The 8 Best Trekking Poles of 2025

If you like hiking, walking long trails, or climbing hills, trekking poles can really help. They give you better balance, reduce pressure on your knees, and make going up or down hills easier. The best trekking poles of 2025 are lightweight, strong, and easy to carry. Some are great for long-distance hikers, while others are perfect for beginners or weekend trips. In this guide, we tested 8 of the best trekking poles in real hiking conditions through mountains, forests, and rocky trails. We looked at how comfortable they are to hold, how easy they are to adjust, how strong they are, and how small they pack down for travel. You can find carbon poles for fast hiking, aluminum ones for tough use, and foldable designs that fit in your backpack. Our team can also review the Best Hiking Gear by checking each gear and then selecting the best one in the list.

No matter what kind of hiking you enjoy, short day hikes, backpacking trips, or big adventures, there is a perfect pair of trekking poles for you. Let us find out which one fits your needs best. In this post, we will explain what to look for when buying trekking poles and show you our top picks for 2025. Whether you want something light for running or strong for mountain hikes

Top Best Trekking Poles

When picking the best trekking poles then it is smart to think about weight, grip comfort, how easy they are to adjust, how small they pack down, and how strong they are for tough trails. We tested a range of poles for different needs, whether you are a weekend hiker, long-distance backpacker, or someone who just needs more stability on rough paths. Our top choice is the Black Diamond Pursuit. It offers a natural cork grip, strong yet light carbon aluminum build, and smooth FlickLock adjustability. If you are looking to save money, the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is an excellent budget pick. It folds down small, adjusts easily, and holds up well for casual hikes. For fast hikers and trail runners, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is a featherlight folding pole that sets up in seconds.

If you want something rugged and affordable, there are plenty of less robust aluminum poles that still perform well on gentle hikes. For advanced trekkers who want compact luxury, the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon folds down tight and feels premium in hand. For people who hike year-round, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork delivers serious durability with natural cork grips and dual locks that stand up to snow and rock. If you prefer easy telescoping over folding, the LEKI Makalu Cork Lite gives smooth adjustments and classic design. And for anyone who wants a lightweight, no-fuss option, the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are affordable, tough, and simple to use on all types of trails.

1. Best Overall Trekking Poles – Black Diamond Pursuit

The Black Diamond Pursuit is one of the best trekking poles you can buy. It is light to carry, strong, and works well in all seasons. The handle is made from real cork, which feels soft and shapes to your hand the more you use it. It also helps keep your hands dry by soaking up sweat. You can easily make the poles longer or shorter using the FlickLock+ system, even if you are wearing gloves or your hands are wet. The pole is made from a mix of carbon and aluminum, so it is both strong and lightweight. You can fold it down to fit in your backpack, and it works great for hikes, climbs, or even snowy trails in winter.

These poles are built for comfort and long use, whether you are hiking for a few hours or an entire day. The wrist straps are soft and adjustable, giving your hands extra support without rubbing or hurting. Many hikers also like how balanced the poles feel while walking uphill or downhill. Because they are durable and lightweight, they are perfect for all kinds of trails, from rocky paths to snowy hills.

2. Best Budget Buy Trekking Poles: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0

If you are new to hiking or just want a strong and affordable pair of trekking poles, the Trekology Trek Z 2.0 is a great choice. These poles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes them tougher than most cheap options. They have a soft EVA foam grip that feels good in your hands and helps absorb shocks on rough trails. These poles fold into three sections, so they pack down small, great for backpacks or suitcases. The quick lock system lets you adjust the height easily, even while wearing gloves. They are not the lightest poles, but they are strong, reliable, and perfect for day hikes, weekend trips, or travel. If you are looking for quality on a budget, the Trek-Z 2.0 gives you great value without cutting corners.

They also come with interchangeable tips, so you can use them on dirt, snow, or rocky ground. The included carrying bag makes storage simple, and the poles fit easily into most backpacks. For beginner hikers or anyone wanting solid performance without spending a lot, these are a smart buy.

3. Best Trekking Poles for Trail Running – Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

If you like running on trails or want super lightweight poles, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is a great pick. Each pole weighs less than 140 grams and is made from strong carbon fiber. They fold up very small and can be opened quickly with a Z-pole system. The foam handle is simple but works well, and the fixed length makes them strong and stable. These poles are perfect for fast hikers or runners who want something light, easy to carry, and reliable on rough paths.

They are especially useful on long climbs and steep descents where extra balance is needed. Because they are so light, you barely notice them in your hands or pack. The folding design also makes them easy to store in a backpack or running vest. While they don’t adjust in length, their stiff build gives excellent support on uneven ground. Great for trail runners, thru-hikers, or anyone who wants to move fast with less weight.

