The Best Trekking Poles of 2026

Bottom Line: These praiseworthy poles possess about every benchmark we look for in the category. They’re durable, comfortable, and promote speed on the trail, all at a relatively reasonable price for their high quality.

The Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles ($170) are dang close to our favorite sticks for just about any backpacking venture you could drum up — and at an inoffensive price. At $80 less than our premium pick, they incorporate much of what we love about the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon but are much more wallet-friendly.

The Tech: Black Diamond’s silky smooth FlickLock+ system, bombproof aluminum construction, balanced design, and cushy cork grips combine to deliver a stable, cruisy hiking experience like no other. The sturdy carbide tips also withstand serious impacts and have shown minimal signs of wear after plenty of abuse. Throw in thoughtful touches like Bloom foam grip extensions, soft recycled wrist straps, and two size options with variable handle girths, and you have one heck of a premium pole.

What We Like: The Pursuits gave us a swifter ride than most models 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 stride without feeling unwieldy or overly heavy. Compared to the Trekology Trek-Z, these poles look downright nice. Sure, it’s more than a $100 jump up from that budget model, but you get a lot for that price bump: The cork grips are nicer than the EVA foam that most poles in this price range use, the adjusters are well-refined and field-tunable, and the package includes both trail and snow baskets.

What We Don’t: It’s a nearly perfect pole, but the FlickLocks are on the same side of both poles, meaning one pole has them facing your body if you’re holding the grips correctly. In most cases, this isn’t an issue. But we found the locks sometimes snagged on our pants’ pockets and popped open, collapsing mid-stride. This is a unique issue we haven’t had with other poles, and though it rarely occurs, it gives us pause at times when bombing down steep hills.

Should You Buy It? The Pursuit Trekking Poles should be on any backpacker’s shortlist. They’ll let you 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.

Bottom Line: Low cost and high performance don’t usually go together, but these affordable poles do it better than most. For less than $50, they’re a useful addition to any hiking kit.

For the budget-minded among us, the Trekology Trek-Z ($43) is a reliably comfortable aluminum trekking pole that checks all of the appropriate boxes while costing less than a third of the premium competition. It doesn’t feel cheap and is an inexpensive way to improve your hiking in tricky terrain. 

The Tech: With two sizes to choose from, the 100-120 cm option weighs 20.8 ounces, while the 115-135 cm option weighs 22.6 ounces. Both sizes fold to a compact 15 inches for easy storage. The EVA foam grips were comfortable while testing, and the adjustable wrist straps added an extra layer of security. The pole’s carbide tip offers great traction on most terrain, while the additional tip covers provide plenty of options for varying surfaces and weather conditions.

What We Like: The Trek-Zs are affordable, comfortable trekking poles with a full complement of features. The ability to fold them down to a mere 15 inches makes traveling with them a breeze. If you are an average user who spends your time on trail but would like a pole for the occasional off-route scramble, these poles offer great value. Tester Samuel Martin used them on coastal Oregon trails that traversed steep, grassy cliffs; the wrist straps and sharp carbide tips bit into the ground, helping keep him upright. 

What We Don’t: The only downside to these aluminum poles is their weight. While this won’t be a deal-breaker to some, those of us who watch every ounce we carry will notice the difference. Spending an extra $100 gets you a good deal more with the Black Diamond Pursuit: cork grips, a nicer locking mechanism, and almost half a pound less weight.

Should You Buy It? You can buy three pairs of the Trek-Z for the cost of many poles in this guide, with only moderate decreases in hiking utility and performance. Because of the durable aluminum construction, that might be all the poles you’ll ever need.

Bottom Line: Trekking poles don’t get much fancier than these ones. They’re chock full of thoughtful design decisions that any hiker will appreciate on ascents and descents, although the price might be a dealbreaker for some.

If you want the best poles that your money can buy, the LEKI Black Series FX Carbons ($250) are our top recommendation. The brand calls them the “Cadillac” of the category, and they fit the description thanks to a deep and well-thought-out complement of bells and whistles.

