The Best Trekking Poles of 2024

When it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, one piece of gear truly shines for its versatility and practicality: trekking poles. These reliable companions provide stability, support, and balance, making them indispensable for hikers of every skill level.

In 2024, trekking poles have undergone exciting innovations, offering a variety of options tailored to diverse needs. From tackling rugged mountain trails to enjoying peaceful walks through lush forests, these poles are designed to elevate your hiking experience.

More than just a tool for balance, modern trekking poles are crafted to reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and boost hiking efficiency. With features like ergonomic grips, shock absorption systems, and adjustable lengths, they promise exceptional comfort and performance on any terrain.

Whether you’re climbing steep slopes, navigating tricky descents, or covering long distances, the right pair of trekking poles can transform your adventure. They help you explore further and overcome challenges with confidence.

Before setting off on your next journey, make sure you’re equipped with the best trekking poles of 2024. You’ll be amazed at how they can enhance your hiking experience and make every adventure more enjoyable.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

 

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a dream come true for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed with your adventure in mind, these poles offer the perfect mix of comfort, durability, and performance.

Imagine having a trekking pole that combines a premium cork grip with a soft-rubber extension, giving you unmatched stability and control on even the toughest terrains. The Flick Lock Pro mechanism, crafted from lightweight aluminum, ensures that these poles are not only easy to adjust but also sturdy enough for rugged trails.

The 3-section carbon fiber shaft strikes the perfect balance between durability and lightweight convenience, making these poles ideal for long treks. Black Diamond’s reputation for high-quality gear shines through in these trekking poles, delivering dependable performance in challenging conditions.

Just a heads up: while these poles are built to last, some users have noted that the bottom collars might occasionally struggle to keep the poles securely collapsed, leading to a bit of noise during storage. Despite this minor hiccup, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a top-notch choice for anyone serious about their outdoor adventures.

Pros:

•  The premium cork grip paired with the soft-rubber extension delivers an exceptional hold, boosting your stability and maneuverability on any trail.
•  The Flick Lock Pro mechanism, crafted from lightweight aluminum, makes adjusting these poles a breeze, so you can focus more on your adventure and less on fiddling with gear.
•  Constructed with a robust 100% carbon fiber shaft, these poles offer a perfect blend of durability and portability, ensuring they perform reliably on all your journeys.

Cons:

•  Some users have experienced occasional issues with the bottom collars not locking the poles securely when collapsed, which can result in a bit of clattering during storage.
•  While these poles are an investment, they come with a higher price tag compared to other options on the market.

 

Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

If you’re hunting for trekking poles that offer both reliability and lightness without breaking the bank, look no further than the Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles. These poles, made from carbon fiber, strike the perfect balance between toughness and feather-light weight. They provide solid stability and support without weighing you down.

Weighing just 7.6 ounces each, they’re designed to be light on your back during hikes. Adjusting them is a breeze with their quick-lock mechanism, so whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you can easily fine-tune the height from 24” to 53” to suit your needs and the terrain.

And there’s more! Their compact design is travel-friendly, making them ideal for your adventures. Plus, they come with handy accessories like rubber tip protectors, pole connectors, and mud baskets, adding to their versatility.

Comfort is also a key feature, with padded straps that enhance your grip and stability, reducing fatigue and minimizing the risk of dropping them.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

•  Crafted from carbon fiber, these poles are both rugged and incredibly light, offering the perfect combination of durability and ease.
•  The quick-lock mechanisms make adjusting the poles effortless, accommodating hikers of all heights with ease.
•  Their compact design and included accessories, like rubber tip protectors and mud baskets, make them a versatile choice for travel and varied terrains.

Cons:

•  Some users might find the padded straps a bit uncomfortable on longer hikes, especially during extended use.
•  The grips, while functional, could benefit from additional cushioning to enhance comfort on longer treks.

 

MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles have quickly become a favorite among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable support on diverse terrains.

Crafted from kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, these poles strike a perfect balance between strength and weight, ensuring they’re both durable and easy to carry.

