Leki should need little introduction. Few outdoors brands have managed to gain such a monopoly on its principal area of expertise. Since founder Karl Lenhart invented the Leki Fix in 1963, the brand's domination of the trekking poles market has been such that poles are often referred to as ‘Lekis’, even when they’re not Lekis. It’s the brand’s reputation for innovation and quality that has led to this position at the forefront of the market.

When Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler, two of the world’s greatest ever mountaineers, became the first people to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen, they did so with Leki poles. Fast forward to today and the brand has over 250 patents due to its continuous innovation.

As exemplified by Messner and Habeler, Lekis have long been a favorite of mountaineers and the Skysolo FX.One Carbon is designed to continue this tradition. Lightweight, yet offering trademark stability, it’s part of the Skytera series, developed alongside leading alpinists, including Italian high-altitude mountaineer Tamara Lunger and Swiss guide Dani Arnold. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test a pair this year, taking them on my hiking adventures in Britain’s modest but challenging uplands.

First impressions

I’d previously tested the Leki Makalu FX Carbon and the Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles and the first thing that struck me about the Skysolos was how light they are. I was testing the 44in (110cm) versions and weighed them at just over 6oz (177g) per pole, as opposed to the Makalus, which are 8.5oz (243g) each, and the Cross Trails, 7.5oz (213g). In fact, the Skysolo weighs less than many running poles.

The Skysolo (perhaps someone at Leki is a Star Wars fan and decided to merge character names here) features the same clever ELD (external locking device) folding system as the Makalu, which makes assembling and folding the pole away an absolute doddle. It seems the force is strong with this one.

However, a key difference between the Skysolo and both the Makalu and the Trail Lite, as well as its sister model – the Skytera FX Carbon SL – is that the Skysolo is fixed length, so it’s important to get the right size from the off. If you’re unaware of your ideal pole length, try before you buy. The Skysolo comes in 2in (5cm) increments between 43 and 53in (110cm and 135cm).

Aesthetically, the pole has a clinical, modern look. Its off-white body contrasts with the black grip and bottom section, with orange detailing on the shaft. At various points on the pole are little feature descriptions, as if the pole was an advert for itself: 'Shaft Material PRC 1000 Carbon' and 'Last Segment W/O Design for Fast and Easy Exchange'. It feels great in the hand and I really liked the fuss-free grip and strap.

Fast folding

Back in the day, trekking poles were all one big piece – tip, shaft and handle. This was fine for doing Gandalf impressions but less than ideal for stashing into a small daypack or attaching to a hydration pack. Telescopic poles were one answer to this. These were poles made of several segments that slotted neatly into each other, just like a classic telescope. Ahoy there!

However, these days, foldable poles are all the rage and here Leki uses an innovative ELD locking system to achieve a super straightforward assembly and folding process.

There are four segments: the handle and upper shaft are telescopic, with the upper section sliding into the handle when the locking mechanism is released. The other segments are tethered together by a flexible wire and, when separated, fold into a compact 14in (36cm) package.

This is impressively small and will delight the kind of outdoor enthusiasts who count every gram, measure every item and do an expedition-style kit lay on their bedroom floor for the benefit of their Insta followers – even if they're just walking the dog.

To assemble the pole, all I had to do was pull the handle segment away from the upper shaft. This tensions the internal locking system, bringing everything into place and snapping the segments together. It's a design that's been doing the rounds for a while, but to this day it still seems like magic.

To release the pole and fold it back up, it's simply a case of pressing in the locking clamp and voilà! Done. The speed at which all this can be achieved will please FKT hunters and trail runners alike.

Other features

Carbon is the key ingredient when it comes to the Skysolo's light weight. The main segments are all crafted from this featherweight but immensely strong material, while the durable tips are also forged from carbide.

The grippy handle is made from a lightweight foam that's soft to the touch, designed for long-lasting comfort. There's a relatively straightforward strap here too, which can be adjusted with a strong pull. This opens up the strap's plastic housing, which you can then click back into place once you've got your desired loop size. I like the simplicity of the strap and it seems to shed moisture well, too.

The Skysolo poles come with standard baskets above the tips. These aren't the widest, though they can be exchanged for others if you decide to take on more challenging, snowy terrain.

On the trails

I've been testing the Skysolos throughout the spring and summer on my various hiking escapades in England's Southwest and the Lake District National Park, as well as in Welsh national parks Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Their portability and featherlight design made them an easy choice for my adventures.

Their light weight doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise in performance or durability, though time will tell how they compare to heftier poles in the long-run.

Nevertheless, I found the Skysolos were just as capable as the many more beefy poles I've tested in the past. The Verticon grip is comfortable for mile after mile and I much preferred the fuss-free strap to the golf glove complexity of Leki's Cross Trail Lite. The carbide tips provided decent grip on various terrains and I'm yet to see any signs of significant wear.

The ease with which the poles can be transformed into action mode and then stashed away again is a huge plus. It's so easy that I can do it with my eyes closed, assembling the pole and then folding it up again in less than 10 seconds.

The disadvantage of a fixed length pole is the inability to shorten it slightly for long uphill slogs and lengthen it for the downhills. I'm generally not someone who is too fussed by this, but I know some trekkers who like to make these micro-adjustments when faced with changing gradients. It does, however, make the Skysolo a little less versatile than its slightly more expensive sibling, the Skytera FX Carbon SL. Of course, you also need to make sure you buy the size that best suits you.

Leki has prioritized weight and portability here, so it's unlikely to be quite as bombproof as heftier aluminum poles. Time will tell how long the Skysolo continues to serve me as well as it has so far.

Also consider

Comparison table

Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL trekking poles: first impressions 

When you're in the market for a new pair of trekking poles, Leki is likely one of the first places you'll look if you're seeking quality and reliability, and the Skytera FX Carbon SL is yet another model worth commending for those who want to move fast and light but feel supported.

Designed for fastpackers and thru-hikers, these poles are extraordinarily light – so much so that we're using them for trail running as well as hiking. Built from carbon with a foam grip, they barely register in your hands or your pack, but when you're seeking stability on rough ground, they get the job done.

Combining Z-shaped and telescope design approaches, these poles only come in one size, but they are extremely versatile, adjusting between 43in and 51in (110cm and 130cm) in length, which means they're long enough for very tall people and different activities.

They comprise three sections that are each less than 16 inches long, which makes them easy to pack into the mesh bag provided and stash in the side pocket of your backpack. When you want to use them, you can extend them by pulling until you hear a click, and then adjust them to your desired length using the telescoping.

The wrist leashes are easy to adjust with a tug and the ergonomic foam grips are a joy to hold in the hands, even over a long day on the trail. The tips are made from carbon too and provide good traction on rock as well as grassy trails, while the minimalist baskets provide just enough width to keep you from sinking in on muddy trails.

It's true that carbon poles can be more prone to breakage, but only when you use them incorrectly and place weight on them in a horizontal position. In our months of field tests on the trek to Everest Base Camp, in the Swiss Alps, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Scottish Highlands, we've experienced nothing but high quality and resilience with these poles. You can learn more in our article on aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles.

Of course, for all that, you'll pay a high price, and the only mark against these poles is the cost.

Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL trekking poles: in the field 

I've been using Leki poles since I tore my ACL in a skiing accident nearly 10 years ago, but my original pair are starting to show the signs of the many hundreds of miles I've put on them, and one has an annoying habit of collapsing when I put weight on it. So when I signed up to trek to Everest Base Camp this spring, I decided it was time for a new pair.

Luckily for me, Leki had recently released the Skytera FX Carbon SL, and I got these a few months early which meant I could train with them. By the time I flew to Nepal I had put about 100 miles in with them, and since I've returned I've continued hiking and trail running with them in Scotland, during a trip to the Swiss Alps and on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District National Park.

Here’s how they performed:

Design and adjustability

In the past, trekking poles were either telescopic, meaning they extend and retract using sliding sections but don't fold up, or they were z-shaped, meaning they collapse into sections. With the Skytera, Leki has combined these two approaches so these poles are both very adjustable and can be folded away easily when not in use.

To deploy them, you just hold the handle and the top of the highest section of the shaft and and pull until you hear a click (I did have to find a YouTube video to get this right the first time, but after that it's easy). Then you can adjust the length and secure them with the locking mechanism. To fold them up, you just do the same in reverse. The wrist leashes are also easy to loosen or tighten with simple tug and stay in place when I'm putting weight on them.

Sometimes you sacrifice functionality when you try to do too many things at once – for example, a multi-tool is a great thing unless you need a really great blade, in which case a pocket knife is a better choice – but as far as I can see, this is a winning formula.

These poles can be really long, which makes them ultra versatile for different activities and different users. My older poles are great for me, but I'm 5'4", so they're too short for my nearly-six-foot boyfriend. These new poles can be telescoped out so that they're long enough for him, and I use them on the shorter end.

Weight and packability

At just 36oz (170g) per pole, these are significantly lighter than any of the trekking poles for hiking that we've tested, and they're comparable to – or lighter than – most of the running poles we've taken out in the field too. They feel extremely light in the hand and it makes them really easy to use all day.

Even though Leki doesn't advertise them as suitable for running, I quickly decided to try them out on a run. I didn't previously run with poles, but having had my aforementioned knee surgery, I had a feeling that doing so might give me more confidence, and I was right.

Not only have these taken over from my old poles for hikes, I've started bringing them with me for hill running where I even like using them on steep downhills, and they're so light I can happily just carry both in one hand for gentler descents. Their light weight also means that I don't even notice them when they're in the side pocket of my backpack or my running vest and they're slim enough when folded away to fit in most pockets.

Comfort and durability

I've put some pretty long days in with these poles – for the 11-day trek to Base Camp we typically spent six hours a day walking, and I've had them out on some long training hikes too. Probably the most helpful thing I can say is that I don't really notice them in my hands, thanks to the foam that Leki has developed and the ergonomic design.

With my older poles, I'd sometimes get a bit of rubbing and even a blister after very long days but these don't seem to have any issues at all. They've also been comfortable whether it's hot and I'm sweaty or in the rain, when they don't get slippery.

Carbon poles have a reputation for not being as durable as those made from aluminum, and I'm sure that if you load these in the wrong position, they could break, but I have a sense that most outdoor kit would fail if you use it incorrectly, so this isn't something I'd detract points for, especially since it's the reason they're so light. All I can say is that with several hundred miles of use, they're still operating normally and I'm hoping they stay that way.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Trekking poles can make a huge difference for anyone venturing into tricky mountain terrain or hiking long distances, helping to support your knees and keeping you balanced.

Right now, you can grab the awesome, lightweight Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL trekking poles for just $157.46 at Amazon.

That's over $50 off these poles, which I'll be taking with me when I trek to Everest Base Camp next week.

I've been hiking with an older model of Leki poles for years and I love them, but I recently upgraded to these and they're so light that I've taken to trail running with them over the past few months. Even on long days, the foam grips never get uncomfortable or sweaty and I can adjust them to my needs or easily pack them away in a side pocket when I'm not using them.

Not in the US? Scroll down to find the best deals on the Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL trekking poles near you.

Constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, each pole weighs only 6oz. It features a 14mm upper section and 12mm in diameter lower sections and folds into three sections, each less than 16 inches long, making it easy to stow in your backpack when your hands need to be free for climbing or using ice tools.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL trekking poles where you are.

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices

With warmer weather finally here, now is the perfect time to dust off your old gear and head out for a long-distance hike or trail run. Alongside a trusty pair of trail running shoes or hiking boots, why not push your limits with a reliable pair of trekking poles?

The best trekking poles are reliable companions in the backcountry, taking the strain off your legs to help you travel faster for longer. They're also handy on uneven ground, providing extra stability for those tricky backcountry trails.

If you're in the market for a new pair of trekking poles, check out the Distance Carbon FLZ poles from Black Diamond, now available for just $146.97 on the Black Diamond website.

These 100% carbon poles were designed with portability in mind. They're fully adjustable and fold to a third of their original length, so you can carry or tuck them into a backpack when they're not needed.

At just 6oz (170g) per pole, the Carbon FLZs aim to propel you forward rather than weighing you down on the trails, while interchangeable tips help to tackle all kinds of terrain. They're light and versatile enough to take running and remain a handy hiking option.

Not in the States? Look below for today's best trekking poles deals where you are:

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

A lightweight pair of trekking poles can take some of the hard work out of hikes both long and steep, and right now, you can grab the innovative Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles for only $179.73 at REI. That's a healthy $60 off the list price for these trekking poles, which we gave nearly perfect marks when we ventured into high places with them.

Leki is the gold standard when it comes to poles, and the lightweight, folding Leki Makalu FX Carbon is comfortable to wield in the hand, easy to store with a quick and effortless setup and disassembly, and sturdy enough for plenty of abuse on the backcountry trails.

Adventure contributor Alex Foxfield tested them out while carrying his toddler around in a child carrier in the Lake District and says they greatly reduced his Rate of Perceived Exertion.

"When carrying heavy loads like this, they were an absolute godsend, supporting my efforts and enabling me to go much further with relative ease compared to the struggle I’d have faced without them," says Foxfield.

The Makalu FX Carbon pole is the premium option within the company's trekking range and is named after the Himalayan giant Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world. These poles come in one size, adjustable from 43.3 to 51.2in (110 to 130 cm) when extended, and in one colorway.

If you're not in the US, scroll down for today's best deals on the Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles where you are.

These poles fold into three sections, packing down to 15.75in (40 cm) or easy and quick storage in your backpack or checked luggage, and on the trail Aergon Air grips provide ergonomic support.

If you're not in the US, here are the best deals on the Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles where you are, with prices updated daily:

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

• The best Garmin watches: all the latest models tested and rated

A good pair of trekking poles can be a godsend in the wilderness, taking pressure off your joints and providing a useful boost on tricky treks and trail runs. Right now, you can get your hands on the Leki Cross Trail Carbon trekking poles for just $172.82 at Amazon- more than 20% less than their list price of $219.95.

These sturdy trekking poles are made from lightweight carbon fiber, and as a result, weigh just 15oz / 426g per pair. This makes a noticeable difference on the trails. Our expert reviewer Alex Foxfield tested his pair on a tough seven-hour traverse of Dartmoor National Park and never felt his arms getting tired.

"The best poles are the ones you forget you're carrying and this was certainly the case with the Cross Trails," said Alex.

"It was only when, a couple of hours into a hike, I’d consider how fresh my legs were feeling that I’d suddenly give them the credit they’re due."

Alex also noted the poles' durability.

"For a versatile, lightweight pair, it’s hard to beat the Cross Trails. They've already tackled a hefty amount of terrain without visible wear."

If you're not in the U.S. have a look at today's best deals on the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon trekking poles where you are.

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

There was a time, more than a decade ago, when I couldn’t understand why people used trekking poles. I thought they seemed unnecessary and cumbersome. But these days, I always pack my poles for a hike and especially in winter.

Whether it is winter or summer, it is usually a short way into a hill climb or a mountain ascent that I remember why I like my trekking poles. The poles are a great aid to an uphill hike and take some of the strain from my leg muscles.

In the winter, when there is snow or ice on the ground the trekking poles become even more important.

I was reminded of the many reasons why I always pack my trekking poles on a recent winter hike in the Scottish Highlands.

Benefits of trekking poles for a winter hike

To start with, the trail lower down the valley at the start of the hike near Alness, Ross & Cromarty, had icy patches. It wasn’t a full-on ice rink that required micro-spikes to be attached to my boots but, rather, I had to pick my way over ice, snow and find patches of wet trail. Every so often, I need to jump a puddle or leap up on to the grassy verge. Thanks to my hiking poles, I was able to keep my balance, make more confident moves or jumps, and catch myself if I felt my feet slipping.

Then, as I started uphill, the trail became deeper with wind-blown snow. I used my trekking poles for probing the snow depth ahead and also for propelling me forwards when my hiking boots still went deep into the snow.

I fell a few times and the poles were handy for helping me to get upright again.

Where possible, I walked at the side of the snowy path as well, on a terrain of thick heather, other vegetation and some snow. My hiking poles provided support and extra balance on the unpredictable ground.