The Tech: At 8 ounces per pole, trekkers will hardly notice the Black Series FX Carbon poles when stowed in their pack, and they make for a comfy swing weight as well. While far from the lightest trekking poles, they hit a wonderful compromise of weight, comfort, and durability. The poles use LEKI’s SpeedLock 2+, which the company claims is the world’s strongest external pole-locking system. We found that it secured the poles extremely well and allowed easy adjustment between 43 and 51 inches. Collapsed, the poles fold to just 15.7 inches.

What We Like: Editorial Director Sean McCoy tested these poles for over two years and hiked some iconic trails with them, including the Tour du Mont Blanc and Colorado’s Four Pass Loop. His pair still looks as good as new, except for some dirt on the cork handles. Those handles are the most comfortable of any of the dozens of poles we’ve tested; the cork is non-staining when wet and pleasant in the hand. Better yet, the tops of the Black Series FX Carbon have a perfect design for descending steep terrain. They allow the user to press downward on the pole with their palm and control the pole placement with their fingertips. It works incredibly well and makes descents much more pleasant on really technical terrain.

What We Don’t:  The Black Series FX Carbon doesn’t come cheap. At $250, they’re among the most expensive trekking poles on the market. You can get another superlative pair of poles — the Black Diamond Pursuit, our top overall pick — for $80 less.

Should You Buy It? If you’re going to be using your poles all the time and want to get the most out of them — from comfort to support to efficiency — it’s hard to do better than the Black Series FX Carbon. They’re high-performance machines meant for the most dedicated hikers and demanding treks.

Bottom Line: These superlight carbon poles will help you pick up the pace, especially on extra-long trail runs. They’re not the most comfortable, but FKT-chasers will love their single-mindedness. 

With speed-focused performance that makes them well-suited for ultramarathons, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Zs ($220) quickly became our favorite race poles. They’re crazy lightweight, pack small enough for strapping to a running vest, and deploy fast, which sealed the deal.

The Tech: These poles weigh the same as the Gossamer Gear LT5, a minuscule 9.8 ounces per pair. One of the main reasons for the featherweight build is that they’re fixed length — a compromise many runners are fine with. The Distance Carbon Zs are available in five different lengths, and we never wanted more or less than the 125 cm option we tested. Its wrist straps might seem a bit primitive compared to some of the glove/pole interfaces now popping up on race poles, but we appreciate the familiarity and don’t have any trouble slipping in and out of them. 

What We Like: Tester Ian Atkinson used the Distance Z in southwest Colorado to train for the Leadville 100 and said that the ability to deploy them rapidly was his favorite attribute. He was able to do it in seconds: just toss, slide the end of the handle section down, and the pole clicks into place. He also couldn’t get the poles to skitter, and that included leaning on them hard while slipping around on early spring ice. Stashing the poles on vest straps or in a pack was easy, too, and the 13-inch collapsed length is among the shortest we’ve tested.

What We Don’t: For rugged sidehilling, we’d prefer an extended grip to choke up on (like those found on the Black Diamond Pursuit), but the most you get here is the slightly raised collar that the pushbutton rests against — not the most comfortable to grip.

Should You Buy It? They’re niche and expensive, but if you’re looking for ways to improve your trail running splits, the Distance Carbon Z are worth the spend. For mountain speedsters or ultrarunners, these poles are our go-to suggestion.

Bottom Line: A quiver-of-one pole that gets the job done for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Its durability and foam-grip comfort stand out, and you can switch the baskets depending on the activity. 

Landing somewhere in between a ski pole and walking stick (we’ve used it for both), the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ($140) is a four-season trekking pole that we’ve carried on everything from splitboard traverses to deep backcountry approaches to alpine rock climbs. It’s performed well and held up excellently during every activity.

The Tech: Extended foam grips allow different hand positions (such as sidehilling on steep snow) and are topped with a tough plastic head with an exaggerated hook end for flipping up risers on skis and snowshoes. If you want to use the poles for setting up an ultralight shelter, the Expedition 3s work well in this regard, with no slip from the FlickLock lever mechanisms or bending in strong winds. They come standard with Black Diamond’s 100mm powder baskets, but they can accommodate smaller trail baskets. 

