The Best Trekking Poles of 2023

If you want trekking poles with all the bells and whistles, then the Black Series FX Carbon poles ($269) from LEKI fit the bill. The company calls them the “Cadillac” of poles, and they come with the German engineering that LEKI fans have come to expect.

At just 8 ounces per pole, trekkers will hardly notice the Black Series FX Carbon poles when stowed away in their pack. The poles use LEKI’s SpeedLock 2+ for what the company claims is the world’s strongest external pole-locking system.

In a few seconds, hikers can adjust the poles from 43-51 inches, down to just 16. LEKI also put the locking mechanism inside the poles to protect them from the elements. Pole handles have LEKI’s “award-winning trekking grip.” The grips have a hollow core and wide surface area, with cork to help wick away moisture.

Like any trekking pole you don’t want to lose, the Black Series has a security strap to make sure the poles don’t slip off and fall down the mountain. And you don’t want to lose these, because — like a Cadillac — the Black Series FX don’t come cheap. At over $270 after shipping and handling, they might be the most expensive trekking poles on the market.

For more, check out our in-depth review here.

The Kelty Upslope 2 ($45) is a comfortable, reliable, adjustable trekking pole that’s also easy on the wallet. At 10 ounces per pole, they’re not impressively light, but they work quite well for the price.

The foam grip was comfortable after a full day of testing, and we appreciated the adjustable wrist straps for added security. Their carbide tip works great for any type of terrain you’ll encounter on the trail. And at purchase, these poles include rubber tip covers for endeavors that might take you along the road.

A twist lock isn’t our favorite type of locking mechanism. In our experience, they tend to wear out faster and can lead to failure when weighted extensively over long periods of time. That said, we haven’t experienced any issues with the Upslope locking mechanism while testing, and we’ve been impressed with their overall durability.

Each season we think the ceiling of trekking pole innovation has surely been hit — and each year we’re proven wrong. How much better can collapsible sticks really get? Well, apparently much better. As leaders in the charge, Black Diamond continues to craft durable, reliable models with novel technology that consistently stay true to a pole’s foundational purpose — and they rolled out the red carpet for their newly minted Pursuit Trekking Poles ($170).

Aside from one key downside, these are hands down our favorite sticks for just about any backpacking venture you could drum up. A silky smooth Soft-touch FlickLock system, bomb-proof construction, lightweight balanced design, and cushy cork grips join forces to deliver a stable, cruisy hiking experience like none other. Throw in some thoughtful touches like Bloom grip extensions, soft recycled wrist straps, and two size options with variable handle girths, and you have one heck of a premium pole. Plus, an integrated 1.5 mm hex bit is revealed when sliding the bottom section out, allowing you to swiftly micro-adjust your poles on the go, and keep the FlickLocks tight without having to worry about hauling an extra tool. Pretty nifty.

Now for our grumble. It’s a nearly perfect pole, but the FlickLocks are on the same side of both poles, meaning one pole has them affixed towards your body if holding the grips correctly. In most cases, this isn’t an issue. But, we found they could sometimes snag on our pant’s pockets at times, and pop open, collapsing mid-stride. This is a unique issue that we haven’t had with other poles, and though it rarely occurs, gives us pause at times when bombing down steep hills.

That gripe aside, these give us a swifter ride than most poles we’ve clacked around with — and we’ve tested many poles. They seem to absorb each step’s energy better than most and pop forward into the next step without feeling unwieldy or overly heavy. The sturdy carbide tech tips also fend off serious repeat impacts and have shown minimal signs of wear after significant abuse in the wild. It’s a joy to churn down technical trails with these in tow.

In the pursuit of trail happiness, the Pursuit Trekking Poles set a new standard for stability and comfort in the backcountry. At $170 they aren’t as hard on the wallet as other premium models on this list (including BD’s standard bearer, the Alpine Carbon Corks), but punch well above their weight. Trot across the country, or explore your local state park over the weekend with about as much comfort and performance as you could ask for — these should be on any backpacker’s shortlist.

At an incredible 4.9 ounces per pole, Gossamer Gear’s latest iteration of the LT lineup does not disappoint. The LT5 ($195) is stripped bare to the necessities, but still manages elite performance on the trail.

