Best Trekking Poles in 2023: Aluminum, Carbon & More

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork

Black Diamond is an excellent brand when it comes to outdoor gear, and their products rarely disappoint. This is why the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are easily one of the best options for avid hikers and trekkers. If you need something that’s suitable for varying terrain types, but still lightweight and easy to carry around, this type of trekking pole is the one for you.

These Black Diamond Trail poles are made from aluminum, and they are incredibly lightweight. If you want to keep your hiking gear as lightweight as possible, aluminum poles are an excellent choice. Especially since the Trail Ergo Cork poles are sectioned telescoping poles that measure just 27.5” when retracted.

Another great thing about these is the cork grip. We all know that grip can make or break a hiking pole – it could be the lightest thing on earth, made from the most durable materials that could survive an apocalypse, and you’d still leave them at home if they didn’t feel comfortable in your hands.

Which makes perfect sense, considering nobody likes to return home after two days in the mountains with blisters all over their hands. That’s not going to be an issue with the Black Diamond poles, since they feature ergonomic cork grips with an EVA foam grip extension.

Not only are they very comfortable in your hands, but the cork is also moisture-wicking, ensuring that sweaty hands won’t be an issue.

These hiking poles are quite versatile, and they’re actually great for all four seasons. The ski compatible ferrule allows for attachment of 100mm powder baskets, while the 38mm trekking baskets ensure you can get the best out of these in warmer weather and drier terrain.

Also, keep in mind that these are telescoping poles, so they’re highly adjustable and perfect for people of all heights. Whether you’re a 6’3” man or a 5’2” woman, you can get these poles to fit you just right.

Masters Dolomiti Gt Calu Expert Trekking Poles

The Masters Dolomiti trekking poles are a great hybrid option. They are made from both aluminum and carbon fiber, and the perfectly combine the best features of both materials. You’re getting the light weight and sturdiness of carbon, as well as the more affordable price and strength of aluminum.

These are collapsible trekking poles with a clamper locking system that ensures the locks can’t come undone accidentally. In addition to being very sturdy and stable, the locks are also really easy to adjust with or without gloves.

Because the Dolomiti are telescoping poles, they are highly adjustable. Their max height is 53.1”, which is suitable for people who are over 6’ tall. Plus, even kids could use the Dolomiti poles, considering that they’re only 26” long when entirely collapsed.

You cannot disassemble these poles, so they might not be the best option for you if you need a pair that will fit in your carry on. They are short enough to fit into bigger suitcases, especially if you put them in diagonally, and they’re really lightweight at only 15.2 ounces. But they just won’t fit in a 20” bag.

These trekking poles feature Palermo contoured foam grips that feel soft and comfortable in your hands. This means no blisters even when you’re hiking with these for several hours. They don’t have an extended grip which is a shame, but they do have an adjustable and quick-drying wrist strap that basically guarantees you can’t just lose a pole along the way.

The Masters trekking poles also feature a clamper screw system, which ensures those tips stay put no matter what. But you’re not getting a bunch of different tips along with the Dolomiti trekking poles – the only ones that are included are carbide tips, as well as a 50mm screw-on basket.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

If you’re not hitting the trails every single weekend, then you can get away with buying a more affordable pair. So, consider going with the TrailBuddy trekking poles, which retail for less than $40, making then an excellent option for casual hikers.

These are aluminum trekking poles, so they are very lightweight and durable. They’re telescoping poles with lever lock, meaning you can easily adjust the height to fit you perfectly. And you actually have two ways of storing them – you can disassemble the poles entirely to make them only 21” tall. Or you can retract them, which is a lot quicker – they will be about 24.5” tall.

Because these are telescoping poles, they’re actually suitable for people of nearly all heights. In fact, you can use these comfortably if you’re anywhere between 4’ and 6’4” tall, meaning that the TrailBuddy poles are actually an option you could get for your kids.

Another really cool feature of these affordable hiking poles is that they come with multiple interchangeable accessories. This includes mud and snow baskets, as well as rubber tips, allowing you to adjust these poles to the terrain that you’re facing at any particular moment.

In addition to that, these feature comfortable cork and foam grips that feel rather sturdy in your hands. And the padded wrists straps help ensures that you don’t lose a pole along the way, even if you drop it accidentally.

Overall, the TrailBuddy trekking poles are definitely not the best option that exists on the market. They’re a bit heavier than the poles from the top-of-the-line competitors, but a 2-ounce difference is pretty laughable compared to the $100+ disparity. And they are one of the best options that you can get for less than $50, especially considering the versatility, durability, and quality construction you’re getting for so little money.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

The Distance Carbon Z trekking poles by Black Diamond are a great option for people who want something extremely sturdy and durable.

These are foldable hiking poles, which means you will need to choose a specific pole height that works for you. The good news is that there are four different sizes to choose from, which are suitable for people of all different heights.

