatile enough for both adults and children. The lever locks are user-friendly, enabling quick adjustments with one hand, which can be especially handy on the go. The cork grip is another highlight, offering a comfortable and secure hold, and the padded straps add extra comfort by molding to the shape of your hand. The threaded pole tips ensure the accessories stay attached, which is crucial when hiking in varying conditions like snow or mud.

One potential drawback is the folded length of 24.5 inches, which may still be a bit long for some ultra-compact packing scenarios. However, for most hikers, this should be a manageable size. The TrailBuddy poles are highly rated by users, with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 61,000 reviews, indicating strong customer satisfaction. These poles are best suited for those looking for a reliable and durable hiking companion that balances performance with comfort.

Rating
9.6
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
62019 reviews

Weight
These trekking poles are sturdy, lightweight, and adjustable to any height, making them a great buy at an excellent price.
Adjustability
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the poles' locking mechanisms are reliable and have never failed, even under full body weight.
Locking Mechanism
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the poles' locking mechanisms are reliable and have never failed, even under full body weight.
#3

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles - Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Snowshoe & Backpacking Gear - Pair of 2 Walking Sticks for Hiking, 7075 Aluminum with Cork Grip

Rating
9.4
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
62019 reviews

Weight
A few ounces heavier than carbon fiber poles, but probably more durable and still very light.
Adjustability
Very well designed and thought out. Easily adjusted and very sturdy.
Locking Mechanism
They're lightweight, easy to adjust, and the locking mechanisms never fail or slip.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. They are made from 7075 aluminum which is known for its durability and strength, capable of handling tough terrains and diverse weather conditions. Despite being sturdy, they are lightweight, weighing 4 ounces less than typical trekking poles, making them easier to carry and use over long distances.

The poles are highly adjustable, extending up to 54 inches and collapsing down to 24.5 inches, which makes them versatile enough for both adults and kids. The lever locking mechanism is user-friendly, allowing quick and secure adjustments with one hand. The cork grip is comfortable and moisture-wicking, molding to the user’s hand for a secure hold during hikes. Additionally, the padded straps enhance comfort and stability.

The threaded pole tips are designed to keep accessories attached securely, even in challenging conditions like mud or snow. However, while aluminum is tough, it is not as light as carbon fiber, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing ultra-light gear. The foldability down to 24.5 inches is practical, but there are other models that collapse to even smaller sizes for more compact storage. The plum purple color might not appeal to everyone, as color preferences can be quite personal. These poles seem to cater well to both casual hikers and more experienced outdoor adventurers.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Adjustability
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
62019 reviews

Weight
A few ounces heavier than carbon fiber poles, but probably more durable and still very light.
Adjustability
Very well designed and thought out. Easily adjusted and very sturdy.
Locking Mechanism
They're lightweight, easy to adjust, and the locking mechanisms never fail or slip.

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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