15 Best Trekking Poles [Tested and Reviewed]

In addition, the poles' locking mechanism fastens securely with minimal effort, even while wearing gloves, and the lock can be tightened using a dial. While these poles were made for skiing, the large snow baskets can also be used in sandy and muddy situations.

Although lightweight, the poles are very sturdy and they held up well even when a lot of weight and pressure were applied in our durability tests. However, because they're made from carbon, they're still susceptible to breaking under too much force.

The main selling point for Black Diamond's Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles is their long handles, which makes the poles easy to grip and lets you adjust positions while hiking without much trouble. The handle's ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand, allowing you a firm hold from top and bottom, and the carbon construction also makes it lightweight, so you can effortlessly maneuver the poles on the go.

The lever-type locking mechanism is user-friendly as the lever is amply sized and you can lock it simply even with gloves on. It does requires a tool (included) to adjust the tightness.

There may be some issues with durability over the long term because it's made from carbon, but during our tests, the shaft and lock part of the pole felt very sturdy.

One disadvantage is their large storage size. At 25.2 inches, it can be tricky to fit them into smaller backpacks. However, for those who don’t mind the larger size, it’s perfectly suitable for hiking over first and second-class terrain. 

The unique shape of the thoughtfully crafted cork grip stands out in particular, and the long grip length allows you to switch grips easily and make adjustments even on steep terrain. And with a no-fuss lever lock mechanism, these poles are quite user-friendly.

These poles can also handle various terrain types and weather conditions throughout the year as you can purchase additional snow baskets that can be attached for winter hiking or skiing. In addition, spare rubber caps add to their versatility.

REI’s Trailmade Trekking Poles are made from aluminum, making them relatively lightweight and durable. The grip is made from EVA material so it will fit comfortably in your hand. The grip length, however, is shorter compared to other poles, which means lesser space to change hand positions.

The lever lock system is easy to handle and can be tightened with little effort, but we found the materials used in its construction to be slightly weak, so you can't be too rough on these poles. 

These poles have a user-friendly SPEED ROCK+ lever lock design that is similar to Leki’s other higher-end models. The locking mechanism can be securely locked with little force, even while wearing gloves.

They were also rated highly due to their durability and versatility. Due to an aluminum construction, they held up quite well even when we applied a lot of force on them in our tests. Even more, you can purchase and attach large snow baskets so you can also use the poles in the winter.

The poles did not rank well on portability as they're too heavy and bulky to store and carry while hiking, so we don’t think these poles are suitable for those who want the option to put away their poles on the go, or for those who want to take on technical Class 3 hiking and scrambling routes.

However, their storage size at 23.5 inches isn't that compact and can't be easily stowed away in a backpack, making these poles more suited for those who like to move fast on hiking routes and prioritize lightweight gear.

The strength and versatility of the Traverse Trekking Poles are unquestionable. These poles are durable and very resistant to bending or breaking, thanks to their high-strength aluminum construction. They also come with large snow baskets, so you can use them in the snow mountains without needing to purchase an additional basket.

One major downside is that it's a little heavy as it weighs one pound and 4.2 ounces, which makes them less portable. Their size, when stored, is also large at 25 inches, which makes it difficult to fit them in your backpack.

Although it has a short grip, it's made from EVA material, so it can fit comfortably in the hand, and the ergonomic shape provides a secure hold.

Unfortunately, the poles that we received had poor shaft craftsmanship. We struggled to adjust the length of one of the two poles in the pair. Even after adjusting the lock lever, the holding power of the mechanism was questionable. If we changed the locked location, it would become too tight, and we couldn't pull out the pole or make adjustments.

The locking mechanism has a large lever which can be locked even while wearing gloves. However, the lever is made out of cheap plastic, so it could suddenly snap from too much pressure and it doesn't seem like it could withstand long-term use. The poles do have a well-made carbon shaft, but the movable parts, such as the lever, have a flimsier construction so they could be a problem down the road.

A lot of accessories are also included with the set, which enables the poles to be used not only in the snow but also for walking on paved roads. 

All in all, these poles could be a good, affordable option for those who want to use them for a wide range of purposes, not just for trekking in the mountains.

The Fitlife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles weigh one pound and 0.8 ounces for the pair, which is a little heavy for something made out of carbon, but we found that they are still fairly light enough to carry. Additionally, they're not very compact when stored.

We also have concerns over the lock mechanism’s durability. We couldn't firmly lock the poles in some positions, even after firmly tightening them. On top of that, the material of the lever was soft and seemed like it could break if too much force were applied. You may be better off considering other options if you want something that will last for a while.

They do come with large snow baskets, which makes them suitable for winter activities such as snow hiking and skiing. They also come with a wide variety of rubber caps, allowing you to adapt the poles to various uses.

For those who are purchasing trekking poles for a one-time summer adventure or for hikers who like to bring poles just in case of a one-off hike, it might be a good option to consider.