There was more to come! After a while the snowy trail and path disappeared and I found myself walking on moorland with big areas of thick snow. In places, the snow had collected over streams and I made use the trekking poles as probes again, this time to assess if I would step into the snow and end up plunging through to water underneath.

Using the poles as a depth probe slowed my pace but it did stop me from getting wet and cold feet. I was wearing waterproof hiking boots, waterproof socks and gaiters, too, just in case.

I also used both poles as a way to propel myself over slushy, wet or boggy areas of ground. With the poles, it’s possible to make a longer step or a leap when needed.

I am sure you are now wondering why I was out in such tough conditions, but I enjoy a snowy day. The weather was mostly fine and there were nice spells of sunshine. Snow doesn’t stop me in my tracks in winter and I often enjoy a winter hike if the weather is mostly favourable.

Sometimes, I might choose to walk with snowshoes, depending on the amount and quality of snow. In this case, the trekking poles are also a vital tool.

During my winter hike, the wind did pick up at higher altitude and this wasn’t expected. But, again, the trekking poles proved to be really useful because they helped me to keep pushing forwards when a strong headwind buffeted me.

I finally made it to the summit and then started my descent. Trekking poles are equally useful when hiking downhill. Wet, muddy, snowy or icy ground is often very slippery even in good quality hiking boots but my poles are very good at keeping me upright and balanced.

I found myself striding out, using the poles either side for balance, even in deep snow.

Back on a low level track once again, I found that much of the snow had turned to running water as the air temperature had risen during the day. In places, the water flowed like a stream. Brilliantly, the poles helped me to balance on big stones to reach the other side of the deeper water.

There was a mix of snow and ice further along the track too, and with the aid of the poles, I dodged and stepped around the worst of it.

Towards the end of the day – which ended up being an 18km route – my legs and hips started to tire. The poles became an aid to pushing me onwards and keeping my pace up so I could get back to my vehicle before the sun set.

This was just one day out in the winter hills with my faithful trekking poles but it shows how useful they are. It’s why I always pack my trekking poles for winter hikes.

What to look for when buying trekking poles for winter

Adjustability in the cold

In winter, hands get cold and you are likely to be wearing gloves. You should check that you can put together the poles with gloves on.

Look for larger clips that flick rather than twist, so that you can handle them with gloves on. Anything fiddly or with small parts will likely be frustrating with cold hands.

Easy height adjustment

You might want to shorten or lengthen your poles depending on what is on the ground and the gradient you are walking up or down. Check that the height adjustment can be done easily and with gloves on. You should be able to adjust the poles for use with snowshoes, too.

Larger wrist straps

When wearing gloves, the wrist straps of the poles need to fit over your hands inside gloves. Many poles have adjustable wrist straps but you should make sure they haven’t seized. Try to adjust the straps before setting out for a hike.

Snow baskets

Snow baskets fit over the tips of the poles and stop the poles sinking straight into the snow. This is particularly important on deep snow. Look for trekking poles that can be used with snow baskets, and without, so they are versatile all year round.

Longer and thicker handles

You might appreciate thicker, sturdier and longer handles when wearing gloves. You want to be able to easily grasp the poles, even in winter gloves or mittens.

Longer handles allow you to grasp the poles lower down the stem when hiking uphill, or walking a path that contours the side of a steep slope.

Sturdy and durable poles

An ultra lightweight trail running pole might cope with winter conditions and demands but the chances are you will be better with a sturdier pair of poles. Materials such as aluminum can be a good chose for the rigours of deep snow, ice and the potential for the hiker to fall.

The right tips

Look for hard, pointed tips on trekking poles, rather than plastic tips. Carbide tips with a sharp end will provide traction on trails with roots, mud, snow and ice.

5 trekking poles I recommend for winter

Leki Black Series Carbon poles

I have used a version of these poles for many years. They have been with me on numerous summer and winter hikes and stood up to all kinds of terrain.

I like that they fold into three parts for easy carrying when I am not using them. The folding and adjusting clips can be operated while wearing gloves and the handles are long and comfortable. The wrist strap is also adjustable.

The poles come with Trekking 2.0 basket, and you can purchase an additional snow basket.

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

The features that are most beneficial in winter include aluminum shafts; ergonomic grip top with grip extension; adjustable strap; FlickLock adjustability; carbide tech tips; plus options of four-season flex tips with both trekking and snow baskets.

Grivel Trail Vario poles

The adjustable poles have a useful “Knee" system to make it fast and easy to fold the poles, or open them up for use. The system is secured by a metal slider that slides over the joint and reinforces the pole.

The poles come with summer and winter washers, which can be easily changed with a screwing system, plus snow baskets.

DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Although lightweight, the poles are strong thanks to a Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber construction. The quick-deploy design means they can be folded small enough to stash in a pack and also opened up for use in the hills.

There is 20cm of height adjustment and this is utilized by a DynaLock system that includes a durable anodized aluminum lever. The EVA foam grip has a lower grip for times when you are reaching up while hiking uphill and there are two basket types for snow and non-snow terrains.

Black Diamond Expedition 2 Pro poles

The two-section touring pole is designed for backcountry skiing but can also be used in all four seasons for a range of mountain activities.

They are made with a forged aluminum construction and have a SwitchRelease technology in the wrist strap that offers a lockable release to increase safety in the event a pole gets caught in bushes or trees. The foam grip adds comfort and has a dual density grip-top.

After yesterday's report on updated travel guidance regarding flying with trekking poles, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has quickly made a U-turn on its policy, telling Advnture that the change had been made in error.

Yesterday, the TSA's What Can I Bring webpage showed that travelers could pack hiking poles in their carry-on bag, as long as they had blunt tips. This would allow hikers to fly home for the holidays without checking a bag. Today, however, the guidance once again shows that poles must be packed in checked luggage.

"That was an accident. We are exploring changing this procedure but need to align it with our training and other procedures then implement. We’ll let you know if this does change," says Alexa Lopez of TSA media in response to Advnture's query.

For now, if you're traveling over the holidays and want to get some hiking or snowshoeing in, read our article on how to pack for an active vacation without checking a bag. We've also got some useful guides for flying with camping gear and ski gear.

Trekking poles can be a really useful piece of kit for hikers of all ages. They can help you hike more efficiently, save your knees on the downhill, keep you stable when you're walking over rough ground and make a useful probe for crossing rivers and deep snow.

If you're purchasing a pair of trekking poles for an upcoming trip and want to increase your chances of bringing them in your carry-on if and when the policy changes again, look for a reasonably lightweight, foldable pair with blunted tips, or tips that can be swapped out for rubber ones.

We think the Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles do a great job of checking those boxes, but they're on the pricey side. For a more budget-friendly option, the very affordable Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles come with four different tips you can switch out and a handy carrying case which makes it easier to check them on the fly. Get more ideas in our guide to the best trekking poles out there.

No matter what the TSA says on its website, always remember that it ultimately all comes down to who's on staff at the airport when you arrive, as the TSA advises:

"Please note that even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Check with your airline to see if they allow walking sticks as carry-on items."

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Update: since this story was published, the TSA appears to have reverted to checked bag only for hiking poles. Advnture has reached out to them for comment and you can read more on the update here. As always, we recommend checking with the TSA and your airline before flying for the latest rules.

Planning on making it an active Thanksgiving weekend with some hiking or snowshoeing? Then there's some good news for those of you who are braving the skies to get home.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently relaxed its rules for bringing trekking poles on board in your carry-on, which could mean you get to your destination with all of your luggage for once.

Formerly, hiking poles were required to be checked and during what the TSA is warning will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record, there's a decent chance that could mean hitting the trail without the support of your poles.

However, according to its most recent policies, the TSA now says that trekking poles can be packed in your carry-on bag and screened to come on board with you.

There is, however, a caveat or two – this rule only applies to "blunt-tipped walking sticks", so if yours are snow-ready with sharp tips that could be seen as a potential weapon, you'll still need to check them. Furthermore, whether or not you can really get yours on board ultimately all comes down to who's on staff at the airport when you arrive, as the TSA advises:

"Please note that even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Check with your airline to see if they allow walking sticks as carry-on items."

What trekking poles are best for travel?

Trekking poles can be a really useful piece of kit for hikers of all ages. They can help you hike more efficiently, save your knees on the downhill, keep you stable when you're walking over rough ground and make a useful probe for crossing rivers and deep snow.

If you're purchasing a pair for an upcoming trip and want to increase your chances of bringing them in your carry-on, look for a reasonably lightweight, foldable pair with blunted tips, or tips that can be swapped out for rubber ones.

We think the Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles do a great job of checking those boxes, but they're on the pricey side. For a more budget-friendly option, the very affordable Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles come with four different tips you can switch out and a handy carrying case which makes it easier to check them on the fly. Get more ideas in our guide to the best trekking poles out there.

If you're hoping to travel light, take a look at the TSA's advice on what you can bring, and our article on how to pack for an active vacation without checking a bag. We've also got some useful guides for flying with camping gear and ski gear.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Are you in the market for a great gift for the hiker in your life? Right now, you can pick up the hugely popular Trekology Trek-Z cork trekking poles for just $35.17 at Amazon. That's a hefty savings of 43% off the regular asking price for these lightweight poles, which have an average rating of 4.4 stars with over 5,600 customer reviews.

"These poles are lightweight, durable, and easy to use. They really make hiking so much easier – especially on inclined trails or rough terrain," writes one happy customer, who notes that now in their 50s, they've been able to successfully hike trails in various National Parks with the help of these poles.

Cork handles provide all-day comfort on the trail and wick away sweat, while collapsible aluminum shafts are extremely durable. They weigh just 11.5 ounces (330g) per pole, so you can easily stash them in your backpack for the flats if you want to without adding too much weight. At full length, they extend to 130 cm and collapse down to just 38 cm when not in use.

We suggest you act fast though, since this is a limited-time deal from Amazon.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles near you:

• The best trekking poles 2024: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Right now, you can pick up the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles for just $139.73 at REI. That's a great savings of $60 off the list price for these lightweight and versatile women's trekking poles.

These fully adjustable four-season poles have soft cork grips for all-day comfort and improved handling and at just over 1 lb for the pair, you'll have no issues carrying them on long hikes. Made with three sections of carbon fiber, the shafts create ultralight poles that absorb vibration and retain strength over a wide temperature range. 

The kit includes trekking baskets and carbide tips and the poles are compatible with 100 mm powder baskets that you can buy separately if you want to use them for winter sports.

In our field tests, we gave these poles nearly full marks for comfort over a full day hike without gloves in the Alps. We found them to be tough and durable but light and easy to use. This model has been discontinued, so we recommend acting fast if you want to get your hands on a pair.

Not in the US? Scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Black Diamond trekking poles near you.

Though these poles are listed as women's specific, it's most important to check the specs to see if they'll be right for you. These poles have a maximum length of 125 cm and pack away to 23 inches when you want to stash them in your backpack.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on Black Diamond trekking poles near you.

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m happiest when I’m on the trail in my hiking boots. I first fell in love with hiking on a three-day trek across Lapland when I was a teenager. My first job out of college took me to Vermont, where I roamed the Green Mountains in the summer, then I graduated on to the towering Rocky Mountains during my 11 years living in Vail, Colorado. Four years ago, I moved home to Scotland and nowadays you can usually find me on the West Highland Way, up a Munro or if I’m lucky, over in the Alps.

For a long time, it never occurred to me to use trekking poles on my hikes other than during steep descents from Colorado 14ers, where I might use a single ski pole to take the strain off my knees and navigate boulder fields. I didn’t necessarily think they weren’t worthwhile, but I suppose the only people I saw using them were old – often around town for that matter – and since I wasn’t old, I didn’t think to try them.

Fast forward and now I’m 42 which still isn’t old, but I tore my ACL skiing seven years ago and after two knee surgeries to build me a new one, it was obvious I needed to hike with poles. Even though my knee is rehabbed now and I can happily hike, scramble and fastpack in high altitude terrain, usually to the tune of at least 50 km of hiking a month, I still swear by my trekking poles.

What are trekking poles?

Trekking poles typically come as a pair and are essentially two walking sticks intended for hiking. They look a lot like ski poles and usually have either a cork or foam grip handle, wrist straps and are retractable or foldable so that they can be packed away in your backpack when you’re not using them. Trekking poles are made using either cheaper aluminum or carbon fiber, which is lighter and more expensive.

Benefits of using trekking poles

Because I first started hiking with poles when I was recovering from knee surgery, I mostly wanted them to help me with stability, and to take some weight off my legs, particularly on my descents. 

Though there are times when I decide the terrain is tricky enough that I need to pack them away and use my hands and feet to scramble, I usually find my poles are excellent tools for keeping me balanced. This isn’t to say that I couldn’t balance without them, but it does mean I can keep my pace up when the ground beneath my feet gets rough.

As for keeping the weight off my knees, I got my poles so that I could bear more weight with my upper body on the downhills, which put notoriously more strain on knees, but as I regained my fitness I also started to suspect that my poles were helping me power through the uphills. These suspicions were cemented recently when I undertook a fairly short but horrendously steep hike and forgot my poles – I thought perhaps I’d lost a lot of fitness having had a few colds and injuries this spring. But when I went back the next week with my poles, it felt much easier again.

Of course, this could all be placebo effect, I’m aware, but there are a few small studies suggesting that walking and running with poles does have some real benefit. A 2019 study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that using poles is only slightly more economical (but more economical nonetheless) than walking without poles, and that the Rate of Perceived Exertion goes down with pole use, which staves off feelings of fatigue. A 2022 study in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance found that athletes completed steep uphill maximal efforts faster when they used poles.

Of course, speed may not be your primary goal as a hiker, but the research does suggest that you’ll be more efficient if you choose to use poles, and that means you can hiker for longer and feel happier while you do it. If you need more persuading, my colleague Alex Foxfield has also written about other reasons you need trekking poles, such as to increase safety during river crossings and when hiking in deep snow.

Which trekking poles are best?

Even though I’m obviously a champion for using trekking poles, I feel it’s important to mention that they’re a personal choice. Not everyone likes walking with things in their hands, but if the only reason you aren’t trying them is because you think they’re for old people, I really think it’s worth borrowing or renting a pair.

I’ve been hiking with Leki poles for about the last six years and think they’re excellent quality as well as being light and packable. The lightest pair I own are the Leki Micro Trail Vario which can be used for both hiking and running and I really like these for active travel. The Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon are a bit cheaper and not that much heavier but still high performers.

If the price of those makes you balk, I get it. I tested out the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles with Cork Grip for Advnture last year, and even though they are heavier and a bit bulkier than what I’m used to, they’re sturdy and a come in at a very good price.

If you’re keen on a cork grip and want something between the budget-friendly Cascade Mountains and the high-end Lekis, I had a shot of my colleague Pat Kinsella’s Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles last fall when we were hut hiking in the Alps and think they strike a good balance between quality and price.

• I test hiking and running shoes every day – here’s why I think a wide toe box is one of the most important features to look for

How many times have you balanced your smartphone on a rock cairn, set the timer, dashed across a rocky summit to grab the perfect hiking selfie only to watch the wind blow your phone onto the ground before your 10 seconds are up?

It's no secret that most of us love to come back from a hike with some great snaps, but outdoor photography can be tricky, especially if you like to adventure solo. An innovative new design from camera accessory company Ulanzi promises to solve this problem with a set of trekking poles that transform into a tripod, a monopod and a selfie stick.

The Ulanzi TT35 is described by the company as  the "perfect tool for amateur or professional photographers and hunters who seek adventure in the great outdoors." The kit includes three carbon fiber collapsible walking poles with foam, sweat-wicking handles and wrist straps as well as a mini tripod to connect the three together and an adapter. That means enthusiastic hikers can set up their cameras to take great outdoor shots if they're willing to carry the whole 5 kg kit, or use the monopod for a trimmed-down version, while those who just want to grab a quick selfie can bring along two poles and the adapter for under a kilo.

