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Start with poles that put your elbows at about 90 degrees when you stand on level ground. Shorten them for sustained climbs and lengthen them for sustained descents; on a traverse, adjust the uphill and downhill poles separately. For routes with changing grades, an adjustable pair makes those changes straightforward.
Choose a pole type for your route
Pair or single staff
A pair of trekking poles gives you support on both sides and is a practical choice for routes that alternate between climbs and descents. A single hiking staff is most effective on relatively flat ground with little or no load, according to REI Co-op’s guide to choosing trekking poles and hiking staffs.
Adjustable or fixed length
Adjustable poles let you change length as the grade changes and can be shared between hikers. Their extra sections and locking parts can add weight. Fixed-length poles have fewer parts and may suit a route or activity where one length works throughout and minimum weight matters. For a hike with long uphill and downhill sections, adjustability is usually the more useful trade-off.
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Telescoping poles adjust on the trail. Folding poles pack down compactly and are quick to deploy, a design often favored by fast hikers and trail runners. Compare packed length with how often you expect to change pole length while walking.
#1 Best Overall
- Exceptional Quality and Comfort - Crafted from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, each 10-ounce trekking pole is highly durable in all conditions.
- Quick Lock Mechanism - Designed with rugged terrain in mind. Easily adjust your trekking poles from 26”- 54” without breaking your stride.
- Cork Grip with Extended EVA Down Grip - Ergonomic cork grip helps reduce vibration from uneven terrain. Extended EVA down grip provides additional hand placement options for steep climbs and varied trail conditions.
- All-Terrain Accessories - Includes tungsten carbide tips for year-round use, plus rubber snow and mud baskets, boots, and tip covers designed for different trail conditions.
- Portable Design - Lightweight poles collapse for easy storage in a hiking pack or backpack and include a travel bag for transport on day hikes, backpacking trips, or long-distance treks.
Set a comfortable starting length
- Stand on level ground in your usual hiking shoes and place the pole tips near your feet.
- Hold the grips with your arms relaxed. Aim for an elbow bend of roughly 90 degrees.
- Walk a short distance and adjust for comfort. The angle is a starting point, not a rule that overrides your body or the pole maker’s sizing guidance.
For fixed-length poles, REI provides a height chart as a rough guide and recommends checking the specific manufacturer’s chart. Pole designs and individual proportions can affect the fit.
Adjust pole length to the terrain
| Terrain | Change from your level-ground setting | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Level or easy mixed trail | Use your neutral starting length. | Fine-tune for a relaxed arm swing and comfortable elbow bend. |
| Sustained uphill | Shorten each pole by about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches), following REI’s guidance. | Shorten further on steeper grades if needed, but do not let your shoulders ride up. |
| Sustained downhill | Lengthen each pole by about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches), following REI’s guidance. | Reach the lower ground without leaning excessively or straining your shoulders. |
| Side slope or traverse | Shorten the uphill-side pole and lengthen the downhill-side pole as needed. | Adjust each side until your stance feels comfortable and stable. |
The uphill and downhill figures are practical starting adjustments, not mandatory settings. Change them to suit the steepness, your reach and your comfort. On a three-section pole, REI suggests placing the upper adjustment around the middle of its range and setting the lower section for your baseline fit; use the upper section for terrain changes.
Rank #2
- Natural Cork Grip Handle: Cork grips naturally absorb hand moisture to keep your grip dry on long hikes. Note: cork grips have a slight rotational flex; this is an anti-torque ergonomic feature, not a defect. Paired with lightweight aluminum shafts and EVA foam lower grips for stability on rugged terrain. Trekking poles must be checked in as luggage (not carry-on) per TSA and most airline rules. Set of 2 with carry bag included.
- Engineered and Built To Last: Keeping your Adventurous nature in mind, we knew that No detail could be overlooked! Made with aircraft grade aluminum-crucial for hiking or backpacking in rough terrains and supporting heavier weights. The joints use added metal caps and lock to length when fully extended. Cork grip absorbs sweat out of your hands. Pick up your map and start your adventure!
- Compact Design that is Ready to Go When You Are: Trek-Z hiking poles collapsible design, fold down to a portable 15 inches (38 cm), thanks to its retractable tri-fold system. Fitting into backpack, luggage cases, or duffel bags for compact travel! Walking sticks for women- No more cumbersome walking sticks! Trek-Z walking poles give you the ability to build strength and muscle while you run errands. Let these unique poles go with you to all your outdoor leisure activities and adventures!
- Sizing - We've Got You Covered: Easily adjust the trekking poles from 110 cm to 130 cm (20 cm range) using the durable metal flip lock system for a secure, customized fit. After assembly, pull the metal lock button until it pops out to lock the pole in place. If the pole feels loose, re-seat the button until fully engaged - it is not a defect. Designed to fit men, women, and teens 5'2" to 6'5" (159-195 cm). Includes 1 pair of trekking poles and a carry bag.
- Lighter Than Your Average Umbrella: Each pole weighs only 11.5 oz (330g), light enough for all-day hiking, backpacking in high mountains, or ski trail use. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for the strength-to-weight ratio you need on demanding trails. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, trekking, or everyday walking, these collapsible poles deliver the support you need.