When first picking these poles up, they feel like they could snap in half — they’re that light. We were eager to utilize them under a heavy load, and regardless of the pressure and tweaking we applied, they performed great.

While most simple, twist-locking mechanisms can show weakness, we were able to tighten and loosen them with ease, and never experienced any slippage. Due to the smooth nature of the lockers, however, we’d recommend being careful not to overtighten them.

The EVA foam grip mimics the look of a classic cork grip, and on a hot day they managed to wick moisture just as well. Like every feature on these poles, the straps are minimal, but proved comfortable and were easy to adjust with a quick pull of the tab.

Apart from its obvious utilitarian function, these poles look really cool as well. The carbon fiber shafts are brushed in matte black, and the simple, white lettering makes them look about as minimal as they feel in your hands.

While the ultralight minimalism of these poles is an obvious benefit to thru-hikers, Gossamer Gear also offers add-ons that are geared toward individuals who are huffing it for the long haul (bungee straps, rubber boots). They’re also compatible with the brand’s highly rated, ultralight shelters, the aptly named One and Two.

Packing down to 23.5 inches, the LT5 is compact enough to be used for overseas travel, and you’ll probably think you forgot them at home when you pick up your luggage. Previous iterations of this pole have been staples on the trail for years, and we’d expect the futuristic LT5 to cover even more miles.

Created in collaboration with ultrarunner Joe Grant, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon ($169) is built for fast and light adventures. Weighing in at just 3.15 ounces per pole (120cm length) these are the lightest poles Black Diamond makes.

They certainly wouldn’t be the best option if you’re carrying a lot of weight, but these poles are ideal for fast-moving endeavors where speed is essential.

The durable foam grip offers up just enough comfort for grip in technical terrain and doesn’t slip when you’re moving fast and breaking a sweat. Adjustable wrist straps provide additional security in the event of a fall, and the sleek carbon tips are ideal for technical placements on rock.

These are fixed-length poles that don’t fold down for easy packing, but a mid-shaft ring does make for a well-balanced horizontal carry. Anyone looking to log big miles in a single outing running on the trail should check out these ultralight poles.

The Leki Makalu Lite ($140-149) earns high marks for being thin, light, and surprisingly stable for the weight. Updated in 2022, they have a new Aergon Air grip that sheds a bit of weight while adding durability and a more comfortable, ergonomic feel.

This version also packs down smaller (an inch shorter than the BD Trail Ergo), and they weigh less. At $140, these are also a great value for such a versatile pole. They’re light enough for thru-hiking, and sturdy enough to brace you if you carry climbing gear into the alpine.

The new Aergon Air strap was soft on the skin and seemed to aid with wicking sweat away on hot days. They’re easy to adjust with a pull of the tab, and the lack of buckles around the hands was an added plus.

The Speedlock+ locking system was easy to use, even with gloves on. And the interchangeable snow baskets (sold separately) make these a year-round, one-quiver pole for all-season use. The new Makalu Lite is definitely one of the best trekking poles you can buy for the price.

Tall trekkers — and those who own a Zpacks Altaplex — look no further. Your saving grace is here, with a sprawling 62 inches of premium carbon fiber, cozy cork handles, and a sleek matte finish, cruise your trails with style and confidence, then pitch a perfect lofty palace at night with the Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Poles ($190).

It’s been a dilemma for years. With ultralight shelter models accommodating hikers over 6 feet, like the aforementioned Zpacks cult classic, traditional trekking poles won’t extend the required distance to hit the tent’s peak. The Altaplex demands at least 56 inches from a pole, and tall hikers must either buy a separate carbon fiber staff or use a trekking pole jack to meet the requirements. Soaring past these metrics, Diorite’s poles provide the solution many a thru-hiker has sought out.

But the allure doesn’t stop at its height. With so much extra carbon reinforcing these poles, it stands out as one of the toughest all-carbon constructed poles we tested, and instills some serious confidence when charging over technical, rocky trails. These poles earned our respect after a week-long section hike of the Appalachian Trail through Georgia’s undulating rollercoaster. They passed the test with flying colors, showing minimal signs of abuse.

