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Hardcore hikers know the benefits of finding the best trekking poles for their needs. And while not essential to hiking the same way hiking shoes are, they can elevate the hiking experience, whether you’re heading up or downhill. Trekking and hiking poles can help you keep your balance when walking through water or over rocky terrain. They can take some of the weight off your knees and joints for less wear and tear on your body. And they’re great to have in hand if you want to test a chunk of ice or stone before taking the next step. They can also serve as protection if you happen to cross paths with wild animals.

But not all hiking poles stand up to scrutiny. Sometimes this is because the user is inexperienced or purchased a pair that isn’t an ideal fit for them. Other times, the poles are just subpar—and can make hiking and trekking poles in general look like more hassle than they’re worth. Whether you’re on the fence about buying your first pair or you’re hesitant to give them a second shot, we’ve collected the best trekking and hiking poles on the market. What you’ll find here is a range of options that includes something for nearly every preference, price point and person. 

Made from durable and lightweight aluminum, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are designed for balance and hand comfort. The pair’s cork grips are set at a 15-degree angle for a natural hold when you’re standing and you’ll also get EVA foam grip extensions if you need more handle. A wrist strap is also included for extra security. For all of its trekking poles—including the Trail Ergo—Black Diamond uses its special FlickLock series of stainless-steel levers to clamp each section tightly into place.

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Trekmates wants to give you the option to buy a reliable and sturdy pair of hiking poles without having to pay out the nose. The brand’s Walker Shock Trekking Poles are designed to deliver good quality at a great value, with shafts constructed from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and steel tips for durability. They have built-in shock absorbers that soften impact on your wrists and their molded rubber pole grips provide additional cushion for your hands. The trekking baskets measure 32 millimeters.

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The REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact Trekking Poles are designed to minimize weight. Their carbon shaft construction qualifies them as ultralight and the trail baskets do their part to keep the pair under a pound with a minimalist design. The poles overall maintain a slim profile with a max length of 47 inches and a collapsed length of under two feet, making them easy to carry and pack.

Purchase REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact Trekking Poles

The Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles unlock and fold into three sections along joints, resulting in a design made for quick collapsing and a very compact packing size. That means they won’t take up a lot of space or weigh you down on your backpacking trips. The cork grips sit at an 8-degree angle to keep your wrists in a neutral position and you have the option to add extended foam grips when needed for more intense climbs or hiking sessions. The carbon frame contributes to the pair’s light weight and strength. It also serves to reinforce sturdiness around the joints. The pair also comes with easy-on and easy-off interchangeable baskets. And the flexible carbide tips should help with gripping.

Purchase Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles 

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles are made for steep climbs and descents and year-round weather. The brand’s unique locking mechanism (made from aluminum) gives you 20 centimeters of adjustability that can be made quickly and in the moment, with the ability to increase or decrease tension without the need for tools. Meanwhile, the Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber poles are designed to be ultralight and ultra strong. They also feature a “quick-deploy” design that collapses down to under 15 inches for convenient storage. The collapsed size also makes these poles a good option for your daypack when you want to travel light. The upper and lower foam grips give you additional handling for steep climbs and the poles come with regular and snow baskets.

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The Leki Micro Vario Carbon is designed specifically for women. It comes with smaller grips and straps relative to unisex options that typically run larger, as well as a smaller overall profile. The carbon shafts give the poles a strong and reliable frame that should withstand everything from steep climbs to casual walks. And the external locking lever gives you an easy method to release tension for fast breakdown and packing. Leki also designed the Micro Vario Carbon’s basket system for easy switching, so you can adapt your poles to changing weather and different environments. Add some walking shoes to the mix and you’re ready for a trek!

Purchase Leki Women's Micro Vario Carbon

Weighing in at 10 ounces or less (depending on which of the seven size options you choose), the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles are the lightest entry on our list of top picks. These poles are designed for speed, which means they’re ultralight and minimalist in profile. The shafts are collapsible with the push of a button for easy breakdown. The poles come with swappable rubber tips and carbon tips to adjust to your terrain, while the reinforced support in the joints give the poles added durability. And the EVA foam grip material and moisture-wicking strap provide breathable comfort and a solid grip.

Purchase Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

The Glissade 7075 Winter Trekking Poles are made for traversing the winter terrain, but Mountainsmith designed these poles for year-round use. Their outer lock mechanism is simple to handle when you’re wearing gloves and the poles have 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum shafts. This quality of aluminum is reportedly stronger than steel while retaining the same lighter weight and better flexibility of aluminum. The ergonomic thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handles add grooves into the grips for a secure grip, while the extended grip farther down the shaft gives you plenty of choice in hold.

