Trekking Poles

Recent Trekking Pole Reviews

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

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… Full review

Pacerpole 3-Section Alloy

I've used my carbon Pacerpoles for 10+ years and more than 1000 km. on rugged trails in Western Canada, Europe, Iceland, and South America. Replaced one section 6 years ago when the plastic joiner wore out. On level ground and hills, and river crossings, they just melt the miles away. Good in gravel, mud, snow, asphalt, water, rock, and bare dirt. With my Pacerpoles I have to slow down so that other hikers can keep up. They are my go-to pole except for when I am limited to small luggage. The detatched… Full review

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

Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock

Black Diamond continues to set the bar… This is my second set of Black Diamond trekking poles, and these are just as good as my “old“ poles. The shock absorbing system on these poles are a surprisingly nice feature. It is also nice that they come with the snow basket, but for the price I am surprised they do not come with the rubber tips. As I have gotten older (50+), I rely more and more on my trekking poles. I frequently (weekly) carry a pack for distances of 5-10 miles, and am looking forward… Full review

Leki Cross Trail FX.One Superlite

The Leki Cross Trail FX.One Superlite poles are what their tongue-twister of a name implies: feather-light, fixed-length, folding poles, with a grip that combines the latest designs in trail running with a bit of the traditional ideals of a trekking pole. These are best suited for fast and lightweight trail running. Unfortunately they did not hold up to the rigors of backpacking for me. They are functional and sleek, but were not very durable for my long-term use.   Specs (weights are my own measurements):… 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

Denali Explorer II Carbon Fibre Walking Poles

Cheap and cheerful for beginners who don’t want to spend much, but will do the job. Was going to give 2 stars but on reflection in a world of “you get what you pay for” these are not that bad. I bought them from Anaconda when I started hiking again to help with steep inclines but not wanting to fork out hundreds of $$ (yes, I’m a bit tight!). On the positive side these poles have served their purpose to date, feeling sturdy without weighing a lot and helping spread the weight a bit on those… 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

Komperdell Adventure Powerlock Foam Compact

The Komperdell Adventure Powerlock trekking poles are designed for four-season use with skis, snowshoes, or on foot, though you may want an accessory basket for snow. These aluminum poles are heavier than their carbon fiber models, but are a great bargain for folks strong enough to lift them.   . Having finally beaten my previous hiking poles to death after five years I asked Santa for a new pair last year. The Komperdell Adventure Powerlocks landed under the tree and I used them extensively for… Full review