The best thing about these hiking poles is that the pair weighs a mere 9 ounces. That’s definitely as light as it gets – with the cheaper aluminum options, it’s more like 9 ounces per pole, and not for the entire pair.

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles feature a concealed inner cord that allows for rapid deployment in one swift movement. And if you want to pack up the poles, all you have to do is press a single button.

Another thing you will love about these is that they measure only some 16” when folded, which means they will easily fit even into the smaller hiking daypacks. And the overall portability actually makes these a great option for people who travel often, considering you’ll be able to fit them even into the smallest carry-ons, and they won’t weigh you down too much.

In addition to that, these Black Diamond Distance Z poles also feature lightweight and breathable EVA foam grips that feel comfortable in your hand. There are also non-slip EVA foam mini-grip extensions, for a comfortable and sturdy grip regardless of the terrain you’re facing.

These trekking poles come with interchangeable rubber and carbide Tech Tips, as well as a stopper basket with a shaft catcher that allows you to secure the foldable sections.

The only downside of the Black Diamond Distance trekking pole is the steeper price tag – they are pretty expensive for casual hikers and people who don’t actually need anything too expensive. But I’m willing to bet that the passionate backpackers and hikers clicked the buy button as soon as they saw the 9-ounce weight – that’s something no other pair can compete with.

Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Carbon Trekking Poles

The Mons Peak IX poles are another great collapsible option. These are some of the lightest poles you can get your hands on, considering that a pair weighs a mere 13.9 oz. If weight is your main priority, it doesn’t get much better than the Tiger Paw trekking poles.

The shaft material is carbon fiber, so they’re extremely durable in addition to being incredibly lightweight. And since they are collapsible poles, they will work well for most people, regardless of their height.

You can adjust how tall the poles are with the snap-click lever locks – the maximum height of the poles is 53.1”, which is perfectly suitable for those of you that are well over 6’ tall.

And considering they measure only 24.5” when retracted, they are actually perfectly suitable for children as well. I’m not saying you should get $150 trekking poles for your kids, but it’s good to know that you could lend them the poles if you need to.

These Mons Peak poles feature a cork grip that’s quite comfortable, but also really good at wicking away sweat. Which means they will feel sturdy in your hands even if your palms start sweating. Plus, the foam grips are contoured with an EVA foam extension, for ultimate comfort on those really long hikes.

Another great thing about the Mons Peak IX poles is that they are versatile enough to be used throughout all four seasons. They come with 37mm snow and powder baskets, as well as carbide and rubber tips that allow for use throughout the year.

If you’re okay with the higher price point, these might just be the best pair of trekking poles you can get for yourself. Their performance is immaculate regardless of the terrain and weather, and they’re comfortable enough that you won’t end up with blistered hands.

I guess the only downside of these is that they won’t fit into a carry-on suitcase – but is that really reason enough not to get them?

LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Pole Pair

The Leki carbon poles are a dream for passionate hikers. They are so durable you won’t need a different pair of poles for the rest of your life, but also very lightweight and comfortable to use at the same time.

The shaft material is pure carbon which guarantees excellent performance in all weather conditions, making these a great option regardless of the weather outside.

These poles measure only 15.7” when folded, which is absolutely insane. They will definitely fit inside your favorite hiking backpack, so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to store them if your bag doesn’t have the coveted trekking pole loops.

In addition to that, the Leki Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles are equipped with a rounded, thermo foam grip that feels comfortable at all angles.

Whether you’re heading up or down, the angled grip ensures your wrist stays in a natural position that doesn’t cause any pain. On top of that, these poles are also very versatile thanks to the interchangeable basket system that makes them a great choice for all four seasons.

It’s possible to adjust the length of the Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles, but they’re not as flexible as telescoping poles. The height of these ranges from 110 to 130 cms, which is suitable for most people. Except those who are under 5’4” – if you’re vertically challenged like me, I’m terribly sorry to have to say that these will be a bit too tall for you.

The only downside of the Micro Vario poles is the high price point. While avid trekkers can understand that these are worth every single penny, casual hikers will have a hard time stomaching the nearly $200 price point.

If you’re in the latter group, definitely check out some of our budget recommendations – there are lots of good hiking poles that you can get for a lot less money.

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles

The Nordic trekking poles by TheFitLife are by far the most affordable option there is. With a retail price of only some $25, these are the best hiking sticks you can get if you’re on a really tight budget.

However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so don’t expect too much from these poles. They are perfectly fine for casual hikers who might take them out once a month, but they’re definitely not suitable for people who need something ultra strong and reliable.

You will probably have to deal with those standard issues people experience on a cheaper trekking pole, like locks that come undone on their own or tips that get worn out really quickly. Also, these are a lot heavier than some of the poles from the premium brands, but they’re still not so heavy that they will weigh you down on your hikes.

These trekking poles are equipped with a rubber grip that has an EVA foam extension and a wrist strap. The rubber is not as breathable or as comfortable as cork, so you might experience some slipping if your hands get too sweaty. I’d also recommend that you wear some sort of gloves when hiking with these poles since rubber is more likely to cause blisters on your hands.

