The Best Trekking Poles for Steep Terrain and Speedy Missions
Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites.
Trekking poles, also known as hiking poles or walking sticks, increase hikers’ stability and balance on rough terrain. Find the best poles for your next trek with advice from Backpacker’s gear experts.
The equipment I didn't know I needed saved my long hike.
Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites.
Its unique design creates a rare combination of stiffness and light weight.
The featherweight Gossamer Gear LT5s are on sale right now.
Leki’s Hemp One Vario poles prove that hemp is a viable option for sustainable outdoor gear.
With more than 40 options available for trail lovers, LEKI has a trekking pole for every occasion
The best overall trekking poles of 2021.
The trekking pole with best features of 2021.
The most durable trekking poles of 2021.
The best value trekking poles of 2021.
Best for speed
Bargain trekking pole
Best value trekking poles
Most versatile
Improve your balance and save your knees with the best trekking poles on the market.
Lightest
Best shock absorption
Best telescoping
Bargain folding
Check out Chris "Wolverine" Hillier's author page.
These trekking poles take the sting out of the most rugged trails.
Splurge a bit on these trekking poles that combine carbon and aluminum for incredible durability.
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.
Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.
If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.