best hiking poles

• The video provides a guide to choosing trekking poles for different purposes, such as backpacking, hiking, travel, and trail running.
• The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are recommended for backpacking and hiking due to their durability and comfort. The poles have a cork grip and are breathable in any weather conditions.
• Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec trekking poles are suggested for those looking for poles under $100. These poles are adjustable, lightweight, and have a comfortable grip.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are the best collapsible poles for trail runners and fast hikers due to their packability and lightweight construction.
• The Black Diamond Distance Z trekking poles are made of aluminum and can pack down to 15 inches for easy storage in a suitcase.
• The REI Co-op Hiker Stock is recommended for those looking for a hiking staff. It has an extended grip and cork top, and the top can unscrew to be turned into a monopod for photography.
• Cork is the favorite material for trekking poles due to its comfort and breathability.
• The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles have a grip that extends down the shaft allowing for easy choking up on the grip of the pole.
• The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles have a padding on the strap that is adjustable.
• The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are available in two men’s and women’s versions, and also have a basket that can be switched for a snow basket.
• The Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles come with a cork and rubber compound grip, which is designed to go between the pointer finger and middle finger for pain relief.
• The Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles utilize a flip lock mechanism for adjustments and can switch the basket out for a snow basket.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles can easily be deployed just by pulling them out, and they have an easy locking mechanism to ensure that they are fully locked.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles do not have any adjustment in the length but one can choke up on the grip penitentiary providing a sense of flexibility.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are marked right and left to make it easy for the user to adjust the strap if they have larger hands.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles come with a basket that can be replaced for a carb

• The transcript provides a list of the “7 Best Trekking Poles” with brief reviews of each.
• The Cleverhiker team has researched 40 sets of poles and used dozens of different models over 20,000 miles of hiking and backpacking.
• The team analyzed each set in terms of grip comfort, weight and packability, durability, and adjustability to identify the most crucial characteristics.
• The poles that made the list are from Black Diamond, Gossamer Gear, Montem, LEKI, REI, and Zpacks.
• The Black Diamond Pursuit ($150) is the best overall trekking pole with low weight, packability, and comfortable cork grips. It also has a built-in adjustment tool and durable aluminum shafts.
• The Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195) is the best ultralight trekking pole with easy-to-adjust features, comfortable foam handles, and durable carbon fiber shaft material.
• The Montem Ultra Strong ($75) is the best budget trekking pole that is durable, easy to use, and less expensive than the more technical poles on the list.
• LEKI Makalu Cork Lite ($150) is the most durable trekking pole with cork grips, no tools required for adjusting locks, and great value.
• The REI Flash Carbon ($169) is lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles that strike an exceptional balance between price, weight, and durability.
• The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z ($190) is the most packable ultralight trekking pole that can be packed to 15 inches.
• The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork ($200) is the best trekking poles for winter & rough terrain with the Flex Tech tips.
• The Fizan Compact 3 ($70) is ultralight trekking poles at an affordable price, but these poles have been moved down the list considerably due to new findings in their review.
• Aside from the list, the transcript provides affiliate links for some of the brands, which means CleverHiker may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. But the reputation of the company is its most important asset, and the team only provides completely honest and unbiased recommendations.
• The CleverHiker team has done a lot of long-term testing with their current favorites and also introduced some new picks into the list.
• The team has tested poles over hundreds of miles of the Arizona Trail, the John Muir Trail, Long Trail, and more to provide their honest and unbiased recommendations