Purchase Mountainsmith Glissade 7075 Winter Trekking Poles 

As we noted earlier, the right trekking pole can come in handy when you’re on unlevel terrain or trying to walk up or down steep hills. They can also be a great way to add a little boost to your exercise when out walking or hiking. That’s because they bring your arms into the equation, encouraging you to achieve a stride that involves extending and retracting your arms. Since you’re moving more, you’re burning more calories while also targeting muscles in your upper body.

The best way to use a trekking pole is to focus on your grip, the looser your grip, the easier it will be to have a flexible range of motion as you begin your hike. You should be flicking the pole forward with each step you take, ensuring you have a comfortable grip. It can be helpful to practice at home before embarking on your journey, as you want to make sure you walk with the opposite arm out in front of each leg. It is helpful to focus on walking in the most natural way possible, utilizing the help of the poles as a guide but not planting the poles firmly in the ground. As you walk, the poles should drag behind you and then help you propel yourself forward. Finally, as you become more comfortable with the trekking poles, you may even want to use the poles in front of you at the same time to swing yourself forward or support you hiking through challenging terrain, especially when going up or down hill.

Stary by looking at all the specs we listed along with each of our top picks. One spec isn’t necessarily better than the other. Rather, what it really boils down to is your personal preference and specific needs. For example, if you’re someone with achy joints, you’ll want to look at a hiking or trekking pole with shock absorption qualities. Or, if you plan to hike steep terrain during the winter months, you’ll want to pay attention to features that support ease of use in the cold, such as release features that you can control while wearing gloves.

Related Post: The Best Kayaks for Your Next Adventure

You’ve probably heard these terms used interchangeably and wondered if they’re the same thing. Honestly, there is very little—if any—difference between the two. If we want to get technical with definitions, think of hiking as a “light” version of trekking. It can be defined as a long walk over a long distance. When you go on a trek, you’re going on a more demanding hike, meaning it might include fewer flat areas and more hills to climb up and down.

That being said, the terms are subjective for the most part. One person’s trek is another person’s hike!

Walking sticks and trekking poles share the same purpose: To help you keep balance and traverse terrain with as much ease as possible. A walking stick is often identified by its wood construction—and can even be a piece of wood you grab right off the trail! But be wary of not leaning too far to one side when using a walking stick, especially if you’re attempting to walk down a steep hill. Also, store-bought walking sticks made of wood are fixed length, limiting versatility.

Trekking poles are adjustable in height (you might hear them referred to as telescoping poles) and constructed from metals and synthetic materials like steel and foam. Generally speaking, they’re designed to relieve pressure from your joints (versus a random stick you find in the woods or a walking staff you make yourself) and they can adapt to all kinds of different terrain.

Using two poles gives you a better sense of balance and control. It also gives you a more balanced workout since you have to use both sides of your upper body for the striding motion.

While most quality trekking poles will run you between $100-$200, how much you spend on a set of poles depends on your need and budget. More affordable poles may be better suited for more casual hikers. (There are some on this list under $100.) More expensive models are typically lighter and arguably better quality than poles at the cheaper end of the spectrum. But that’s only a general rule. Determine your price range up front and stick to it. If you’re looking for a great bargain, you might be surprised at the number of high-quality poles available at your price point.

Poles constructed from either aluminum or carbon fiber are lightweight and sturdy. Generally, however, aluminum tends to be a more durable metal than carbon fiber. It’s also more versatile when it comes to temperature, meaning it withstands year-round weather better than carbon fiber. Meanwhile, carbon is lighter and doesn’t vibrate from impact as much as aluminum does, making it a more comfortable option.

Only if you plan on going for extended hikes (or “treks” as they’re called in some circles). The heavier your poles are, the more you exert yourself while walking. This means you use up energy faster, work your muscles harder and tire out sooner. Pole weight also contributes to the weight of your overall travel load. The farther you’re hiking, the lighter you should aim to make your outdoor gear.

Your elbow should bend at a 90-degree angle when you’re gripping the poles.

The TSA currently doesn’t allow hiking or trekking poles on flights as carry-ons. Be mindful of rules and regulations when packing or considering what hiking backpack to bring.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

Adam Zammiello is a content writer based near Raleigh, NC.