Camping Panda
Using a set of hiking poles on your next outing has a multitude of benefits. They provide stability on rough terrain and reduce stress on your feet, legs, knees and back by sharing the load more evenly across your body. Especially when you’re carrying a backpack. This means less fatigue and more fun during your hikes.Â
In this review we’ll take a closer look at what the market has to offer, because the choice it can be a bit overwhelming.
Have a look at our rundown to see our top 10.
Lenght
Is it adjustable?
Grip
Is it ergonomic?
Impact-Resistant
Is it shock-absorbent?
Weight
Is it easy to carry?
Design
Is it practical?
Comfort
Is it designed for comfort?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
10
Hours Researched
18
Products Evaluated
10k
Reviews Considered
3
Sources Researched
If you’re looking for a set of trekking poles which perform well and don’t break your bank account, these are the perfect fit for you. Ideal for medium difficult hikes while carrying light to moderately heavy packs.
The grip is a combination of foam and cork, which is an excellent combination in any climate.
The Lever-Lock mechanism ensure super fast adjusting and storing. The 7075 aluminum shafts are stable yet lightweight, making this the winner in our list.
What we like:
What we don't like:
The Bafx Products Anti Shock Hiking Poles are a very affordable set of hiking poles. They are basic in the sense of grip and adjustment system. They are especially comfortable when descending a steep and rough slope because of their Anti-Shock feature. This innovative design feature guarantees comfier hikes and less joint-stress aches by reducing the impact with an internal spring.
The TwistLock mechanism provides quick and easy length adjustment on-trail. Overall it’s a perfect companion for all your future weekend hikes. When you’re on a budget but still want to go on hikes these are definitely your choice. If you are planning a longer and more difficult hike you might want to look for a higher quality set of trekking poles.
What we like:
What we don't like:
These trekking poles are made to last, using high-quality aluminum and a strong Dual FlickLock adjustability offers quick and secure length changes.Â
Although when folded they are still quite long, you can easily strap them to the side of your pack. They provide you with a very stable support on rough terrain, even when you’re carrying a heavier pack on longer and more difficult expeditions.Â
The Trail Ergo Cork defines 4-season, on-trail versatility with a high level of comfort and security.
What we like:
What we don't like:
The Ultra Strong model, equipped with easy to use flip locks, quickly adjusts in length, making it perfect for children as well as tall adults. It’s also the best travel companion, easily fitting into your backpacks and suitcases.
Ultra sturdy, and developed with nonslip EVA foam, which is stronger than cork, these poles are still very lightweight.
Even if you’re a frequent user and succeed in wearing the carbide tips down, they are easily replaced by new ones. High quality gear at an affordable price!
What we like:
What we don't like:
TheFitLife poles are made of 100% carbon fiber, making them a lot lighter than aluminum ones. These will be perfect for long-distance hikes and when you’re trying to cut away every ounce from your gear.
This does however affect the durability a bit, because carbon fiber has the tendency to break sooner than aluminum. So if your next trip is a wilderness expedition you might want to invest in a more heavy-duty pair.
Having said that, with some extra love and care they perform outstanding for years to come. You’ll have a nice-looking pair of hiking poles that are very lightweight, easy to adjust and at the same time very affordable.
What we like:
What we don't like:
These poles are great for light and fast day-hikes or even multiday treks where you want to pack everything inside your backpack, to make sure you don’t lose anything. They come in 5 segments which are connected with a steel wire.
Connect the lower two sections and slide out the third until the silver tab button pops out. Open the flip lock, insert the pole, and close the flip lock at the desired length and you’re ready to go!
They come fully equipped with two varieties of rubber tips and two different sizes of baskets. With these poles there’s no doubt that you’re well-prepared for any terrain or weather condition.
What we like:
What we don't like:
Although you don’t see these type of poles that often anymore, they do deserve some credit. One-piece poles might have the disadvantage of not being adjustable, they are however the only hiking poles which offer 100% security against accidental collapsing, thus preventing you from a possible nasty fall on steep terrain or when carrying a heavy pack.