What We Like: These sticks excel where you need a tough pole, and Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has owned the same set of Expedition 3s for nearly five years now. In that time, they’ve certainly accumulated scratches and had the foam grips chewed a fair bit, but they’re every bit as functional as they were when he got them. A thick, all-aluminum tube design and the choice to go with simple locking mechanisms that don’t wear out are to thank for the longevity. The pole straps are fairly basic, but we do appreciate that Black Diamond left the securing pin exposed. This way, we can strip the straps entirely when we don’t need them (such as backcountry skiing). 

What We Don’t: Weighing 17.4 ounces per pair, they’re not very light — such is the tradeoff for durability and versatility. Because they’re aluminum poles that will often be used during wet activities, it’s important to remember to separate the shafts when you’re storing them. Damp aluminum tends to oxidize, and the powdery white dust will begin to jam up your poles if you aren’t diligent.

Should You Buy It? If you’re looking for a solid pole to use while mountaineering (and for the occasional day on skis), the Expedition 3s are a versatile, dependable choice. They’re not standouts in any one category, but few poles are so functional across every season.

Read Review: Carbon & Kevlar: MSR Trekking Poles Survive Alaskan Test

Bottom Line: A collapsible, adaptable pole that thrives during year-round use, thanks to a light-yet-durable carbon build and a super-short folded size. The metal adjustment locks are especially bomber.

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles ($190) survived the stress test we subjected them to while ski touring across Alaska, and they just keep kicking. These collapsible carbon poles are just about the shortest-folding poles we could find (only the shortest length of the Black Diamond Carbon Distance Zs pack down smaller), but they’re admirably tough.

The Tech: Collapsing to 14.3 inches, these poles are small enough to stash in your pack and quickly deploy when you need added traction. The carbon shaft design is reinforced with Kevlar to produce a stronger-than-usual stick with added durability against nicks and chipping. The “DynaLock” is a short sleeve that allows these otherwise fixed-length poles to adjust by up to 20 cm, which is perfect for dialing in different lengths for uphill versus downhill. A simple metal push button secures the section in place, and the length adjustment is clamped firmly with a metal flick lock. EVA grips with an extension down the shaft provide support while sidehilling, and these poles come with winter and standard baskets.

What We Like: Tester Seiji Ishii noticed the poles’ strength when he subjected them to strain while wearing a loaded pack on training hikes in the Texas Hill Country and while ski touring in Alaska. The DynaLock Ascent Carbon remained rigid and provided all the security he needed, and he could adjust his grip on the foam portion as needed while sidehilling. The snow baskets also impressed us, as they have a small lip for flicking up risers on ski bindings or snowshoes. Small features like that make the difference in rugged conditions, and they’re one of the reasons the DynaLocks are a compelling alternative to the Black Diamond Expedition 3s.

What We Don’t: These are minor drawbacks, but switching out the baskets takes a bit of effort. The DynaLock Ascent Carbon’s carbide tips are also not replaceable.

Should You Buy It? These are solid four-season poles that excel at transitioning from snowshoeing and mountaineering to summer hikes. The metal adjusting tech is notably tougher than the competition for cold-weather use, and the collapsed size means they’ll fit inside smaller alpine packs if you need to free up your hands.

Bottom Line: With a weight that will have you questioning if they’re real, these ultralight, ultra-minimalist poles are made for churning out miles. Just make sure to protect your investment.

At an incredible 4.9 ounces per pole, the latest iteration of the Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195) is stripped bare to the necessities, but still manages elite performance on the trail. Thru-hikers, this is your trekking pole.

The Tech: When we first picked them up, these poles felt like they could snap in half — they’re that light. We were eager to use them under heavy load, and regardless of the pressure and tweaks we applied, they performed well. While most simple twist-locking mechanisms can be weak, we were able to tighten and loosen them with ease and experienced no slippage. They might not have the bomber build of the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork’s all-metal FlickLock Pro adjusters, but for a pole this minimalist, they’re impressive.

