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The Best Hiking Poles for Outdoor Enthusiasts

a young woman and young man standing on a hiking trail holding hiking poles, wearing backpacks, and having a conversation
Cascade Mountain

Outdoor adventures are wonderful, but certain accessories will help make the experience even more fun and enjoyable. Hiking poles make it much easier to traverse some of the more difficult terrains out there. They allow you to climb the highest peaks and take long excursions through nature without over-exerting yourself or losing your footing. Most hiking poles are also incredibly comfortable and versatile to use. Here are some great ones we recommend.

What to Look for in Hiking Poles

Listed below are some of the key features of hiking poles:

  • Lightweight Design: Your hiking poles shouldn’t be weighing you down but rather helping you get along. This way, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable carrying them around while also limiting the effects of fatigue and physical tension. This ensures that you can go on hiking for hours without feeling any exhaustion.
  • Collapsible and Portable: Most hiking poles are now collapsible, making it much easier to take them with you, no matter where you’re going. Store them in your backpack or travel bag without taking up a lot of space. Most poles also have a quick-lock feature so that you can easily adjust the length.
  • Durability: Most hiking poles are incredibly sturdy, which guarantees that you will get plenty of use from them well into the future. Often made from aluminum and carbon fiber, hiking poles are built to last. With a combination of strength and versatility, hiking poles make your life a lot simpler.

Most Lightweight: TheFitLife Nordic Trekking Poles

a set of black hiking poles with accessories and a bag
TheFitLife

These ultra-lightweight hiking poles are perfect for hiking and other different activities. It features extra-long foam handles that provide you with optimal comfort and ease of use, and they also absorb moisture from sweaty palms. It has an extendable option where you can adjust the length of the poles from anywhere between 26 to 53 inches.

Best for Saving Space: Trekology Collapsible Nordic Poles

Collapsible hiking poles with cork handles and various accessories
Trekology

This collapsible hiking pole is the ideal option if you want to save space so that you can take it with you anywhere. They are incredibly compact, thanks to a retractable tri-fold design. You can easily store them in backpacks, travel bags, luggage, and even duffel bags; they are not at all cumbersome and make traveling a lot easier.

Most Durable: Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

These durable hiking poles are made of carbon fiber material
Cascade Mountain

These are the most durable hiking poles on the market. Made of strong and sturdy carbon fiber material, they can handle plenty of pressure and tension while remaining in pristine condition. They also have an anti-shock feature that suppresses vibrations and noises produced by the hiking poles. They are also incredibly lightweight and relatively affordable for frugal shoppers.

Most Durable

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber Walking or Hiking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks (Set of 2)

These hiking poles offer incredible durability so that you'll get plenty of use from them.

Best Budget: A ALAFEN Aluminum Hiking Pole

a set of collapsible hiking poles with cork handles
A ALAFEN

Perhaps you don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, but you know that you will benefit immensely from having a pair of hiking poles. These are the ideal option for you because they are incredibly affordable with all the same features as some of the premium hiking poles, including comfortable handles for longer hiking excursions as well as an ultra-light and sturdy design.

Best Budget

A ALAFEN Aluminum Collapsible Ultralight Travel Trekking Hiking Pole for Men and Women

This lightweight and collaspible hiking pole is the most affordable option available.

Also Consider: TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

a set of hiking poles with accessories and a case
TrailBuddy

If you can’t make up your mind when shopping for the right option, then these particular hiking poles are also viable. They are easy to adjust and incredibly reliable, no matter your hiking style. They offer incredible comfort so that you can always have an enjoyable time while on an outdoor adventure. They also come in a complete set that includes a carrying bag, two pairs of rubber tips, connectors, mud baskets, and snow baskets.

Nick Pappas Nick Pappas
Nick Pappas is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy from South Bend, IN. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and has written content and short stories for ABC57 News and Kansas City Voices. Away from the computer, you can find Nick traveling and filmmaking, though his interests are constantly changing! Read Full Bio »
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