The Best Trekking Poles of 2024: A Comprehensive Review

In the realm of outdoor exploration, few tools prove as valuable as trekking poles. These versatile companions offer stability, support, and balance, making them essential for hikers of all skill levels.

In 2024, the world of trekking poles has witnessed significant advancements in design and functionality, providing enthusiasts with a wide range of options tailored to their specific needs. Let’s explore the top trekking poles of the year, selected to elevate your backpacking adventures.

From challenging mountain trails to tranquil forest paths, these trekking poles are ready to be your trusted allies on every journey.

Trekking poles go beyond stability; they help reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and enhance overall hiking efficiency. Featuring ergonomic grips, shock-absorbing mechanisms, and adjustable lengths, modern trekking poles are crafted to maximize comfort and performance across various terrains.

Whether you’re tackling steep inclines, navigating tricky descents, or covering long distances, the right pair of trekking poles can greatly enhance your hiking experience, empowering you to explore further and overcome challenges with ease.

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

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

 

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are tailored to meet the needs of dedicated hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of premium features.

Emphasizing comfort, durability, and performance, these poles cater to individuals seeking dependable support on challenging terrain.

Featuring a high-quality cork grip with a soft-rubber extension, these poles provide excellent handling and security throughout hikes.

The upgraded Flick Lock Pro adjustability, constructed with lighter aluminum material, enhances usability and adaptability on the trail. Made with a 3-section shaft crafted from 100% carbon fiber, these poles strike a perfect balance between strength and lightweight portability.

Black Diamond poles excel in terms of construction quality and durability, ensuring enduring performance even in rugged environments. However, some users have noted issues with the bottom collars not securely holding the poles when retracted, leading to occasional clattering during storage.

Pros:

•  Enhanced grip with premium cork material and a soft-rubber extension for improved handling and security.
•  Improved usability thanks to the lightweight aluminum construction of the Flick Lock Pro adjustability feature.
•  Reliability and portability are ensured by the durable 100% carbon fiber shaft.

Cons:

•  There are occasional issues with the bottom collars not securely holding the poles when retracted, resulting in some clattering.
•  These poles come with a higher price point compared to alternatives available in the market.

 

Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles present a dependable and lightweight option for hikers seeking quality without breaking the bank. Engineered to offer stability and support during outdoor excursions, these poles are constructed entirely from carbon fiber, ensuring durability without unnecessary bulk.

Weighing in at a mere 7.6 ounces per pole, these poles remain almost unnoticeable during hikes while retaining their strength. Quick-lock mechanisms facilitate easy adjustment, allowing users to extend the poles from 24” to 53”, accommodating various heights and terrain demands.

Moreover, their compact design makes them ideal for travel, with included accessories like rubber tip protectors, pole connectors, and mud baskets adding to their versatility.

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

Pros:

•  The use of lightweight carbon fiber ensures durability without adding extra weight.
•  Adjustable quick locks allow for easy customization to accommodate users of varying heights.
•  Their compact design and inclusive accessories make these poles both travel-friendly and versatile.

Cons:

•  Some users may find the comfort level of the padded straps insufficient for prolonged use.
•  Limited cushioning in the grip might lead to discomfort during extended hikes.

 

MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles

MSR’s DynaLock Ascent Foldable Trekking Poles are a go-to choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in search of reliable support across diverse terrains. Crafted from a blend of kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, these poles offer exceptional strength without adding weight, ensuring durability without compromise. Their three-piece design facilitates swift deployment and easy folding, making them a convenient addition to compact backpacks.

Featuring the DynaLock mechanism, these poles boast tool-free tension adjustment and a generous 20 cm range for customizing pole length, catering to individual preferences with ease. The lightweight EVA foam grips, complete with extended lower grip, enhance comfort during long hikes while providing versatility for various terrain types.

In terms of drawbacks, while these poles are highly portable, some users may find the collapsed size slightly bulky. Nonetheless, their quality construction and adaptable design render them a dependable option for a wide array of hiking adventures.

Pros:

•  Ultralight strength derived from kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber ensures reliable support.
•  DynaLock mechanism facilitates effortless and tool-free adjustment, improving usability.
• Lightweight EVA foam grips, including an extended lower grip, offer comfort and versatility during hikes.

Cons:

•  Collapsed size may still be somewhat cumbersome for certain users.

 

LEKI Khumbu Lite Aluminum Trekking Poles

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

Made entirely from alloy, these trekking poles provide a sturdy yet lightweight support system for demanding hikes. The adjustable length, ranging from 100 to 135 cm, is easily customizable through the Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism, ensuring quick and secure adjustments tailored to terrain and user preferences.

Designed to fit the contours of your hand, the Aergon Cor-Tec Grip delivers ergonomic comfort for prolonged use. Complementing this, the super-soft Lock Security Strap 2.0 provides a secure hold without causing discomfort.

Highlighted by their ergonomic handle, swift length adjusters, and gentle straps, these poles prioritize comfort and usability. Additionally, their remarkably lightweight design adds to the convenience of hiking experiences.

Nevertheless, some users may encounter challenges with understanding the provided instructions, potentially hindering the initial setup and adjustment process.

Pros:

•  Sturdy alloy construction ensures durability without unnecessary weight.
•  Dual Speed Lock Plus mechanism enables secure and rapid length adjustments for versatile hiking.

Cons:

• Some users may find the instructions challenging to interpret, affecting the setup and adjustment process.

 

Urban Poling Trekking Poles

The Urban Poles Series 300 by Urban Poling are top-notch Nordic walking sticks tailored for year-round fitness, delivering durability, performance, and comfort for users at any skill level.

Crafted from premium aluminum, these poles offer robustness and assistance while activating core muscles, resulting in higher calorie expenditure and less strain on the wrists.

The CoreGrip, designed ergonomically, activates core muscles, fostering a more effective walking technique and maximizing overall fitness advantages.

Featuring adjustable height and a collapsible design, these poles accommodate users of varying heights and provide easy storage and transport options.

Throughout testing, users found the poles simple to adjust, quickly adapting to correct usage and experiencing notable benefits during physical activities.

Advanced features such as a secure locking mechanism, ergonomic rubber grip, carbide metal tip, and detachable boot tips enhance usability across diverse terrains.

However, the absence of included straps may affect stability and comfort during use.

Pros:

•  Lightweight aluminum construction ensures durability and support for year-round fitness pursuits.
•  The ergonomic CoreGrip activates core muscles, encouraging calorie burn and reducing strain on the wrists.
•  Adjustable height and collapsible design offer versatility and convenience for users of different heights.

Cons:

•  The lack of included straps might compromise stability and comfort during use.

Conclusion

The top trekking poles of 2024 embody a blend of innovation, durability, and practicality, designed to meet the diverse requirements of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual day hiker or an experienced backpacker, these essential tools offer benefits that go beyond just stability.

Trekking poles not only alleviate pressure on your joints but also enhance your posture and balance, elevating your hiking experience in various ways. Moreover, their versatility extends to aiding in stream crossings, functioning as tent poles, or even doubling as makeshift selfie sticks for capturing stunning summit vistas.

Therefore, as you gear up to explore the trails, it’s crucial to consider selecting the appropriate trekking poles that suit your preferences and hiking approach. Equipped with the right gear, you can embark on outdoor adventures confidently, prepared to tackle any obstacles that come your way.

For mastering fundamental backpacking skills, delve into our guide covering the essential skills every backpacker should possess.