The kit is currently on pre-order, so we haven't had a chance to test it out, but according to the website it's already won a Red Dot award for design. From a spec standpoint, compared to the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon which we rated as some of the best lightweight trekking poles, the TT35 are 134 grams heavier (per pair) and about two inches shorter when fully extended, and could be ideal for photographers who like to take the pressure off on the trail.

Currently reduced to $235.99 from a retail price of $290.98, the TT35 Hiking Stick Tripod Kit is available from Ulanzi and expected to start shipping May 10.

• How to take great photos with a smartphone on your next hike

Meet the reviewer

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles: first impressions

For all year-round seasonality, the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles have robust, four-season flex tips that mean they can be used in a touring setup, with trekking baskets swapped out for snow baskets when walking in snow and icy conditions. They also pack a punch sustainability-wise, with the grip extensions made using Black Diamond’s Bloom, an innovative by-product usually found in water. Bloom is a newly developed technology that turns algae into a renewable material, replacing fossil fuel-based ingredients. Part of an overhaul of the overall manufacturing process, using Bloom is said to help clean and re-oxygenate water systems while also reducing the carbon emissions associated with decomposition.

Cork is also a natural and sustainable material that is regularly available and abundant and doesn’t use material from ancient woodland, while the wrist straps – known as the ‘Solution 2.0’ – use recycled materials. It’s brilliant to see Black Diamond incorporate sustainability across the design in a way that also appeals visually and benefits the product’s overall performance.

Available in both bloom green (a kind of trendy mint green with charcoal on the main shaft) or a charcoal/octane orange version, they’re clearly designed with both the design- and eco-conscious consumer in mind. I also appreciated that Black Diamond has chosen to market the poles as unisex, with a S/M sizing of 100-125cm / 39.4-49.2in and a M/L sizing of 100-140cm / 39.4-55.1in for those who want a longer pole. And, priced at $149.95 / £150 for a pair of fairly high-spec walking poles, they should appeal to a user who would want them for year-round performance.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles: on the trails

The Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles were put to their first use on a mix of gravelly trails stretching across the Cumbrian mountains in the Lake District. On a dry, high-pressure sweaty hiking day, the poles were comfortable to hold onto thanks to the natural material and use of cork in the hand grips, which are also sized bigger if you have the M/L version. They provided ample support and confidence on rocky, uneven surfaces.

Comfort wise, I think Black Diamond’s walking poles are brilliant, thanks to those ergonomic cork hand grips – even if you tend to suffer from hot sweaty palms, the walking poles don’t rub or cause pain from over-gripping. I also liked the use of a non-black material, as this often is exposed to the sun and can get hot when hiking in high temperatures.

The walking poles are pretty light without sacrificing performance, using FlickLock+ for easy adjustments. At under 500g / 17.6oz for the pair, they weigh less than a water bottle yet provide a crucial piece of kit while out hiking. Runners and those on the go might also be tempted by the Black Diamond FLZ Folding Pole version.

When I first tested the Pursuit Trekking Poles, I noticed one of the sections was looser than the others and had ‘collapsed’ down. After a quick search, it revealed that there was a hidden hex key in one of the quick-release sections, mounted on one section of the walking pole to use as a giant tool on the go. It’s a clever way of stowing a quick fix, yet arguably not the most obvious place to locate it on your first try!

Finally, as well as being great for use in summer conditions, the poles can also be used in snow, thanks to the addition of accent-color snow baskets that complement the wrist straps and the four-season flex tips. 

• How Advnture tests products

Hiking in Australia can lead to some unique – and often perilous – animal encounters. There are far too many dangerous critters you’d do best avoiding down under in Oz. Even their birds are hard as nails – and we’re not just talking about cassowaries – the 'world’s most dangerous bird' with a (literally) killer kick and razor sharp talons; even Aussie magpies are like dive-bombing muggers.

Adult wombats may look cute and comical,  but it’s sensible to be wary of these guys too, if you’re not familiar with them, as they do have a nasty bite and can be quite vicious. Luckily, Jess & Benny  – of Jess & Benny Adventures on Instagram and TikTok – know what they’re doing around the goofy marsupials, if the number of wombat-related vids are anything to go by

Which is probably why they knew this wombat wasn’t going to cause any problems when they went hiking on Maria Island (a mountainous island located in the Tasman Sea, off the east coast of Tasmania) and the critter decided to put Jess’s trekking poles to an unexpected use.

Yep, you thought they were trekking poles but they’re really wombat scratching posts.

Although one commenter responding to the video suggested that the wombat was actually twerking. while another mused that it might be a frustrated pole dancer.

Note the way Jess doesn’t make a move to touch, stroke of feed the wombat, though.  as no matter how “tame” the wildlife might seem, guidance dictates you should let them do their thing with as little interference as possible (as much for your own safety as for theirs).

But this wombat wanders off quite happily after its close encounter. 

Just in case you’re interested (and a couple of commenters on the video were) Jess is wearing Merrell Rogue Hiker Mid boots, and we don’t even think she was being sponsored to wear them.

• The best hiking shoes 2024: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles: first impressions

The stand-out feature on these Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles is the cork used in the grips. And this is real cork, plenty of it, with none of the plastic fillers you sometimes see used within so-called cork grips.

The benefit of cork over foam or plastic grips on trekking poles is that they don’t make your hands sweaty in warm conditions and they absorb lots of impact vibration, the effectiveness of which I’ll cover below, after going over the model’s other features. 

As with all the best trekking poles, Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles are left/right specific. The Fusion comfort straps on the handles are made with a moisture-wicking material and have a flat lining for comfort. They offer excellent support and can easily be adjusted when you’re wearing thick hiking gloves.

Which is handy, because these telescopic sticks work well in winter too; this is a true four-season pole, and it comes with 100mm powder baskets included, for use in snow, as well as lower-profile trekking baskets for use when walking on unsealed and potentially soft surfaces, paths and trails.

The technical tip is also interchangeable: the poles come with carbide tips, which you can replace when they wear down, or swap out for rubber tips as and when required on certain surfaces.

Collapsible to a length of 25in / 62cm, these poles are extendable to between 39in-55in / 100cm-140cm, so they suit people of pretty much any height. Once you’ve achieved the desired length, they are secured in place with Black Diamond’s excellent FlickLock system, a lever-based clamp mechanism that makes micro adjustments easy to make, even while you’re trekking. 

Below the main cork handles there’s an EVA foam-coated extended grip area that allows you to use the poles while traversing off-camber terrain without having to shorten one of the sticks. While not quite as light as carbon poles, the aluminum shafts are robust and hardwearing, and these poles should last for many years of adventuring – it’s true that cork does eventually deteriorate, but that takes a long time.

Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles: on the trails

I’ve been using these Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles during day hikes along the South West Coast Path and across Dartmoor and Exmoor in southern England for more than six months, and more recently I took them on a multi-day hut-to-hut trek in the Haute-Savoie in the French Alps, tackling trails that spiral around the base of the Mont Blanc massif. 

True to Black Diamond’s claims, these versatile, three-piece, telescopic trekking poles are excellent for hiking across a range of environments and landscapes, in all kinds of conditions. I was aware that the cork handles would perform particularly well in warmer weather, and found that they genuinely were far less sweaty than foam grips.

The enhanced ergonomic comfort offered by the cork grips also absorbed vibration brilliantly. This is really noticeable in any conditions where you don’t require gloves, but especially when you’re working hard amid steeper hills and the temperatures are quite ambient.

Conditions in France during my fall adventure were surprisingly warm, and using the poles barehanded I really appreciated the cool, comfortable feel of the cork handgrips, which meant my palms didn’t get sweaty even when I was hiking hard in the midday heat to high passes and peaks.

The terrain was rocky and rough, but the natural cushioning that cork offers absorbed almost all the vibration that was sent up the shaft of the pole every time the carbide tip made contact with the stony ground.

I’ve used plenty of lighter carbon poles, but across the often-challenging terrain I encountered on Dartmoor and in the Alps, I was happier using the robust aluminum shaft used in this model, as I was confident they would take a bit more rough and tumble treatment without snapping or splintering (something that happened to me while fastpacking the West Highland Way last year, using carbon poles).

Lastly, when they were not in use, I found these three-piece telescopic poles very simple to concertina together and stash on the outside of my backpack. These are certainly not cheap poles, but they did instil confidence and I can see me using them for many years to come.

• How Advnture tests products

On all but the gentlest of walks, my trusty trekking poles come with me. On steep ascents, they give me more power and efficiency as I can use my arms as well as my legs to climb, while on the descent they give my knees a break from taking all my weight. When I don’t need them, they fold up and pack away neatly in my backpack. In short, trekking poles can be an excellent – though optional – addition to your hiking travels, but there are many different types to choose from.

When you’re choosing trekking poles, one big consideration that can affect how much you like your trekking poles is what the handle, or grip, is made from. Hiking pole grips will be fashioned out of one of two different materials: cork, or EVA foam. The two materials have different advantages and drawbacks, so here we walk you through a comparison of cork vs EVA foam grip for trekking poles to help you decide which is best for you when it comes to time on the trails.

Cork vs EVA foam grip: comfort 

The biggest consideration when it comes to deciding between the two is comfort. Since you might be walking while holding your poles for entire days at a time, the last thing you want is rubbing and blisters on your hands.

There are several factors that play into the comfort for your trekking pole grip, including abrasiveness, shock absorption and moisture-wicking, and both types of grip provide comfort in different ways.

Cork handles mold to your grip over time, which means that the more you use them, the more comfortable they’ll be. The material is smooth to begin with, so it shouldn’t rub too much, though it's not as smooth as foam, and cork naturally wicks sweat from your hands, which you might find lends some comfort value.

EVA foam handles will also be nice and smooth to the touch, though they won’t wick moisture which may leave your hands feeling clammy. They are known for being better at absorbing shock, so there’s no annoying vibrating in your hands and wrists each time you plant your pole.

Ultimately, we think this one really comes down to personal preference, and it’s a good idea to test out both before you decide.

Cork vs EVA foam grip: durability 

This category is probably more of a technicality than a real consideration, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re seeking poles that you want to last you decades.

Because cork is a natural, biodegradable material, it will eventually break down and start to crumble. This shouldn’t happen any time soon, and if it does you should seek to return your poles, but it will happen one day. 

Being made from synthetic materials, however, EVA foam will be more durable. When it’s used as cushioning in the midsole of your road running shoes, it’s weight-bearing so it gets compressed over time, but in the form of a trekking poles handle, it should last a lifetime, and then some.

Cork vs EVA foam grip: sustainability 

Leading on from the previous point, cork is biodegradable so those handles will break down if they end up in the landfill. Its production can be very sustainable, since it is harvested without cutting down trees, and it can be recycled, making it a very planet-friendly material, so it should be your first choice if you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint.

EVA foam, on the other hand, is a thermoplastic, so it’s not biodegradable. It’s technically recyclable, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll find anyone who can recycle it. The CDC hasn’t found it to be carcinogenic, but notes that it can be absorbed through the skin. Basically, if you’re opting for foam handles, the best thing you can do for the planet is to take good care of them and make sure you never need to replace them.

Cork vs EVA foam grip: weight 

This one is easy – kind of. Cork is always heavier than EVA foam, so they’ll add weight to your poles, but just because trekking poles have cork handles doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be heavier. So how does that work?

Well, the weight of your poles will be the culmination of all of the components, not just the handles. If the shaft of your poles are made from aluminum, they’ll probably end up heavier than carbon poles regardless of the grip material, but even that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. The Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon have cork handles and are nice and light. Of course, weight probably matters more if you're shopping for running poles or thru-hiking, and if you really want to cork handles but weight is an important factor for you, make sure you shop by total weight. 

Cork vs EVA foam grip: price 

EVA foam may be easier to produce than cork, but from the trekking poles we’ve tested, these savings aren’t necessarily passed on to the consumer in the finished product. This is because, kind of like weight, the total tends to be the sum of the components involved. We’ve seen both cork and foam handles at budget and premium pricing. 

Cork vs EVA foam grip: the verdict 

When it comes to performance and taking into account factors like weight as well as comfort, which is largely subjective, we can’t make any great case for one type of handle over the other, although EVA foam is definitely more durable though we’re not sure that will matter in the lifetime of a pair of poles.

When it comes to sustainability, there’s a clear case to be made from cork handles of course, so if you’re looking to reduce your impact, that’s the obvious choice.

However, if you’re going to be putting in a lot of miles, it’s important that you find a product you’re happy with, so we recommend testing out both to see which is most comfortable for you.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

I don’t often see young folk on the trails using trekking and running poles, but in case you’re wondering, poles aren’t just for old people. In my late twenties and early thirties, I’d carry a collapsible ski pole for hiking down boulder fields on Colorado 14ers in order to save my knees. After I tore my ACL skiing, I decided to get myself properly equipped and got a pair of Leki trekking poles that I’ve now been using on most hikes for the last six or seven years. I love how much power and efficiency they give me on the climbs, and how they reduce the weight on my knees when I’m heading down.

Over the last couple of years, as I’ve got more into trail running, I’ve realized they can be super useful for brisker adventures too. After all, a lot of trail running – or mountain running anyway – involves hiking the uphills. If you don’t want to lose too much time here, poles will help.

And in case you’re wondering, poles also aren't just for amateurs, like myself. I recently went to Chamonix to cover the UTMB, the world’s most iconic trail race, and of the 2,700 elite athletes there, the majority had their running poles out on the very first climb of the 106-mile race. 

Hiking and trekking poles are developing into a really specialized piece of technical equipment, and whether you’re trekking trails in hiking boots or scampering across peaks in your trail running shoes, there’s a good chance you’ll benefit from a pair. But which do you choose? In this article, we explain the differences – and overlap – between trekking poles vs running poles to help you decide which you need.

Trekking poles vs running roles: weight

Because you’re moving faster with running poles than you are when you’re trekking, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that running poles are, generally speaking, lighter than trekking poles. For example, the Mountain King Carbon Skyrunner weigh in at just 7.9 oz per pair, while most of the best trekking poles are at least twice that. The lighter weight helps you move faster whether your poles are in your hands or folded away in your running backpack.

Trekking poles vs running roles: packability

Speaking of folding your poles away in your backpack, most modern trekking and hiking poles will be collapsible, but a good pair of running poles will almost definitely fold in at least two places, while trekking poles might only fold in one place. That means that a pair of running poles like the Leki Micro Trail Vario are only about 15 inches long when folded, while trekking poles can be far longer when folded, as in the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon which are about 25 inches long folded away. That said, there are definitely exceptions to this rule if you’re seeking something that easily fits inside your daypack to free up your hands when you’re scrambling.

Trekking poles vs running roles: materials

The reason that running poles are usually lighter than trekking poles is because of the materials they’re made from. The shaft of running poles will be made from either carbon, which is lightest and most expensive, or aluminum, which is usually a bit heavier but stronger. The handles will usually be made using a lightweight foam.

Trekking poles, meanwhile, can be made from carbon, aluminum or even steel, which will be the heaviest (and cheapest) option, while the handles can also be made from foam, but may be made using cork, like the Leki Makalu Lite COR-TEC AS, which is malleable, comfortable and wicks sweat.

Trekking poles vs running roles: price

Because of the lightweight nature of running poles and the tech that goes into making them so portable, you’re probably going to see a heftier price tag for a pair of running poles than for trekking poles. Don’t get us wrong, a good pair of trekking poles can be really pricey, but we’ve tested some as cheap as $25 - $30, whereas running poles are more likely to set you back over $100.

Trekking poles vs running roles: the verdict 

As you might have noticed, while you might be able to find a pair of trekking poles that look drastically different to running poles – steel shaft, cork grips and not foldable – there can be a fair amount of overlap between the two and it is possible to find a pair of collapsible carbon trekking poles with foam handles that you can use for fast-paced adventures as well as hiking. 

So which do you need? Well, if you’re looking for poles for trail races and want to lose every possible ounce, it makes sense to get an activity-specific pair that are as light and packable as possible. However, if you are simply seeking poles that you can use across various pursuits, you may be able to save money by finding a light, foldable pair of trekking poles that can be used across activities.

