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10 Best Trekking Poles 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

Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Collapsible Walking Sticks for Travel | Walking Poles for Women | Hiking Poles for Men | Hiking Sticks | Walking Stick - Black Cork

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight

Most important from
3119 reviews

Adjustability
These trekking poles are super easy to use and adjust, making them perfect for varying terrains.
Grip Material
The cork grips are perfectly sized for comfort and help prevent hands from getting sweaty and slippery.
Weight
Incredibly lightweight, which is a huge plus for extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Locking Mechanism
The flip lock mechanism is secure and works very well, ensuring the poles won't collapse under pressure.

The Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are designed to be lightweight and durable, thanks to their 100% carbon fiber construction. Each pole weighs only 7.6 ounces, making them easy to carry and efficient for long treks. The ergonomic cork grips are comfortable and moisture-wicking, with an EVA foam grip extension for additional support on steep climbs. The neoprene padded straps are a thoughtful addition to prevent chafing during extended use.

These poles are highly adjustable, retracting from 24 to 55 inches, catering to users of varying heights, including both adults and kids. The flip lock lever technology ensures secure adjustments and is more reliable than twist locks or foldable poles, as it uses metal locks for enhanced stability. The package includes useful extras like a carry bag and various tip options for different terrains. However, one potential drawback is that these poles do not feature built-in shock absorption, which might be a concern for users with joint issues. Additionally, while the flip lock mechanism is sturdy, some users might find it slightly more cumbersome to adjust compared to twist locks.

Perfect for backpacking, camping, and casual walks, these poles are versatile and come with a 3-year warranty, reflecting their durability. Trusted by many users and supported by a company based in the USA, these trekking poles are a reliable choice for both seasoned hikers and beginners.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight

Most important from
3119 reviews

Adjustability
These trekking poles are super easy to use and adjust, making them perfect for varying terrains.
Grip Material
The cork grips are perfectly sized for comfort and help prevent hands from getting sweaty and slippery.
Weight
Incredibly lightweight, which is a huge plus for extended backpacking trips where every ounce counts.
Locking Mechanism
The flip lock mechanism is secure and works very well, ensuring the poles won't collapse under pressure.
#2

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

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight

Most important from
63077 reviews

Adjustability
Adjusting the poles is straightforward and intuitive, allowing quick customization even on the move.
Grip Material
The lightweight design combined with comfortable cork handles makes long hikes feel effortless and enjoyable.
Weight
The lightweight design combined with comfortable cork handles makes long hikes feel effortless and enjoyable.

TrailBuddy trekking poles are a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable support on hikes, especially on uneven or rugged trails. Made from lightweight yet strong 7075 aluminum, these poles strike a good balance between durability and ease of carrying, weighing about 1.2 pounds for the pair. They collapse down to around 24.5 inches, making them very travel-friendly and easy to store in backpacks or carry-ons. The height adjusts easily from 24.5 inches to 54 inches using a user-friendly lever lock system, which is simpler to handle than twist locks, even with one hand. This makes them great for people of all ages, including seniors and kids.

The cork handles feel comfortable and wick away moisture, helping you maintain a secure grip during long walks. While the poles lack specific shock absorption features, the tungsten carbide tips provide good traction on various surfaces like mud or snow, further enhancing stability. These poles meet the needs of casual hikers, Nordic walkers, and those needing extra balance, though those wanting advanced shock absorption or ultralight carbon fiber options might consider other models. Color options add a fun touch to suit your style.

TrailBuddy poles deliver strong performance, ease of use, and versatility at a reasonable weight and price point.

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Grip Material
Weight

Most important from
63077 reviews

Adjustability
Adjusting the poles is straightforward and intuitive, allowing quick customization even on the move.
Grip Material
The lightweight design combined with comfortable cork handles makes long hikes feel effortless and enjoyable.
Weight
The lightweight design combined with comfortable cork handles makes long hikes feel effortless and enjoyable.
#3

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Aluminum Hiking Walking Sticks with Adjustable Locks Expandable to 54" (Set of 2) , Green

Rating
7.6
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
25396 reviews

Weight
These trekking poles are impressively lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to carry on long hikes without sacrificing durability.
Adjustability
The quick-lock adjustment system is straightforward and reliable, allowing fast length changes without tools, though some hand tightening may be needed for heavy use.
Grip Material
Comfortable cork grips combined with EVA foam provide excellent sweat absorption and reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
Shock Absorption
Internal shock absorbers in the twist-lock version offer valuable impact reduction on downhill sections, enhancing comfort beyond basic shock absorption.
Locking Mechanism
The quick-lock adjustment system is straightforward and reliable, allowing fast length changes without tools, though some hand tightening may be needed for heavy use.

