Key takeaways
- Setting the pole too long. A pole that is too long raises your shoulders and tires your arms quickly.
- Gripping too hard. Let the strap carry the load and relax your hand.
- Skipping maintenance. After wet or sandy trips, disassemble telescoping sections, wipe them and let them dry to prevent corrosion and sticking locks.
- Storing poles tightly locked. Leave them slightly loose to avoid seized sections.
- Using carbon poles as levers. Prying a pole out of rocks is a common cause of carbon breakage.
The Black Diamond Pursuit is a strong all-around trekking pole for most hikers in 2026, the Gossamer Gear LT5 is the best ultralight telescoping pole, and the Cascade Mountain Tech carbon pole is the budget pick that punches well above its price. Which pole suits you depends on three things: how much weight you want to carry in your hand and on your pack, whether you prefer folding or telescoping poles, and how much abuse you expect from rocks, roots and river crossings.
Our top picks
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Quick comparison of the best trekking poles
| Pick | Best for | Material | Collapse style | Weight (pair) | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Pursuit | Best overall | Aluminum | Telescoping, FlickLock | Mid-weight | Mid-range |
| Gossamer Gear LT5 | Best ultralight telescoping | Carbon | Telescoping, twist lock | About 9.8 oz | Upper-mid |
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | Best folding, packable | Carbon | Z-fold, fixed length | About 9.6 oz at 115 cm | Premium |
| Leki Makalu FX Carbon | Best adjustable folding | Carbon | Folding with length adjustment | Light | Premium |
| Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock | Best budget | Carbon | Telescoping, quick lock | Light to mid | Budget |
| Black Diamond Trail | Best entry-level aluminum | Aluminum | Telescoping, FlickLock | Mid-weight | Budget to mid |
Weights and lengths are drawn from the manufacturers’ spec pages where they publish them. Where a precise weight varies by length or version, we have used a class instead of a number.
Best overall: Black Diamond Pursuit
The Pursuit has a durable aluminum shaft, a comfortable foam grip, a quick and secure FlickLock adjustment and a good strap. It is designed for hikers who want a dependable pole for day hikes, backpacking trips and winter walks without paying for carbon. It collapses to a reasonable packed length for airline travel and strapping to a pack.
The main trade-off is weight. Aluminum is heavier than carbon, which you notice over thousands of swings in a long day. On the plus side, aluminum bends instead of snapping, which matters if you are reckless on rocky terrain.
Best ultralight telescoping: Gossamer Gear LT5
The LT5 is a carbon pole that weighs about 9.8 oz per pair and extends from about 60 to 130 cm. The twist-lock mechanism is simple, adjustable and easy to use in the field. It has a comfortable cork-style handle, a strap that does not chafe and a good balance of strength and lightness. It is a staple on long-distance trails for those reasons.
Carbon is stiff and light, but it can splinter if hit hard or caught between rocks. Twist locks also need occasional attention: dirt or a worn expander can cause a segment to slip. Both are manageable with routine care.
Best folding and packable: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
The Distance Carbon Z folds into a compact bundle that fits in a pack side pocket, and at around 9.6 oz per pair at 115 cm it is one of the lightest poles on the market. The Z-fold design deploys quickly, and the pole feels lively and stiff in use. It is a favorite of trail runners, fastpackers and anyone who needs poles that disappear when not in use.
The disadvantages are cost and fixed lengths. You buy a length that suits your height, and you cannot adjust it for steep ascents or descents. Carbon is also less forgiving of abuse than aluminum.
Best adjustable folding: Leki Makalu FX Carbon
The Makalu FX Carbon adds adjustability to a folding design. It packs small, around 41 cm according to reviewers’ spec tables, and can be lengthened or shortened by about 20 cm. That gives you the packability of a Z-pole with the ability to adjust for terrain. Leki’s comfortable grip and strap system suit long days.
It is among the more expensive options, and the mechanism has more parts to maintain than a simple fixed-length folding pole. If you hike varied terrain and want to carry poles on a plane, though, it is a convenient choice.
Best budget: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock
Cascade Mountain Tech has made a name by offering carbon poles at a fraction of the price of premium brands. The quick-lock levers are easy to use with gloves, and the poles come with a cork grip, wrist strap and rubber feet. They suit beginners, casual hikers and anyone who wants spare poles for guests.