• Users discuss the difference between expensive trekking poles from companies like Black Diamond and cheaper ones from companies such as Decathlon, Cascade Mountain Tech, and Fizan.
• Several users recommend the Cascade Mountain Tech poles from Costco or Amazon as a good, affordable option, as well as lighten weight models from Fizan.
• Users discuss differences in weight, adjustability, durability, locking mechanism, and comfort of straps/grips between cheaper and more expensive poles.
• Some users explain that the locking mechanism is one of the most significant differences between cheap and expensive models, often being plastic vs. metal.
• A few users express their preference for cork grips over others as they are comfortable.
• A user emphasizes that for someone hiking every day for a long time, an expensive pole can be worth it because of features such as sturdier locks and less vibration.
• Users discuss the importance of ergonomics and quality control in poles. High-quality materials such as grade of aluminum/carbon, disk brake, replaceable parts, and post-purchase support can affect the price of a pole.
• Some users state that while cheaper trekking poles do the job, the more expensive ones are more reliable.
• Very few users have experience with specific brands such as Leki, where taller hikers may have luck.
• Many users share their experiences with cheaper and more expensive poles, outlining durability and functionality.
• Users mostly agree that hiking poles are important to reduce the strain on the body, and the information from the transcript regarding the pros and cons of different poles can help someone select hiking poles efficiently.
• One user shares that they prefer buying cheaper gear and have had success with smaller companies.
• Some users argue about supporting smaller companies vs. purchasing more premium trekking poles.
• A user speaks about their experience with Black Diamond’s fixed-length poles, and how this limited their options with trekking pole shelters.

• When choosing trekking/hiking poles, four main considerations are grip, weight, durability, and pole locking mechanism.
• Grip can vary in shape and material. Choosing a grip that is comfortable is important. Additionally, some people prefer cork grips instead of rubber ones.
• Weight is a personal consideration with carbon fiber poles being lightweight but also pricier. Aluminum poles are a good alternative.
• Durability depends on personal use but in general, a reputable brand should be fine. Aluminum poles tend to be more durable than carbon fiber poles.
• Locking mechanism can be flick lock or twist lock. Flick lock poles are generally preferred over twist lock ones.
• Shock absorption may be useful in rough terrain when going up or down but is not necessary for everyone.
• Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock Poles are a good value option at $30 from Costco.
• Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is a lightweight and collapsible option with a good locking mechanism.
• Walking sticks or branches can be used instead of trekking poles.
• When holding trekking poles, it’s important to do it correctly. There are videos that demonstrate proper hand positioning.
• Collapsed size is important for travel purposes, especially when limited to carry-on items.
• It’s recommended to test out poles before a multi-day hike as it may take some time to get used to using them.
• Grip preferences can vary. While some don’t notice a difference, others find it very important.
• Heavier poles tend to tire your arms and shoulders more quickly.
• Flick locks are more preferred because they either lock or not.
• Cork grips or angled hand grips are popular with some users.
• Using fingerless cycling gloves can provide some shock absorption and prevent any irritation where the pole contacts the hand.
• Carbon poles tend to rattle and vibrate the most, which can be distracting.
• Reputable stores like REI or MEC tend to accept returns even after the one-year warranty has expired.

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1. Mountainsmith Andesite Trekking Poles:

• Lightweight and telescoping design is adjustable and easy to use
• The foam grips make the poles comfortable to use
• The telescoping build may loosen through use
• Even when collapsed, the poles are still reasonably long

2. Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles:

• Comes with multiple interchangeable hiking baskets
• The cork handles are incredibly comfortable
• Absorb a surprising amount of shock when using them downhill
• A bit bulky
• The minimum length on the pole is 100 cm

3. REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles:

• Packs down very small
• Trail made hiking pole is straightforward, affordable, and competent
• Great value but with some quality limitations
• The foam grips don’t feel great against the skin

4. Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles:

• Cork handles are super comfy and comes in striking white colorway
• Lightweight and durable
• Best for women and short hikers
• Packed away nicely in designer’s backpack afterward

5. Mountainsmith Halite 7075 Trekking Poles:

• Highly portable and robust aluminum construction
• It comes with snow and hiking baskets for winter adventures
• Needs instructions to assemble
• Too tall for comfort and not user-friendly
• Great for all-season use, especially with included baskets

6. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles:

• Cheapest fully featured option in the market
• Comes with different tip options for various terrain
• Users recommended it as a budget-friendly option
• Aluminum material is not as lightweight as more expensive options

7. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Trekking Poles:

• Uses strong and lightweight carbon fiber material
• Reliable quick-lock mechanism and extremely helpful for lightweight backpacking or trail running, where you may not always need your poles
• The two-shaft design does not collapse as small as three-piece trekking poles
• Cheap grips and not great for tall users