The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers looking for reliable and adjustable walking sticks. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles are sturdy yet remain lightweight at about 10 ounces each, making them easy to carry during long treks. They extend up to 54 inches, which suits most adults, and feature a quick-lock system that allows you to adjust the length easily and securely without fuss.

The grips are made of cork combined with EVA foam, providing a comfortable, sweat-absorbing hold that reduces hand fatigue over time. Additionally, the poles come with multiple tips and baskets for various terrains such as mud and snow, adding to their versatility. While these poles offer basic shock absorption through the material and grip design, they do not have specialized shock-absorbing features, so you might feel more impact on rough trails compared to higher-end models with dedicated damping. The quick-lock mechanism is reliable but might require occasional tightening if used heavily.

These poles are well suited for casual to moderate hikers who want adjustable, lightweight poles with good grips and decent durability at a reasonable price.

Rating
7.6
Weight
Adjustability
Grip Material

Most important from
25396 reviews

Weight
These trekking poles are impressively lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to carry on long hikes without sacrificing durability.
Adjustability
The quick-lock adjustment system is straightforward and reliable, allowing fast length changes without tools, though some hand tightening may be needed for heavy use.
Grip Material
Comfortable cork grips combined with EVA foam provide excellent sweat absorption and reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
Shock Absorption
Internal shock absorbers in the twist-lock version offer valuable impact reduction on downhill sections, enhancing comfort beyond basic shock absorption.
Locking Mechanism
The quick-lock adjustment system is straightforward and reliable, allowing fast length changes without tools, though some hand tightening may be needed for heavy use.

Buying Guide for the Best Trekking Poles

Choosing the right trekking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain on your joints, and improving your overall balance. When selecting trekking poles, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure they meet your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
MaterialThe material of trekking poles affects their weight, durability, and cost. Common materials include aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are generally more durable and less expensive, but they are heavier. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and absorb shock better, but they can be more expensive and less durable. If you prioritize durability and cost, aluminum might be the better choice. If you prefer lightweight poles for long hikes and are willing to invest more, carbon fiber could be ideal.
AdjustabilityAdjustable trekking 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 reduce strain on your body. Poles can be adjustable through telescoping or folding mechanisms. Telescoping poles are generally more robust and easier to adjust, while folding poles are more compact and lighter. If you often hike on varied terrain, adjustable poles are beneficial. For those who prioritize compactness and weight, folding poles might be preferable.
Grip MaterialThe grip material of trekking poles affects comfort and moisture management. Common grip 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, making them comfortable for long hikes. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold, but they can become slippery when wet. If you hike in hot conditions, cork or foam grips are ideal. For wet or cold conditions, rubber grips might be more suitable.
WeightThe weight of trekking poles can impact your energy levels and comfort during long hikes. Lighter poles are easier to carry and can reduce fatigue, but they may be less durable. Heavier poles are generally more robust and can provide better stability. If you plan on long-distance hiking or backpacking, lightweight poles are advantageous. For shorter hikes or if you need more stability, heavier poles might be a better option.
Shock AbsorptionSome trekking poles come with shock absorption features, which can reduce the impact on your joints, especially during downhill sections. This is particularly important for hikers with joint issues or those carrying heavy loads. Shock-absorbing poles typically have a spring mechanism in the shaft. If you have knee or joint problems, or if you often hike on rough terrain, poles with shock absorption can be beneficial. For those who prefer a more rigid feel or hike on smoother trails, this feature might not be necessary.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism of adjustable trekking poles ensures they stay at the desired length. Common types include lever locks and twist locks. Lever locks are generally easier to adjust and more reliable, while twist locks can be lighter but may require more effort to secure. If you need to adjust your poles frequently or want a quick and secure lock, lever locks are a good choice. For those who prioritize weight and are comfortable with a bit more effort in adjusting, twist locks might be suitable.

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