Trekking poles aren't just for older hikers or people with bad knees. Research consistently shows they reduce impact on the lower body by 25 percent or more on descents, improve balance on technical terrain, and can meaningfully extend how long you can hike comfortably. If you've been on the fence about poles, the short version is: they're worth it.
Here's what to look for and our top picks for 2026.
What to Look For
Material: Carbon fiber poles are lighter (often under 200g per pole) but can snap under sudden lateral force. Aluminum poles are heavier but more durable and far less likely to break catastrophically on a fall. For technical terrain or backcountry trips, aluminum is the safer choice.
Adjustability: Fixed-length poles are lighter; adjustable poles are more versatile and easier to pack. For most hikers, adjustable is the better choice.
Grip material: Cork grips mold to your hand over time and handle sweat well. Foam grips are softer out of the box. Rubber grips are durable but can cause hot spots on long days.
Locking mechanism: Twist-lock and lever-lock are the two main systems. Lever locks (like Black Diamond's FlickLock) are faster to adjust and more reliable in cold weather.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
The gold standard for most hikers — aluminum construction with Black Diamond's reliable FlickLock Pro adjustment system, cork grips that genuinely improve with use, and a price point that's fair for the quality. These poles take abuse and keep going.
→ Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork on Amazon
Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
At 164g per pole, these are among the lightest trekking poles available. The Z-fold design collapses into three segments for easy packing — great for trail runners and fastpackers who only want poles for descents and technical sections. Not ideal for people who lean hard on poles all day.
→ Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z on Amazon
Best Value: REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles
Solid aluminum construction, foam grips, and a reasonable price point that makes them a great first pair. Not the lightest or most refined, but they'll get the job done on most hikes without breaking the bank.
→ Adjustable aluminum trekking poles on Amazon
Best for Backpackers: Leki Micro Vario Carbon
Leki's AERGON grip system is the most ergonomic on the market, and the Micro Vario's three-piece fold design packs down small enough for an external pack pocket. Premium price, but for multi-day trips these poles earn their cost.
→ Leki carbon trekking poles on Amazon
Tips for Using Poles Correctly
- Adjust height so your elbow forms a 90-degree angle when holding the grip with the tip on the ground.
- On uphills, shorten the poles slightly; on steep descents, lengthen them.
- Use the wrist straps — they transfer weight to the pole without gripping hard, reducing hand fatigue.
- Replace worn tips before they damage trail surfaces or give you less grip.
We use affiliate links. Purchases through them support RunBikeHike.us at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.