The Best Trekking Poles of 2024

In the realm of outdoor exploration, few tools can match the utility of trekking poles. These versatile companions provide stability, assistance, and balance, proving invaluable for hikers of all skill levels.

The year 2024 has witnessed remarkable advancements in the design and functionality of trekking poles, offering enthusiasts a wide selection of customized options tailored to their specific needs. Here, we explore the top trekking poles of the year, carefully chosen to enhance your backpacking adventures.

Whether you’re tackling challenging mountain trails or meandering through tranquil forests, these trekking poles are poised to be your reliable partners on every journey.

More than just providing stability, trekking poles play a crucial role in reducing fatigue, preventing injuries, and improving overall hiking efficiency. With features such as ergonomic grips, shock absorption systems, and adjustable lengths, modern trekking poles are engineered with precision to maximize comfort and performance across various terrains.

Whether you’re scaling steep inclines, navigating tricky descents, or covering long distances, the right pair of trekking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience, enabling you to explore further and overcome obstacles effortlessly.

Before embarking on your next outdoor adventure, equip yourself with the finest trekking poles of 2024 and witness the remarkable difference they can make in your journey.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

 

Tailored to meet the needs of enthusiastic hikers and lovers of the outdoors, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles embody a blend of premium features.

Emphasizing user comfort, durability, and effectiveness, these poles are crafted to assist individuals navigating demanding terrains.

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

The improved Flick Lock Pro mechanism, crafted from lightweight aluminum materials, enhances usability and adaptability on rugged trails. Constructed with a 3-section shaft made entirely of carbon fiber, these poles strike a perfect balance between durability and lightweight portability.

Black Diamond’s poles are renowned for their exceptional build quality and sturdiness, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging outdoor environments. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the bottom collars failing to securely hold the poles when collapsed, leading to intermittent clattering during storage.

Pros:

•  Elevated grip facilitated by high-quality cork material and an additional soft-rubber extension, improving both maneuverability and stability.
•  Improved usability thanks to the lightweight aluminum construction of the Flick Lock Pro adjustment mechanism.
•  Guaranteed reliability and portability provided by the sturdy 100% carbon fiber shaft.

Cons:

•  Occasional reports of the bottom collars failing to securely lock the poles when collapsed, resulting in slight clattering.
•  These poles come with a higher price tag compared to alternative offerings in the market.

 

Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles offer a dependable and lightweight option for budget-conscious hikers who prioritize top-quality gear. Engineered to deliver stability and support during outdoor expeditions, these poles are constructed entirely from carbon fiber, ensuring durability without sacrificing on weight.

Weighing just 7.6 ounces per pole, they provide minimal added load during hikes while maintaining their resilience. Equipped with quick-lock mechanisms, adjusting the poles from 24” to 53” is effortless, accommodating various heights and terrain conditions.

Moreover, their compact design makes them ideal for travel, and supplementary accessories like rubber tip protectors, pole connectors, and mud baskets enhance their versatility.

Padded straps enhance grip comfort and stability, reducing fatigue and the risk of accidentally dropping the poles during use.

Pros:

•  The utilization of lightweight carbon fiber ensures durability without sacrificing weight.
•  Adjustable quick locks offer effortless customization to accommodate users of varying heights.
•  Featuring a compact design and inclusive accessories, these poles are both travel-friendly and adaptable.

Cons:

•  Some users may find the comfort provided by the padded straps insufficient for prolonged use.
•  The grip’s limited cushioning might lead to discomfort during extended hikes.

 

MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles have garnered favor among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable support across diverse terrains.

Constructed from a blend of kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, these poles offer impressive strength while maintaining a lightweight profile, ensuring durability without compromise.

Their three-piece design facilitates quick deployment and convenient folding, making them a valuable addition to compact backpacks.

Featuring the DynaLock mechanism, these poles offer tool-free tension adjustment and a generous 20 cm range for personalized pole length, effortlessly catering to individual preferences. The lightweight EVA foam grips, along with an extended lower grip, enhance comfort during long hikes and adaptability across different terrains.

While these poles excel in portability, some users may find the collapsed size slightly bulky. Nonetheless, their exceptional construction and versatile design establish them as a dependable choice for a wide range of hiking adventures.

Pros:

•  Reliable support offered by the ultralight construction of kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber.
•  Improved usability with the DynaLock mechanism, allowing for effortless and tool-free adjustments.
•  Comfort and versatility during hikes ensured by the lightweight EVA foam grips, which include an extended lower grip.

Cons:

•  Despite its collapsible design, some users may still perceive the size as somewhat cumbersome.

 

LEKI Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles

LEKI’s Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles are skillfully designed to cater to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of durability and comfort.

Crafted entirely from alloy, these trekking poles provide sturdy yet lightweight support for demanding hiking excursions. The adjustable length, ranging from 100 to 135 cm, can be easily tailored to terrain conditions and personal preferences through the Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism, ensuring quick and secure adjustments.

Designed to fit the natural shape of your hand, the Aergon Cor-Tec Grip offers ergonomic comfort during extended use. Complementing this, the super-soft Lock Security Strap 2.0 provides a secure grip without causing discomfort.

With ergonomic handles, rapid adjusters, and gentle straps, these poles prioritize both comfort and usability. Additionally, their impressively light construction adds to the overall convenience of hiking experiences.

However, some users may encounter difficulties understanding the provided instructions, which could potentially hinder the initial setup and adjustment process.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

 

Urban Poling Trekking Poles

The Urban Poles Series 300, designed by Urban Poling, stand out as top-tier Nordic walking sticks perfect for year-round fitness enthusiasts, guaranteeing durability, optimal performance, and comfort for individuals of all proficiency levels.

Crafted from high-quality aluminum, these poles not only offer durability but also contribute to activating core muscles, resulting in increased calorie expenditure and reduced strain on the wrists.

The ergonomically crafted CoreGrip enhances the engagement of core muscles, encouraging better walking form and maximizing overall fitness gains.

Featuring adjustable height settings and a collapsible design, these poles accommodate users of different heights and provide convenient storage and transportation options.

Feedback from user testing revealed that the poles were easily adjustable, quickly adapting to correct usage and providing noticeable benefits during physical activities.

Boasting advanced features like a dependable locking mechanism, ergonomic rubber grip, carbide metal tip, and detachable boot tips, these poles ensure usability across various terrains.

However, it’s important to note that the lack of included straps may affect stability and comfort during use.

Pros:

•  The use of lightweight aluminum ensures durability and reinforcement for a range of year-round fitness activities.
•  The ergonomically designed CoreGrip promotes engagement of core muscles, leading to increased calorie burn and reduced strain on the wrists.
•  Customizable height adjustments and a collapsible design offer flexibility and convenience for individuals of varying heights.

Cons:

•  The absence of included straps may compromise stability and comfort levels during use.

Conclusion

The leading hiking poles of 2024 embody a blend of innovation, durability, and practicality, catering to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual day-tripper or an experienced backpacker, these essential tools offer benefits beyond just stability.

Hiking poles not only alleviate strain on joints but also improve posture and balance, enhancing your hiking adventures in various ways. Their versatility extends to aiding in stream crossings, acting as tent supports, or even transforming into impromptu selfie sticks to capture stunning summit views.

Therefore, as you prepare to hit the trails, it’s essential to consider selecting the right hiking poles tailored to your preferences and hiking style. Equipped with the appropriate gear, you can embark on outdoor adventures with confidence, ready to tackle any challenges encountered along the way.

For refining essential backpacking skills, delve into our comprehensive guide outlining the fundamental proficiencies every backpacker should master.