• Trail running with poles: how they can help you go faster for longer

Leki is to trekking poles what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners and Coca Cola is to… cola. This is in that many people don’t refer to trekking poles as poles, but as ‘Lekis’. They are very much synonymous with these highly useful pieces of hiking kit.

I once asked a Leki employee how they have managed to maintain such a firm grip on the trekking pole market. The answer was simple. Unlike other brands, Leki focus on poles and poles alone. Well, that is aside from a few headbands and a drinks belt, but you get the point: 99% of their products are poles. That’s why they continue to create many of the best trekking poles around today.

The Makalu FX Carbon pole (available direct from Leki) is the premium option within the company's trekking range, and is named after the Himalayan giant Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world. It’s almost double the price of the standard Makalu FX, so I was excited to see how it fared when put to the test in the hills and mountains and to discover what sets it apart from much of the competition.

Leki Makalu FX Carbon: first impressions

I previously tested and got a lot of use out of the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles, which are lighter, more suited to speedy pursuits and less expensive than the Makalu FX Carbons, which are dedicated trekking poles. However, the Makalu FX Carbons felt just about as nimble the first time I grasped their Aergon Air grip handles.

The main difference between the two – and indeed the main feature that sets the FX Carbons aside from the standard Makalus – is the innovative ELD folding system. This allows the poles to be assembled and disassembled with the push of a button. The pole segments are connected by an interior cord, which means they can be fully separated and folded up in a tight S-shape.

When it came to assembly, I simply had to drop the segments and pull until I heard a click, indicating that the segments were locked together. Disassembly is even easier, with a push of the button I was able to liberate the segments from each other and fold it all back into a tight package, ready for transportation in its 40cm-long pole bag.

There’s no doubt that this ELD folding system makes the Makalu FX Carbon feel more advanced than standard telescopic poles, as well as being more packable.

Features

As well as the ELD system, the Makalu FX Carbon has a range of other eye-catching features. The Aergon Air grip is designed to be as ergonomic and lightweight as possible. It’s designed with mountain trekking top of mind and features a rubberized grip head for maximum traction when bounding downhill. The grip handle is complimented by Leki’s Lock Security Strap 4.0, which is fully adjustable, allowing the user to find a tight and comfortable grip.

Down the other end of the pole are Trekking 2.0 baskets for deep mud, sand or adventures above the snow line. These can be switched for any other Leki basket, should you wish to change the style for something more specialized to the environment ahead of you. As the name suggests, each shaft is made from lightweight, yet strong carbon fiber.

When the pole segments are locked into place, a speed locking clamp is used to adjust the height of the pole from a possible 100cm to 130cm. Measurements on the shaft allow the user to quickly identify their desired height.

This is the standard Makalu FX Carbon. However, there is the pricier AS (anti-shock) version, which comes with a DSS damping system that absorbs impacts to further remove stress on joints and ligaments. However, as well as being more expensive, the AS version is also heavier, at 534g (18.8oz). So, which model is best for you all depends what your priorities are.

Leki Makalu FX Carbon: on the trails

I put the Makalu FX Carbons to the test while lugging my daughter around on hillwalks in the excellent Osprey Poco Plus and on solo wild camping expeditions in the mountains of the English Lake District. When carrying heavy loads like this, they were an absolute godsend, supporting my efforts and enabling me to go much further with relative ease compared to the struggle I’d have faced without them.

I didn’t notice any issues with the grip during the test, even in wet weather. Decent outdoor gear is often the gear you don’t notice, so this can only be a good thing. The adjustable wrist strap is a more stripped back than the mesh strap on the Cross Trail Lite Carbon, which I quite liked as it meant there wasn’t any faff getting my hand into it correctly.

The speed and ease of assembly is a real boon. The way the ELD folding system locks the segments into place, plus the fact that there’s just one clamp to think about for length adjustment, meant that I spent minimal time getting the poles setup, giving me more time to enjoy the trails. When I needed to extend the length of the pole for downhill sections, lifting the clamp was easy and the height markings on the shaft helped me to quickly reset the length afterwards. 

When wild camping, backpack space is always at a premium. Of course, I had the option of leaving the poles fully extended and attaching them to the outside of my pack but the Makalu FX Carbons pack down so small, it makes sense to slip them into the main body of the pack when not in use. Once in their pole bag, the package is also small enough for a backpack’s side or front mesh pocket.

I’m slightly below average height for a bloke, at around 5 foot 8 inches. The Makalu FX Carbon extends from 100 to 130 cm, which isn’t as large a range as with some poles but was fine for me. However, if you’re shorter than 5 feet or taller than 6 feet, you’d probably need to look for another option.

The uses of a good pair of poles go beyond load bearing and support. During my Lakeland wild camps, I had to negotiate several streams that were in spate due to heavy rainfall. This often involved crossing fast flowing water over semi-submerged rocks, all while carrying a heavy pack ladened with my one-person tent and the rest of my camping equipment.

I was able to plant the Makalu FX Carbons into the rocks beneath the surface to provide stability, as I gingerly made progress from one foot placement to another. It’s moments like these that make quality poles even more essential for expedition life, and their packability and low weight makes them a good option for stashing in a daypack on fast and light summer speed hikes, ready to whip out in these kinds of scenarios.

After a few months of use, it’s too early to say how the Makalu FX Carbon poles will hold up over many years, especially compared to aluminium poles, which are generally more durable than carbon products, albeit usually heavier. Where the Makalus are concerned though, it's a case of so far, so good.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip: first impressions 

For those looking for an easy-to-use pair of trekking poles that are well-built for day hikes, these three-section poles offer a carbon shaft design at a much lower price than similar poles. These telescopic poles extend to 54” and collapse down to 26” when you want to pack them away. Comfortable cork grips are easy to use and though they might rub a little at first, gradually mold to your hands. 

These trekking poles arrive in a handy carrying case good for transporting them in the car or packing them away at home, and four different additional tips and baskets for seasonal use including mud and snow. These poles are relatively heavy and their packed length is on the long side, plus the locking mechanisms are a little bulky, so we prefer these for day hikes rather than thru-hiking or backpacking. They have no anti-shock feature, so on some surfaces they vibrate a little in the hand, but for the price, you get a reliable pair of poles to save your knees on the downhills. 

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles: in the field 

I’ve been hiking with the same lightweight set of Leki collapsible trekking poles since my second knee surgery four years ago and all in all, I’ve been happy with them except for the fact one of them tends to collapse a little if I’m not really fastidious about tightening the screw. For the last couple of weeks, however, I’ve been testing out these carbon fiber poles on my hikes around Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Ease of use 

I like how easy these poles are to use and think they’re great for beginners for that reason. Maybe it’s because my other trekking poles were my first set, but I distinctly remember having to google how to extend them. These ones are really easy to extend, adjust and collapse, plus there was no collapsing when I put weight on them.

They are composed of three sections, which means they do come apart when you try to extend them too far, but it’s an easy fix and there’s a well-marked warning line past which you shouldn’t go.

Comfort 

I’m new to cork grips and these are well-molded and pretty comfortable for me anyway, with my medium sized hands. That said, on my first day out with them which was a seven mile mountain hike, I did have some rubbing on my inner thumbs but that seems to be getting better with use. They also vibrate a little on some hard packed surfaces. 

Versatility

 I love that these come with various tips and baskets because it means you can easily switch them up and use them in the snow for winter hiking as well as in mud, plus the attachments are all really easy to swap out. 

Weight and packability

Even though these are carbon fiber, the telescopic (rather than folding) construction and cork handles means they’re relatively heavy. The website says they weigh 7.8oz per pole, however my scale says they’re more like 11.5 oz which is a bit of a difference. This hasn’t mattered for using them, but it would make me think twice about bringing them backpacking, especially since when they’re fully collapsed, they’re still over two feet long so they’re not the easiest to cart around in my backpack. 

• How Advnture tests products

Harrier Catbells Aluminium Z-Poles: first impressions

The new Harrier Catbells Aluminium Z-Poles (available direct from Harrier Trail Running) are the latest update to this popular, very competitively priced running and trekking pole series – though we would consider them more of hiking poles than running poles, since each one weighs in at a relatively hefty 12.5oz / 580g. This is about 200g heavier than the average running pole, and around 300g heavier than the lightest skinny, carbon running poles you can currently buy.

However at this price (only $42 / £39) if you overlook the weight and chalk that up to the poles being made of robust 100% 7075 aluminum, the Harrier Catbells are truly the best that money can buy.

Their variable length means they can be adjusted to whichever height you need, and available in two sizes to accommodated even the tallest users. They assemble and fold away quickly, to a small size that you can carry easily in a pack. The long, foam handle is comfy and the fleece-lined wrist strap is easy to adjust. Harrier even include rubber pole tips for use on roads (so no annoying clack-clacking!) and a handy carry bag to store the poles in and keep them together. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the lightest of the light, these are the poles for you.

Harrier Catbells Aluminium Z-Poles: on the trails

On Peak District trails these performed excellently, especially for the bargain price. They have all the right features, including being able to adjust their length for going up and down hills, or just for experimenting with different heights if you’re new to using poles, to see which length suits you best – our guide to using trekking poles explains more.

The handle and wrist-strap are comfy and you can get a good swing going to power you along, which is especially useful on uphills when you want to keep your upper body open for full use of your lungs. The rubber tips are a really nice touch for use on stretches of roads because that click-clack noise can get insanely irritating on longer ultras. The carry bag is handy for storage too.

Yes, they’re not the lightest but being made of aluminum they’d be more inclined to bend rather than break and completely fail like a carbon pole. So if you’re hiking into remote mountains with no chance of repairs or replacements, this is the best material for you. However, if you’re looking for your fastest time on a non-stop ultra, or planning to mostly carry them just in case, you might want to spend more on a lighter pair of running poles.

• How Advnture tests products

Hiking with trekking poles can be a great way to navigate across uneven terrain such as bogs and minimize your risk of falling, plus poles are a great way to take some of the pressure off your knees when you’re heading downhill. But do you go for the ultralight carbon fiber trekking poles with the whiplash-inducing price tag, or save money on a heavier pair of aluminum poles? And does it all just come down to cost, and weight or is there more to the matter? In this article we size up aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles to help you choose the best support for long days on the trail. 

Aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles: weight 

Carbon fiber is well-known for being extremely lightweight, which you’ll know if you’re a cyclist, and it is lighter than aluminum. However when it comes down to outdoor gear like trekking poles and tent pegs, it may not matter as much as you think. Among the trekking poles we’ve tested, we’ve found that the weight difference between carbon and aluminum poles is often only an ounce or two per pair, and probably comes as much to the other materials used in the hand grips as it does the poles themselves. You can even find superlight aluminum poles such as the Vango Basho. Generally speaking, carbon fiber trekking poles will be lighter, but how much is another matter. 

That said, if you're looking at running poles for long distance fast-paced adventures, those extra ounces really might matter to you.

Aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles: cost 

Carbon fiber trekking poles may be lighter, but as with most minimalist hiking gear that also means it comes with a bigger price tag. You can pick up aluminum trekking poles for under $30, though they can run more expensive than that, however for decent carbon trekking poles you’re probably looking at spending over $100. 

Aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles: durability 

Durability is a little hard to quantify here, but we’ll do our best. Carbon fiber has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum, it’s true, so it’s lauded for being incredibly light and strong, but that strength is only really in one direction. You can put a lot of weight on your poles and they should bear up well, but if you throw something heavy on top of them in the back of your car or take a tumble on sharp rocks, carbon fiber poles could shatter, especially if you get a cheaper pair. In this scenario, you wouldn’t be able to repair them. Aluminum, on the other hand, has a lower strength-to-weight ratio, so it’s more likely to bend, which is annoying, but it can be repaired. So carbon fiber is stronger in one direction, but more brittle, whereas aluminum is more likely to change shape, but you can fix it if it bends. 

Aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles: stability and comfort 

You might think that comfort in a trekking pole comes down to how the handles are designed, but the construction of the pole itself also matters. Because carbon fiber is so incredibly strong, it doesn’t tend to vibrate much when you’re using poles made of it. Aluminum poles aren’t as stiff, so they’re more prone to vibrating in your hands if they don't have built-in shock absorption, and that can get old when you’re out for a long walk on rocky terrain. However, pay a little more for good quality poles with shock absorption and this shouldn't be a huge issue. 

Aluminum vs carbon fiber trekking poles: the verdict 

We think you can get good quality trekking poles made out of both aluminum and carbon fiber. If you’re planning on some really long walks, it’s definitely true that you might want to save on as much weight as possible and walk with stiffer carbon fiber trekking poles. However, if you’re on a budget, or you’re not always the most careful hiker when it comes to looking after your gear, get yourself a decent pair of aluminum poles and you should be able to rely on them for years to come. What we don’t advise is getting a cheaper pair of carbon poles, as these are more likely to shatter and cost you more in the long run. 

The best trekking poles can make all the difference when you're longing for a fun day or two in the backcountry. Taking some of the strain away from your ankles, knees and hips means you'll be able to walk or run faster and for longer too, opening up a new world of possibilities.

And don't assume they're only for people out for strenuous multi-day hikes on technical terrain. The best trekking poles have their place whether you're a day hiker, a long-distance trekker or a trail runner. With a quality pole in each hand and by planting them into the ground as you walk, you take substantial weight off your legs, softening each impact as you go. They're also useful tools for river crossings.

A modern trekking pole's shaft is comprised of numerous sections that make them easy to stow away when not in use. Typically, they're usually telescopic – the shaft slides away into itself – or collapsible, poles that fold away rather like tent poles.

Lovers of rigid, Gandalf-style staffs take heed. Firstly, the best trekking poles should always be used in pairs so that the load on your body is balanced. Also, being able to adjust the length of your poles is crucial, not just because we're all a different height but also because it's also useful depending on whether you're ascending or descending. As a rule, your pole should strike the ground with your elbow at a right angle for maximum efficiency.

Typically, the best trekking poles feature either an aluminum or carbon fiber shaft. Aluminum has the advantage of durability, while carbon poles are generally lighter – ideally suited to fastpackers and those setting out in trail running shoes. In essence, the best trekking poles for you will depend on your planned adventures.

We rate the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon, which we'd turn to time and time again on test, as the best trekking pole thanks to its lightweight versatility.

Meet the experts

The quick list

The best lightweight poles

This excellent product from trekking pole aficionados Leki are on the lighter side of the pole spectrum. They’re not as light as some dedicated running poles, though they're definitely less weighty than a lot of hiking models, placing them somewhere between. This makes them suitable for both walking and running. 

One look at the grip confirms this impression, with an ergonomic faux cork foam handle along with the kind of breathable mesh, glove-style strap typically seen on running poles. Their low gram count comes thanks to a carbon shaft rather than the aluminum found in many premium hiking pairs. The Cross Trails are telescopic – their three segments slide into each other, rather than folding up like a collapsible model. The sections are locked into place using Leki’s Speedlock 2 plus clamps.

If going fast and light is your thing, Leki’s telescopic Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles are just the ticket, with features to please both summit bagging hikers and ridge-hopping skyrunners.

Read our full Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon trekking poles review

The best lightweight poles for portability

If you’re looking for a pair of poles capable of performing on any sort of terrain, which won’t take up too much space in your pack, the Ridgelines are well worth running your eyes over. Made to a four-piece design, they collapse down much smaller than most telescopic poles, which makes a big difference when you’re transporting them. Sections are thicker than most telescopic poles too, and the extra girth – combined with the quality of the DAC aluminum alloy used in their construction – gives them much more strength. 

The tough tungsten-carbide tips have a pointy profile, allowing for precision placement on technical trail. And we were really impressed with the assembly method, whereby each section slots into place and is held in position by pop-out buttons, with a single lever tightening and securely locking the whole pole in place. Once that’s all done, you can adjust the height from the top section. The shaped top grip feels good and comfortable in the hand, and there is a lower grip area (albeit a small one). They’re pretty pricey, but other grumbles are minor, and include the fact that the wrist strap isn’t overly comfortable. Available in four lengths/versions, Ridgeline poles come with rubber tip covers for use on hard surfaces, and they are covered by a 5-year warranty.

