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10 Best Lightweight Trekking Pole 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum Hiking Poles for Women, Men & Seniors – Collapsible Walking Sticks for Travel, Trails & Balance

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
63016 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to adjust, these poles are perfect for various heights and can be used by the entire family.
Adjustability
Lightweight and easy to adjust, these poles are perfect for various heights and can be used by the entire family.
Grip Material
The cork grips are comfortable and the padded straps help reduce strain, although gloves can be useful to prevent chafing during longer hikes.
Locking Mechanism
The lever locks are impressively sturdy and reliable, providing confidence that they won't slip, even under significant weight.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a great choice for those seeking lightweight and durable hiking poles. Made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, each pole weighs just 9.7 ounces, making them both light and strong. They are highly adjustable, with a range of 24.5 inches to 54 inches, accommodating various heights and even suitable for children.

The lever locks are user-friendly, allowing easy adjustments with one hand, which is more convenient compared to traditional twist locks. The cork grips provide a secure hold and comfort by molding to the user's hand while wicking away moisture, making them ideal for long treks. Padded straps add to the comfort by reducing strain on the hands and wrists. The threaded tips ensure that accessories stay attached, even in challenging conditions like snow or mud.

One potential drawback is the lack of explicit shock absorption features, which could be important for those hiking on extremely rough or downhill terrains. While the cork material is comfortable, some may prefer foam grips for additional comfort if they have sensitive hands. Despite these minor cons, the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid option, especially given their durability and ease of use, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
63016 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to adjust, these poles are perfect for various heights and can be used by the entire family.
Adjustability
Lightweight and easy to adjust, these poles are perfect for various heights and can be used by the entire family.
Grip Material
The cork grips are comfortable and the padded straps help reduce strain, although gloves can be useful to prevent chafing during longer hikes.
Locking Mechanism
The lever locks are impressively sturdy and reliable, providing confidence that they won't slip, even under significant weight.
#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
8.8
Weight
Material
Adjustability

Most important from
3107 reviews

Weight
The poles are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Material
Built with impressive quality from top to bottom, these poles are super light and strong with excellent customer support.
Adjustability
These trekking poles are super easy to use and adjust as you go, perfect for snowshoeing and hiking up steep mountain sides.
Grip Material
The cork grips are the perfect size for comfort and help prevent hands from getting sweaty and slippery while hiking.

The Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are a solid choice for those seeking lightweight and durable trekking poles. Made from 3K 100% carbon fiber, each pole weighs just 7.6 ounces, making them lighter and more versatile than their aluminum counterparts. This lightweight design helps reduce fatigue, allowing you to travel longer distances with less effort. The poles are also collapsible, with an adjustable length ranging from 24 to 55 inches, catering to users of various heights, including women, men, and kids.

The ergonomic cork grips are moisture-wicking and conform to your hand shape for added comfort. Additionally, the poles feature a nonslip EVA foam grip extension, which is particularly useful on steep climbs, and neoprene padded hand straps to prevent chafing. One of the standout features is the flip lock lever technology, which ensures secure and easy adjustments. These metal locks are more reliable than twist locks or foldable poles that might slide out.

The package includes snow baskets, rubber feet, rubber tips, and mud baskets, making it versatile for various terrains. With a strong customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,900 reviews, these trekking poles have a proven track record of reliability and customer satisfaction. The poles come with a three-year warranty and the company offers excellent customer support. These trekking poles are ideal for backpacking, hiking, camping, and everyday walks, offering a good balance of comfort, stability, and lightweight performance.

Rating
8.8
Weight
Material
Adjustability

Most important from
3107 reviews

Weight
The poles are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Material
Built with impressive quality from top to bottom, these poles are super light and strong with excellent customer support.
Adjustability
These trekking poles are super easy to use and adjust as you go, perfect for snowshoeing and hiking up steep mountain sides.
Grip Material
The cork grips are the perfect size for comfort and help prevent hands from getting sweaty and slippery while hiking.
#3

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

Rating
7.6
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
12015 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to use, providing a sense of security on slopes and wet trails.
Adjustability
Easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight.
Grip Material
The grips are EVA foam made to look like cork, not real cork.

The TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles provide a lightweight and compact option for those who enjoy hiking or need extra walking support. Weighing just 294g (10.4oz) for the shorter size and 306g (10.8oz) for the longer size, these poles are easy to carry and ideal for long treks. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, they are both strong and lightweight, making them durable for various terrains and able to support heavier weights.

The poles can be adjusted within a 20cm range using a flip-lock system, making them suitable for users of different heights. The available sizes can accommodate people from 4'11" to 6'5". The tri-fold design allows the poles to collapse down to 15 inches (38 cm), making them very portable and easy to fit into a backpack or luggage.

The cork-texture grip is beneficial for wicking away sweat and providing a firm hold, while the EVA foam shafts offer a strong grip in challenging environments. The locking mechanism is innovative but may require some practice to use effectively. These poles are an excellent option for hikers, backpackers, or seniors looking for a sturdy, lightweight walking aid.

Rating
7.6
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
12015 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to use, providing a sense of security on slopes and wet trails.
Adjustability
Easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight.
Grip Material
The grips are EVA foam made to look like cork, not real cork.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Trekking Pole

Choosing the right lightweight trekking pole can significantly enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain on your joints, and improving your balance on uneven terrain. When selecting a trekking pole, 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 a trekking pole is crucial because it affects how easy it is to carry and use over long distances. Lightweight poles, typically under 1 pound per pair, are ideal for long hikes and backpacking trips as they reduce fatigue. Medium-weight poles, around 1-1.5 pounds per pair, offer a balance between durability and ease of use. Heavier poles, over 1.5 pounds per pair, are generally more durable and suitable for rugged terrain but can be tiring to use over extended periods. Choose a weight that matches the length and difficulty of your hikes.
MaterialTrekking poles are commonly made from aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are durable and less expensive, making them a good choice for rugged terrain and budget-conscious hikers. They are, however, slightly heavier. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and absorb shock better, which can reduce strain on your joints, but they are more expensive and can be more prone to damage from impacts. Consider the type of terrain you will be hiking on and your preference for weight versus durability when choosing the material.
AdjustabilityAdjustable trekking poles allow you to change the length to suit different terrains and personal preferences. This feature is particularly useful for uphill and downhill sections, where different lengths can provide better support. Poles with a range of 24-55 inches are common. Non-adjustable poles are lighter and simpler but lack versatility. If you hike on varied terrain, adjustable poles are a better choice. For consistent, flat terrain, non-adjustable poles may suffice.
Grip MaterialThe grip material affects comfort and usability. Common materials include cork, foam, and rubber. Cork grips conform to your hand over time, absorb sweat, and reduce vibration, making them comfortable for long hikes. Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture, providing a comfortable grip in wet conditions. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm grip, but can become slippery when wet and may cause blisters over long distances. Choose a grip material based on the climate and duration of your hikes.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism secures the pole at your desired length. There are several types, including lever locks, twist locks, and push-button locks. Lever locks are easy to adjust and reliable, even with gloves on. Twist locks are lighter and more streamlined but can be harder to adjust and may slip over time. Push-button locks are simple and quick to use but offer less adjustability. Consider how often you will need to adjust your poles and in what conditions when choosing a locking mechanism.
Shock AbsorptionSome trekking poles come with built-in shock absorbers to reduce impact on your joints, which can be beneficial on long hikes or rough terrain. Poles with shock absorption are slightly heavier and more expensive but provide extra comfort. Non-shock absorbing poles are lighter and simpler but may transmit more impact to your wrists and arms. If you have joint issues or plan to hike on very rocky or hard surfaces, shock-absorbing poles might be worth the extra weight and cost.

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