Best Trekking Poles for Comfortable Hiking

If you're an avid hiker looking for a decent set of women's trekking poles that would be great on all kinds of terrain, this offering by Black Diamond may steal your attention. It's a premium pair of poles with a dual-density grip and a 360-degree padded webbing strap, which is designed especially for women. That's why the hand grip here is contoured slightly different from men's hiking sticks due to the peculiarities of women's bodies (smaller hands and grip). Also, their length is a little shorter than that intended for men. Therefore, they can be folded to quite a compact size and even fit into a hiking backpack, which is great when you're out all day long and don't need the poles for every part of your journey. When fully collapsed, they are only 24" in length.

The poles retract or adjust quickly and easily. The Double Flick Lock Pro locks are secure yet not very hard to pop open. The latches work really well, and you can rest assured that no slipping will ever happen on the trail.

Also, it's worth mentioning that the poles are marked "L" and "R". The main difference between them is how the hand strap is configured on each one (the straps should be thicker around each hand's thumb).

With over 60 years of experience, LEKI produces some of the best trekking poles in the industry, and the Legacy set is great proof of that. It combines the most advanced technologies and the highest quality materials to make treks and hikes as comfortable for users as possible.

To begin with, these poles are unlikely to cause wrist strain even after extended use. That's largely achieved owing to the innovative COR-TEC grips that are made from 80% natural ground cork for all-day trail comfort, support, and control. Also, the built-in 8-degree angle in the grips keeps your wrist in a neutral position, thus, ensuring more efficient pole plants. The grips are completed with adjustable straps that feature a secure release mechanism (without buckles) and an optimized non-slip surface. They are air-textured and dry pretty fast.

As for the poles themselves, the upper shaft is made from 16 mm HTS 6.5 aluminum and the lower shaft is made from 14mm aluminum. The material is heat-treated and boasts excellent stability, robustness, and durability. Also, it makes the poles very lightweight and easier to maneuver.

As fas as the construction is concerned, we would like to stress that the poles are fitted with the latest SpeedLock Plus lever locking mechanisms that are now smaller and stronger than the previous generation, so they reduce the swing-weight on the trail without sacrificing the performance. In addition, they offer quick length adjustments even if you wear gloves thanks to the raised "speed dial".

We couldn't skip the TrailBuddy Trekking Poles that boast a 5-star rating and nearly 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon. These are very stylish, strong, and dependable walking sticks that can make a world of difference for any outdoor enthusiast. Manufactured from durable materials, they can give you much more confidence and rid you of the fear of falling over or twisting anything as you turn around. Walking with these sticks will also make hikes easier on your knees and joints, so you're likely to experience no discomfort during and after hiking. This is largely achieved owing to the fine quality, light weight, and sturdy design of this set.

First off, we would like to emphasize that despite the moderate price tag, the TrailBuddy sticks are made from tough aluminum and can withstand pressure and impact better than most other hiking poles within its price bracket. That's especially crucial if you're hiking on rocky terrain. Moreover, the manufacturer has used the ultra-light 7075 aircraft aluminum, which makes the poles up to 4 ounces lighter than typical models made from 6061 aluminum.

This material also allows you to go through rivers and streams, as well as use the poles to gauge and test the ground or riverbed. Just give the poles a thorough drying afterward and you're good to go.

If you're not sure how to start your trekking experience and whether you'll like your new hobby or not, you may need something really versatile yet affordable. The Bafx Products poles may be an excellent entry-level set for you. Available at about $20, the sticks have everything to make your hikes more enjoyable.

First of all, they are made from lightweight aluminum and have comfortable grips with extra-wide padded wrist straps. The handles are fitted with cork inserts and have three bumps for an ergonomic grip. That's why the poles are unlikely to slip out of your hands even if you get sweaty.

Next, it's worth mentioning that each pole comes with two rubber tips and two spares, which makes four tips in total. Also, there is a carbide tip built into each pole and two additional mud baskets. Carbide tips work fantastic for digging into gravel trails, hard-packed paths, and ice, while mud baskets will help you prevent the sticks from sinking into the ground. Rubber tips are also really nice inclusions, as they are great for walking on paved paths and sidewalks.

So, if you're a senior who is absolutely delightful and young-at-heart, you may use these walking sticks to lessen the impact on your knees, ankles, and legs when running errands. With rubber tips on, the poles can be used indoors and outdoors to provide you additional support and a whole-body workout.

Hiker Hunger company has earned a reputation as the manufacturer of durable and comfortable products over the years, and their Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles carry on the old tradition. These new generation poles are manufactured entirely from carbon fiber, which makes them extremely light, highly resistant to UV radiation, and waterproof. At 7.6 ounces each, the poles will provide you with great support and shock absorption on all types of terrain.

When it comes to length range, they go from 24″ to 52″, and their locking mechanism allows you to adjust them quickly even with your gloves on. The flip locks are reliably secured with metal screws that won't loosen over time and won’t fall out. Using the locking mechanisms on these trekking poles is a no-brainer if you read the instructions carefully. The manual includes clear guidelines on how you can get the poles to their proper height for comfortable use and how to make sure they won't collapse when in use.

The ergonomic cork grip is very comfortable here as it nicely contours your hand, while the EVA foam grip extensions underneath make your hands less sweaty on hot summer days. Unlike rubber or plastic handles, these poles won't chafe or become slick and unreliable. There are three bulbs in the grips and several grip locations that make it easier for users to shift to a shorter pole length. This may be especially convenient on hikes with frequent steep trail sections since the poles allow for quick transition from flat ground to climbing, and vice-versa.