The best for comfort

Trekking poles are excellent for transferring weight and stress away from knees and ankles, but that does mean wrists and elbows take up extra strain. For trekkers taking on longer distances over hard rocky terrain, while carrying a full pack, and people prone to joint soreness, this be problematic - and shock absorbing technology can help. Black Diamond aren’t the only brand to offer extra bounce their poles, but their proprietary progressive four-stage control-shock technology is superb. Located in the dual-density grip, it dampens the impact of repeated pole strike on tough terrain, and has a smooth rebound action. The padded wrist strap adds an extra level of comfort. These top-end telescopic poles also feature BD’s superb FlickLock Pro locking system, which allow for easy adjustability combined with a rock solid clamp. These four-season poles are made with aluminum, making them more robust (but heavier) than carbon models, and come with interchangeable carbide tips (rubber tips available separately) and low-profile trekking baskets. Also available in female-specific model.

The best for day hikes

For those looking for an easy-to-use pair of trekking poles that are well-built for day hikes, these three-section poles offer a carbon shaft design at a much lower price than similar poles. These telescopic poles extend to 54” and collapse down to 26” when you want to pack them away. We found the comfortable cork grips were easy to use and, though they rubbed a little at first, they gradually molded to our tester's hands.

They arrive in a handy carrying case, useful for transporting them in the car or packing them away at home, and four different additional tips and baskets for seasonal use including mud and snow. These poles are relatively heavy and their packed length is on the long side, plus the locking mechanisms are a little bulky, so we prefer these for day hikes rather than thru-hiking or backpacking. They have no anti-shock feature, so on some surfaces they vibrate a little in the hand. However, for the price, you get a reliable pair of poles to save your knees on the downhills.

Read our full Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip review

The best for winter mountaineering

A Z-folding three-piece trekking pole constructed from kevlar-reinforced carbon fibre, MSR’s Ascent Poles are specced up to level that makes them suitable for mountainside exploration and snow and ice activities, as well as being comfortably at home on hillsides and lower trails. The quick-deploy connection means the poles can be assembled in a single second. 

MSR’s Dynalock system gives you 20cm to play with, in terms of quick and easy adjustment, with a very reliable and secure lock-off. There are two sizes to choose from; large (120-140cm) and small (100-120cm). On test, we found that both pack down to a delightfully diminutive size, and neither added much weight to our kit bag. Complimented by an easily adjustable strap, the handle of the poles is impressively padded with EVA, and there’s a lower grip (also padded) on each pole too, ideal for hill work when you don’t want to stop and adjust the length. The poles have a carbide tip offering great grip in all conditions and the snow baskets feature a unique MSR televator offering extra stability and confidence. They also come with a summer basket.

The best heavier poles

Arguably the best trekking poles you can buy for the price, Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Poles have a wide range of adjustability so that you can climb and descend even the steepest slopes, and always have poles that are the right length. The three-section poles are made from durable aircraft grade aluminum. The sections lock to length with clips that flip open and click shut. 

On test, we found that the Cork grips are easy to hold onto, and they won’t get slippery on humid days or when your hands sweat. The poles have tungsten carbide tips for aggressive, no-slip grip on every imaginable trail surface. But they also come with four sets of tip covers – rubber boot tips, mud baskets, snow baskets and small rubber tips – for four seasons of use. They’re light for aluminum poles at 10.4oz without the rubber tips. And they come in a carry case. The poles have a one-year warranty, and because Cascade Mountain Tech wants to make sure you get many years of use from your poles, each section is replaceable in case it’s damaged or in case it wears out.

Read our full Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip review

The best for women

The standout feature on the Cressida pole is the Aergon compact grips, made from 80% cork for its thermal and comfort qualities, and 20% latex for strength. These are expertly ergonomically designed and sized specifically for smaller hands, because the Cressida is manufactured with female hikers and trekkers primarily in mind (also makes a good pole for younger hikers). 

The three-piece telescopic shaft is constructed from high-strength aluminum, which makes them reliably robust (Leki’s aluminum shafts are guaranteed for life against breakage) and super stable. The poles are fully adjustable, with Leki’s highly reliable and easy to use Speed Lock 2 clamp system. The ‘Skin’ strap is light and breathable, and the replaceable short carbide flex tip offers precision pole placement and has inbuilt flex. The Cressida comes with trekking baskets.

The best value

Made with aluminum and weighing in at 275g per pole, we found that these Decathlon Forclaz sticks are not the lightest hiking poles out there, but they have a whole lot of smart technical design features and, given that they’re half the price of some other models, they are exceptionally capable on the trails.

First up, the five-piece structure assembles and collapses in a clever way: you push the top section down, which connects the lower pieces together (with pop-out buttons keeping them firmly in place) and then adjust the length of the overall pole, securing it with a latch on the top section. 

They are, to be honest, a bit more fiddly to break down, but it’s a knack you quickly master, and the result is an impressively compact, three-section Z-shape, kept manageable with a supplied Velcro strap. The clip that holds the assembled and height-adjusted pole in place is plastic, which does make us wonder whether it will last as long as those with metal components, but the tubes themselves are relatively wide (20mm at the thickest point), which makes them really robust. Other features include a wide, comfortable wrist strap, a shaped foam handgrip with a good lower extension section for tackling off-camber and steep trails, and a tough tungsten tip. Overall we’re extremely impressed with what you get for your dollar with these poles. Note: they are sold individually (although you could – and arguably should – use two) and the price above is per pole, not pair.

The best for newbies

These brilliant budget trekking sticks are perfect for people perhaps trying poles out for the first time. The price tag is low, but the level of performance is actually very good. Made to a three-section folding design, they are constructed with Duralumin’ 7075 (fortified aluminum) they’re not as flexible, light or structurally strong as carbon poles, but they do seem robust enough for most hiking conditions (be careful on boulder fields and in deep snow, when breakage could occur). 

On less technical trails they will reduce the stress and strain on knees and ankles, like all good poles do, but they’re also gentle on your wrists, because they come complete with in-built shock absorbers (which can be turned on or off with a twist of the grip), which is ideal on unforgiving surfaces such as concrete, duckboards and sun-baked trails. One downside is that the sections seem to detach quite easily if the dip digs in, however, they do come with trekking baskets. The wrist strap is easy to adjust and well padded, and we were particularly impressed with the handgrips, which are designed to let your hands breath. The lower grip area (an element often overlooked on more expensive poles, but crucial when you’re walking off camber or up steep slopes) is excellent too. 

The best for warmer weather

These versatile, three-piece telescopic trekking poles from Black Diamond are excellent for hiking across a range of environments and landscapes, in all kinds of conditions, however the cork grips mean they perform particularly well in warmer weather, because cork is far less sweaty than foam when held in bare hands. 

The enhanced ergonomic comfort offered by the cork grips, which also absorb vibration brilliantly, is really noticeable in any conditions where you don’t require gloves, but especially when you’re working hard amid steeper hills and the temperatures are quite hot. The Fusion comfort straps on the handles are made with a moisture wicking material and have a flat lining for extra comfort. These straps offer excellent support, and they can easily be adjusted when you’re wearing thicker gloves – a good thing, because these telescopic sticks work well in winter too. 

The BD Trail Cork is a true 4-season pole, and it comes with 100mm powder baskets included, for use in snow, as well as a low profile trekking baskets for walking on unsealed and potentially soft surfaces, paths and trails all year round. The technical tip is interchangeable as well: the poles come with carbide tips, which you can replace when they wear down, or swap out for rubber tips when required on certain surfaces.

Collapsible to a length of 62cm / 24.5in, these poles are extendable to between 100cm and 140cm / 39 inches and 55 inches. They’re secured in place with Black Diamond’s excellent FlickLock system, a lever-based, clamping mechanism that makes micro adjustments easy to make, even whilst you’re trekking. Below the main cork handles there’s an EVA extended grip area that allows you to use the pole while traversing off-camber terrain without having to shorten one of the sticks. 

While not quite as light as carbon poles, the aluminium shafts are robust and hardwearing, and the BD Trail Cork poles should last you for many years, although cork does have a tendency to deteriorate over a long period of time.

Read our full Black Diamond Trail Cork review

Best trekking poles comparison table

How we test trekking poles

Our reviewers test trekking poles on trails in a range of environments and conditions, from walking and running on technical hills and peaks to ambling along coastal paths and through woodlands, on day hikes and longer treks. Features (including construction materials, design, collapsed size, usable length, weight, strap, grip, tip quality, and overall usability) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as value for money, durability and functionality.

For more details, see how Advnture tests products.

Choosing the best trekking poles

Now that you’re convinced of their usefulness, there’s a surprisingly diverse range of trekking poles to choose from, all offering different qualities. Before you invest in poles, the most important thing is to think about when and where you’re most likely to be using them, and consider the following factors: 

1. Size

Using the correct length pole is clearly crucial, and getting the height right involves the consideration of a few factors, including personal preference and the variability of the terrain you are traversing. On flat surfaces, the accepted wisdom is that the top of the straight placed pole should be at hand level when your arm is in front of you with your elbow bent at 90 degrees. However, when climbing steep slopes, it’s better to shorten the pole so you don’t overstretch, and the opposite is true for long descents: lengthen the pole to avoid bending too much. 

Pack size – the minimum length the poles can be reduced to when not in use – is also a very important consideration, especially if you’re likely to be travelling to the trailhead. Even while on the trail, there are likely to be stretches when you’d prefer to put your poles away for a while, and the ability to stash them easily in a daypack – or even in a hydration pack if you're running – is important.  

2. Design

Trekking poles can be rigid, telescopic or collapsible. If you’re only ever likely to use poles when walking out from your backdoor or a car park, basic rigid designs are fine. However, if you regularly take on technical terrain, an adjustable design is better, and this also means other people can use the equipment. Telescopic and collapsible poles are obviously much easier to carry around in backpacks. 

The majority of the best trekking poles are three-section models. Look closely at the locking system used to secure poles once they’ve been adjusted. Also, the inclusion of a lower grip area is a very useful design feature, so you can alter hand placement without changing the length of the pole while ascending and side hilling. If you want to use your poles in a variety of conditions, including on snow and sealed surfaces, check which basket and tip options they come with. Note – if you’re intending to use them in all seasons, ensure the loop is big enough to get your hand through when wearing your best hiking gloves, and make sure it’s easily adjustable with a glove on.

3. Materials

There are three main factors to consider when looking at the material used in the best hiking poles: weight, price and durability. Carbon poles are obviously very light, but they’re also typically expensive compared to their aluminium cousins. There are budget options out there, however, and if you’re doing lots of long-distance hikes, then saving grams is important and the investment is well justified. 

Carbon poles are strong, but can become brittle in certain conditions and when placed under stress at certain angles, and when they break it’s typically catastrophic and final. Aluminium poles are typically cheaper and more robust, and they can often be bent back into shape after a mishap. With the grip, often there’s a choice between foam (more durable, but water absorbing) or cork (more comfortable and waterproof, but prone to chipping).

4. Comfort

Try before you buy – not just to ensure you can get the right sized pole, but also to check that the grip and hand loop is comfortable. Pay particularly close attention to the ergonomic feel and material used in the grip. If you're buying poles to use while trail running, do you wear running gloves? If so, make sure you've got them on when you try your potential new poles for the first time.

5. Cost

The best hiking poles are an excellent addition to every explorer’s trail-kit bag, and the more you use them the more you will appreciate them. We'd go as far to say that they are a hiking essential. There are very cheap home-brand pole options out there, but you will get what you pay for. For durability, it’s worth making an investment.

• Best hiking shoes: lightweight footwear for tough trails

Earlier this summer, I was hiking up Ben Vane, a munro in the Scottish Arrochar Alps that’s known for its onerous nature. Though not a particularly long walk, the rocky climb to the top is fairly relentless and towards the top, it’s one where you want both hands free for quite a bit of scrambling. Not for the faint of heart, as they say. Near the rocky summit, I encountered another hiker coming down tentatively, one arm in a ready-made sling, which is never a heartening sight on a mountain. 

“Any chance you know how to put a shoulder back in its socket?” his partner asked.

I shook my head apologetically and asked what had happened. It turned out he’d been climbing using trekking poles when one had slipped out from underneath his weight, causing his shoulder to dislocate. Ouch.

After we parted ways, I found myself using my own trekking poles with a lot less nonchalance than I usually tend to. Of course, any time you recreate in the mountains, you assume certain risks – a rock gives way underneath your hiking boot, unforecast lightning rolls in, your trekking pole slips against a rock. There are things we can and should do to mitigate these risks – pay attention, check the forecast, summit early, pay attention – but we can’t remove them entirely without just staying home, and I don’t know about you but that’s not an option for me. But I did wonder, are trekking poles a potential cause of injury?

I’ve been a big advocate for using trekking poles for years. When I lived in the Rocky Mountains, I’d always use them for coming down 14ers, since long descents down steep boulder fields when you’re tired is a recipe for knee pain, or worse. In my mid-thirties I had a skiing accident that resulted in two knee surgeries and nowadays I happily use my poles for every ascent as well as descent. I can move faster and more efficiently when I’m going uphill and using my arms as well as my legs, and my knees are happier for the downhill, which I enthusiastically relay to any hiker who asks me. But now I was wondering whether my trekking poles could actually pose a hazard I’d never considered.

Can you get injured by your trekking poles? 

Besides occasionally jabbing myself in the calf with the tip when I’m not paying attention and have got tangled up, I’ve never had any issue with poles, but I decided to do a little digging to try to find out if trekking pole injuries are common. In doing so, I stumbled across a 2006 study in a German journal Sportverletz Sportschaden which confirmed that shoulder dislocations do sometimes occur with trekking poles, however I was relieved to see that they are rare. The overall injury rate from walking with poles was just under one injury per 1,000 hours of walking. It’s difficult to compare any two studies on hiking, because there are so many variables, but suffice to say that incidence here is quite low even by hiking injury standards. Of the 137 athletes surveyed, shoulder injuries accounted for a mere 0.171 injuries per 1,000 hours of walking with poles, or a little over a tenth of the injuries reported, while a mere 0.069 of those were shoulder dislocations. 

What is most common is a thumb injury from using trekking poles, known as Nordic walking thumb, sustained when you fall but keep holding onto your pole, which can force your thumb back and out to the side, causing injury to the ligament. These injuries accounted for around a quarter of all walking pole injuries, while some calf muscle injuries were reported with no information given as to whether those were also walkers accidentally jabbing themselves, as is my specialty (I suspect so, unofficially).

Finally, it was noted that injuries such as wrist fractures, ankle sprains and shin splints were rare, while no knee injuries were reported at all. Hooray!

How to avoid trekking pole injuries 

So, the good news is that if you, like me, you use your trekking poles to protect your knees, your reasoning appears to be sound. It does seem, however, that you could be at a small risk of certain other injuries. After digging around a little more on some online walker’s forums, I found that the general advice given amongst regular hikers who use poles is this: don’t use the wrist straps, and let go of your poles if you fall. 

The first is easy to implement. Your trekking poles probably have wrist straps, so you probably use them without thinking about it. They don’t aid your hiking at all, but when you stop to take a picture or have a sip of water, it’s nice not to have to put them down where they inevitably start rolling away down the hill.

However, if you plant your pole while walking, lean your weight on it and then it slides out from under you, if still physically attached to you, you can easily end up pulling a shoulder of the socket or getting awkwardly tangled up. Same goes for if you’re walking quickly and your pole gets tangled up in the long grass – if you’re not strapped in, it will just get pulled out of your hand. Irritating, but not injurious. So, starting now, don’t use the wrist straps when you’re actually walking. Just use them when you stop if you don’t want to put your poles down, then remove them when you get going again.

The second one is a little more difficult, because the tendency when anyone falls is to grab onto something, and if you’re already holding a trekking pole, you’ll likely hold on even tighter. You only have a split second to make a decision, but if it happens, try to let go of your poles on the way down. In addition, take care when planting your poles, especially on a slick surface and if you do find yourself scrambling, it’s best to fold your poles up and put them in your backpack until you can walk upright again. And as always, pay attention. 