After you place your order, the company will contact you to ask for your height, so they can calculate the ideal length of your poles and send you the appropriate size. With these poles you’ll be absolutely safe!
What we like:
What we don't like:
Being a little more expensive than the number five in this list, the Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles do perform better when looking at durability. The internal construction in the grip is better thanks to a molded form, which makes it virtually indestructible.
These lightweight carbon fiber poles reduce arm fatigue, allow you to move faster, go further and use less energy while absorbing shock and noise, making your hiking experience even more pleasant.Â
What we like:
What we don't like:
When you’re looking for a basic set of trekking poles, the Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles are your thing. They have all the important features you want in trekking poles and are made of premium materials.
Carbide Flextips provide secure hold on a wide variety of terrain and surfaces; they last through years of adventure and can be easily replaced in the field when it’s time, while the air-textured, no-bulk wrist straps efficiently wick moisture and dry fast. With all its features combined makes this set a great choice for your next adventures.
What we like:
What we don't like:
If you’re into ultra lightweight gear and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks on it, then these are a good option for you. Weighing only 4.5 ounces per pole, you barely notice that you’re carrying these poles. These are the perfect choice when you want to go fast & light. Although not very suitable for rougher terrain with heavy packs.
You can choose between two pairs of tips, rubber ones for extra traction or carbide for durability and grip on ice or snow.
Since they are non-adjustable, make sure you measure yourself and choose their length accordingly.
What we like:
What we don't like:
Trekking poles are useful for walking, hiking, backpacking, hiking, trail running and snowshoeing. They keep you upright through difficult sections of the trail by providing support and stability, while also reducing impact on your knees and joints. In some cases trekking poles are also used when snowboarding and surprisingly when one of your tent poles break, a trekking pole is a good alternative. We round up all the key considerations in buying a trekking pole and listed them here for you consideration before buying your own trekking pole.
Ever experienced hiking where you grab any stick laying around and use it to support you regardless if the terrain is flat or when the terrain is too included downhill? That is just one of the benefits of a trekking pole, to provide support. Hiking with trekking poles has different benefits – from helping you build endurance to taking stress off your knees. They help get your whole body involved rather than having all the weight and pressure on your lower half. And we all know the pressure it gives to our back, trekking pole helps to alleviate that pressure for a more comfortable trip.
Trekking poles help you to avoid leaning forward to support the weight of your backpack. With a trekking pole, the weight is distributed from your body unto the pole as well, reducing stress on your back and help you keep your posture.
Trekking poles are extremely useful for downhill hikes. They reduce the pressure on the ankles and knees by providing support and shock absorption based on the trekking pole material.
Trekking poles are like a set of new legs. This is especially applicable on slippery terrain where four ground contacts points provide a more stable balance than with only two ground contact points.
When walking, you only engage your legs. With a trekking pole, your arms, upper body and core will be engaged as well. Distributing the work throughout your body to build overall body strength.
Trekking poles are generally made from carbon fiber or aluminum. Sometimes they’re a combination of the two. Aluminum is the cheaper option between the two however carbon fiber is lighter and has better properties to reduce vibrations giving a more stable pole. However between the two when exposed to high stress, aluminum will bend but carbon fiber will snap into pieces. The TrailBuddy Trekking Pole is made from aluminum that is ideal for medium to difficult hikes carrying light to moderately heavy packs.
The three common pole grips are cork, foam or rubber. Among the three, cork is advisable for hot weather as it absorbs moisture. It is also like a memory foam that conforms to the shape of your hand over time which helps to reduce vibrations from the ground. The FitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles uses natural cork for its grip.
Foam is a lighter and softer version however not as durable. Check out Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles that uses EVA foam for its grip.