Compare the features that affect comfort and use
- Locking mechanism: External lever, push-button, twist and combination locks are all used. Choose a type you can operate confidently, and confirm the sections are secure before setting out.
- Grip and shaft: Check that the grip feels comfortable and consider the pole’s total weight and durability. Lower swing weight can matter on long walks, but the best balance depends on your route and priorities.
- Shock absorption: Spring-based systems may help reduce the feel of downhill impact for some hikers. Standard poles are lighter and less expensive, and still offer balance and support; shock absorption is not essential for everyone.
- Baskets and tips: Baskets can help keep poles from sinking into mud or snow. Carbide or steel tips provide traction on rough rock or ice. Rubber protectors help shield gear when poles are stowed, while angled rubber tips are intended for hard surfaces. Choose accessories for the conditions rather than treating them as universal requirements.
Use the straps and plant the poles naturally
REI’s technique guide recommends putting your hand up through the bottom of the wrist strap, then gripping the handle so the strap supports the wrist and heel of the hand. While walking, use a natural arm swing and generally plant a pole as the opposite foot steps forward. On steep ground, a double plant can add stability.
Avoid pulling upward or pushing backward so forcefully that your shoulders strain. Disabled Hikers founder and director Syren Nagakyrie, a contributor to REI’s guide, emphasizes adapting pole use to what feels right for your body. Trekking poles are recreational hiking equipment, not substitutes for medical mobility aids, and are not designed to support full body weight.
Rank #3
- Pack-and-Go: Extends to 51.2" (130 cm), collapses to 25.6" (65 cm), and disassembles to 21.46" (54.5 cm). When separated into three sections, they fit diagonally in most 22"+ suitcases. For air travelers, check your luggage’s interior length before ordering to meet airline baggage rules. For outdoor hikers, we recommend secure poles externally using backpack loops or straps
- Lightweight but Strong, Only 9.92 oz (282 g) Each: Each pole weighs about the same as a 250 ml drink can, keeping your pack light while delivering dependable support. Built from high-strength aluminum alloy, it offers excellent impact resistance and fatigue durability. Adjustable from 25.6"(65 cm) to 51.2"(130 cm), it fits men, women, teens, and seniors. Available in five stylish colors, perfect for gifting
- Quick & Smooth Twist-Lock Adjustment: Adjust your pole height in seconds with our refined glove-friendly twist-lock system. No bulky external levers, no snags, no fiddly parts - just a clean, streamlined design that tightens securely with a simple twist, even in cold weather or wearing gloves
- All-Terrain Comfort and Stability: Enjoy a natural and secure hold with the non-slip ergonomic rubber grip. Includes a complete accessory kit: rubber tips, walking caps, mud baskets, and snow baskets, designed for all seasons and trail conditions. The built-in shock-absorbing spring that dampens trail impact, enhancing stability and comfort during use
- Durable for Every Season and Every Trail: Built with rugged aluminum that withstands rough trails, rocky paths, cold weather, and daily use. A dependable companion for walking, hiking, trekking, fitness training, and backpacking trips, year after year
Check and care for poles
- Before hiking, make sure adjustment locks are secure.
- After use, clear debris and let straps dry before storing the poles.
- Use baskets and tip covers suited to the expected terrain and storage conditions.
REI’s product testing is specific to its own program: its 2025 guide says 18 member-testers evaluated poles across trekking, mountaineering, snowshoeing and running. Its Traverse entry reports 68 days out in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine and New Hampshire. Those figures describe REI’s testing process, not a general measure of pole performance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Lighter Versatile Materials】 KINGGEAR collapsible trekking poles shaft is made of durable aviation grade 7075 Aluminum, lighter than typical 6061 Aluminum and stronger than carbon fiber, bearing more weight in rugged terrains.
- 【Secured Quick Adjustment】 KINGGEAR hiking poles are adjustable and retractable with our durable quick flip lock. Extended from 25.5 inches to 54 inches to suit the whole family. The right height of trekking poles helps to burn more calories while minimize critical impacts and injuries.
- 【Ergonomic Anti-Sweat Anti-Slip】 The natural cork grip is sweat wicking and conform to custom to your grip to reduce chafing. The bottom EVA effectively absorb sweat from your palm. The adjustable and breathable wristband further hinder poles slipping away from your hands.
- 【Comfort Traction Balance Accessories】A variety of different Hiking accessories for different trekking terrains are included to increase traction and maintain balance. The compressed Tungsten Carbide tip can be used for rocky and most demanding terrains, 2 snow basket for skiing activities, 2 mud basket for cross trailing events, 2 toughen rubber protective tips and 2 Nordic Walking boot tips.
- 【Trusted Choice of Hikers】Trusted by over 400,000+ obsessive hikers since 1999, you will feel 100% satisfaction from the moment you received our poles. With LIFETIME GUARANTEE and our customer service on Amazon welcome ANY QUESTIONS AT ANYTIME on our trekking poles!
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