10 Best Hiking Poles Carry On 2026 in the United States

The TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles are designed to offer balance and support for hikers of all ages and sizes. They are exceptionally lightweight, with the smaller size weighing just 294 grams and the larger size at 306 grams, making them easy to carry during long hikes. These poles are made from 100% air-space grade aluminum, which is both strong and lightweight, offering durability on rough terrains while supporting heavier weights.

The adjustable length, facilitated by an innovative flip-lock system, allows customization to accommodate users from 4'11" to 6'5", making them versatile for different hikers. The poles can be collapsed to a compact 15 inches, making them convenient for travel and storage. The grip material is a cork-texture that wicks away sweat, ensuring a firm hold even in muddy or wet conditions. Additionally, EVA foam shafts provide added comfort and grip on all terrains.

The poles are designed with added metal caps at the joints for extra security, which may add to the longevity but also slightly to the weight. These hiking poles are great for those who value lightweight, durable, and adjustable gear for various outdoor activities.

The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers looking for lightweight and adjustable poles that can easily fit into carry-on luggage. Made from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, these poles strike a good balance between strength and weight, with each pole weighing just over 10 ounces. The poles extend up to 54 inches, which suits most adult users, and they collapse down to 26 inches for compact storage—ideal for travel. They feature a quick-lock system for easy and secure length adjustments on the trail, which is convenient and reliable for both beginners and experienced hikers alike.

The grips combine cork and EVA foam, offering a comfortable, sweat-absorbing hold that helps prevent blisters during long hikes. The tungsten carbide tips provide excellent durability and traction on various terrains, enhancing stability on rocky or slippery paths. Some users might find the aluminum a bit less durable than carbon fiber options, but it's a cost-effective and sturdy material for regular hiking. The set also includes useful accessories like mud and snow baskets, rubber tip covers, and a carry case, adding versatility for different weather and trail conditions.

A potential downside could be the limited warranty coverage, which doesn’t cover lost parts, so care is needed to keep all components intact. These poles are well-suited for everyday hikers and travelers wanting reliable, adjustable, and portable trekking poles without a high price tag.

The BLACK DIAMOND Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are an excellent choice for hikers and trail runners looking for a lightweight and compact option. Made from 100% carbon fiber, these poles are very light (weighing just about 140 grams each) yet strong, helping reduce fatigue on long treks. Their standout feature is the Z-pole folding design, which lets you quickly fold the poles down to about 17 inches, making them easy to pack or carry on flights.

These poles come in a fixed length of 125 cm, so they lack the adjustability some users might want for different terrains or user heights. The grips are made from EVA foam, which offers comfort and moisture-wicking to keep your hands dry, and include mini extensions for better control on climbs. The push-button locking mechanism keeps things simple and reliable, but since the length is fixed, no adjustment is actually needed.

For the tips, carbide tech tips provide solid traction on rocks, dirt, and snow, and you can swap on rubber tips or snow baskets depending on conditions. These poles are ideal for fastpackers and hikers who value low weight and easy storage, though the fixed length may limit versatility for some users. If you want ultra-light gear with quick folding and durable carbon fiber, these poles fit that need well.