One standout feature is their three-piece design, which allows you to fold and unfold them with ease—perfect for packing into smaller backpacks. The DynaLock mechanism makes adjusting the pole length a breeze, offering you customizable flexibility without any tools.

Comfort is a top priority with lightweight EVA foam grips that feel great on long hikes, and the extended lower grip adds extra adaptability for various terrains.

While these poles are portable, some users might find their collapsed size a bit bulky. Nonetheless, this is a minor trade-off for their robust construction and versatile design, making them an excellent companion for any hiking adventure.

Pros:

•  Crafted from kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, these poles deliver dependable support without the extra weight, so you get strength without feeling bogged down.
•  The DynaLock mechanism allows for tool-free adjustments, making it a breeze to fine-tune the length to your liking on the go.
•  With lightweight EVA foam grips and an extended lower grip, these poles offer top-notch comfort and adaptability for all kinds of hiking terrain.

Cons:

•  Despite their foldable design, some users might find the collapsed size a little bulky, which could be a bit inconvenient for packing.

 

LEKI Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles

LEKI’s Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, offering a blend of durability and comfort that makes them a standout choice.

Crafted from sturdy alloy, these poles are built to handle tough trails while remaining surprisingly light. Adjusting the length is a breeze, thanks to the Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism, which allows for quick and secure changes between 100 to 135 cm. No tools are needed—just a simple, reliable adjustment.

The Aergon Cor-Tec Grip is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, reducing fatigue during those long treks. Plus, the Lock Security Strap 2.0 ensures a snug, secure hold without any pinching or discomfort.

These poles are all about making your hike more enjoyable with their user-friendly features. The lightweight design, combined with the easy-to-use adjusters and comfortable straps, ensures you’re set for a smooth journey.

That said, some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky, especially if the instructions aren’t crystal clear. But once you get the hang of it, the Khumbu Lite poles will become your go-to for dependable support on the trail.

Pros:

•  Built with a robust alloy, these poles strike the perfect balance between durability and lightweight design.
•  The Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism makes adjusting the pole length a snap, providing a secure and effortless experience on any trail.

Cons:

•  The instructions might be a bit confusing for some, which could make the initial setup and adjustments a little challenging.

 

Urban Poling Trekking Poles

The Urban Poles Series 300 by Urban Poling stands out as a top choice for Nordic walking enthusiasts year-round. These poles are crafted from high-quality aluminum, offering a perfect balance of durability and lightweight design. They help engage your core muscles effectively, which can boost calorie burn and reduce wrist strain.

Featuring an ergonomically designed CoreGrip, these poles enhance your walking form, maximizing fitness benefits. The adjustable height settings ensure they fit users of different heights, while the collapsible design makes them a breeze to store and transport.

Feedback from users has highlighted their ease of adjustment and the noticeable improvement in physical activity performance. The poles come with a secure lock, an ergonomic rubber grip, a carbide metal tip, and removable tips for various terrains, making them versatile and practical.

However, it’s worth noting that the package doesn’t include a strap, which could have added extra stability and comfort during use.

Pros:

•  Crafted from lightweight aluminum, these poles promise durability and strength, making them perfect for fitness routines in any season.
•  The ergonomically designed CoreGrip not only enhances your core engagement but also reduces wrist strain, helping you burn more calories efficiently.
•  With adjustable height settings and a foldable design, these poles offer versatile convenience, catering to users of different heights and making them easy to store and transport.

Cons:

•  The absence of included straps may slightly affect stability and overall comfort during use.

Conclusion

The best hiking poles of 2024 are a perfect blend of innovation, durability, and practicality, designed to elevate your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned hiker, these poles provide more than just stability on uneven terrain.

Not only do hiking poles ease the strain on your joints, but they also enhance your posture and balance, making every hike more enjoyable. They can assist with crossing streams, support your tent, and even double as selfie sticks to capture those stunning vistas.

As you gear up for your next expedition, choose hiking poles that suit your style and needs. The right poles will ensure you’re ready to face any challenge that comes your way in the great outdoors.

For tips on honing your backpacking skills, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on essential backpacker skills!