• Best hiking shoes: lightweight footwear for tackling rugged trails

Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon: First Impressions

I’m gonna lay my cards on the table here: not too long ago, I was sceptical about trekking poles. As someone who has always enjoyed the freedom of a minimal approach to hiking, they seemed like an extra I could do without.

I was the kind of guy who’d take as small a daypack as possible and, unless it was winter, you’d always see me in a pair of the best hiking shoes rather than heftier hiking boots. With poles, my prejudice wasn’t based on actually giving them a go, but on a desire to be as light as possible. What I didn’t realise is that featherlight poles, like Leki’s Cross Trail Lite Carbons, make any outdoor adventure feel so much breezier. In recent years, it’s fair to say that I’ve been converted, especially when carrying a heavy load.

So, where do the Cross Trails sit on the pole spectrum? Well, they’re on the light side, but they’re not as light as some dedicated running poles. However, they’re definitely less weighty than a lot of hiking poles, placing them somewhere between and meaning they’re suitable for both walking and running. One look at the grip confirms this impression, with an ergonomic faux cork foam handle along with the kind of glove-style strap complete with breathable mesh that's typically seen on running poles.

Their low weight comes thanks to a carbon shaft rather than the aluminum found in many premium hiking pairs. The Cross Trails are telescopic poles, which means their three segments slide into each other, rather than folding up like a collapsible model. The sections are locked into place using Leki’s Speedlock 2 plus clamps.

On the trails: hiking

The best poles are the ones you forget your carrying and this was certainly the case with the Cross Trails. It was only when, a couple of hours into a hike, I’d consider how fresh my legs were feeling that I’d suddenly give them the credit they’re due. Even with sweaty hands, the handle is comfortable, and the mesh strap allows evaporation to take place.

Adjusting the length for ascent and descent was quick and easy and I found the tip always made a secure contact with the terrain, without gripping it too much.

On the trails: running

Their low weight makes the Cross Trails a good option for running. I tested them on a seven-hour, fast-paced traverse of Dartmoor National Park and despite carrying them the entire time, my arms never got tired. I’ve tackled similar distances before without poles and can safely say I had more juice left in the legs at the end of this outing, despite not being quite as fit as on previous runs. This could only be down to the Cross Trails taking the weight off my legs during ascents and descents.

The grip was comfortable throughout, with the faux cork clearly soaking in some of my sweat. The strap meant that I could loosen my grip on the handle when not using, but still carrying, the poles.

A fast transition between extended and retracted is key for competitive runs. While the Cross Trails do transition fairly quickly, adjusting the four clamps takes more time than a collapsible pair would. I’d say collapsible poles would be preferable for minimal faff during races.

Fit and length

Whether you’re diminutive or a giant, the Cross Trails should be able to cater for you, as they extend to an operational length of anything from 100cm to 135cm. As a guide, 100 cm should be suitable for anyone over 5 feet in height, while 135cm will just about cater for basketballers and soccer goalkeepers. As a guide, the tip of the pole should just touch the ground with your arms bent at your elbow at a right angle.

The poles were easy to adjust to my required height and the clamps held it all securely in place.

Durability

Only time will tell how the Cross Trails will fare in the long term, though lightweight carbon poles are admittedly less durable than their heavier, aluminium counterparts. If you’re after something to last you for years and years, an aluminium pair like Cascade’s Mountain Tech poles may suit. However, for a versatile, lightweight pair, it’s hard to beat the Cross Trails. They've already tackled a hefty amount of terrain without visible wear.

Here’s where I tested the Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles

As poles designed to suit both hikers and runners, I naturally wanted to test them out in both scenarios.

Firstly, I set out on what was a first for me: a hillwalk with my 3-month-year-old daughter strapped to my chest in her Ergobaby. Along with my wife and father, we hiked up a couple of Wainwright fells in the Lake District National Park. With plenty of extra weight than I’d usually be carrying, it was the perfect environment to put the poles through their paces.

For my running test, I (rather predictably) decided to leave the baby at home and set out with a couple of friends on a suitably strenuous 30-mile run across the length of Dartmoor National Park. Taking a “hike the uphills, run the downhills approach”, it was an ideal long day out to test the Cross Trails’ mettle.

• Best trail running shoes: footwear for speed on tough terrain

The promise of using trekking poles on a hike is that they help you to maximize your efficiency, conserve energy, help avoid knee pain and allow you to keep your balance on uneven or slippery terrain, which sounds like a no-brainer. But there’s a catch – in order to really get the most out of your trekking poles, they have to be the right length for you. 

Fortunately, most of the best trekking poles these days are adjustable, but how do you know how long they should be? It's a little more complicated than just doing a simple equation, as beyond adjusting them to suit your height and body proportions, you’re also going to want to change the length when you’re going uphill and downhill, but don't worry – it's not that complicated. In this article, we talk you through how to size trekking poles so you can enjoy all the support you need on all terrain. 

Even though there’s a general formula for what length of trekking poles to buy, which we cover in our article on how to choose trekking poles, ideally you want to buy an adjustable set so you can make micro adjustments that take into account different body proportions, and different grades of terrain. What follows are some general tips for adjusting your poles, but of course the best length for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you end up with aching shoulders, a sore back, or not feeling supported, you’ll need to reassess –  trekking poles should make adventures easier, not more arduous.

Finally, when you’re figuring out how to size trekking poles, it’s a good idea to bring a permanent marker with you on the trail, so you can mark off exactly where you want to set your poles each time you pull them out of your backpack.

How to size trekking poles for walking on flat terrain 

You can figure out how long you want your trekking poles to be for mostly flat terrain before you even leave the house. Just put on your best hiking boots, unfasten all the locking mechanisms on one trekking pole, and extend it out long. Now, stand up tall and hold the pole by the hand grip letting your arm hang by your side with your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Push up or down until you can hold the pole there with your elbow bent at 90, then secure the locking mechanisms again and set up the other pole to be the same length. Stride out for a bit on the flat to see how this feels – too long and you’ll get tense shoulders, but too short and you’ll hunch over –and adjust a little as necessary.  

How to size trekking poles for walking uphill 

Once you start climbing, you’re going to want to shorten your trekking poles a bit to keep your elbow at roughly 90 degrees. This is so that it’s easier to plant the pole in front of you uphill, then push down on it to take some of your weight as you step up. Your quads will thank you for this. 

Start by shortening the poles by about three inches from the flat terrain setting and begin hiking uphill. Your arm will need to lift a little to plant the pole, but once you step up and your arm comes back by your side, it should return to that 90 degree position. You’ll know if you need to shorten it more if you have to really stretch your arm up to plant your pole, which might happen if it’s a very steep incline.

How to size trekking poles for walking downhill 

When it’s time to head back down, your trekking poles play a very important role in protecting your knees. They need to be long enough that you can easily plant each pole downhill in front of you to take your weight before you step. If they’re too short, you’ll be bending forward each time which isn’t great for your back. 

For a moderate downhill, extend your poles five inches from the flat terrain setting, and see how it feels when you start descending. When you plant your pole in front of you, your elbow should stay at about 90 degrees. If your knees still feel like they’re doing all the work, or you have to bend forward to plant your pole, go longer still. In fact, for a very steep descent you might be looking to lengthen your poles by as much as nine or 10 inches. 

How to size trekking poles for traversing 

If you’re traversing a hillside – also known as contouring a hill – and one foot is uphill from the other, you’ll actually want your poles to be different lengths. Starting with your downhill pole, make sure it’s long enough that you can use it with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and bear weight on it, then shorten your uphill pole so that your uphill elbow is also bent to 90 degrees. You may also choose to only use a downhill pole in this setting and fold the other one up in your backpack. 

• Running up hills: 8 tips to help you deal with inclines

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P: first impressions

With the smallest pack size of any one-person tent we’ve tested recently, and at well under 1kg, the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P is an impressively light and compact shelter, which seems ideally suited to multi-day backpacking and thru-hiking trips. 

It’s a hybrid design based on a wedge-style, single-skin trekking pole tent (see also: types of tent) but incorporates a hanging mesh and fabric inner to give you some of the benefits of a conventional double-wall tent too (including a bug-proof inner with a sewn-in, bathtub-style groundsheet). The trekking poles fit inside the inner, although you can also pitch it using carbon fiber struts (sold separately). It is very easy to pitch, requiring just five pegs or stakes to create the basic structure.

When set up it is exceptionally roomy, with an integrated spreader bar that adds loads of headroom. This ensures that even the tallest backpackers will be able to sit upright, and length and width are both similarly generous (the tent measures over 8ft from end to end).

There are two doorways and vestibules on either side of the tent, which are a good size. This provides ample storage space and makes it easy to get in and out of the tent. The fact that the doors can be rolled back also gives you superb ventilation, not to mention panoramic views. All in all, this is a tent that offers fantastic liveability, even if spending multiple nights on the trail.

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P: in the field

This is a neat-looking tent that proved to be refreshingly easy to set up in a range of different conditions and terrains. It pegs out quickly with minimal fuss and unlike some rival designs, it is easy to fit the trekking poles inside, giving you a nice taut shelter in minutes. The design itself is very stable and sheds wind well thanks to an aerodynamic, wedge-shaped profile, while the sil-poly fabric doesn’t sag.

Flysheet coverage is good at either end of the tent, though there are noticeable gaps elsewhere. This might be a drawback in terms of overall protection and coverage from weather, but on the plus side it does ensure improved airflow inside the tent. That’s just as well, since – like all single-skin designs – this tent can suffer from condensation, though it only seemed to affect one fabric panel overhead. And it is manageable, only really noticeable on the coldest, wettest nights. Provided your sleep system can cope with the odd drip or two, it’s likely to be a minor issue only, if at all.

One thing worth noting is that this tent is not supplied as standard with pegs or stakes, so you’ll need to invest in a decent set. For many ultralighters, this won’t be an issue, as it is common to swap out manufacturer-supplied stakes for lighter alternatives anyway. Just make sure you’ve added them to your kit before you head for the hills!

Similarly, be aware that – in common with many single-skin tents from the smaller manufacturers – this tent does not have sealed seams. You’ll need to do this yourself, using a product suitable for silicone-polyester fabrics. If the prospect of that is a concern, you can ask Six Moons to do this for you at their factory before dispatch, though this comes with an added cost and a longer lead time.

Single-skin trekking pole tents probably aren’t for everyone. If you’re a first-time camper, this might not be the best choice for you, unless you’re really looking to get into ultralight scene (see also: Ultralight camping: 12 ways to lighten your load). But for more experienced users who are familiar with these types of tent, we think Skyscape Trekker is one of the most practical and effective options on the market.

There’s no doubt that some kind of walking stick is useful on a hike, whether you need to take the strain off your joints on steep descents, keep your balance on difficult terrain, cross a stream in spate, do your finest Gandalf impression, or whack your way through dense overgrowth.

Some of us have embraced the trend towards a lightweight pair of technical carbon trekking poles on hikes, while others prefer to stride with a hiking staff or simply snatch a single good looking stick out of the woods. But are there any clear advantages of one over the other? In this article, we tackle the debate over trekking poles vs hiking staff to find out which one comes up on top for hikers.

Meet our expert

What's the difference between staffs and a poles?

• Trekking poles come in pairs
• Poles are usually made from either carbon fiber or aluminum
• Poles tend to be retractable or foldable and are extendable too
• A Staff is a long stick made from one material, usually wood
• Hikers usually only carry one staff

First, what is the difference between the two? Trekking poles come in pairs and are usually made from aluminium or carbon with rubber or cork hand grips and wrist straps. Trekking poles are retractable and extendable and are used to help your arms bear some of your weight while walking, especially on the downhill, as well as for balance or to test terrain before you step.

A walking staff might conjure up images of Gandalf landing in Grey Havens as it’s essentially just a single, long stick that can be made from a variety of materials – though usually wood – perhaps with a wrist strap, that you carry in one hand for a little support, to clear your path or test the waters when you’re crossing a river. As we’ve mentioned, some people simply use a stick that they find on the trail, but you can also buy walking staffs from outdoors stores and even non-hiking stores.

It’s worth noting that both walking staffs and trekking poles are considered hiking accessories and while some hikers wouldn’t leave home without them, many people don't use either aid. If you are thinking of investing in something to give your knees a little more support but you’re not sure which is best, read on to learn more about the differences and similarities between the two. 

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: support

• Poles provide even support, taking the strain off joints
• Poles also provide greater balance
• A staff only really supports one side of the body

First, and most importantly, if you’re considering using either trekking poles or a hiking staff, it’s probably because you want some support, whether that’s to keep you upright or take the strain off your knees. Because there are two of them, trekking poles definitely help you maintain your balance. If you stumble, no matter which way you start to fall, you have a decent chance of catching yourself before you go down because you have a pole in each hand. As we’ve discussed in our article on hiking injuries, some of the most common are strains and sprains, and while not all injuries are preventable, a pair of trekking poles can certainly help. They also provide good, even support for both of your knees by allowing you to transfer some of your weight into your arms. 

A hiking staff can definitely give you some support, but of course you only use one so if you fall towards the side that isn’t holding the staff, it doesn’t do you a whole lot of good. For steep descents, a hiking staff really only supports the knee on the side that you’re holding it in, which if you only have one bad knee could seem like enough, but it’s definitely not going to give your knees the even support of a pair of trekking poles. For us anyway, trekking poles are the clear winner in giving you the best support.

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: technique

• Hiking with poles encourages you to use your whole body
• Poles can lead to greater efficiency and speed on the trails
• A staff doesn’t improve your technique
• At worst, a staff will have you putting more pressure on one side of your body

Another area where trekking poles differ from a hiking staff is how they help – or hinder – your technique while you’re walking, which may be another reason why you’re considering them in the first place. Though you shouldn’t really use either as a replacement for working with a trainer to master good form, walking with trekking poles encourages you to use your whole body when you’re walking. This can allow you to be more efficient and conserve energy, may speed up your pace and means you’ll probably burn more calories. Though trekking poles can take a little getting used to, they don’t require too much skill or any training to master. Learn more in our article on how to use trekking poles.

On the other end of the spectrum, a hiking staff probably doesn’t do a whole lot to improve your walking technique. It may not hinder anything, but you’ll definitely be adopting a more asymmetrical approach to walking, and at worst you might end up leaning to one side, or even limping, which could affect your gait, use more energy or simply slow you down. This is another area where we think trekking poles clearly have the upper hand.

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: versatility

• Trekking poles can be adjusted to your height and whether or not you’re ascending or descending
• Some tents and tarps are designed to use poles part of their structure
• As a staff isn’t adjustable, it can’t be tailored to the user’s height

Versatility is something we often look for in any item that’s going to cost money – can it be adapted to suit your unique needs, and can it be used for anything else? When it comes to trekking poles, as we’ve already mentioned, they're typically adjustable, so you can set them to the right length for your body’s proportions, and even adjust them between the uphill and the downhill when you’re using them for both. Further, there are some tents and tarps that can work with trekking poles instead of tent poles, so if you’re planning on doing some ultralight camping, you’ll want to consider trekking poles to help lighten your load.

A hiking staff isn’t particularly versatile, in that it’s not adjustable in length and can’t easily be used in place of a tent pole – though it can be great for air guitar – so again, we think trekking poles win out here but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that you can of course use a single trekking pole as staff and therefore enjoy more versatility.

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: packability

• Poles either retract or fold, making them ideally suited to a backpack
• A staff is longer and usually carried by hand

In terms of transporting your poles or staff, the adjustability of trekking poles makes them easy to fit in your backpack. Most trekking poles these days fold up neatly and fit in the smallest of daypacks when you’re not using them, which means that you can always have them on hand but you don’t need to constantly be carrying them if you don’t want to.

