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10 Best Walking Poles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,224
Adjustability
Grip
Weight

Most important from
11960 reviews

Adjustability
These poles are easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight.
Grip
The grips are EVA foam made to look like cork, not real cork.
Weight
Lightweight and compact, they fold up quickly and fit easily in luggage without taking up much space.

The TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles are designed to offer balance and support for seniors, women, and men. These poles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making them lightweight yet durable, which is perfect for long hikes or backpacking trips. The poles are adjustable with a flip-lock system that caters to different heights, ensuring a customizable fit for various users.

They collapse down to a compact 15 inches, making them easy to carry in backpacks or luggage. The cork-textured grip and EVA foam shafts provide a comfortable and firm grip, even in sweaty or muddy conditions. Additionally, the poles weigh between 294g to 306g, meaning they won't add much extra weight to your gear.

These trekking poles are a solid choice for those who need a lightweight, compact, and durable option for their outdoor adventures.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,224
Adjustability
Grip
Weight

Most important from
11960 reviews

Adjustability
These poles are easy to unfold, adjust, and don't slip or collapse under weight.
Grip
The grips are EVA foam made to look like cork, not real cork.
Weight
Lightweight and compact, they fold up quickly and fit easily in luggage without taking up much space.
#2

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

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Weight

Most important from
62950 reviews

Adjustability
Adjustable to any height, these poles are incredibly sturdy and easy to store, making them versatile for various environments.
Weight
Lightweight and reliable, these poles are perfect for mixed terrain and significantly reduce joint pain during hikes.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers looking for reliable walking poles. Made from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, these poles are lightweight yet durable, making them suitable for various terrains, from rugged trails to snowy paths. Weighing in at just 1.2 pounds for the pair, they are easier to carry on long hikes. A standout feature is their adjustability; the poles can extend from 24.5 inches to a maximum height of 54 inches, which is perfect for users of different heights and can even accommodate children.

The design includes padded straps and moisture-wicking cork grips, ensuring a comfortable hold during long treks, which is a significant advantage over rubber or plastic grips that can become slippery. The lever lock mechanism is another plus, as it allows for quick adjustments with one hand, simplifying the setup process compared to traditional two-handed twist locks.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles cater well to casual hikers and those venturing into more challenging environments, providing comfort and reliability without excessive weight. They make a great addition to backpacking gear, particularly for those who value ease of use and portability.

Rating
9.4
Adjustability
Weight

Most important from
62950 reviews

Adjustability
Adjustable to any height, these poles are incredibly sturdy and easy to store, making them versatile for various environments.
Weight
Lightweight and reliable, these poles are perfect for mixed terrain and significantly reduce joint pain during hikes.
#3

Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole, Hiking Sticks for Women, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Men, Walking Poles for Seniors, Kids Hiking Poles, Nordic Walking Poles for Women - Green Cork

Rating
8.8
Material
Adjustability
Grip

Most important from
3097 reviews

Material
Their lightweight carbon fiber construction significantly reduces fatigue on extended hikes and backpacking trips.
Adjustability
The secure and easy-to-use flip lock adjustment makes finding the perfect height quick and hassle-free.
Grip
The cork grips are comfortable and effectively reduce hand sweat, enhancing grip even on challenging trails.
Tip
Interchangeable tips and baskets add great versatility, allowing seamless adaptation from pavement to snow conditions.

The Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole is a great choice if you want a lightweight and strong walking pole for hiking or outdoor walks. Made entirely from carbon fiber, it’s very light at just 7.6 ounces per pole, which means you can carry them comfortably without feeling weighed down. The poles are adjustable from 24 to 55 inches using a flip lock mechanism, which is more secure and easier to use than twist locks, making it convenient for users of different heights, including women, men, seniors, and kids.

The cork grip is a nice touch, as it molds to your hand and helps reduce sweat, while the extra foam grip extension and padded straps add comfort, especially on long or steep hikes. The poles come with multiple tips and baskets, including rubber tips for pavement and snow baskets for winter conditions, giving you good versatility. These poles are lighter than aluminum alternatives, helping to reduce fatigue during longer trips. They also come with a carrying bag and a one-year warranty, demonstrating the brand’s confidence in their durability.

If you want reliable, lightweight hiking poles with secure adjustability and comfortable grips, these are a solid option, suitable for a wide range of users from kids to taller adults. Keep in mind that these poles do not feature built-in shock absorption, so if reducing impact on your joints is a priority, you might want to consider poles designed specifically with shock absorption.

Rating
8.8
Material
Adjustability
Grip

Most important from
3097 reviews

Material
Their lightweight carbon fiber construction significantly reduces fatigue on extended hikes and backpacking trips.
Adjustability
The secure and easy-to-use flip lock adjustment makes finding the perfect height quick and hassle-free.
Grip
The cork grips are comfortable and effectively reduce hand sweat, enhancing grip even on challenging trails.
Tip
Interchangeable tips and baskets add great versatility, allowing seamless adaptation from pavement to snow conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Walking Poles

Walking poles, also known as trekking poles or hiking sticks, are essential tools for hikers and walkers. They provide stability, reduce strain on your legs, and can help you maintain balance on uneven terrain. When choosing the right walking poles, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure they meet your needs and enhance your walking experience.
MaterialThe material of the walking poles affects their weight, durability, and cost. Common materials include aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are generally more affordable and durable, making them a good choice for rugged terrain. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and absorb shock better, which can be beneficial for long hikes or if you have joint issues. Choose aluminum if you need durability and are on rough trails, and carbon fiber if you prioritize lightness and comfort.
AdjustabilityAdjustable walking poles can be lengthened or shortened to suit different terrains and user heights. This feature is important for comfort and efficiency. Poles with a telescoping or folding design are common. Telescoping poles are easy to adjust and are great for varying terrain, while folding poles are compact and convenient for travel. If you hike on varied terrain or share poles with others, adjustable poles are a good choice. Fixed-length poles are lighter and simpler but less versatile.
GripThe grip of the walking poles affects comfort and control. Grips are typically made from cork, foam, or rubber. Cork grips conform to your hand over time and are good for moisture management, making them ideal for long hikes. Foam grips are soft and absorb sweat, providing comfort in hot conditions. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold, suitable for cold weather. Choose cork for long hikes, foam for hot weather, and rubber for cold conditions.
WeightThe weight of the walking poles can impact your endurance and comfort. Lighter poles are easier to carry and reduce fatigue, which is beneficial for long-distance hiking. Heavier poles, while more durable, can be tiring over extended use. If you plan on long hikes or have joint issues, opt for lighter poles. For shorter, more rugged hikes, heavier poles may be more suitable due to their durability.
Shock AbsorptionSome walking poles come with shock absorption features, such as internal springs, to reduce impact on your joints. This is particularly important if you have knee or joint problems or if you hike on hard surfaces. Poles with shock absorption can be slightly heavier and more expensive. If you have joint issues or hike on hard terrain, consider poles with shock absorption. If you prefer a lighter pole and hike on softer ground, this feature may be less necessary.
TipThe tip of the walking poles affects their grip on different surfaces. Carbide or steel tips provide good traction on trails and rocky terrain. Rubber tips are quieter and better for paved surfaces. Some poles come with interchangeable tips for versatility. If you hike on varied terrain, look for poles with interchangeable tips. For primarily trail hiking, carbide or steel tips are ideal. For urban walking, rubber tips are preferable.

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