What We Like: The EVA foam grip mimics the look of a classic cork grip and, on a hot day, wicks 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. Tester Jackson Sims-Myers used the LT5 on gnarly desert bushwhacks in Zion National Park — even taking them on an ascent of West Temple Peak — and was able to plant them aggressively when he needed purchase in unstable terrain. Apart from their utilitarian function, these poles also look really cool. The carbon fiber shafts are matte black, and the simple, white lettering makes them look about as minimal as they feel in your hands.

What We Don’t: Senior Editor Nick Belcaster tore one of the hand straps while off-trail deep in the Brooks Range of Alaska, which shows the need to be mindful with these lighter sticks. Due to the smooth nature of the locking mechanisms, we’d recommend being careful not to overtighten them. You’ll also want to keep the mechanism clean, as it can gum up and stop working.

Should You Buy It? If the rest of your kit is dialed in for long-distance multiday efforts, the LT5 poles make a great addition. They’re not very feature-heavy, but if you’re considering this pole, we’re guessing you’ve banished “heavy” from your vocabulary altogether.

Bottom Line: These high-end folding carbon poles grant a high degree of comfort thanks to premium grips and straps. Their price is the biggest catch, especially in a crowded field.

If second-best is good enough for you, and you want a super-premium pole but want to spend (slightly) less money than on our top high-end pick, look no further than the LEKI Makalu FX Carbons ($230). Their carbon construction and Aergon Air grips ensure a lightweight build without compromising on quality feel, and these rank just below the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon in terms of pure performance.

The Tech: At 17.8 ounces a pair, the Makalu FX Carbons are not ultralight. However, due to the Aergon Air grips, these poles feel like they want to spring forward with every step. They provided ample support while we climbed and descended icy trails around Tennessee’s Roan Mountain, and held our weight without wobbling or feeling fragile. These poles use LEKI’s ELD (External Locking Device), and after a few tries, they’re quicker to set up than most folding poles we’ve used. Simply let the sections fall, then guide them together and pull the middle shaft into place until you hear it click. Press the metal switch to unlock the sections and fold them back together. 

What We Like: During our testing, temperatures hovered below freezing, and we discovered that the Makalu’s grips felt right at home in our gloved hands. Their dense, foam-wrapped material is notably durable and shaped for comfort in multiple hand positions. Likewise, LEKI’s Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 feels light yet secure across your wrist and adjusts via a simple click mechanism. 

What We Don’t: The standard baskets the poles ship with feel unremarkable in the snow — at this price point, we would like to see a true snow basket and a rubber walking tip included. And while these poles come close to eclipsing the Black Series FX Carbon, they fall short due to their weight (2 ounces heavier per pair) and the lack of cork grips.  

Should You Buy It? It’s clear that the Makalu FX Carbons are carefully built and thoughtfully designed. Nothing feels out of place, and if you don’t need a featherweight pole and have room in your budget, they’re a solid choice for three-season adventures.

Bottom Line: There are carbon poles out there that are lighter and some that perform better, but these are admirably well-rounded. Bomber locking mechanisms and comfy, extended grips are the standout features.

Anyone looking for a reliable backcountry pole will appreciate this durable, full-featured pair. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ($230) earned their place in the category’s premium tier after guiding us through variable terrain. During testing trips in the Tetons, our hands stayed happy on the cork grips, which are comfortable and tacky, and we also appreciated the extended foam that allows for easy position changes. The straps, which utilize a comfortable climbing webbing, felt pleasant even after several days of continuous use. 

The Tech: These are fairly popular poles, and for good reason: they’ve got all the bells and whistles we’re looking for in a premium option. The full carbon design keeps things light — not as light as carbon can get (at 17.1 ounces per pair, they’re almost double the lightest poles in this guide), but you get nicer trim and features in the trade-off. The FlickLock Pro adjusters, in particular, are an absolute upgrade over the FlickLock+ versions on the Black Diamond Pursuit poles; they’re all-aluminum and clamp much tighter.

What We Like: Black Diamond slates these poles as a true four-season option, putting them smack dab between lighter trail options and burly ski/mountaineering poles like the Expedition 3s. The ability to run 100 mm powder baskets on them stretches their usefulness, and we also appreciated the tech tips that can be swapped for a rubber tip — those are great for ambling on walking paths or soft slickrock. The buckleless straps, utilizing a comfortable climbing webbing, proved very comfortable even after several days of continuous use. 