If you are most likely to go outdoors in winter, rubber grip is recommended as it provides insulation from the cold. Rubber is also good in reducing vibrations from the ground like cork.
Telescoping poles have adjustable sizes which provide flexibility depending on your height and use. Telescoping poles consist of two or three sections that slide into one another and offer a wide range of adjustability. Check out Bafx Products Anti Shock Hiking Poles for a good recommendation of a telescoping pole. It has Anti-Shock feature that keeps the pressure of our knees and ankles and provide an easily adjustable height with its TwistLock mechanism.
Folding trekking poles on the other hand have set sizes. Since the height is set, it is critical that you pick the right height comfortable for you for your trekking pole to be of use when you’re outdoors. Like the SWIX of Norway Nordic Walking Poles that has a set height and is non-adjustable. The company will ensure that you have the right height, they will call and confirm with you your height and provide you with recommendations on the ideal size for you.
Ideally, your elbows should be at 90 degrees when holding them. It is advisable to set the length while wearing the footwear you plan to hike in since to add another inch to your height. Remember to shorten the height when you are trekking uphill and lengthen it when trekking downhill to get the maximum support from your trekking pole.
We found the MC Adjustable and Collapsible Hiking Poles deserve a special mention. They are foldable in nature but still offers 5 segments of adjustable heights that comes with a flip lock design for stability! It is made of 7075 aluminum so you do not have to worry about its durability.
The locking mechanism feature applies only to telescoping trekking poles or the adjustable one. Most poles today use an external lock rather than twist locks. This provides a more durable locking mechanism as twist locks tend to loosen as times goes by. We love the Dual Flick Lock of the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork telescoping pole that offers adjustability and security at the same time.
Baskets are usable when you’ll be trekking in the snow or on muddy terrains. Baskets are the cap-like discs at the bottom of your trekking pole. They help to keep the snow or mud from splashing. Ideally the more snow or mud, the larger the baskets should be.
Wrist straps are handy when while hiking you would want to grab a drink or you need to hold on unto something. They prevent the poles from slipping in your hands for safety. The air-textured, no-bulk wrist straps of the Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec efficiently dries fast keeping it from slipping from your hands
Hiking with poles can provide good anchor points for when you’re descending a steep downhill by increasing your balance. On the other hand, trekking poles include your arms and shoulders into the hiking motion, allowing you to use more muscle to propel yourself uphill. The result is an increase in speed and a more efficient use of energy, without an increase in leg soreness. If you’re hiking on a slippery surface like snow or mud, poles can give you a lot more stability and balance. Besides that they help in getting rhythm, which in turn can increase your speed which is especially helpful on flat terrain.
A good trekking pole is one that is durable, easily operated, lightweight and affordable. Besides that, the quality of materials used is a major factor contributing to life expectancy. This makes a huge difference in overall durability, the ability to reduce vibrations (carbon vs. aluminum) and most of all the durability of the locking mechanisms, which after all, are being used the most frequent, but are also the weakest point in a pole.Â
The proper length of hiking poles is easily determined by placing the metal tip next to your feet and holding the handles. Your elbows should have an angle of 90 degrees. Lengthen or shorten an adjustable pole until the proper angle is reached or try a different length in non-adjustable ones.Â
The best brands on today’s market are Leki, Black Diamond and Montem, amongst others. These brands choose the best materials for their poles and have the best technology when manufacturing poles. The Leki Legacy Lite COR TEC give you good quality for what they cost, while the Black Diamond Ergo Cork are the most luxurious ones we tried. The lightest pair of hiking poles are Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, therefore it isn’t adjustable and choosing your proper size in critical.Â
In short; yes, poles do reduce the impact on your legs, knees, ankles, and feet, especially when going downhill. Trekking poles can reduce compressive force on knees by as much as 25 percent, as reported in a 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine. Trekking poles can extend your lifespan as an active, pain-free hiker by allowing the shoulder muscles to absorb some of the force that would otherwise travel through the knees.