4. More affordable – Cascade Mountain Tech

If you are new to hiking or just need a basic set of poles for occasional weekend treks, this category is for you. These more affordable trekking poles, often priced under $50, are typically made from standard aluminum and offer basic features like flip locks or twist locks for height adjustment. While they may not include advanced comfort grips or high-end carbon construction, they still provide solid trail support and can help reduce knee strain and improve balance on uneven ground.

These budget poles are often slightly heavier and less compact than premium models, but they are reliable enough for short hikes, light loads, and beginner-level terrain. Many of them come with rubber tips, adjustable wrist straps, and storage bags, making them convenient for travel and day hiking. The grips are usually foam or plastic, which might not mold to your hand like cork, but they still offer decent control.

5. Best Folding Trekking Poles – LEKI Black Series FX Carbon

If you are looking for the most premium folding trekking poles available today, then the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon should be at the top of your list. This is designed for experienced hikers, mountaineers, and long-distance trekkers. These poles combine cutting-edge engineering with ultralight materials. The three-section carbon shaft folds down compactly, making it ideal for travel and alpine use where storage space matters. LEKI’s Core Locking Device ensures a fast, secure setup with minimal effort, something you can appreciate when gearing up in cold or wet conditions.

One standout feature is the Aergon Air grip, which is ergonomically shaped and cork-lined for maximum comfort, reduced fatigue, and better wrist alignment on steep climbs or descents. The grip also extends further down the pole for quick hand repositioning during switchbacks or rocky terrain. Despite their featherlight build, these poles remain remarkably rigid and strong, performing confidently under loadmeven when carrying a heavy pack across rugged mountain trails. 

6. Most Durable – Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles are built to withstand years of demanding use across rugged terrain and changing seasons. This is crafted with full 100% carbon fiber shafts, which strike an ideal balance between weight and bombproof strength. These poles are trusted by backpackers, alpine climbers, and serious hikers who need equipment that can survive rock scrapes, snow, mud, and heavy packs without compromise. The natural cork grips provide long-lasting comfort, conforming to your hand over time and reducing vibration on rocky trails.

One of the standout features is the dual FlickLock Pro mechanism, which makes height adjustment quick and secure even with gloves on. These poles also come with interchangeable baskets, so you can easily swap between summer hiking and winter snowshoeing. The extended foam grip below the cork handle offers extra control when climbing steep slopes or navigating switchbacks. While they may be slightly heavier than ultralight poles, the added durability and all-season versatility make them a top choice for anyone who needs a reliable, all-terrain trekking companion.

7. Easiest Telescoping Poles – LEKI Makalu Cork Lite

The LEKI Makalu Cork Lite is a top choice for hikers who prefer the simplicity and reliability of telescoping trekking poles. This is built with high-strength HTS 6.5 aluminum shafts; these poles are incredibly sturdy yet still reasonably light. What sets them apart is the smooth and secure Speed Lock Plus system, which allows for quick height adjustments with minimal effort, even on the go or in cold weather with gloves. This makes them especially appealing for day hikers, weekend trekkers, and anyone who values ease of use.

The Aergon Air cork grip provides excellent comfort and ergonomics, reducing wrist fatigue and enhancing control on varied terrain. You also get an extended foam grip zone for better handling on steep climbs and descents. With a maximum length of 135 cm and a collapsed size of 70 cm, these poles don’t fold down as compactly as Z-poles, but their adjustability and long-term reliability make up for it. Whether you’re hiking trails, crossing streams, or scrambling up rocky paths, the Makalu Cork Lite offers dependable performance and all-day comfort.

8. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a fantastic option for hikers on a budget who still want solid performance and comfort. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles are lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle a variety of trails, from wooded paths to moderate climbs. Their Quick Lock mechanism makes adjusting the height easy and secure, even for beginners. While they may not have the premium feel of carbon poles, they deliver dependable support at a fraction of the cost.

What really stands out is the cork-padded handle, which offers better comfort and sweat absorption compared to foam grips often found on other budget poles. The adjustable wrist straps add convenience, and you also get extra accessories like rubber tips and mud baskets. While the packed length (around 63 cm) is not ultra-compact, these poles remain a favorite for travel, casual trekking, and everyday hikes. If you’re new to trekking poles or need a secondary pair without breaking the bank, TrailBuddy delivers excellent value and all-around performance.

