Rigid Trekking Poles

Reviewed by FromSagetoSnow

  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.

Read more: Leki Makalu FX Carbon review (1)

Reviewed by David Link

Leki's Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA are a sturdy, packable set of poles which will keep you on your feet, and save your knees. Super easy and fast to assemble and adjust, and rock solid performance for your dollar.

I have been a fan of hiking poles for a long time. Because I have horrible arch stability, and a fairly uneven sense of balance, having those extra supports makes a real difference, and has saved my bacon more than once! I have had a pair of Black Diamond Carbon Cork poles which have literally hundreds of miles on them, and they are looking a little worse for the wear these days. I’ve also been curious about the folding compact pole designs which have come into favor in the last few years, so when the opportunity arose to try the Leki Micro Vario Cor-Tek TA poles, I was very interested in giving them a try.

Read more: Leki Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA review (1)

Featured review by Yul

These poles are as tough as it gets. I hiked around 1,000 miles in the last six months and I’m glad I had these poles to support me. These are so durable I never even had to tighten the screws of the Flicklocks! I hiked while carrying an average weight of 36 pounds (16 kilos) and in all types of terrain, but the majority of it were granite and other igneous rocks.

Durability Brilliant, superb, outstanding! There were numerous times I had put all of my weight on these poles and they never bent or seemed like they are going to. I threw them down slopes, dragged them on gravel roads and rock slabs and nothing broke, nothing turned loose. The flicklocks never failed! Neither did I ever have to tighten the screws, for 1,000 miles! That’s unbelievable in my point of view. The carbon tips seem like they will stand at least another 1,000 miles and though there is evident wear to them, it’s not nearly what I would expect it to be.

Read more: Black Diamond Trail reviews (7)

Featured review by Mackaym

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles work very well and are comfortable. They do a great job of helping me keep my balance while carrying large or shifting loads. I would definitely recommend these poles to others.

I had been considering getting a set of trekking poles for a couple of years, and when I found this set for less than $50, I decided it was finally time. I purchased them at the beginning of January, 2012, and here I am nearly three months later, and I've only had a chance to use them a couple of times. Thus, only 4 stars for now, due to the unknown longevity factor.  If they prove to be durable through the summer, I will definitely up the rating. Immediately I could tell a difference between the quality of these poles and the quality of other trekking poles I've looked at in stores.

Read more: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork reviews (13)

Featured review by Brian Nordberg

A beautiful pole that takes a beating, but the form over function of the flick lock design loses points. This is the 95-125 cm Women's version.

When the porcupine bites on my wife's 7 year old BD poles started to become annoying, we started looking for another set. These 7 year old poles have been champs with thousands and thousands of miles. And only a few issues. So we decided to grab a pair of the new Black Diamond Women's alpine carbon cork poles. At 5'2" the smaller size and weight limit means a lighter pole. And at 5'9" I was also able to use the poles without issue, but I had to extend them to their max. So we cannot recommend these if you are over 5'9" Old vs new The all carbon shaft is amazing at absorbing shock.

Read more: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork reviews (9)

Reviewed by Aris Kondylides

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 these poles, which are not widely well-known apparently, as other brands have the lion's share of the market and many buyers go by the reviews online to play it safe (completely understandable). Trekking poles fully retracted Trekking poles, fully open (right) and fully retracted (left) I was pleasantly surprised by this pair of trekking poles, which are three-section poles, made entirely of aluminum (MSR mentions the "light, high-strength 7075 aluminum lower sections").

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Featured review by Bill S

The Cascade trekking poles are a very good design and construction. They appear to be very durable long-term. They are certainly a bargain for the price, delivering good performance, as good or better than many better-known, higher priced poles.

Background: The conventional wisdom is that poles provide better balance, promote rhythm when hiking, and “4 points on the ground”, especially on steep, rough trails, when carrying heavy loads. I have been using poles since I was very young, first as sticks I picked up along the trail, then single purpose-made staves (made from bamboo or various woods), often decorated with little plaques that showed where I had hiked. I will have to say that my favorite hiking staff is the one presented to me when I retired as Scoutmaster of Troop 5.

Read more: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip reviews (4)

Reviewed by Wama

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles are compact when folded, lightweight and have excellent grips/straps. They are great for traveling when you need to pack them in luggage.

I have owned a pair of Black Diamond Distance FL trekking poles for more than two years and also have a pair of Leki Carbonlite AS XL trekking poles. What I like about the Distance FL poles is their compact size when folded which makes them easy to pack and transport in luggage when flying.  What I like about the Carbonlite poles is the Aergon grip and shock absorbtion.  I bought the Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles to get the best of both worlds. They are nearly as compact as the Distance FL poles but have the excellent Leki Aergon grip and straps.

Read more: Leki Micro Vario Carbon review (1)

Reviewed by Brian Nordberg

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 fiber version.  The 3k is the lightest of the three at 8 ounces per (plus 1 ounce of duct tape I added).

Read more: Cascade Mountain Tech 3K Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles Cork Grip review (1)

Reviewed by Mangus7175

Great lightweight poles that can withstand the rigors of the trail. Very comfortable to hold on short or long treks, lightweight, and gives you confidence on the trail knowing these trekking poles will provide the support a hiker needs. The Green Hiker Cork Grip Poles are made with natural materials and hand crafted based on a user’s preference.

Best Uses: These trekking poles are best used for walking, hiking, and backpacking. I have taken these trekking poles on a few trips now since receiving them this past October and these poles have stood up to the abuse of the trail from dirt, rocks, and snow. I get the feeling of confidence when I have these in my hands. At no point did I feel that these poles would break or snap. I really like this product and I am quite impressed. Construction & Durability: Fixed length and non-adjustable, made from an evergreen bamboo called Phyllostachys Purpurata.

Read more: American Trekking Pole Green Hiker Cork Grip Poles review (1)