Trekking Poles We Also Tested

• Zpacks’ Minimalist Trekking Poles impressed with their ultralight carbon fiber build and compact design, but didn’t hold up on steeper, more strenuous trails. The twist-lock mechanism slipped under pressure, and the foam grip felt less durable and absorbent than other options we tested.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our original roundup of the best trekking poles, we have tested eight additional models with over 120 hours of varied terrain, bringing our total to 21 trekking poles tested and more than 300 miles walked. We evaluated each for adjustability, grip, stability, portability, durability, and overall value in both real-world and controlled conditions.
• We updated two of our top picks—including our Best Budget and Best Lightweight options—based on new performance insights, and introduced new superlatives to better highlight the best designs for different types of hikers and terrain.
• We also refined and expanded our methodology to include additional testing categories, such as portability, adjustability, and durability, to better reflect how trekking poles perform over time and in various trail conditions.

How to Choose the Best Trekking Poles

• Construction: For more rigorous, mountainous hiking or hiking in harsher weather, a more durable stick is required to help you navigate the terrain. The weakest parts of a pole are the connections, so opting for a fixed walking stick may be a good idea if you need something to hold a lot of weight. New or casual hikers, as well as outdoor walkers, may be satisfied with a walking staff or pole of simpler construction.
• Material: Most walking sticks and trekking poles are made from wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum. Carbon fiber poles are considered strong and light, but the strength is mostly in the long axis of the pole, says AMGA professional mountain guide Peter Walker. If the pole gets torqued, like if it gets jammed in a crack, it will splinter and break, he adds. Also, consider how much weight your poles will add to your pack since a large load can turn a quick hike into a long slog.
• Grips: Grips are often made from molded foam, rubber, or natural cork, with cork being the most durable and comfortable option, but also the most expensive. And rubber can be colder to the touch than cork in cold weather, which is a small thing but can be important, says Chad Martin, AMGA-certified SPI, WFR, certified rock-climbing guide and instructor. Make sure your grips feel comfortable to prevent sore spots or blisters.
• Design: Trekking poles can be adjusted by telescoping or folding. Telescoping is the most common, where sections of the pole are nested together and slide and lock into place. Walker recommends poles that collapse into three sections since they are easier to stow. Poles in two sections will be harder to carry in a backpack or your luggage. Trifold poles often have a band running through the center that keeps the nested sections together.
• Special Features: Walking sticks and poles may come with special features and accessories. Some sets absorb shock well, while others have snow baskets for hiking in cold temperatures. Tips are also important—basket tips are ideal for snow, while rubber feet work best on pavement.

How We Tested the Trekking Poles

To find the best trekking poles, we tested 21 options in real-world conditions. We walked and hiked on various terrains to evaluate the features of each pole. During testing, we assessed each trekking pole based on the following criteria:

• Adjustability: To evaluate adjustability, we noted the time it took to assemble or disassemble the poles, if they are collapsible. We also tracked whether the locking mechanisms were intuitive and could be operated one-handed. While assessing the adjustability of each pole, we asked questions like: Are the poles easy to collapse and set up again between uses? If there are extra tips or baskets, are they easy to add or remove? 
• Grip: Comfort is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting trekking poles. Does the stick adjust in height so that our elbows can be bent at the recommended 90-degree angle when hiking? Are the grips soft and contoured? Do the wrist straps adjust, and are they padded? We prioritized trekking poles with lots of comfort features and adjustability.
• Stability: To assess the stability of trekking poles, we took each set on hikes of two to five miles at a time on terrain ranging from groomed trails to technical, steep terrain. We noted whether the pair was sturdy enough to help us feel supported and balanced, or if it was flimsy or shaky. If the stick is collapsible or foldable, we considered whether the connections and locking mechanisms felt solid and secure.
• Portability: A portable set of trekking poles is essential when you’re on foot, so we paid close attention to how each set felt during long hikes: was the weight of the poles comfortable to carry, and how easily could they be stashed when not in use? We considered whether the poles were compact enough to strap to a backpack or fit in carry-on luggage, and whether they would be practical for long-distance or ultralight hiking. We also noted how cumbersome or convenient they were to store and carry throughout the day. Poles that were lightweight, easy to collapse, and packable earned the highest marks.
• Durability: To suss out durability, we used each set of trekking poles on multiple hikes and looked for signs of wear, like bending, loosening at the joints, or degradation of grip and tip materials. We applied body weight and lateral pressure on various surfaces to see how well the poles held up under real trail conditions. We also exposed them to rain, mud, and varying temperatures to check for weather resistance. Any poles that flexed too much, rusted, or showed early signs of breakdown were scored lower for durability.
• Value: To assess the value of each set of trekking poles, we waited to look at the price until the end of the testing period, after we evaluated all other criteria. Based on their performance and our experience, we determined if the price is fair. We also considered whether we would buy them at full price and whether we would recommend them to friends and family.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage of researching, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us understand what features to look for when shopping for trekking poles, the proper way to use them, and any safety concerns that should be considered.

• Peter Walker, AMGA professional mountain guide
• Cory Goei, AMGA-certified SPI, certified rock climbing guide and instructor
• Chad Martin, AMGA-certified SPI, WFR, certified rock climbing guide and instructor

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between hiking poles and trekking poles? 

The terms “hiking poles” and “trekking poles” are often used interchangeably, though some brands and hikers refer to a single walking stick or trekking pole as a hiking pole (more like a traditional walking cane) and a matching pair as trekking poles. Regardless of the term, they all serve the same purpose: to improve balance, reduce joint impact, and provide support on uneven terrain.

Is it better to have one or two trekking poles? 

Using two trekking poles offers better balance and reduces strain on knees and joints, especially during descents, according to research. While some ultralight hikers or casual walkers may opt for one pole for simplicity or weight savings—particularly on flatter terrain—two poles help distribute weight more evenly, making hikes feel easier and safer for most users.

Are trekking poles really that helpful?

In addition to easing the load, trekking poles can help you burn more calories, improve upper body strength, and help reduce ankle fractures and muscle soreness. Everyone can benefit from using poles, says Goei. They engage the upper body during hiking and distribute the workout across your full body.

What’s the best height for a trekking pole?

According to our experts, walking sticks or poles should be tall enough to allow for a 90-degree bend in your elbow. Many walking sticks allow you to change your grip position depending on the type of trail you're navigating. For example, when traveling uphill, the poles are adjusted shorter, but when going downhill, the poles are a bit longer, says Martin.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer and avid hiker, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, researches and reviews fitness gear for Verywell Fit. She is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers. Her favorite trekking poles to take hiking are Leki's Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles because of their light and compact design, the fact that they’re ergonomically made for women, and their strong stability that absorbs excess shock. For this shopping guide, she prioritized eco-conscious brands that promote size, gender, and race inclusivity in their products.

Additional reporting by Amy Scanlin and Jen Zeltwanger

As a long-time fitness enthusiast, group fitness instructor, and Verywell Fit writer, Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, always sources the best products through expert opinions and first-hand reviews. When choosing top products for articles, she always balances product features, value, and practical application before recommending them to her readers. Amy is passionate about helping enable her clients and readers to live a life of activity, both in the gym and in the great outdoors.

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and Verywell Fit writer. Jen has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. She has lots of experience with home and outdoor fitness, including walking and hiking. Jen knows what works and what to look for when shopping for fitness products, and she prioritizes products that are easy to use, versatile, and well-made.