How We Tested Best Trekking Poles

When testing trekking poles, we focused on real-world hiking conditions, steep climbs, muddy descents, rocky paths, and long-distance trails. Each pair of poles was evaluated by experienced hikers across different terrain types and weather conditions. We paid close attention to comfort, ease of setup, durability, and how well the poles performed under load with a backpack. Our testing aimed to simulate the exact scenarios day hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers would face on the trail.

• EASE OF USE

This means how simple and fast it is to set up and use the trekking poles. We checked:

1. How quickly can you make the poles longer or shorter?
2. If the locking system (like levers or buttons) is easy to use, especially while wearing gloves in cold weather.
3. Whether the grip feels natural in your hand.

• PACKABILITY

This tells you how well the poles fit in your bag when you’re not using them. We looked at:

1. How short the poles get when folded or collapsed.
2. Whether they can fit inside a backpack or easily attach to the outside.
3. If they are light and compact enough for travel or long hikes.

How We Rate Products

Overall

The overall score tells you how well a trekking pole performs in every important area, like comfort, grip, strength, weight, and value for money. It is a complete score that combines all the smaller ratings into one. We look at how well the poles work on different types of trails, how easy they are to use, and whether they are worth the price. Poles that feel stable, last long, and are comfortable to use in different weather and trail conditions get higher scores. This helps hikers quickly see which poles are the best all-around option for different hiking styles.

Durability

Durability means how well the trekking poles can handle rough use over time. We tested them on rocky, muddy, and steep trails to see if they could hold up without breaking or getting damaged. Carbon fiber poles were judged by how strong they are compared to their lightweight, while aluminum poles were checked to see if they could resist dents and bends. We also looked at how well the locking parts, tips, and handles lasted after many hikes. Poles that stayed strong and reliable in tough conditions scored higher for durability.

Weight

Weight plays a big role in how comfortable trekking poles feel during long hikes. We measured the weight of each pair and considered how it affects overall performance. Lightweight poles are best for fastpackers, trail runners, and ultralight hikers who want to move quickly without extra load. On the other hand, heavier but sturdier poles are more suitable for alpine trekking or carrying heavy backpacks, as they offer more strength and support. The best trekking poles strike a good balance between low weight and durability.

Comfort

We looked closely at how each trekking pole felt during real hikes. This included the shape of the grip, how well it fit in the hand, and whether the padding prevented soreness over time. We also considered how much sweat the grip could absorb, especially in hot weather, and whether the pole absorbed vibrations on rocky trails. Poles with cork or soft foam handles usually scored higher, as they reduced hand fatigue and provided better all-day comfort.

Packed Size

We rated trekking poles based on how small they could fold or collapse. Poles that packed down to under 15 inches were the most convenient for travel and easy to attach to backpacks. This is especially important for hikers who fly often or need to store their poles inside a daypack when not in use. Folding and Z-style poles typically earned the highest marks in this category for their compact design.

Features

We looked at the bonus elements that made each trekking pole more versatile and user-friendly. Poles with extra accessories like interchangeable baskets (for snow or mud), extended foam grips, anti-shock systems, or advanced locking mechanisms received higher scores. These features improve performance across different terrain types and weather conditions, giving hikers more value and adaptability on the trail.

Sustainability

We considered how eco-friendly each pair of trekking poles was, focusing on the use of recycled or responsibly sourced materials, the ability to repair or replace parts, and the brand’s environmental practices. Poles that could be easily maintained or had recyclable components scored higher. For hikers who care about their impact on the planet, these sustainable choices make a big difference over time.

Trekking Pole Grip

We tested how the grips felt during long hikes in different weather. Natural cork grips were the most comfortable they absorb sweat well and shape to your hands over time. Foam grips came next, offering softness and good shock absorption, especially in wet conditions. Rubber grips were the most durable and affordable, but they can feel sweaty in hot weather. Overall, the best grip depends on your hiking style and climate.

Grip Extensions

Grip extensions are extra foam areas below the main handle that let you quickly change hand positions without adjusting pole length. We gave higher scores to poles with these extensions because they offer better control when hiking uphill or downhill. They are especially helpful on steep terrain, allowing for a secure grip lower on the pole without losing balance or stability.

Shaft Material

We tested trekking poles made from carbon fiber, aluminum, and hybrid blends to see how well they performed on tough trails. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and absorb shocks better, but they can snap under extreme force. Aluminum poles are heavier but more durable and resist dents from rocks or drops. Hybrid designs aim to give you the best of both lightweight, with added strength. We rated each pole based on how it handled rough terrain, weather, and long-term use.

What to Look for in Trekking Poles

Price

Trekking poles come in a wide price range from around $30 to over $200. If you are a casual hiker or just getting started, budget-friendly poles can still do the job on easy trails. However, if you plan to hike regularly, cover long distances, or tackle rough terrain, investing in a more expensive pair makes sense. Higher-priced poles usually offer better materials (like carbon fiber), more comfortable grips (like cork), smoother locking systems, and longer-lasting durability.