If you do end up destroying any section of this pole, one of the largest repositories of replacement parts we’ve seen from a brand awaits you. Bent lower section? Cracked middle? Marmot-chomped cork handle? No problem. This saves you from having to scope out a new pair of sticks each time a small component fails mid-adventure — something our reviewer has begrudgingly done many times.

The cork grips extend down the shaft, giving you a comfy grip as you adjust your hands further down during uphill plods. While we gravitate to cork handles, the regular EVA foam handle option is significantly lighter, albeit not quite as cozy.

While these aren’t the lightest carbon poles on the market (or the cheapest), they are some of the tallest out there, allowing you to pitch quite literally any backpacking tent with ease — and without add-ons. Their reliable durability and comfort-oriented design make them phenomenal picks for anyone staring down the barrel of demanding backcountry objectives.

Anyone looking for a reliable backcountry pole will appreciate these durable Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ($199). These poles served us well and exceeded expectations while exploring the Grand Tetons through variable terrain. The cork grips are comfortable and tacky, and we like the extended foam, which allows for easy hand position changes.

The FlickLock Pro adjustment points are secure and easy to use, making it simple to adjust the length throughout a long trek. With a packed size of 25 inches, they don’t pack down enough for stashing in smaller packs. But for most users, we wouldn’t expect the size to be a problem.

The buckleless straps, utilizing a comfortable climbing webbing, proved very comfortable even after several days of continuous use. While these poles are a bit more expensive than other similar options, they’re worth the investment if you plan to use them regularly and are looking for a lightweight option that’s also quite durable.

Scoping out a pair of budget poles but also need a lightweight, durable design? These could be the ones. For $80, it’s hard to beat the value and simple effectiveness of REI’s Trailmade poles. You aren’t going to get any fancy locking mechanisms or bleeding-edge carbon fiber technology, but if you just need to get the job done without any bells and whistles, look no further.

For the price, the Trailmade delivers solid performance and reliability, with each pole tipping the scales at a relatively scant 8.5 ounces. They don’t pack down quite as small as others on the list (25 inches), but they aren’t the bulkiest either.

The nylon wrist straps are quite soft, and didn’t rub us uncomfortably over long miles, and we found the ergonomic EVA foam grips to be cozy and breathable. The poles offer solid adjustability, and the locks are quick to use and strong.

We did find them a little annoying to adjust on the fly, as the locks will flap around freely when you unclasp them, and you have to line them up again before locking them back in place. This made it difficult to change the length while actively hiking, which our tester likes to do between steep descents and climbs.

Overall, REI’s Trailmades are lightweight, dependable poles that will get you comfortably from point A to point B at an approachable price point. They don’t stand out in any one category, but are more general workhorses for taxing backpacking trips.

Now more than ever, thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers are demanding impeccable durability in mega-light packages for long 2,000+ mile journeys. Often, they depend on their trekking poles not only for reliable stability over technical terrain, but as the structure for their ultralight tents. Get caught three days from town with a broken pole, and you’ll be holding your shelter up with sticks. A thru-hiker’s trekking pole is something of a lifeline.

One of our testers trusted the Zpacks Carbon Fiber poles ($100) for a recent 5,000-mile thru-hike of the CDT and AT, and he only needed two pairs for the entire trip. He pitched his tent every night with these things, and dragged them through endless miles of brutal terrain. They kept on going.

At 7.2 ounces per pole (with foam handles), these aren’t the lightest on the market, but many trekkers strip ’em down further by removing the wrist strap and basket, bringing them to a competitively low weight. These poles pack down to 24.5 inches, which attaches fine to the outside of an ultralight pack. But there are definitely smaller options out there if this is a primary concern.

The lightweight clasp locks are adequately solid and can be hand-tightened, which is a nice touch for on-trail adjustability. The clasps are made of plastic, so they need to be babied a little more than other lock designs.

At $100 ($60 if you just buy one) the Zpacks Carbon Fiber poles are great for the ultralighter on a budget, or someone who needs a reliable pair of poles that barely register in your pack.

Trekking poles for under $30? Yes, you read that right. The Cascade Mountain Tech ($29 and often on sale) trekking poles are a fan favorite and a budget lover’s dream.

At 10.4 ounces per pole, they’re certainly not the lightest option out there, but they aren’t excessively heavy either. On the trail, they get the job done. And for casual outings, these poles will help support your weight and keep you balanced, all without breaking the bank.

