The Best 5 Trekking Poles of 2021- Travel Guide

Whether you're hiking around the country or taking a brisk weekend stroll, trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your trip. Trekking poles can give hikers and backpackers extra support along the way, but finding the right one can be challenging with all the options available. Walking poles shouldn't be considered essential, but many backpackers love them for a variety of reasons. They help reduce the impact on the knees, provide stability on rough terrain or when crossing rivers, and some hikers use hiking poles to set up ultra-light tents.

We researched and asked over 10 thousand trekkers and hikers about which trekking poles they like and trust the most in a survey. After that, we've made a list of the five best Trekking poles in the world.

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles are a budget buy. They are more durable, compact, easy to use, and more affordable than the higher-end poles on this list. Equipped with a quick-lock lever system, it can be folded up to two feet, which is good enough to store when not in use. The handles are soft and comfortable, but we prefer the cork grip over the foam handles. If you're new to trekking or if you're on a budget, the Montem Ultra Strong poles are a great buy.

BEST BUDGET TREKKING POLES

MSRP: $59.99

WEIGHT (PAIR): 19.2 oz.

SHAFT MATERIAL: Aluminum

GRIP MATERIAL: Foam

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 24 in.

PROS: Affordable, durable, easy to adjust,

CONS: Heavy, foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork

REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles

REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking trekking Poles (also available in female sizes) are a great option for those looking to shrink a few ounces without breaking the bank. These functions have a simple and secure quick-lock system and comfortable foam handles. It's made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum, which makes it lightweight while still maintaining durability. Flash carbon shafts also come in a lighter, more compact foldable version.

AFFORDABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FIBER TREKKING POLES

MSRP: $139

WEIGHT (PAIR): 14.8 oz. 

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon fiber & aluminum

GRIP MATERIAL: Foam

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 27 in.

PROS: Affordable for the quality and weight, durable

CONS: Not as compact as some others, foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork


Also Read: Essential Trekking Tips For Beginners

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z-Poles

At just nine ounces, the Z-Poles Distance Carbon are trekking poles lighter than the Black Diamond. The foldable Z-post design allows for subdivision to a small size for easy storage, but the breakdown technique for this style of post requires a little practice to master. The only downside to these posts is that they come in 4 different fixed lengths (100-130cm), which can be problematic depending on your specific needs. Hikers who use trekking poles to support their shelter should carefully measure to ensure these poles are the correct length to serve their purposes.

ULTRALIGHT TREKKING POLES THAT ARE VERY COMPACT WHEN FOLDED

MSRP: $169.95

WEIGHT (PAIR): 9-10 oz.

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

GRIP MATERIAL: Foam

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 13-17 in.

PROS: Ultralight, small collapsed length

CONS: Expensive, Z-pole design takes some getting used to, foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork, fixed-length

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles (also available in female sizes) are packed with quality features. The separate design makes these posts incredibly compact while retaining the ability to adjust the length with a fast-action locking system. Although we tend to prefer cork handles, Micro Vario foam handles are very comfortable for us. Micro Vario is quite pricey, but the quality is worth the price in our opinion. These shafts also come in more expensive AS model shock absorbers.

HIGH-QUALITY TREKKING POLES THAT PACK DOWN SMALL

MSRP: $199.95

WEIGHT (PAIR): 16 oz.  

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon fiber

GRIP MATERIAL: Foam

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 15 in.

PROS: Small collapsed length

CONS: Expensive, Z-pole design takes some getting used to, foam grips aren’t as comfy as cork

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles (also available in feminine sizes) have long been a staple of the backpacking community. They are solid 4 season poles that are incredibly reliable in almost any situation. The simple snap-lock system is safe and easy to adjust the length. Although not the lightest option on the market, these posts are very strong and their grip is quite comfortable. For tough all-weather terrain, these are the trekking poles we choose. The Alpine also comes in a foldable version that is more compact and lightweight.

STURDY TREKKING POLES WITH COMFORTABLE GRIPS

MSRP: $179.95

WEIGHT (PAIR): 17 oz.

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

GRIP MATERIAL: Cork

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 24 in.

PROS: Cork grips, durable, easy to adjust

CONS: Expensive, heavy

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