A hiking or trekking pole is essentially a ski pole with a handle that is a standard piece of equipment for experienced hikers. There are single hiking poles that are called hiking sticks or staff, and there are hiking poles that come in pairs.

Hiking poles give you a ton of advantages that can make your adventures more enjoyable. One major advantage is reducing the stress on your joints. They absorb a considerable amount of shock especially when you are climbing up or down.

Hiking poles help you maintain your balance when forging on rough terrain, crossing treacherous rivers, tackling ice patches and snowfields, traversing narrow ridgelines, and trekking up and down loose sand or scree.

Hiking poles provide some exercise for your arms, as well, to give them better circulation especially if you are hiking towards elevated grounds. They can also help you start and maintain a good walking rhythm to enable you to hike longer.

Hiking or Trekking Poles

 

To learn more about the best hiking poles, read on as we present you with our top picks for Hiking / Trekking Poles to help you along.

Top 4 Best Hiking or Trekking Poles

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TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – 2-pc Pack Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are adjustable hiking or walking sticks that come in a 2-pc. pack and are available in a variety of attractive colors such as blue, black, green, red, pink, yellow, aqua, and purple.

These hiking poles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum that is stronger than carbon fiber and lighter by 4 ounces compared to their nearest competitor. Their extended length is 54”, collapses to 24.5”, and goes down to 21” when disassembled to easily fit your backpack for easy transport.

TrailBuddy’s unique lever locks allow you to easily adjust the height of these hiking sticks with just one hand even if you are out in wet or damp conditions or you are wearing gloves.

The cork handles have superior moisture-wicking features and are designed to mold to the shape of your hands for a comfortable grip. You should have no worries about losing these poles because they are equipped with padded wrist straps designed to prevent chafing.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Pole package comes with a carrying bag, a pair of connectors, 2 pairs of rubber tips, mud baskets, and snow baskets. The snow baskets, however, are for light snowshoeing only and not for skiing.

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Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are also known as Nordic walking poles or hiking sticks.

They are made from 100% carbon fiber, a material preferred for its amazing lightness. The carbon fiber construction also makes these walking sticks highly durable, sturdy, and shock-absorbent.

They are equipped with anti-slip natural cork grips that are sweat- and moisture-wicking to keep your hands dry and comfortable during those grueling long-distance hikes.

Each pole is adjustable from 24” to 55”, allowing it to cater to users of different heights. Each pole also weighs a mere 7.6 oz., enabling you to walk farther and longer while using up less energy.

They feature fully adjustable, and extra-padded yet breathable wrist straps to secure your poles throughout your hike, and extended EVA foam sleeves to help you during sudden changes in terrain and switchbacks.

These hiking poles also feature top-of-the-line accessories including tungsten carbide tips for extreme durability and thermoplastic rubber tips and baskets that are securely attached so no worries about losing them on muddy or snowy trails.

A carrying case and a carrying clip designed for easy transport and storage complete the package. It also comes with a 120-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty for any defects.

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Hiker Hunger Aluminum 7075 Trekking Poles

The Hiker Hunger Aluminum 7075 Trekking Poles are ultra-lightweight trekking poles that are perfect for backpacking, hiking, camping, ice mountain climbing, and daily neighborhood walks.

These trekking poles are made from high-grade 7075 aluminum that makes them not only exceptionally lightweight but extremely tough and durable, as well. They are also equipped with heavy-duty tungsten carbide tips for those tough terrain hikes.

They can be easily be adjusted with the easy-to-adjust screw locks and extends anywhere from 24” to 54” to custom-fit the right height for everyone, even children. When disassembled, they go down to a mere 21” that is compact enough to go in your suitcase or backpack.

These poles feature moisture-wicking cork handles that mold to the shape of your hands to give you a grip that fits like a glove. The wrist straps ensure that you do not lose them under any circumstances, and the padding helps reduce chafing. The cork

handles are also equipped with non-slip EVA foam grip extensions for a firmer grip crucial for those uphill treks.

These Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles come with rubber tips, snow baskets, mud baskets and feet, and a carrying case. They also come with a 3-year, risk-free manufacturer warranty.

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Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are the lightest, most reliable, and toughest poles in the market today. You can use them anywhere from backpacking and ice mountain climbing to laid-back city walks.

These hiking poles are made from 100% carbon fiber with ergonomic cork handles that are equipped with superior moisture-absorbency. Combined with the non-slip EVA foam grip extensions, you have hiking poles that provide maximum comfort and a secure hold necessary for steep hikes.

Each pole weighs a mere 7.6 ounces to give you a pair of hiking poles that weigh a little under 1 pound, amazingly lightweight and portable.

They are great for a wide range of users as they can be adjusted from 24” up to 54”. The unique flip lock with metal screws design ensures that these poles are secure and stable all throughout your walks.

These poles are easy to pack in your suitcase or backpack as they go down to as small as 21” when disassembled.

Accessories included are snow baskets, mud baskets, tips, feet, and a new and improved carrying bag with a zipped pocket.

These hiking poles are covered with a 3-year warranty, risk-free manufacturer warranty.

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Things to Consider When Buying Hiking Poles

 

Several factors need to be studied thoroughly when buying hiking poles. First of all, if you are planning on hiking on relatively flat terrain with minimal load on your back, a hiking stick or staff may be best for you.

Hiking or trekking poles that come in pairs are the best for more rugged terrain or steep hills or mountains. They absorb a considerable amount of impact from your knees and joints.

Adjustable length poles are also most recommended since you can custom fit them to your height, plus the ability to conform the length of your hiking pole to the changing terrain can provide you with more stability and security.

Being able to adjust your poles is a great feature. The next-level feature you should look for is a locking mechanism that is easy to use, such as a clamp or a lever lock. It allows you to adjust your poles with just one hand.

Hand grips made of either cork, rubber, or foam are also most preferred by pro hikers. They provide the most comfortable and secure grip even in extreme conditions.