The hardware feels less refined than high-end poles, and long-term durability under heavy use is not as proven. For the price, that is a fair trade, and replacement parts are inexpensive.
Best entry-level aluminum: Black Diamond Trail
The Trail is a simple aluminum pole with FlickLock adjustment, a foam grip and a basic strap. It is designed for walkers, day hikers and travellers who want a reliable pole without extras.
It is heavier than carbon poles and lacks refinements such as extended foam grips on some competitors. As a first pair or a spare, it is excellent.
How to choose trekking poles
Aluminum versus carbon
Carbon poles are lighter and absorb vibration better, which reduces fatigue. Aluminum poles are cheaper and bend rather than break, so they handle abuse better. If you hike rocky terrain, bushwhack or are rough on gear, aluminum is a safe choice. If you hike mostly on trails and want to cut weight, carbon is a good upgrade.
Telescoping versus folding
Telescoping poles adjust easily and are usually less expensive, but they collapse to a longer packed length. Folding poles pack small and are great for travel and running, but they often have a fixed length or a more complex adjustment mechanism.
Sizing: a worked example
The common rule is that your elbow should be bent at about 90 degrees when the pole tip is on the ground and your hand is on the grip. A hiker who is 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) typically uses a pole around 115 to 120 cm on flat ground. Lengthen by 5 to 10 cm for descents and shorten by about the same amount for steep climbs. A fixed-length folding pole therefore requires you to pick a size based on your height and accept a compromise.
Grip and strap
Cork grips mold to your hand and manage sweat well. Foam is soft, light and warm in cold weather. Rubber is durable but can be slippery when wet. A good strap transfers force through the wrist, and you should place your hand up through it from below.
Lock type
Lever locks such as FlickLock are easy to use with gloves and simple to tighten. Twist locks are lighter but need occasional cleaning and a snug expander. Always test that the pole holds under body weight before leaving the trailhead.
Baskets and tips
Small trekking baskets prevent the pole sinking into mud and sand, and snow baskets help in winter. Replace worn carbide tips before they wear down into the shaft.
Common mistakes and ownership realities
- Setting the pole too long. A pole that is too long raises your shoulders and tires your arms quickly.
- Gripping too hard. Let the strap carry the load and relax your hand.
- Skipping maintenance. After wet or sandy trips, disassemble telescoping sections, wipe them and let them dry to prevent corrosion and sticking locks.
- Storing poles tightly locked. Leave them slightly loose to avoid seized sections.
- Using carbon poles as levers. Prying a pole out of rocks is a common cause of carbon breakage.
What wears first on most poles is the tip, followed by the strap and the lock mechanism. Most brands sell replacement tips, baskets and locking parts, so a pole can last years with minor upkeep.
Which trekking poles should you buy?
| Your situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| One reliable pole for most trips | Black Diamond Pursuit |
| Long-distance hiking and weight savings | Gossamer Gear LT5 |
| Trail running, fastpacking, air travel | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z |
| Packable but adjustable | Leki Makalu FX Carbon |
| Beginner on a budget | Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock |
| Walking, travel, a simple spare pair | Black Diamond Trail |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trekking poles worth it?
For most hikers, yes. Poles reduce stress on the knees during descents, improve balance on uneven terrain and help maintain rhythm on climbs. They are especially useful with a heavy pack.
How long should trekking poles be?
Stand upright with the pole tip on the ground and your elbow bent at about 90 degrees. Lengthen the pole slightly for downhill sections and shorten it for steep uphill sections.
Carbon or aluminum trekking poles?
Carbon is lighter and reduces vibration but costs more and can snap under abuse. Aluminum is heavier, cheaper and more likely to bend than break. Choose according to terrain and budget.
Do I need one pole or two?
Two poles give better balance, symmetry and more power on climbs. A single pole can be enough for light walking or when you need a free hand, such as photography.
Can I take trekking poles on a plane?
Generally they must go in checked baggage in many countries. Folding poles that fit in a suitcase are convenient for travel, but rules vary, so check the airline and airport guidance.
How do I stop my poles from slipping?
For lever locks, tighten the screw or adjust the tension. For twist locks, disassemble and clean the expander and shaft, then reassemble. If a lock continues to slip, replace the expander or the locking part.