If you plan to regularly hike long distances and rough trails, we highly recommend investing in a higher-quality pair of poles. As with all bargain options on the market, these poles tend to wear out faster than other more thoughtfully designed options on the list.

Anyone looking for carbon poles on a budget should check out Cascade Mountain Tech’s carbon trekking poles. They clock in at $65 and weigh 7.8 ounces per pole.

As with the aluminum Mountain Tech, don’t expect durability with extended use. But these poles could certainly get you through a backpacking trip or be a reliable backup if you need to lend out a pair of poles.

Just remember that even though carbon delivers excellent weight savings, it tends to be more brittle than aluminum. For long-term durability, aluminum is an excellent choice.

The REI Co-op Flash Carbon ($159) manages to strike a difficult balance between light and strong. The collapsible three-section design keeps them light, and the sturdy lever locks keep them at the desired length, even when weighted through downhill trudging with heavy loads.

We especially liked how easy they were to adjust and were impressed we didn’t experience any slippage, even when applying significant weight. The foam handles are comfortable and moisture-absorbing, and the adjustable wrist strap allows you to maintain a custom fit. They collapse to a reasonable length, allowing for stowage in larger packs, and cross-strapping to lighter loads.

These are also available in a slightly lighter (14 ounces per pair) women’s-specific version.

The Leki Black Series Carbon ($199) is basically a telescoping version of the FX Carbon. The two are nearly identical, but this pole features two-point Speedlock 2+ adjustability.

Aergon Air grips with genuine cork provide comfort and elite ergonomics, and the rubber tops are ideal for navigating steep downhill terrain. Redesigned by Leki for this year, we really can’t say enough about how comfortable these grips are.

Only slightly heavier than the FX version, these poles performed as expected on the trail. The Speedlock 2+ adjustability is a breeze, and the stiff, high-modulus carbon shafts felt sturdy under a very heavy load.

If packability isn’t one of your primary concerns, the Black Series Carbon might be your avenue to Leki’s top-tier poles. Available at a friendlier price point than its foldable cousin ($70 less), the Black Series Carbon is easily one of the best trekking poles on the market.

The spring-loaded, anti-shock system of the Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro ($80) helps absorb ground impact and can make long days on the trail feel a bit easier.

They still support your weight going downhill, but the spring-loaded system provides just enough give to reduce jarring on your joints. The cork and foam handle is quite comfortable, and we liked how easy it was to adjust the length.

That said, twist-lock poles are not our favorite. This system tends to wear out over time, giving them a shorter life expectancy with heavy use. However, as light, ergonomic poles with a comfortable price point, these can be ideal for the right user.

Compact, lightweight, and with a stack of baskets, the TSL Outdoors Carbon 5 ($179) has impressive flexibility for four-season use.

This carbon five-section pole telescopes from a compact 16.5 inches, extending up to 51 inches (130 cm). Pull the lower three sections, snap them into place, release the orange lever and you can fine-tune your ideal length from 110 to 130 cm.

An ergonomic foam grip runs the length of the upper section. On casual terrain, the grips are soft and comfortable. Choke up on the pole to assist in climbing steep terrain.

On the business side, the baskets couple around a balljoint. This “swing system” gives the basket up to 20 degrees of mobility, matching variable terrain.

The kit comes with two baskets and a trail pad: a 3-inch snow basket, a 2-inch basket, and a more trail-friendly rubber tip that prevents chewing up dried-up trails. The “Push and Pull” basket mechanism can be a little finicky. Coupling around a ball on the pole’s tip, you need to hold the pole-side receptor snug around the balljoint when pushing on the baskets. The rubber trail tip simply pushes over the carbide spike.

Unique to the Connect Carbon 5, the removable straps magnetically snap into place. It’s bomber secure and only releases when you press down on the top button. Our testers especially appreciated this. You don’t always need a leash, and falling on leashed poles can potentially cause thumb injuries.

At 16.5 inches, there’s no excuse not to pack these. We brought these with us on a mountaineering trip to Europe this fall and loved how they disappeared in our luggage. The downside is — with so many accessories — you need to keep a tidy kit. Fortunately, the poles come with a travel bag.