The Best Trekking Poles of 2024

When it comes to outdoor exploration, there’s one tool that stands out for its versatility and usefulness: trekking poles. These trusty companions offer stability, assistance, and balance, making them an essential asset for hikers of all levels.

In 2024, we’ve seen incredible advancements in the design and functionality of trekking poles. Now, outdoor enthusiasts have a wide range of customized options to choose from, tailored to their specific needs. Let’s dive into the top trekking poles of the year that will take your backpacking adventures to the next level.

Whether you’re conquering challenging mountain trails or enjoying a leisurely stroll through serene forests, these trekking poles are ready to be your reliable partners on every journey.

Beyond providing stability, trekking poles play a vital role in reducing fatigue, preventing injuries, and improving overall hiking efficiency. With ergonomic grips, shock absorption systems, and adjustable lengths, modern trekking poles are meticulously designed to maximize comfort and performance across various terrains.

No matter if you’re tackling steep inclines, navigating tricky descents, or covering long distances, the right pair of trekking poles can greatly enhance your hiking experience. They empower you to explore further and conquer obstacles with ease.

Before you embark on your next outdoor adventure, make sure to equip yourself with the finest trekking poles of 2024. You’ll be amazed at the remarkable difference they can make in your journey.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

 

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are designed with avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. They offer a fantastic blend of top-notch features that cater to your needs.

When it comes to these poles, it’s all about comfort, durability, and efficiency. They make for the perfect companion when you’re tackling challenging terrains.

With a premium cork grip and a soft-rubber extension, these poles provide exceptional stability and control during your outdoor adventures.

The Flick Lock Pro mechanism, built with lightweight aluminum, adds to the poles’ usability and adaptability on rough trails. Plus, the 3-section carbon fiber shaft strikes a great balance between durability and lightweight convenience.

Black Diamond has a solid reputation for high-quality and sturdy products, and these poles are no exception. They deliver reliable performance even in tough outdoor conditions. However, some users have mentioned occasional issues with the bottom collars failing to securely hold the collapsed poles, resulting in intermittent clattering during storage.

Pros:

•  The high-quality cork material and soft-rubber extension provide a superior grip, enhancing your maneuverability and stability.
•  The lightweight aluminum construction of the Flick Lock Pro adjustment mechanism makes these poles easy to use.
•  The robust 100% carbon fiber shaft ensures reliable performance and portability.

Cons:

•  There have been occasional issues with the bottom collars failing to securely lock the poles when collapsed, leading to minor clattering.
•  It’s worth noting that these poles are priced slightly higher compared to other options in the market.

 

Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

If you’re on the lookout for reliable and lightweight trekking poles that won’t break the bank, let me introduce you to the Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles. These babies are crafted from carbon fiber, which means they’re tough yet super light. So, you get the stability and support you need without feeling like you’re lugging around a ton of weight.

Speaking of weight, these poles weigh in at a mere 7.6 ounces each. That means they won’t drag you down during your hikes. Plus, adjusting them is a piece of cake thanks to their quick-lock mechanisms. Whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you can easily customize the height of these poles from 24” to 53” to fit your needs and the terrain you’re tackling.

But wait, there’s more! These poles have a compact design, making them perfect for travel. And the cherry on top? They come with some awesome accessories like rubber tip protectors, pole connectors, and mud baskets, making them even more versatile.

Oh, and let’s not forget about comfort. The padded straps on these poles improve your grip and stability, reducing fatigue and the chances of accidentally dropping them.

Now, let’s talk pros and cons, shall we?

Pros:

•  These poles are made from carbon fiber, so they’re tough but lightweight.
•  The quick-lock mechanisms make adjusting them a breeze for hikers of all heights.
•  They’re compact and come with cool accessories, making them travel-friendly and versatile.

Cons:

•  Some users might find the padded straps uncomfortable during long hikes.
•  The grip could use a bit more cushioning, which might cause some discomfort on extended treks.

 

MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles have become really popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want dependable support on different types of terrain.

These poles are made from a mix of kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, which makes them super strong but still lightweight. So you can trust that they’ll last, without feeling like you’re lugging around a ton of weight.

