Read our reviews of the best trekking poles to have top-quality walking sticks for trekking.
If you do trekking, you will know that there is as much diversity of poles as terrains and types of activities. However, this does not mean that you can easily find the most suitable one. All this variety can quite complicate the choice. Therefore, I leave a list of walking sticks for trekking and recommendations for you to find the ideas.
Walking sticks for trekking poles and hiking equipment are standard equipment for many hikers, campers, backpackers, and snowshoeing. The reasons why they are simple: they are because they improve their stability and provide support in all types of terrain.
The biggest benefit of walking sticks for trekking poles is the reduced impact on the knees, especially on the long ascents and descents of the tracks. For that reason, among others, most hikers regularly use trekking poles to walk the longer trails.
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The top 7 best trekking poles available in the market right now
If you are new to the walking sticks for trekking poles and you think you might enjoy them, we recommend borrowing or renting a pair to try them out. You could also consider buying a cheap pair to see where your preferences are before making a larger investment.
Also, check out the best trekking backpacks on the market.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
If you pay attention to your wallet, you will consider it good to opt for a pair with a valid quality/price ratio. That’s why we start our ranking with the TrailBuddy hiking sticks, a product that combines an average cost with commendable quality. It is made of aluminum, very light and at the same time resistant, which will also extend its life. It can withstand pressure and impact better than carbon fiber sticks, crucial if hiking on rocky terrain or supporting heavier weight.
Their strength is the possibility to adjust them between 25.5 and 54 inches, to adapt them to different heights. Users particularly appreciate the cork handle, which is easy to hold and absorbs sweat during the hot season.
If you are the type that enjoys long treks into the wild you should give serious consideration to these tough-as-nails, lightweight TrailBuddy walking poles.
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Terra Hiker Trekking Pole Set
If you are thinking of walking through difficult terrain, this model is perfect for you. Its design allows greater stability and less impact on the knees.
The body of these canes is 100% carbon fiber, a very light material and naturally anti-shock. While the tip of tungsten steel gives greater hardness and resistance to chafing, wear, and heat.
Not only for its weight of barely 200g each cane, but it also becomes ideal for hikers and explorers who wish to travel as lightly as possible. But also, thanks to its ergonomic handle that absorbs moisture preventing its slippage.
In addition, it has an external lock mechanism that allows its closure quickly and an adjustable wrist strap that provides more security.
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Montem Ultra Strong Hiking/Walking/Trekking Poles
These lightweight Montem Ultra Strong Trekking poles are designed for versatility all year round on the track or off the trail. Aluminum shafts with three parts, ultralight and narrow in diameter, reduce weight without sacrificing resistance. Claimed to be built from the same aluminum shape used in airplanes, we gave it a try, and it is held with a robust weight-bearing system capable of supporting approximately 350 pounds of weight.
Dual FlickLock locking mechanisms allow easy adjustment of length. The clamping force is adjustable, allowing customization to the finest details. The poles also have extended grips that allow adjustments of hand placement in uneven terrain.
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BAFX Adjustable Anti-Shock Hiking/Walking/Trekking Poles
The BAFX has been the creator of high-quality materials. And the Adjustable Anti Shock Canes set is one of the best hiking sticks from the company. They are difficult to break thanks to their aluminum base, are not deformed with minor hits, and are little relevant. Its body is formed by 3 telescopic segments, which are handled with a locking system with threads that will allow you to choose its length, which ranges from 65 to 135 centimeters.
Its function of damping works perfectly and will allow you to reduce the pressure in the knees despite the physical effort imposed by this sport. In the same way, their level of penetration is effective, making them an appropriate instrument to be used in different conditions and terrains.
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Montem Ultralight 3K Carbon Fiber Hiking/Walking/Trekking Poles
These Montem Ultralight Carbon Fiber Trekking poles are perfect for hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, climbing, and all adventure travel. Ultra-light and narrow three-piece carbon fiber axles reduce weight without sacrificing strength. They were designed to be the strongest and lightest poles available made with 100% carbon fiber, creating ultralight poles that reduce vibration and retain strength over a wide temperature range.
These poles are equipped with trekking baskets and resistant tungsten carbide tips; Including tip protectors. Double FlickLock locking mechanisms allow for easy adjustment of length to any length from 24 to 53 inches in length.
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ENKEEO Trekking Sticks
These canes are very light and very resistant in turn because they have been manufactured in carbon fiber, so it is worth paying a little more for them, especially if you are going to use them a lot.
They feature an EVA foam grip that is very soft and very comfortable. Thanks to this you will feel very comfortable with this cane, without forgetting that it is ergonomic and resistant to sweat.
As it can be adjusted in height, the cane fits the vast majority of people through an intelligent lever system. It is very easy to graduate and once graduated it will not move in size unless you decide to change it.
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Terra Hiker Hiking Stick Adjustable Trekking Pole
The folding Terra Hiker cane is one of the easiest to assemble and adjust in the market. Its Z-shaped deployment allows it to be assembled and disassembled quickly, and it will only be necessary to fix the canes in the corresponding place and then connect them. To prevent this system from crashing and causing accidents, it has an external locking mechanism, very easy and quick to use.
The brand created this model with more modern updates than others launched on the market, it has an internal cord that is wrapped in a PVC tube that is quite flexible bought with others, has a longer life, and is resistant to wear. And this could be the greatest of its advantages.
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What are walking sticks for trekking?
