Rigid Trekking Poles

Recent Rigid Trekking Pole Reviews

Cascade Mountain Tech 3K Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip

The best of the inexpensive pole lineup from Cascade Mountain Tech. Many years ago, while in the North Cascades, I sprained my ankle. It was 7 steep miles back to the car. My wife had trekking poles and loaned them to me so I could "crutch" down the mountain. With the help of the poles, I survived and have been using poles ever since. I have pairs from Komperdell, Leki, Black Diamond, and three different versions from Cascade Moutain Tech: the aluminum, standard carbon fiber (CF), and the 3k carbon… Full review

Leki Makalu FX Carbon

  Great poles for the mountains Trekking poles have come a long way since the days of using old ski poles. I’ll admit that I resisted them for a long time, just assuming that they were nothing but extra weight and expense. While I seldom use them on easy, family hikes, I find them indispensable on climbing approaches and mountain hiking.  While these poles aren't cheap, Leki has addressed the problem of weight and stowability all while making some fantastic poles with the Makalu FX Carbon poles. Full review

MSR DynaLock Explore Backcountry Poles

Very good, three-section aluminum trekking poles for trekking and year-round mountaineering. Sturdy and relatively light, feel dependable, and delivered with multiple baskets. Great price tag and the cost/quality ratio. 550g / 1 lbs 4 oz | Open, Max: 140 cm / 55 in | Collapsed 62.2 cm / 24.5 in I was looking for a trekking pole to cover my needs for at least three-season use, and I generally accept something a little heavier to gain durability (and dependability). After some research I went with… Full review

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Montem appears to be a fraudulent business operating out of a guy's apartment in New York City. Check out their address as listed on their website (20 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009) on Google maps and decide for yourself if this is where you want to spend your money. I ordered two pairs of these poles directly from Montem. They were in stock and were guaranteed to be delivered in 7-10 days. 21 days later, even though the poles are still "in stock," the poles have not even been put in a shipping box,… Full review

Black Diamond Ultra Distance

Where is the "stop/lock" button?!? My set doesn't have this. I've gone to REI (purchase place) twice about this; agents clueless. Web query doesn't help at all. Purchased ~3 yrs ago and used greatly—but in squishy surface, the trek pole unhinges and you have a floppy thing in your hands, not a trek pole. There is no stop/lock button or any other feature to secure the pole when opened. Full review

Pacerpole 3-Section Alloy

Broke within 9 months—doesn't store well. I ordered these for my boyfriend last Christmas and he loved them up until they broke this past month. The pieces got stuck together and we can no longer extend the poles. We contacted the owner and tried to troubleshoot but nothing worked. We asked for a warranty but there isn't any. The owner asked us to buy new pieces instead. I wanted to support small businesses, but for the price, it feels like we wasted a great deal instead of just going to REI and… Full review

Komperdell Wild Rambler

I have used this pole to keep me walking with my group. I am an older walker so need it to get me up the inclines. I only use it for bush walks and am very pleased to have it. Using this hiking staff has made it possible for me to continue walking with my walking group. The body is willing, but the legs are beginning to complain. Thanks to this product I am still out there doing it. Full review

Leki Vario XS

Leki's Vario XS four-season poles are designed for kids, but are fully functional on trail or in the snow. Adults or children who use poles in the 80-110 cm (31-43") range will find these two-piece poles are easy to adjust both for length and strap position. Leki's HTS 5.5 aluminum balances strength and weight, making the Vario XS a four-season pole that can adjust for growing children.   Leki Vario XS  The Vario XS replaced the Leki Vario Jr. SpeedLock and, while aimed at younger hikers and skiers,… Full review

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

An ultralight, adjustable length, hybrid folding-telescopic, all-carbon pole for trail running or power hiking on good trails. Quick and reliable locking mechanisms for deployment and length adjustment. Full-wrap straps with well-designed quick-release for shifting gears on the move or freeing up hands for photo stops etc. Small diameter baskets and light construction limit best use to firm surfaces—no snow or deep mud, please. First look  The first word that comes to mind in describing the Leki… Full review