A hiking staff, meanwhile, is usually longer and since it doesn’t fold up, the best way to carry it is by hand. You’re not likely to carry it in your backpack, which isn’t ideal if you’re doing any scrambling and need both hands, but then again, if you’re using a stick from the woods you can always toss it aside and find another one later. Even with that caveat, however, it’s clear that trekking poles win out in the packability category, though again, you could use a single trekking pole. 

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: price

• A wooden hiking staff is much cheaper than poles
• A suitable stick from the woods is also completely free
• You can get cheap poles but can also spend quite a lot on high-performance models

Finally, an area where the old school hiking staff might win out is the cost involved. You can definitely pick up a cheap pair of trekking poles for as little as $30 but for a really lightweight and high tech pair, you can be looking at over $150. Meanwhile, you could pick up a simple wooden hiking staff for as little as $15, and if you’re using a stick from the woods then of course it’s completely free. 

Trekking poles vs hiking staff comparison table

Trekking poles vs hiking staff: verdict

• Poles clearly preferable for portability, support and for improving technique
• A staff gives a small amount of support and is much cheaper

When you’re deciding between trekking poles vs hiking staff, it’s clear that the answer lies in your own needs. If you’re looking for something that gives you really good support when you’re hiking, helps improve your walking technique and packs away in your backpack when you’re not using it, then trekking poles are clearly the way to go, and while they can be pricey, there are lots of great budget options out there. 

However, if you just want something for light support, clearing the trail or looking like a wizard, you’ll probably be totally happy with a hiking staff, and as we’ve mentioned, you could hike with a single pole, like a staff. It’s also possible that you won’t enjoy using either, so we recommend borrowing or renting them first and trying them out before you splurge.

The benefits of knowing how to use trekking poles are known by many in the outdoor community. It's why ultra runners swear by them, thru-hikers adore them and why mountaineers often carry one in their expedition pack. However, some still see them as extra weight, a needless addition to their kit or extra faff on the trail.

Nevertheless, utilized correctly, they are an indispensable aid to your adventures, which is why we rate knowing how to use trekking poles as essential expertise. They aid us on challenging terrain, help us over difficult river crossings, take the strain off our knees on long descents and improve the efficiency of our walking technique.

By transferring the stress and weight away from  knees and ankles, they prolong a walker's shelf life, meaning they'll have many more years before hanging up their best hiking boots for the final time. With trekking poles you can go further, faster. In the pursuits of fastpacking, thru-hiking, ultra running and hut-to-hut trekking, this can only be a good thing.

These days, the best trekking poles are as lightweight and portable as ever, so adding them to your kit list is a great idea. Learning how to use trekking poles isn't rocket science and you'll soon hit your stride. Here are our top tips for getting to grips with these essential hiker's aids.

How to use trekking poles: when to use them

The short answer to this is: whenever you’re walking on uneven, unsealed surfaces, from gently undulating countryside footpaths to technical mountain trails. Unlike Nordic walking poles – which look similar but are specifically designed for short bursts of fitness-focused activity that make you burn calories, rather than saving your energy – trekking poles are not intended for use on sealed surfaces such as pavements and roads. They do not typically come with rubber feet and can hinder more than help in such scenarios, if they skid.

When hiking on unsealed terrain, though, trekking poles provide excellent support, stability, weight and impact distribution, and technique enhancement. It’s estimated that around 20% of a walker’s weight is transferred to their arms during each step down when poles are being used, which radically reduces the stress placed on the lower body – especially long-suffering knee joints.

Modern trekking poles are very lightweight and either collapsible or telescopic, so they’re a very easy item to carry if you’re planning a walk across a mixture of sealed and unsealed terrain. If you prefer to wear a pair of the best hiking shoes over hiking boots in summer, trekking poles will somewhat negate the fact you will have less ankle support.

Single or double?

Once you’ve decided to invest in some poles, the first decision you’re faced with is: one pole or two. Many manufacturers offer the option of a single pole, and some hikers do prefer to use just one. On very technical terrain, when you’re scrambling across rocks, it can be helpful to have one hand free, so you can grab holds that will assist you to climb. On graded scrambles – indicated in our guide to climbing rating systems – it is worth putting both away so that you can use both hands. Organised trail runs often state in their terms and conditions that trekking poles are not allowed to be used during scrambling sections.

However, on the vast majority of surfaces, having two poles will double the benefit you pass on to your body, enabling a much more efficient technique. Remember: if you invest in a pair of poles, you can always put one in your pack for a period, but if you only get one, that’s all you’ve got.

 How to use trekking poles: quick tips

• Keep a definite, but fairly loose grip on the pole, so you can flick it out properly with each step.
• Don’t impale the ground with the pole – it only needs to touch the turf to be effective, and if you stab it into the ground like Excalibur you’ll expend half your strength trying to extract it. Remember that, as when camping, you should aim to leave no trace when hiking. A series of pole holes where you've been walking doesn't achieve this.
• Make sure your arms stay close to your body – if they’re flailing around all over the place you’re wasting energy and are likely to lose your balance.
• Maintain the opposite arm/leg motion with the poles, otherwise you’ll find yourself swaying from side to side, which is awfully inefficient, makes you look daft and increases the risk of taking a tumble.
• Adjust the length of the poles when ascending and descending steep hills.

Getting set up

It’s essential to purchase the right pole for you, and also the correct model for the kind of purpose you intend to put it to. While weight and construction are important, length is the most crucial consideration. Luckily, virtually all good quality poles allow for some adjustment, but most will have a limited range between the minimum and maximum height they can be extended to, so check this and make sure they measure up.

For the majority of hiking experiences, the pole will work best if it is set so that your arm forms a 90-degree bend at your elbow when you’re holding the pole with the tip on the ground near your foot.

There are occasions when it’s useful to adjust the height of your poles mid hike, especially if you’re taking on a climb or a series of ascents while walking through a range. For example, when hiking uphill for a long period of time, it can be worth dropping the length of each pole by about 5 or 10cm (depending on the gradient – the steeper the incline the more pole height you’ll want to lose, to avoid stress on your shoulders).  Equally, during length descents, it’s wise to lengthen poles. And if you’re doing a big traverse along a contour line, you might want to shorten the length of the pole on the hillside, and lengthen it on the downhill side. For all of these reasons, choosing a pole that can be quickly and easily altered is a good idea.

Get a grip

Good trekking poles have straps, which are designed to be used in a certain way and are usually hand-specific (often they are labeled left and right to avoid any confusion). Put your hand up and through the strap before gripping the pole. If correct, the strap should be over the top of your hand, while your thumb goes over the strap. Tighten the strap, but not too much. When wearing hiking gloves, it's worth going a little tighter as you won't have quite the same feedback from the pole, so it is more easily dropped.

Unlike Nordic walking poles, where the straps are used extensively as the wearer pushes down on them quite aggressively, the straps on a trekking pole are largely there so you can let go of the pole (intentionally or otherwise) for a short period without dropping it entirely. Grip the pole between your thumb and forefinger – again not too tight – and then loosely curl the rest of your fingers around it. A relatively relaxed grip makes for better pole placement, and improves the pivot point when you flick the pole forward with each step.

Setting off

There is a natural rhythm to walking with trekking poles, which becomes easier the less you think about it. The point of each pole should connect with the ground at the same time as your opposing foot: as your left foot comes down, so does the point of the pole being held in your right hand; as your right foot subsequently lands, so does the point of the pole being held in your left hand.

Hold the poles slightly angled backwards, and while walking on level ground plant the points of the poles parallel with your body. When you push off, apply pressure backwards and downwards.

As you walk, keep your elbows swinging close to your sides, and as you take each step, flick the pole forward on the opposite side, with a small upward motion from your forearm and wrist. It’s important to keep this offset gait going (if you start placing the pole on the same side as your landing foot, you will sway from side to side, which is terrible for stability), but it will become second nature very quickly.

And then just repeat. Again and again and again. There – you’re practically pole dancing. If you fall out of sync, keep the tips of the poles off the ground for a minute, then start again. This is the same technique used by cross-country skiers, and it’s extremely efficient, creating momentum and spreading load-bearing and impact stress across the whole of your body.

Climbing and descending

When descending, lengthen the poles a little (or a lot, depending on the severity of the slope) and plant the tips slightly ahead of you on each step, to assist with braking. When ascending, shorten the poles a bit (or to a greater degree if the climb is steep), but keep planting the tips parallel to your body – you should be pushing off the poles, rather than pulling yourself up the hill.

Side benefits

Besides increasing the efficiency of your walking technique, spreading the stress and effort of the exercise more evenly across your joints and making you more stabile on rough terrain, trekking poles can be used creatively for all sorts of things while on the trail, including the following:

Support
It’s safer and easier to negotiate snow-covered and rock-strewn paths, or to cross streams, when you have poles to hand.

Probing
Use poles to test the depth of snow, water or deep mud.

Weight-bearing assistance
Poles can be very useful for helping you to sit down and get back up again when taking a short rest with a heavy pack on.

Vaulting
Double poling into a leap can be a good way of crossing a stream.

Path clearing
If you find your way obscured by stinging nettles and brambles, poles can be used to bash the offending flora back a bit.

As a tent pole
Many minimalist hikers make use of their poles to erect a shelter with a lightweight tarp.  

Crossing rivers

A difficult river crossing can be made easier with trekking poles. You can use the poles to probe under the surface to get a feel for the submerged terrain, or use them as additional support as you hop from one rock to the next. As you progress, you can offer your pole as a support to your fellow hikers too.

Leki Makalu Lite COR-TEC AS trekking poles: first impressions

Tipping the scales at 493g / 1lb 1.4oz, these Leki Makalu Lite poles certainly aren’t the lightest trekking poles on the market, but they will dramatically reduce the strain on your body, thanks to built-in shock absorbers. 

The poles, which are made from 7075-series aluminum that’s been heat treated for strength, have Leki’s Dynamic Suspension System inside. It’s an elastomer-based antishock system that reduces the impact of each pole plant by around 40%, absorbing vibration and protecting your muscles, joints and ligaments from fatigue and overuse syndrome. 

The poles adjust with Leki’s SpeedLock Plus system, which uses clips that flip open, and press shut to keep the poles the length you choose. You can also adjust how tightly the sections lock. 

Grips made from 80% natural, ground cork and 20% rubber absorb sweat to keep the grip from feeling slippery. They’re positioned at an 8° angle to keep wrists neutral when you’re walking. 

Wicking, buckle-free wrist straps are easy to adjust and super supportive. Carbide Flextips bite into terrain, and though they’re long lasting, they can be replaced. The poles come with three season baskets. Snow baskets are sold separately. 

Leki Makalu Lite COR-TEC AS trekking poles: on the trails

When I am backpacking, at the end of the day my neck and shoulders always feel the hours and miles on the trail. Having trekking poles that dampened vibration reduced the strain. (Learn how to use trekking pole in our expert guide.)

These poles were easy to adjust, even with my gloves on. They compact well for travel, and easily fit inside a suitcase. They also stuffed inside my backpack when I didn’t need them for some stretches of the trail. 

The combined cork/rubber handles were both comfortable and secure to hold onto. While they’re not as light as carbon poles, the vibration dampening made a notable difference.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles: first impressions

A versatile piece of kit for both hiking and running, Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are light, compact and user-friendly. The three-section poles lock into place with a quick tug on the EVA foam handle, clicking the connected carbon sections into one stable and solid carbon shaft. Flexible ‘speed cones’ between sections guide the sections together smoothly.

The lightweight, extended, EVA foam grip has a breathable, moisture-wicking strap. And the carbide tech tips are interchangeable with rubber tech tips that come with the poles. The Distance Carbon Z poles are snow basket compatible. 

Ranging in weight from 273g (9.6 oz) to 315g (11.1oz) per pair, these poles are unisex but will (we hear) be available in a women-specific model very soon. (The next model up is the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ AR which you can read about in our best trekking poles round-up.)

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles: on the trails

When I’m trying to move fast, weight matters. And these poles didn’t weigh me down. When I needed them, they deployed in a flash, and when I didn’t they broke down and stored in or on my backpack or running vest nearly as fast. (Learn how to use trekking pole in our expert guide.)

Despite their featherlight weight, they supported my weight no problem, and held their own very well during use in rugged, rocky terrain, including New Hampshire’s White Mountains. 

For winter, I bought winter baskets, which screwed on easily, and helped these stay on top of the snowpack instead of punching through. (Wondering why you should buy trekking poles? We explain everything.)

Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles: first impressions

In our opinion, the Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles are hands down the best trekking poles you can buy for the price.

They have a wide range of adjustability, so that you can climb and descend even the steepest slopes, and always have poles that are the right length.

The three-section poles are made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum. The sections lock to length with clips that flip open and click shut. The cork grips are easy to hold onto, and they won’t get slippery on humid days or when your hands sweat. 

The poles have tungsten carbide tips for aggressive, no-slip grip on every imaginable trail surface. But they also come with four sets of tip covers – rubber boot tips, mud baskets, snow baskets and small rubber tips – for four seasons of use. 

They’re light for aluminum poles at 295g / 10.4oz per pole without a rubber tip. And they come in a carry case. 

The poles have a one-year warranty, and because Cascade Mountain Tech wants to make sure you get many years of use from your poles, each section is replaceable in case it’s damaged or wears out. See how to use trekking poles for more on the subject.

Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles: on the trails

When it comes to outdoor gear, I appreciate having a great option that’s also an affordable option. 

These fully adjustable poles took the load off trekking in New York’s Adirondacks, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and in New Hampshire’s Presidentials. And they did it for the price of a couple of cocktails. 

No, they’re not the lightest, but having trekking poles to share the load and to provide extra balance made a huge difference in my stability and speed. For the price, I was super impressed with these pole’s features, including cork grips, three adjustable sections, and an aggressive carbide tip. If you’re wondering should I buy trekking poles? then try these out, and they may convince you.

Alpkit Carbonlite Twin Poles: first impressions

The competitively priced, three-piece Alpkit Carbonlite Twin Poles – the apex offering from Alpkit’s quiver of trekking poles – are impressively featured for their price tag, and the materials used are excellent. 

The carbon shafts mean they’re very light in the hand, and resistant to corrosion. A telescopic and highly adjustable three-piece pole, it can be set to any length between 63cm and 143cm / 25–53 inches (the middle section has cm markings). 

Sections are secured in place with a tough twist-lock mechanism complete with idiot-proof arrows indicating the correct direction of turn for tightening or loosening. 

The comfy handgrips are encased in EVA foam, which has good thermal values and reduces jarring by swallowing impact. The foam extends into the wrist straps, which are easily adjustable (even while wearing gloves). The tip is protected by tough tungsten, and the poles come with a trekking basket and rubber feet. They’re an all-round great argument for why you should buy trekking poles.

While the pack size is relatively long, it’s possible to take the sections apart altogether, which reduces the poles to 51cm in length. Available in pairs or singularly.

Alpkit Carbonlite Twin Poles: in the field

After some initial concerns about the packed length of these poles (which is long), we found a backpack with the perfect external storage system, and took them on a week’s worth of wandering around the hills and valleys of Wales, where they performed perfectly (and if you want some tips to get the most out of poles like these, check out our how to use trekking poles guide).

The extension and locking system works extremely well, and the poles feel robust and trustworthy in your hands, supplying excellent stability. There is no movement or rattle along the length of the pole, and we had complete confidence in them as extra points of contact on slippery and technical trails. 

There are lighter poles out there, but these carbon walking wands are not heavy, and retain a robust enough feel to be use to thwack nettles, brambles and other trail obstructions out of the way. 

The grip is very comfortable, the wrist straps are easy to adjust, and the EVA foam grip extends down the shaft, so you can lower your hand placement when climbing steep ascents, or to cope with hillside-crossing trails where the ground level is different on each side (without having to pause and change the height of one or both poles). 

They are long compared to some folding poles, but we didn’t find this too annoying once they were strapped to the exterior of our pack when not required. For the price point, these are excellent poles.

The benefits of trekking poles are numerous, significant, and so well-documented that they need no reiteration here. But knowing how to choose trekking poles that will be best suited to your individual needs, walking style, and adventure type is another matter entirely.