8. Leki Legacy Lite Core-Tec Trekking Poles:

• Lightweight and sturdy pole
• Carbide flex-tips are usable on varied terrain, making it perfect for all-around trekking
• Collapses down to 26.7 inches, making it easily portable
• Not as lightweight as poles made with carbon fiber
• 7075 aluminum shaft is equal parts lightweight and sturdy

The overall lesson from this transcript is that there is no single “perfect” hiking pole for everyone -

• The type of hiking pole to buy is subjective, with contrasting opinions in the comments.
• A few people suggested that purchasing a durable and lightweight version is important.
• The grip material on the pole seems crucial to many hikers. While some comments recommend using cork grips, others suggest purchasing hiking poles with plastic grips.
• Cheaper models of hiking poles from brands like Cascade Mountain Tech and Amazon Basics have been highly rated.
• There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to picking affordable hiking poles.
• It is advisable to consider the terrain while choosing poles, include steep rocky inclines & water crossings.
• The locking mechanism on hiking poles is crucial, and a locking tab is preferred.
• It is important to buy a pole that can be collapsed for storage.
• Many comments pointed out the pricier options may include a more extended warranty, but overall, the Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock Hiking Poles offer similar features at one-fifth the cost.
• Some comments suggest purchasing snowshoe/trekking pole tips or snow baskets separately for use in variable terrain.
• Trekking poles have been known to help maintain a rhythm while hiking, ease water crossings, aid in setting up shelter, and provide balance and support on steep inclinations.
• Purposeful use of trekking poles can reduce undue strain on ankle and knee joints.
• A few comments mention using second-hand items from thrift stores that can serve the purpose at lower costs.
• A user from reddit pointed out that the quality of the poles, cheap or expensive, is likely to be the same when exposed to similar circumstances like accidents and falls.
• The main advantage of purchasing expensive poles is the weight factor. The higher the price bracket, the lighter is the pole.
• One important aspect to consider is the weight of the trail runner as opposed to a heavy-duty backpack.
• A couple of comments pointed out the need to adapt to the usage of the poles, since there may be discomfort in the early trips.
• The modus operandi of a specific brand or model doesn’t guarantee longevity or effectiveness as evidenced by a few comments.
• The reasons one may choose to opt for a more expensive hiking pole could reasonably include a preference for the brand, aesthetics and a prolonged warranty.

• The post is about conflicting sizing suggestions for trekking poles for someone who is 6’1”. The standard chart suggests 130cm, but that angle changes. A 90-degree angle of the arm would suggest poles of 125cm.
• Knee discomfort after hiking downhill prompted the post, and some users suggest having a different height for uphill, downhill, and flat.
• Users suggest adjustable poles, noting that telescoping poles lose adjustability but are less important if the weight is not a concern.
• Z-shape folding poles are a great option if one needs to strap them to the backpack for a long period of time. For scrambling/climbing over/on rocks, poles should not stick out over the top of the backpack as they can catch on stuff, but Z-poles disappear.
• One user suggests getting the black diamond FLZ poles that allow 15cm of adjustment, but they do not adjust his poles. He uses a 125cm distance Z pole, which he can shorten down to just under 115 by choking up on it.
• The height guideline for trekking poles is to take one’s height in cm x .68, but personal preference does come into play.
• The angle of the elbow can vary depending on biomechanics, with one user suggesting that 130 degrees or more creates the most force and endurance.
• One suggestion is to get cheap adjustable poles first to find the preferred length before investing in more expensive options that are fixed at that length.
• Users should check out a YouTube video to learn the right grip and prevent injuries such as saving a thumb.
• A user suggests getting a 7ft pole in case one gets taller, while another recommends using poles with a 90-degree angle on downhills.
• The weight of the poles is not as important as they are in hands most of the time, and durability-wise, they have been great.
• Z-poles are also particularly useful for airplane travel, as they pack into small sizes.
• The convenience of Z-poles over other poles to attach to the backpack is due to being able to avoid them sticking out over the top of the backpack or over the head and catching things.
• Sometimes poles are not needed for scrambling or difficult terrain, and the users prefer to put them away on the backpack in those instances.

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