What’s cool about these poles is that they’re designed in three pieces, so you can easily unfold and fold them up. This feature is especially handy if you’re carrying a small backpack. And the best part? You can adjust the length of the poles in a jiffy without needing any tools, all thanks to the DynaLock mechanism. It gives you a lot of flexibility to set the pole length just the way you like it.

The poles also come with lightweight EVA foam grips that are super comfy during those long hikes. Plus, there’s an extended lower grip that gives you even more adaptability on different terrains.

Now, I gotta be honest with you. While these poles are pretty portable, some folks might find the collapsed size a tad bulky. But hey, that’s a small price to pay considering their top-notch construction and versatile design, which make them a solid choice for all kinds of hiking adventures.

Pros:

•  These poles are made from kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, so they offer reliable support without weighing you down.
•  The DynaLock mechanism lets you adjust the poles easily and without any tools, making them super user-friendly.
•  The lightweight EVA foam grips, including the extended lower grip, provide comfort and versatility during your hikes.

Cons:

•  Some people might find the collapsed size a bit cumbersome, even though the poles are designed to be foldable.

 

LEKI Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles

LEKI’s Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles are carefully crafted to meet the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of strength and comfort.

These trekking poles are made entirely from alloy, providing robust support while remaining lightweight for those demanding hiking trips. You can easily adjust their length, ranging from 100 to 135 cm, to suit different terrains and personal preferences using the Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism. It ensures quick and secure adjustments without any hassle.

The Aergon Cor-Tec Grip is designed to fit your hand’s natural shape, offering ergonomic comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, the super-soft Lock Security Strap 2.0 provides a secure grip without causing any discomfort.

These poles prioritize both comfort and ease of use with their ergonomic handles, quick adjusters, and gentle straps. Moreover, their impressively light construction adds to the overall convenience of your hiking experiences.

However, some users may find it a bit challenging to understand the provided instructions, which could potentially hinder the initial setup and adjustment process.

Pros:

•  The sturdy alloy construction ensures durability without unnecessary weight.
•  The Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism enhances your hiking experience by allowing quick and secure adjustments to the pole length.

Cons:

•  Some users might find it a bit tricky to interpret the instructions, which could affect the setup and adjustment process.

 

Urban Poling Trekking Poles

The Urban Poles Series 300 by Urban Poling is one of the finest pairs of Nordic poles, useful for all fitness enthusiasts throughout the year. It provides a durable design that ensures optimum performance and comfort to users at all levels.

The high-quality aluminum used in these poles makes them not only strong but also able to keep your core muscles engaged while walking. This helps in burning more calories with less strain on the wrists.

Its ergonomically designed CoreGrip will increase the engagement of the core muscles and hence improve walking form for maximum fitness gains.

Different height users can use them with adjustable height settings, while collapsible design makes them easy to store and transport.

Feedback from Guinea-pigging this product pointed out that the poles were easy to adjust and took a short time to get into correct usage, bringing noticeable benefits during PA.

There are some poles that have a strong and secure lock, an ergonomic rubber grip, a metal tip made of carbide, and removable tips for the boots to achieve maximum usability on all sorts of grounds.

On the other hand, the package lacks any strap on the pole, which would increase stability and comfort.

Pros:

•  Lightweight aluminum provides a guarantee of its endurance and strength in fitness exercises throughout any season.
•  The ergonomically designed CoreGrip engages core muscles in a way to burn more calories while keeping wrists away from strains.
•  ADC Adjustable height and foldable design allow flexibility and convenience in different ways for different users’ heights.

Cons:

•  Lacking included straps may compromise stability and comfort levels for users.

Conclusion

The best hiking poles for 2024 bring together innovation, durability, and practicality to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned pro, these tools offer more than just stability.

Hiking poles not only help reduce strain on your joints, but they also improve your posture and balance, making your hiking experience even better. They can come in handy for crossing streams, supporting tents, or even serving as selfie sticks to capture those breathtaking views.

So, when you’re getting ready for your next adventure, make sure you pick the hiking poles that match your style and preferences. With the right gear, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way in the great outdoors.

To sharpen your backpacking skills, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the essential skills every backpacker should have.