Many hikers are apt to think that once you’ve seen one trekking pole, you’ve seen them all. However, far more goes into the making of the best trekking poles than you might expect, and – as with any piece of outdoors kit, whether it be a tent or pair of hiking boots – there are several factors, features, and attributes that will determine just how well any pair of poles will perform in the field, and how well suited they are to your anatomy and walking style.  

How to choose trekking poles: features to consider

Length

With the right size of poles, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle to the ground when the tips of the poles are placed beside your feet. With adjustable poles, achieving this angle is easily done, but it’s worth bearing in mind when buying that poles are often sold in several sizes. If you are taller than 6 feet, you should look for poles with a max length of 52-55 inches, as explained in more detail in our guide on how to use trekking poles. If you’re under six feet tall, then you’ll be able to shorten any poles to the appropriate length, though it may be worth plumping for a shorter pair to save a few ounces in weight. 

If you’re buying non-adjustable, fixed-length poles, these are our suggestions for the ideal pole length:

Height                     Recommended pole length

5’ and under            100cm (39 in.)

5’ – 5’ 6”                    110cm (43 in.)

5’ 7” – 5’ 11”             120cm (47 in.)

6’+                              130cm (51 in.)

Shaft material

The two most common materials used in the shafts of trekking poles are aluminum and carbon fiber. Below, we’ve included an overview of each material’s benefits and drawbacks:

Aluminum While cheaper, more durable, and less likely to break, these are typically much heavier than their carbon counterparts. Lighter models do exist, but the lower weight is usually achieved by using thinner material, which makes the poles more likely to bend under stress.  

Carbon These are usually pricey and easy to break when snagged between rocks but can weigh as little as 8 or 9 ounces per pair. All of this makes them a good option for gram-counters but not the best bet for hiking in gnarlier terrain.   

Grip material

Most trekking poles use one of three grip materials – rubber, cork, and foam – all of which provide something a little different as regards comfort and handling. 

Rubber: This is the most durable material, absorbs vibrations nicely, and is usually found on cheaper models of pole. On the downside, it is a fraction more slippery than other materials and can cause blisters if you have sweaty hands.

Foam: This is the least durable of all three materials, but its softness and moisture-absorbing capabilities also make it the most comfortable and least prone to chafing.

Cork: While often used in heavier poles, cork grips are superbly comfortable. They’re soft to the touch, soak up sweat, and absorb vibration better than either of the alternatives. 

Locking mechanism

All trekking poles use locking mechanisms that prevent the individual segments of the pole from slipping while you’re using them. The type of locking mechanism used, however, can have a significant bearing on the poles’ practicality and convenience. 

The three most common types of locking mechanism are: 

Twist locks: These are adjusted and locked off by simply twisting two segments of the pole, which engages/releases an expander screw inside. While highly reliable, this style of locking mechanism can jam when clogged with dirt.  

Lever/clasp locks: These are large, lever-like clips located above the lower two or three segments of the pole. The main benefit of this style of locking mechanism is that it’s easy to operate, even with sweaty hands or where wearing gloves (see Best hiking gloves), and isn’t prone to jamming (see twist locks, above).  

Push-button lock: These locks are engaged by aligning a snap button on the lower segment of the pole with a hole in the subsequent section of the pole – when the button slides into the hole, the two segments are then locked firmly in place. While easy to use, this style of locking mechanism is typically used in poles with a limited adjustment range. On models that have multiple holes for more dialed-in adjustments, the main drawback is the constant whistling sound made by the wind passing through the holes – okay if you’re a fan of panpipes, otherwise not.  

Adjustable vs. non-adjustable

Benefits of adjustable poles:

Can be adjusted to fits users of different heights

Can be shortened for inclines and lengthened for descents

Locking mechanisms add a few ounces of weight 

Benefits of non-adjustable poles:

Lack of locking mechanisms makes them lighter

Often feel sturdier and bend less than adjustable poles

3-part telescopic poles vs folding poles

Broadly speaking, these are the two main subtypes of trekking poles. Below, we’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both:  

3-Part Telescopic Poles

These have adjustable segments that slide inside each other when not in use. The advantages of this type of pole are as follows:

Pros

Wide adjustment range (usually 30-40cm)

Broken or damaged sections are easier to replace 

Often available at a lower RRP

Cons

Dirt and grit can cause twist-lock locking mechanisms to jam

Collapse down to a smaller size when not in use

Folding poles

Folding poles have 3 to 5 sections that are connected to one other and held together by a length of cord inside the pole. 

Pros

4- or 5-part poles fold up small enough to fit inside a backpack and even some of the best daypacks

Length adjustment is quicker because it’s done with one lever only

Because each section of pole is shorter, the overall structure of the pole is usually more rigid

Cons

Limited adjustment range (usually <25cm)

Breaking or damaging just one section of the pole could make the pole irreparable 

Antishock or not?

Antishock systems are additional springs located in the pole's expander that dampen impact when the pole is placed on the ground. Whether or not this add-on is desirable is largely a matter of personal preference, though there are a handful of arguments both in favor and against. On the plus side, antishock systems can reduce pain and fatigue in the wrists and elbows, particularly if you’re hiking on hard surfaces (i.e. rock or paved trails) and on long descents. On the downside, antishock mechanisms add to the weight and bulk of the poles and the slight movement that follows contact with the ground isn’t to everyone’s liking. 

It’s only when you try them that you realize how the best trekking poles can make your walks more of a pleasure. By giving you extra support every step of the way, they can help keep you stable on rougher terrain, when coming downhill or if you’re carrying a backpack. 

You might not need them for your whole hike which is why it’s important your poles are lightweight, collapsible and easily carried for the less strenuous parts of your walk. As the popularity of poles has increased so the selection has grown. It’s worth getting hold of the right pole for your height and to ensure it’s designed for the style of walking you want to do whether it’s a stroll on relatively even ground or more arduous hiking and backpacking. The best poles have baskets at the tip. These round rings stop the pole sinking into soft ground or snow. All these poles will help your hiking but we found the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Trekking Poles the best choice overall. They do everything you want your poles to do at a very reasonable price.

These Cascade Mountain Tech poles do everything you want at a budget price. The carbon construction makes them lightweight and a three-piece telescopic pole design means they are fully adjustable with a quick-lock mechanism that you activate with a thumbscrew.

They have cork-covered or EVA foam grips, depending on model, and adjustable wrist straps. A five-piece accessory kit includes mud and snow baskets, rubber tips, pole clip and carry case.

These collapsible poles are made from carbon which makes them super-light and tough. They absorb the impact when used on rock too. They fold down to 15 inches (40cm) which will fit most packs and are easy to assemble with a spring-loaded system. The telescopic design means you can make height adjustments, useful when switching from the flat to going uphill.

The Aergon Thermo grip is comfortable to hold for long hikes and there’s a strap to keep it from slipping out of your hands. They come with a mesh storage bag and a removable basket.

The Aegon compact grips on the Cressida pole are made from 80% cork for its thermal and comfort qualities, and 20% latex for strength. These are designed and sized for smaller hands because the Cressida is made with female hikers in mind. It also makes a good pole for younger hikers. The three-piece telescopic shaft is constructed from high-strength aluminum which makes them robust and stable.

The poles are fully adjustable, the strap is light and breathable and the short carbide flex tip is replaceable. The Cressida comes with trekking baskets.

Bottom line

Trekking poles are a useful addition to any walker’s kit. Many users find them indispensable once they have tried them and they come into their own on rougher trails, steeper hills and mountains. There is a surprisingly wide range of poles to choose from and it’s worth considering where you will be using them. Adjustable designs give you more flexibility to use them on different terrain and telescopic and collapsable models allow you to carry them in backpacks.

We recommend Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Trekking Poles as the best choice for most people. They are great value for money, offering a premium carbon constructed pole with all the features you need including a telescopic design, comfortable grip and adjustable height and straps, all topped off with a handy accessory kit. 

There are loads of reasons you need trekking poles. The most obvious is that they simply make hiking or running much easier, particularly if you’re covering significant distances or carrying a shed-load of weight. Studies suggest that the strain trekking poles take away from your legs is a little less than 10%, which doesn’t sound like loads. However, if you’re running 100 miles or thru hiking for several weeks, suddenly this seemingly minor benefit is massive.

However, the reasons you need trekking poles goes way beyond just helping your legs out. Like all the best outdoor equipment, poles are multi-functional tools that are useful when crossing rivers, negotiating snowy terrain or even when erecting a shelter. Plus, they have myriad uses in an emergency, including helping you to look bigger to make that mountain lion think twice about approaching. Just imagine how Gandalf vs Balrog would have ended if the grey wizard hadn’t had his staff! It doesn't bear thinking about.

In this feature, our seasoned hiking experts Pat and Alex have combined their trail nous to reveal 9 reasons you need trekking poles for your backcountry adventures.

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What are trekking poles?

• Trekking poles are sturdy poles used to assist movement on the trail
• They’re typically made from carbon fiber or aluminium
• Most come in three parts and either fold or pack down telescopically

Trekking poles are sturdy poles that are used in pairs to assist movement on the trail. They spread the effort from the legs to the arms, taking some of the stress off knee and ankle joints and transferring it to the shoulders. Knowing how to use trekking poles enables the trail user to walk or run more efficiently, creating forward momentum with each stride.

These days, trekking poles are either made from lightweight carbon fiber or heavier but cheaper and more durable aluminium. Most are three-section models that are designed to be packed away easily. Some, like the excellent Leki Makalu FX Carbon poles, fold away into a small package for easy transportation. Others are telescopic, whereby each pole section slides into the next, like a telescope. Some are completely rigid, which makes them strong but also not the most portable option.

Let's get into the reasons you need a pair...

1) To take the weight off your legs

• Planting trekking poles down takes substantial weight off your legs

I was chatting to a Leki ambassador at an event in East London several years ago. He demonstrated, in a wonderfully simple manner, the way trekking poles reduce the weight your legs have to carry while on the trail. All he did was stand on a pair of weighing scales holding a pair of Leki Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles. When he planted them on the ground, the weight reading on the scales shot down.

This simple demonstration showed how much of the strain poles take away from your legs, thus disproving the old argument that by carrying poles, you’re increasing the weight you have to carry. While this is technically true, using poles hugely reduces the weight your legs have to deal with, spreading the burden to your upper body too.

2) To extend your hiking life

• Using poles takes strain off your knees and other joins, extending your lifespan as a hiker

You only get one body in this life, so anything you can do to help it keep going longer and pain-free is a huge plus. Stress taken away from the legs by trekking poles means less stress on your knees and ankles. Not only will this reduce the risk of immediate injury, it’ll also mean that you’re extending your lifespan as a hiker, as you won’t be wearing your joints down as quickly.

3) For stability

• Four points of contact with the ground are better than two
• This is particularly true when carrying a heavy backpack

Quite simply, four points of contact with the ground are better than two when it comes to staying upright on uneven terrain, such as you’ll inevitably encounter while walking in wilderness areas, when tree roots, rocks and ruts are all out to trip the careless hiker. This is all the more true during multiday backpacking trips. When walking with a loaded hiking backpack, your centre of gravity is considerably altered – even if you’ve packed with scientific precision in regards to weight placement – and walking with poles can be really beneficial, even potentially life-saving if you’re traversing precipitous paths with drops offs.

4) For speedier missions

• Trekking poles enable forward momentum, increasing efficiency
• As the poles take the effort away from your legs, your legs will have more energy to go further

Many of the best lightweight trekking poles can also be used as running poles and there’s a reason the world’s fastest mountain goat-esque athletes use poles during their training and on race day.

Trekking poles allow you to create forward momentum with your arms and upper body while you’re walking – in exactly the same way as cross-country skiers employ ski poles. This greatly increases the efficiency of your technique, conserves energy and allows you to travel further and faster, especially while ascending or going across flat terrain. You may not intend to go speed walking or even running, and do don’t have to, but mastering this technique definitely facilitates economy of effort.

As already mentioned, using poles correctly takes some of the strain off your legs and transfers it to your upper body. Very few people DNF on an ultra because of tired arms. By letting your upper body do some of the work, you’re essentially giving your legs a break, meaning they’ll be able to keep powering up those ascents several hours into a race.

5) For tricky river crossings

• Poles can be used to probe beneath the surface when crossing rivers
• They also aid stability during the crossing

Mountainous landscapes are riven by gullies and ghylls, adorned with sensational waterfalls, wildlife-rich streams and sparkling lakes. High ground plays a crucial role in the water cycle and even on mountain landscapes that have since become barren, the passage of water is obvious in the forms it has left behind.

What this means is that mountains and rivers go hand-in-hand. When hiking in wilderness areas, far from roads and other infrastructure, it’s likely you’ll have one or two rivers to cross during any given day. After periods of snowmelt or rainfall, what was once a trickly can become a raging and intimidating, not to mention potentially fatal, torrent.

When hiking Munros or running skyraces in the Scottish Highlands, I’ve had to negotiate several difficult crossings and my trekking poles have always been a massive help. They allow me to prod beneath the surface, judging the depth and what the terrain is like under the water. Meanwhile, they also act as an extra point of contact when making my way across.

6) For adventures above the snowline

• Trekking poles give you additional stability on surfaces with questionable traction

Many winter walkers and mountaineers deploy trekking poles, particularly for those long walk ins and on the kind of terrain that’s not serious to warrant the attention of an ice axe. As well as all the reasons above, poles provide two extra points of contact, which is hugely beneficial when moving across surfaces with questionable traction. Of course, make sure your poles’ snow baskets are fitted to stop them sinking into the white stuff.

7) To swat your way along the trail

• Trekking poles allow you to swat away spiky vegetation
• They can also be used to move potentially dangerous creatures from your trail, keeping them beyond arm’s length

Hikers everywhere experience regular run-ins with vicious flora such as stinging nettles and thorny bushes, and exploring in some areas carries with it the risk of fauna frights too – stepping on a somnambulant snake snoozing beneath bracken can really ruin your day. After rainfall, give that recently soaked branch a tap to avoid getting wet when your daypack squeezes under it.

Trekking poles can be used to swish away everything from spider webs spanning the path to barbed strands of brambles. Of course, you should never use poles (or anything else for that matter) to provoke wildlife, but if you want to see whether a clump of grass contains any snakes, giving it a sweep with a trekking pole is a much better option than simply ploughing in.

8) For emergencies

• Poles can be used to take the weight off an injury
• In extreme cases, a makeshift stretcher can be made using poles and tent fabric
• Poles can also be used as a splint
• In animal encounters, poles can be used to make you look bigger

When exploring the remote backcountry, any loss of mobility can easily become an emergency. An injury like a sprained ankle, a nuisance at ground level, becomes a serious situation when high up on a freezing cold mountain that’s fully exposed to the elements. Movement is how we stay warm and the ability to move is what gets us out of trouble. 

Depending on the nature of the injury in question, trekking poles can be used to help the casualty to safety. In less serious situations, they can be used like crutches, allowing the person to descend to a safe place without putting additional stress on their injury. In a more serious predicament, you can use trekking poles in conjunction with a tarp or tent fabric to create a makeshift stretcher. The caveat with the latter is that you’ll need at least two people to carry it. If you don’t need your poles for a stretcher, one can also be used as a splint to stabilize a broken limb.

Finally, if you meet a bear or mountain lion on the trail, the last thing you should do is run away, as both can run much faster than any human. The best option in a direct encounter is to make yourself as big and as loud as possible, while slowly backing away. Waving around lengthy trekking poles and hitting them against rocks is a very good way to do this. You’ll appear larger, louder and, most important, look less and less like an easy meal.

9) To create a shelter

• Poles can be used to rig a tarp for shelter
• Some one-person tents use trekking poles in their design, rather than traditional tent poles

This is another potential emergency use, or it could also be a planned one for the night. You can use a trekking pole as a stand when rigging a tarp for shelter. In fact, some of the best one-person tents are designed specifically to be rigged with the help of trekking poles, such as the Sierra Designs High Route 3000 1P and the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P. Trekking poles are generally much stronger and more rigid than tent poles, which is what makes them such a good option for this kind of use.