Walking sticks for trekking, also known as hiking poles or trekking poles, are standard equipment for many walkers, hikers, backpackers, and snowshoeing. The reasons why they are simple: they are because they improve their stability and provide support in all types of terrain. The maximum length of these poles is generally around 54 inches and can often even be conveniently attached to a backpack when they are not in use which makes them easy to carry out. They are usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber, they are lightweight and can even have a loading spring feature to help avoid wrist strain.
Walking sticks for trekking are the next generation sticks and are used for the same general purpose – to support the movement and to gain a rhythm. While not necessarily required on flat surfaces, some hikers choose to use them to improve the amount of exercise they get, but they reach their rough terrain or on steep slopes where the walker’s stability is improved. They are useful for negotiating rocks or boulders and can even be used to test the depth of water or mud and are especially useful when used together with snowshoes.
Trekking poles help improve balance on uneven terrain and save energy by going up and down steep trails. Some studies have shown that trekking poles can reduce the force of impact up to 40% in the knees, something that a backpacker or hiker of any age can appreciate.
What are the advantages of having trekking poles?
The trekking poles are an indispensable asset for a fan dedicated to the outdoors. They provide additional stability on rough terrain, as well as improve the overall pace of walking. In addition to that, they have a substantial impact on body posture that distributes tension correctly. This keeps the health of your tendons, muscles, bones, and joints well.
The use of trekking poles decreases the weight supported by the legs by around 5 kilograms for each step you take. While walking on a slope, this measure rises to 8 kilos per step. It may not look like much on paper, but when you walk for miles on rugged terrain with a large backpack on your back, every gram counts. Hikers know the importance of reducing the pressure on their legs as they make innumerable steps toward their destination.
The proper balance is also one of the key features that the canes offer to those who walk. Rough terrains and relentless weather are detrimental to the center of stability – found in the inner ear within the brain – which makes it difficult to navigate while walking. Adjusting the height of the pole allows you to obtain additional stability at steep points, which some walkers endorse. Some poles come with spring pieces that provide greater mobility and decrease stress on the wrists.
Without the Trekking poles increases the risk of injury, damage to the knee in particular. Apart from the knees, the ankles and other parts of the lower body are also affected, including the lower back and the pelvic area.
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Considerations to choose the best trekking poles
If you have decided that you could benefit from the use of trekking poles during your outdoor expeditions, you will need more information to help you make an informed choice of the correct trekking poles for you. Here are some of the considerations that you should keep in mind when buying trekking poles:
Extension and adjustment mechanism
A long and exhaustive test resulted in the conclusion that the external locking lever mechanism works best and is the simplest. Torque-style locking mechanisms still have their benefits. They are lighter and smaller however the previous ones are substantially more durable. The mechanism “pin-pop” or push-button is a possible alternative because they offer similar durability and ease of use but have reduced mobility.
Weight
As already mentioned above, the weight of the backpack plays an important role in the life of a walker which is why lighter is always better. A large majority of poles weigh an average of about 10 ounces. Some exceptions exist, and they vary by 5 ounces up or down. Beginners may find it more appropriate to use lighter poles. They do not provide the heaviest flexibility and maneuverability, but they are a good option.
Comfort
The way the trekking poles feel in your hands will determine the quality of your walk. The straps, the handles, and the ergonomics are all factors to consider when picking up.
The shape of the pole mainly determines the way it is in the hand. The best advice for choosing a comfortable bar is to take it in your hands and find out what design and shape suit you best.
For hikers who wear material gloves, the handle does not play a big role, but it is important for those who prefer direct contact with the skin. The materials that are used for the handles are:
- cork
- rubber
- foam
Cork is, by far, the most comfortable material and resistant to weather conditions torn and damp. It is soft to the touch, ensuring that no blisters will appear on the hands afterward.
Rubber handles are best suited for colder climates. The rubber expands when exposed to heat making it uncomfortable to use. Many hikers did not find pleasant rubber for warmer occasions.
The foam is the lightest material and absorbs more water. The hikers found it excellent for the hottest weather, even under the scorching sun of the Sahara. Durability, however, is not its greatest attribute since foam handles are prone to rapid wear.
Packaging and transport
Although it does not pose a problem for many hikers, no one likes to carry bulky and unwieldy poles. Disassembly, collapse, and putting it in the transport bag can be annoying for some. The folding pavilion is a relatively new method that has gained much popularity. The poles of the telescope take up more space when they bend, which is the main reason why they are used less frequently.
Durability
The sticks that stick between the rocks, leaning on them can cause it to break involuntarily. While there are no unbreakable rods, some of them are more resistant than others. This depends on the folding technique, as well as the material of the shaft. The most common materials used are aluminum and carbon fiber.
The aluminum ones are a bit stronger and can withstand a bit of bending. They are heavier and range from 15 ounces to 25. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is more fragile and can fit under a bit of leverage. Their benefit is their weight, and they can be found around 10 ounces or less.
Conclusion
The trekking poles are essential for hikers and walkers since they reduce the damage caused to the lower part of our bodies by the constant pounding of the soil soles. It has been shown that the use of ski poles in a rhythmic way improves heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and quality of life in general. The use of trekking poles stimulates the musculature of the upper body – biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, and other central muscles – unlike regular walking. A significant benefit is also that the use of canes is that the rate of energy consumption increases by 46%, which is perfect for people who struggle with obesity.
When choosing the best trekking poles, our favorite Montem Ultralight carbon fiber model is relatively expensive, but for what it has to offer about building quality – it’s worth it.