Pole Material

When choosing trekking poles, the material matters a lot. Carbon fiber poles are lightweight, stiff, and great for reducing fatigue, especially on long hikes, but they tend to cost more and can crack under extreme pressure. On the other hand, aluminum poles are more durable and budget-friendly, though they are slightly heavier. If you are focused on keeping your gear light for fast hikes or long distances, carbon is ideal. But if you want strong, reliable poles at a lower cost, aluminum is a solid choice.

Weight

The weight of your trekking poles plays a big role in how tired your arms and shoulders feel during a hike. Lighter poles are easier to swing and carry, making them great for long hikes, fastpacking, or trail running. However, if poles are too light, they may not be strong enough for tough terrain or heavy loads. Heavier poles, usually made of aluminum, offer more durability and stability, especially on rocky trails. It is important to find the right balance.

Replacement Parts

When buying trekking poles, it is smart to check if the brand offers replaceable parts like baskets, rubber tips, and wrist straps. These small parts often wear out first, especially on rough trails. Brands like Black Diamond and LEKI are known for providing easy-to-find spare parts, which can extend the life of your poles and save money in the long run. Poles with replaceable parts are also more eco-friendly since you don’t have to replace the entire set when something minor breaks.

Adjustability

Trekking poles should be easy to adjust while you are out on the trail. Look for poles with quick-locking systems like FlickLock (by Black Diamond) or Speed Lock (by LEKI). These allow you to change the length quickly, even while wearing gloves. This is useful when moving from uphill to downhill terrain. Telescoping poles are best for adjustability, as they can be resized to fit your height and trail conditions. Adjustable poles are also great if you plan to share them with others or pack them away when not in use.

Grip Material

When choosing trekking poles, the grip material plays a big role in comfort. Cork grips are the top choice for long hikes because they absorb sweat and shape to your hands over time, making them great for hot weather and long use. Foam grips are lighter and softer, offering good comfort and shock absorption, especially for casual or short hikes. Rubber grips provide a firm, non-slip hold and are better suited for wet or cold conditions, but they may feel sweaty in warm climates. Pick the grip that matches your hiking environment and how long you’ll be using the poles.

Locking Mechanism

The locking system on trekking poles affects how easily you can adjust them on the trail. Flick locks (also called lever locks) are quick, easy to use, and very secure, even with gloves on or in wet weather. They are preferred by most hikers for their reliability. Twist locks, on the other hand, are lighter and look cleaner, but can loosen over time and are harder to adjust in cold or muddy conditions. For most people, flick locks are the better and more user-friendly option.

Types of Trekking Poles

1. Telescoping

These trekking poles come with two or three sections that slide into each other and lock at different lengths. You can easily adjust them while hiking, shorten them when going uphill, and lengthen them for downhill. They’re a great choice if you want flexibility and customization on the trail.

2. Folding

Folding poles break down into 3 or 4 segments, like tent poles, and are connected by an inner cord. They fold very small, making them perfect for travel, fast hikers, or trail runners. They are usually fixed-length or have limited adjustability, but are super lightweight and quick to deploy.

3. Telescoping and Folding

These poles don’t adjust and are made for speed and simplicity. They are lighter and stronger because there are no locking parts. However, you must choose the correct length before buying. They are best for experienced hikers who already know their perfect size.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Outdoor Searcher, we use trekking poles on real hikes. Our team includes experienced hikers, backpackers, and mountain climbers who tested each pole on real trails across the U.S. We check how they feel, how strong they are, and how well they work in different weather and terrain.

We don’t get paid to say good things about any brand. That means our reviews are honest, fair, and based only on what really works. Our goal is to help you find the best trekking poles that keep you safe and comfortable for years to come.

Conclusion

Trekking poles are not just for mountain hiking also they can also help with balance, reduce stress on your knees, and make your walks feel easier and safer. Whether you are going uphill, downhill, or walking on flat trails, a good pair of poles can give you extra support. They are great for beginners who want more stability and also for expert hikers who walk long distances. In this guide, we picked the 8 best trekking poles of 2025 for every kind of hiker. We tested them on real trails in different weather conditions to see how they perform. Some are super light and foldable for easy carrying, while others are strong and made for rocky or muddy terrain. From budget options to high-end poles with advanced features, we have something for everyone.

So if you want to hike longer, safer, and with more comfort, picking the right trekking poles is a smart move. Check our list, find your match, and hit the trail with confidence.

FAQs