Best Trekking Poles for Perfect Balance and Traction
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Black Diamond Distance Z Z Poles for Trekking -
Black Diamond Trail Back Trek Poles Hiking -
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Lady Womens Trekking Poles -
REI Traverse PowerLock Cork Women's Trekking Poles -
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles -
Buyer's Guide
Trekking poles aren’t a piece of gear vital for a successful adventure, but their contribution of increased stability and support is considered an indispensable advantage by many outdoor enthusiasts. They reduce impact and stress on your knees and hips especially during downhill descents, add stability when climbing steep rocks or crossing rivers, increase balance, and allow you to engage your arms to reduce the load carried by your legs. There’s an expansive selection of trekking poles for you to peruse, each with varied options in terms of grips, shaft materials, locking mechanisms, and additional amenities such as baskets and wrist slings.
In your quest to find the best trekking poles in 2022, we’ve put together this list with products highlighting important factors to consider such as strong yet lightweight shaft construction, durability for rugged outdoor use, adequate grip type, and exceptional shock absorption. This list of best trekking poles details our five top picks based on these considerations while also taking into account the ideal forms of use for each type of pole.
Here are the best trekking poles of 2022
Black Diamond Distance Z Z Poles for Trekking - Best Trekking Poles Overall
These Black Diamond trekking poles top the list due to their astounding weight-to-solidity ratio, versatility and overall superior performance on the trails. The carbon fiber frame is ultra lightweight and ridiculously sturdy with four pole length options to choose from (the heaviest weighing a mere 10.4 ounces.) An ingenious folding system collapses the poles down to barely longer than a ruler while foam grips and ergonomic wrist straps ensure hand and wrist comfort.
These poles include a small basket which will complement any of your 3-season outdoor adventures (larger basket configurations are ideal for snowy or extra muddy conditions.) Since these poles aren't adjustable, you can't adapt them to varied terrains like hills and traverses, but many users are willing to trade this luxury in favor of the weight savings.
Black Diamond Trail Back Trek Poles Hiking - Runner Up
The Alpine Carbon Cork is an all-purpose superman in the trekking pole world; adjustable, lightweight, and extremely versatile. The cork grip is dream come true comfort for your hands, effectively resisting chaffing and blisters. Adjusting the poles to varied terrain is a breeze with the incredible locking mechanism and you can choose between two baskets depending on the weather and trail conditions. You can also purchase additional rubber tips to swap out the original carbide tips to extend the life of the carbide tips or to use when minimal footprint is desired.
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Lady Womens Trekking Poles - Honorable Mention
Constructed specifically for women, these trekking poles are highly efficient on the trail and an ergonomically friendly addition to any expedition. Lightweight and super strong thanks to the aluminum alloy shaft, the three telescoping pole sections easily lock into place allowing you to adjust the pole length as much or as little as you want. The lower shaft includes an anti-shock system which efficiently absorbs impacts along your trek while the cork and rubber grips are great for absorbing sweat and helping you maintain a solid grip. As an added ergonomic bonus, the grips are Positive Angle, a design which naturally angles you in a way to maximize wrist comfort and minimizes effort during swings.
REI Traverse PowerLock Cork Women's Trekking Poles - Consider
Another budget-friendly top pick, Traverse PowerLock Cork Women's Trekking Poles feature design specs which accommodate the needs of the a female trekker. They feature smaller, contoured cork grips, fast and reliable locking mechanisms, trekking discs as well as tip protectors for added safety during travel. Three aluminum alloy shafts make these poles highly adjustable while the padded straps are great for stabilizing and supporting your wrists.
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Best Trekking Poles
The Alpine 140 is another outstanding lightweight trekking pole option. A bit more cost effective than the Black Diamond Ultra Distance poles, they offer the added convenience of adjustable length. Non-slip grooves and push buttons on the poles make the locking mechanism very secure and dependable when adjusting the pole length. The ergonomically angled foam grips make swinging your poles a cinch and include cushy, adjustable wrist straps for added comfort and support. Use these bad boys during a backpacking trip, as a walking aid for a day hike, or during a backcountry skiing adventure.
Buyer's Guide
Trekking poles are accessories used by hikers to balance and stabilize their movement on rough terrain. Also known as walking poles or hiking poles, they are popular among hikers. Trekking poles are usually a pair of poles made mostly from lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber with rubber-padded handles and wrist straps. New users of trekking poles are cautioned about the routes they access with this accessory. It is always essential for starters to walk with experienced hikers where necessary so that they can help you if need be.
