10 Best Hiking Sticks 2026 in the United States

The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are a solid choice if you want lightweight, portable hiking sticks that won’t weigh you down. Made from durable aluminum, they strike a good balance between strength and weight, with each pole weighing just over 9 ounces. These poles fold down to about 14 inches, which is great for easy packing and travel. They adjust quickly and securely from 45 to 54 inches, making them suitable for most adults. The cork grips stand out by offering comfortable handling and help reduce hand sweat, which is a nice bonus during long hikes. The included adjustable wrist straps add extra support and control.

The poles come with versatile tip options: rubber tips for pavement, and baskets for snow or sand, so they’ll perform well across different terrains. While they don’t have dedicated shock absorption features, the cork grips help soften the impact slightly. Some users might prefer poles with built-in shock absorbers for rougher trails. The quick-lock system is convenient and reliable, though some might find it less robust than twist-lock types.

These poles are a great pick for casual to moderate hikers who value portability and comfort, with the added benefit of a handy carry case. However, if you need advanced shock absorption or more precise length adjustability beyond 54 inches, other models might suit you better.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes them both strong and lightweight—each pole weighs just under 10 ounces. This material choice is a big plus for hikers seeking durable gear without added bulk. These poles fold down to about 24.5 inches, making them compact and easy to carry in a backpack or even as carry-on luggage, which is great for travel and multi-day hikes. The cork grip offers a comfortable, natural feel that helps reduce hand sweat, improving your hold during long walks.

They use a lever lock system for adjustability, allowing you to extend up to 54 inches to fit your height and terrain needs. This system is generally reliable and quick to use but may require occasional tightening to prevent slipping. The sturdy aluminum frame combined with rubber tips helps reduce impact and provides good traction on various surfaces. The poles are versatile for all ages, suitable for beginners, seniors, or anyone wanting extra balance support on uneven trails.

One possible downside is the lack of built-in shock absorbers, which some hikers prefer for extra joint protection. Also, the poles fold rather than telescope, which might feel less smooth for some users adjusting length mid-hike. Taking into account the price and design, TrailBuddy poles deliver excellent value as lightweight, reliable, and travel-friendly hiking sticks that perform well across different activities.

These folding trekking poles from Hiker Hunger Outfitters are designed for those who want a lightweight and portable option for hiking and walking. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, they are both strong and light, weighing under 11 ounces, which makes them easy to carry on long hikes or travel. Their foldable design lets them collapse to about 15 inches, fitting conveniently into backpacks or bags. The poles offer two size ranges to fit people of different heights (under or above 5'8"), and adjusting the length is simple, making them versatile for various users. The grips come in Cork or EVA foam, both comfortable materials that provide good handling and help reduce sweat, though Cork is especially favored by many for its natural feel.

Metal flip locks and reinforced joints add extra durability, meaning these poles can handle rough outdoor conditions. The set includes useful extras like mud and snow baskets, rubber tips, and a carry bag, enhancing their usefulness across different terrains. While these poles are lightweight and sturdy, they do not include advanced shock absorption features, which means hikers seeking extra joint protection on rough trails might look elsewhere. Their folding mechanism provides great convenience, though it may require a bit more time to adjust compared to telescoping poles.

These hiking sticks are an excellent choice for travelers, seniors, and casual hikers looking for durable, adjustable, and easy-to-pack poles, offering a practical balance of strength and portability.