What We Don’t: With a collapsed size of 25 inches, the Alpine Carbon Corks don’t pack down enough for stashing in smaller packs. If you want a premium carbon pole that’s easier to stow, the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon packs down to 16 inches but will run you $20 more.  

Should You Buy It? While the Alpine Carbon Cork Poles are a bit more expensive than similar options, they’re worth the investment if you plan to use them regularly and are looking for a lightweight pair of poles that are also quite durable.

Bottom Line: These poles are one of REI’s entries into the world of ultralight, and they get many things right, including weight and durability. Value isn’t their strongest asset. 

The REI Co-op Flash Carbons ($189) manage to strike a difficult balance between light and strong. A collapsible three-section design prevents them from feeling burdensome, and the metal lever locks keep them at the desired length, even when weighted down by heavy loads during downhill trudging.

The Tech: The Flash Carbons collapse down to 25 inches long, which isn’t very impressive but allows for stowage in larger packs and cross-strapping to lighter loads. However, these poles share the same adjuster as the brand’s cheaper Trailmade poles, which means the same fiddliness and difficulty of adjusting on the fly.

What We Like: Hiking with one of these and a comparable aluminum pole, we were surprised by the difference in shock dampening. This is certainly one of the biggest reasons to go with a carbon pole, in our opinion, and these do it well. The foam handles are comfortable and moisture-absorbing, and the adjustable wrist strap allows you to maintain a custom fit.

What We Don’t: At this price point, we still think there are better options out there for most folks. The LEKI Makalu Cork Lites ($160) are a bit heavier, but they use lever locks that we trust more and incorporate cork handles that’ll be nicer in the long run.

Should You Buy It? If you’ve got a Co-op dividend burning a hole in your pocket, the Flash Carbon poles are fine choices for the money. Those who want a reasonably lightweight carbon pole for all-day use will be well served by them.

Bottom Line: These poles have a fully collapsible design and a carbon shaft, making them some of the most well-rounded hiking sticks on the market. But you’ll be spending more for the privilege of wielding them.

The Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Poles ($220) are the upgraded versions of our top pick, with the same fully collapsible design but a carbon shaft that makes them lighter than the vanilla Pursuit’s aluminum build. For only $50 more, you get some seriously premium trekking poles.

The Tech: The 15.7-inch collapsed length (for a 120 cm pole) is the big deal here, and that’s only slightly longer than our favorite collapsible poles, the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbons, which break down to 14.3 inches. The Pursuit Carbon Zs fold down similarly, with a plastic-covered tether connecting the three segments of the pole. A single lock pin on the handle snaps into place once you’ve fully extended the pole. These operate simply, lock firmly, and feel secure on the trail.

What We Like: The carbon shafts help keep these poles lighter than the standard Pursuits as well (only 2.3 ounces per pair, but it all adds up). The shafts aren’t willowy in the hand, either, and can be bumped around on the trail without worry. The trail baskets are minimal, help keep the swing weight down, and keep things compact when the poles are bundled together. The Pursuit Carbon Zs also come with snow baskets for use during the shoulder seasons; we wouldn’t recommend them for ski touring, though.

What We Don’t: While Black Diamond’s “Z-Pole” rapid deployment mechanism is proven by this point, it still isn’t quite as robust as a traditional telescoping and lever-lock design. We’ve seen poles with this mechanism that have worn through the polyurethane outer cover on the “Z” component, and while they’re still functional, they don’t seem as trustworthy.

Should You Buy It? If you like the Pursuits’ collapsible design but have an extra $50 to spare, the jump up to these poles (and down in weight) should be a simple choice. They’ll help you cut weight from your kit without compromising on performance.

Bottom Line: If you don’t want to spend an outrageous amount of money, these poles offer LEKI quality with cost-saving aluminum construction. There are better deals out there, though.

The LEKI Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles ($160) earn good marks for being comfortable, light, and surprisingly stable for their weight. These are the non-foldable and non-carbon versions of the LEKI Makalu FX Carbons, and for $80 less, you get similar performance in a slightly heavier package.