Our review of the best trekking poles has introduced you to a number of quality trekking poles in the market. We also understand that you are spoilt for choice; who wouldn’t be? This guide is designed to help you through the buying process by pointing you to the factors to consider when buying a trekking pole. A section of the guide is dedicated to assessing the cost of buying a trekking pole, with the final section answering frequently asked questions.
What are the Things to Consider Before Getting a Trekking Pole?
It is important to find the right features in a trekking pole before buying one. A trekking pole consists of several parts that are made differently across different brands. The following factors, when properly considered, will help you find the right trekking pole.
Material
The material used to make the shaft of your trekking pole is one of the first things you want to consider because it affects weight and durability. Aluminum and carbon fiber are the two most common materials used to make the shaft. Poles made of carbon fiber are lighter but come at a more expensive price. On the other hand, aluminum trekking poles are heavier but more economical than aluminum poles. If you cannot choose between the two, there is a solution for you. Manufacturers also use a hybrid of materials to make poles by using carbon fiber on the upper part of the pole and aluminum on the lower part.
Weight
The weight of the trekking pole is one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase. As an energy-intensive exercise, you need a trekking pole that will not burden your arms while you hike. However, certain terrains may require heavier poles for greater stability.
Length
When choosing a trekking pole, you are aiming for something that places your elbow at 90 degrees when the base touches the ground. Thus, you should be mindful of the length of the pole to ensure it feels comfortable. Taller people will typically require taller poles. Alternatively, you can opt for an adjustable trekking pole. The length of an adjustable trekking pole can be altered to meet the hiker’s needs.
Single vs. Pair
Though the majority of the trekking poles are made in pairs, we still have some that are single poles. It is important to know if it is the single or the pair that works for you. Trekking poles that come in pairs give you more stability, especially as a novice hiker. However, experienced hikers may prefer to go with a single pole.
Also, you may want to buy a single pole if you are getting it as a replacement for a damaged or lost pole.
Grips
Considering the grip of a trekking pole is also important. They are made with different grips that suit different temperatures. Hikers in cold regions, for instance, need a rubber grip that keeps their hands warm. Also, the grip protects the palm from the result of friction like blisters and sores. Cork, rubber, and foam are the three materials used for making the grip of trekking poles. Grips made with cork are good for hot weather where your palms are likely to get sweaty. Cork grips are resistant to moisture. Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture. They are suitable for hot weather hiking as well.
Gender-specific Poles
Most of the poles you will find out there are gender-neutral. However, you will also find gender-specific poles in the market. The gender indicated on a pole does not adversely affect quality. It only affects elements like color and length.
Wrist Wrap and Pole Tips
The wrist wrap is another factor to consider before buying a trekking pole as it affects stability. Wrist wraps are usually made of nylon webbings, soft chamois, and fleece. Consider the material that feels most comfortable out of the three.
The part of the pole that makes contact with the ground is often made of hardened steel. A plastic material usually encloses the tip. They are designed to be durable.
Compactness
You will want to consider how easily you can store the pole when not in use; this is where compactness comes in. The design of the pole determines the compactness. Trekking poles with telescope and Z designs can be easily sized down, unlike fixed poles that do not change shape to allow you to pack them easily.
How Much do Trekking Poles Cost?
Depending on the type, material, and height of the trekking pole, the price can range between $35 and $200. You can find a middle ground between cost and efficiency with the poles that cost between $50 and $100.
Trekking Pole FAQs
Q: How tall should my trekking pole be?
A: The height of trekking poles needed by each individual is usually dependent on their height. Ideally, the pole should be around your waist with your elbow at 90 degrees.
Q: Do I need trekking poles?
A: If you are going hiking and you want a smooth sail, you need trekking poles. Trekking poles make hiking easier. They take the strain off the joints and give you greater stability in rough terrains.
Q: Are carbon trekking poles better?
A:Carbon trekking poles are lightweight and thus easy on the arms. However, they typically cost more than their aluminum counterparts.
Q: Do the weight of trekking poles matter?
A: Yes, the weight matters. Lighter trekking poles are easy on the arms. The lighter the pole, the easier it is for you to conserve energy and go the distance.
