10 Best Trekking Poles 2026 in the United States

The TREKOLOGY Trekking Poles are a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for durable, lightweight, and adjustable hiking gear. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles are built to withstand rough terrains and support heavier weights, making them more durable compared to carbon fiber alternatives. The collapsible design allows them to fold down to a compact 15 inches, which is convenient for traveling and storage. The metal flip lock mechanism ensures easy and secure adjustability, accommodating users from 5'2'' to 6'5'' in height. Each pole weighs only 11.5 ounces, making them lightweight enough for extensive use without causing fatigue.

The cork handle is an excellent feature, as it wicks away sweat, keeping your hands dry, while the EVA foam shafts provide a strong grip, even in extreme conditions. However, the poles do not mention any specific shock absorption technology, which can be a drawback for those needing extra impact reduction. Additionally, while aluminum is durable, it can be slightly heavier compared to carbon fiber poles. TREKOLOGY Trekking Poles offer excellent support, comfort, and portability, making them a great option for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers of all ages, including seniors and kids. Made from strong 7075 aluminum, they are both lightweight and durable, which makes them easier to carry without compromising stability on rugged trails. The poles adjust quickly from 24.5 inches when folded up to a maximum height of 54 inches, fitting a wide range of users. The lever lock system is user-friendly, allowing you to change the pole length easily with one hand, a nice improvement over twist locks that can be fiddly.

The cork handles are comfortable and wick away moisture, helping your hands stay dry and secure even during tough hikes. While the poles don’t have built-in shock absorption, their sturdy construction provides good support on uneven ground. The included padded straps give an extra layer of hold and control. Being foldable and compact enough for backpacks or carry-ons makes these poles travel-friendly.

If you want poles with specialized shock-absorbing features, these may fall short since they focus more on strength and lightweight design. Also, the weight at about 1.2 pounds for the pair is light but not the absolute lightest available, which might matter for ultralight backpackers. The TrailBuddy poles cover most needs for casual hikers and those seeking reliable, adjustable support without fuss, especially if ease of use and durability are your priorities.

The LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Carbon trekking poles are designed primarily for trail running and hiking, excelling in lightweight performance and portability. Made from carbon fiber, these poles weigh just about 6.7 ounces each (around 425 grams), making them very light and easy to carry on long outings. Their collapsible design allows them to break down into three compact sections with a simple push-button quick-lock system, which is great for packing and transport. The cork Trail Shark grips are comfortable and mold well to your hands, helping reduce fatigue, and the adjustable mesh straps can be removed if you prefer less bulk. While carbon is rigid and light, it does not offer as much shock absorption as poles with built-in suspension, so if you’re hiking on very rocky or uneven terrain, you might feel more impact.

The length adjustability is good, with options ranging from 105 cm up to 135 cm, accommodating different user heights and preferences. The quick push-button locking mechanism is reliable and easy to use, especially when on the move. These poles come with trail running baskets and a folding bag for storage. This makes them a solid choice for trail runners or hikers who prioritize light weight, compactness, and comfort, but if you need extra shock absorption for rough terrain or prefer heavier-duty grips, you might want to look elsewhere.