The Tech: Cork grips provide all-day sweat relief, and the foam grip extensions give you a place to choke up on the pole when really traversing steep terrain. LEKI’s Aergon Air straps felt soft on the skin and seemed to help wick sweat away on hot days. The straps are also easy to adjust with a pull of the tab, and the lack of buckles around the hands was an added plus.

What We Like: When it comes to trekking poles, we think most folks are best served by paying around $150, and the Makalu Cork Lites met our expectations during testing. The aluminum construction is proven to hold up under duress and helps to avoid the price creep associated with carbon poles like the Makalu FX, which cost $230.

What We Don’t: While the Makalu Cork Lite performed well in testing, there are a few reasons we think LEKI’s Khumbu Lite poles are the better value. For one, they pack smaller (by about 1.2 inches, which can make a difference) and are also a smidge lighter by 2 ounces. You’ll save $30 with the Khumbu Lite and have essentially the same poles. The Black Diamond Pursuits are a better direct comparison to the Makalu Lites, and if you want a slightly more well-rounded option with better features (the Pursuits also come with snow baskets, which the Makalu Cork Lites don’t), then choose those.

Should You Buy It? The Makalu Corks fall within our recommended pole price range, and benefit from LEKI’s design expertise and hand-friendly construction for long trail days. We don’t think you’ll regret purchasing them, but there’s stiff competition from comparable models.

Bottom Line: These poles parlay an interesting grip design and an affordable price into one of the better deals on the market. They’re especially appealing to hikers with smaller hands.

Those looking for an inexpensive trekking pole that punches well above its price tag will appreciate the LEKI Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles ($130). They have a three-piece adjustable design, standout cork-and-rubber grips, and impressive durability, backed by LEKI’s lifetime shaft breakage guarantee.

The Tech: The Khumbu Lites’ grips lean forward at 8 degrees, giving your wrists relief during all-day missions. A lightweight aluminum build offers lasting durability while weighing only 8.6 ounces per pole. And thanks to the Speed Lock Plus system, adjusting the length is faster than deciding which scenic sidetrail to take before heading back. 

What We Like: The real stars of the show are those sweet, angled ergonomic grips. Made from a comfy cork-and-plastic combo, they’re just the right width, making them a dream for hikers with smaller hands. While putting these poles to the test on a chilly trek through the winter forests of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, we couldn’t stop raving about how perfectly they fit in our hands, even though we had gloves on. Compared to the Black Diamond Pursuits, other value standouts we’ve tested, these poles perform and feel like a much pricier pair of sticks. But at $40 less and 3 ounces lighter than the Pursuits, we’re not sure you could do much better for your money.

What We Don’t: While we’ve made our love for the grips clear, their design may not be for everybody — especially hikers with large mitts. And carbon poles are lighter, but you give up aluminum’s durability.

Should You Buy It? For those long days on the trail where every attempt at comfort should be recognized and exploited, the Khumbu Lite trekking poles answer the call. Their blend of price and ergonomics should intrigue a wide range of hikers.

Bottom Line: Bargain-bin pricing is the major appeal of these poles. They may not be superstars, but they’re certifiably trail-worthy, and that’s really all you need.

Trekking poles for under $40? Yes, you read that right. The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles ($30) are an off-the-beaten-path fan favorite and a budget-lover’s dream.

The Tech: At 10.4 ounces per pole, they’re certainly not the lightest option out there, but they aren’t excessively heavy either. They also have real cork grips, which is a coup at this price point — some poles that cost more than five times as much can’t even claim those. 

What We Like: On the trail, these poles get the job done. For casual outings, they’ll help support your weight and keep you balanced, all without breaking the bank. Are they designed for technical trails or super long-term use? No. But they fill their specific role well.

What We Don’t: Why aren’t these our budget pick? Easy: collapsed size. The foldable design of the Trekology Trek-Zs makes them well worth the extra $15 you’ll have to scrounge up, but otherwise both sets are quite similar.

Should You Buy It? While there are other budget options to consider, we still think there’s a good place for the Cascade Mountain Techs, mostly because of their incredibly low price. If the fiddly nature of a foldable pole doesn’t appeal to you, these are a great non-investment to make.