One huge upside of these is these aluminum poles are quite flexible – in case one of them bends while you’re hiking, you can just straighten it out and keep walking. That wouldn’t happen with carbon fiber – although it’s a lot more durable than aluminum, once it shatters there’s no way to save it.

You get quite a collection of different tips for these trekking poles, which could last you quite some time if you’re not going to use the poles too often. And you’ll also get a waterproof carrying case with these – a thoughtful, but not necessarily very useful addition.

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Foxelli trekking poles are an excellent mid-range option. They’re not exactly cheap, but they are carbon poles with a price point well under $100 – if you want durability at a pretty affordable price point, these might just be the best hiking poles for you.

These are poles that telescope (not fixed length), with quick-lock technology, so they are very versatile. It should be pretty easy to adjust them to a height that’s the best fit for you, considering that the height of these retractable poles ranges from 24” to 55”. That’s suitable for pretty much anyone, from kids to some really tall people.

Additionally, the Foxelli poles are designed to be used throughout all four seasons, and they come with enough accessories to prove that claim.

You will get tips that are suitable for mud, gravel, snow, asphalt, rocks, ice, sand, and even a pair that’s designed to protect the tips of the poles when you’re storing them. Considering the price point of this pair, I’d say that’s an excellent deal.

These walking poles also have a pretty good grip. It’s ergonomic and made from cork, so it is highly breathable and it feels comfortable in your hand. On top of that, there’s also a foam extension below, as well as a wrist strap above that guarantees the poles will stay close to you no matter what happens.

The downsides of the Foxelli poles are the typical ones you’d expect from a mid-range piece of outdoor gear. You’re not getting the weight or durability that’s found in poles that cost two or three times as much as these, but that’s okay for the price.

Also, there’s a higher chance these might malfunction, or that you’ll have to deal with some silly issue like one of the locks coming undone on accident. But overall, this is a really good pair of carbon fiber trekking poles at a very attractive price tag.

Montem Folding Collapsible Trekking Poles

If you want to stick with aluminum poles but don’t want to get a really cheap option, the Montem trekking poles are worth considering. These folding poles are made from aircraft grade aluminum, so they are very sturdy but also a bit heavy. At 9.6 oz per pole, these aluminum poles are a lot heavier than the carbon equivalent.

But that’s actually okay if you’re a heavy person and need that extra sturdiness a 5oz pole just can’t get you. And, these measure only some 16” when folded, which is excellent if you’re prioritizing portability over everything else. They will easily fit into all carry-ons and even the main compartment of your favorite hiking backpack.

In addition to that, the Montem hiking poles feature breathable cork grips that are sturdy and comfortable in your hands. The extended foam grip ensures that you’re prepared for varying terrain, while the wrist straps help keep the poles attached to your body even if you lose your grip unexpectedly.

One thing I really like about these hiking poles is that they actually come with all the tips you need for the four different seasons. They include tips for gravel, ice, snow, mud, sand, rocky and paved terrain, meaning that you can use them whenever and wherever you want.

Another thing I like is that, even though these are folding poles, you can adjust the height. It ranges from 45” to a little over 53”, making the poles suitable even for people who are over 6’ tall. But, since they’re not telescoping poles, you can’t make them short enough for children.

They feature a twisting lock system, which ensures that the poles can’t fall apart unless you’ve actually twisted the lock. And that’s just for assembling the poles – there is a separate lock for adjusting the height, which is actually a flick lock.

LEKI Traveller Carbon Walking Poles

The Leki Traveller poles are another great carbon fiber option. They are lightweight, durable, versatile, and adjustable – these walking poles are designed to be used by people who are anywhere between 4’6” and 6’3”, so they’re going to be a good fit for most people.

These are telescoping poles, so they are not a fixed length. That makes them super versatile in terms of adjusting the height. In fact, they’re short enough to be used by children when they’re stowed, which is pretty great.

Another cool thing about these poles is that you can disassemble them entirely – that’s going to come in handy if you want to pack them in a carry-on, since they only measure about 21” when disassembled.

The poles feature speed locks that are very easy to use even with gloves on, and which stay put no matter how much pressure you exert onto the poles. They have a sturdy cork grip that feels very comfortable in your hands, but there is no extended grip on the pole body.

In addition to that, these trekking poles have breathable mesh straps, which ensure that the poles stay connected to your hands no matter what.

The straps are rather wide and they’re actually adjustable, so you can make them as tight or as loose as you like. And you can easily detach the pole from the strap, in case you want to take a quick photo or just store the trekking poles in your backpack.

Another thing worth noting about these trekking poles is that they come with PowerGrip pads, which are made from vulcanized material. These tips are best for use on paved surfaces, but they will make the poles a bit heavier – about 20 grams per pole, which comes down to 1.3 ounces for the pair.