There is an incredible number of walking poles out there. At first glance, they may all look the same, yet there are minor and major differences. To help you choose the best hiking poles, we tested eight popular models provided by three well-known companies (Leki, C.A.M.P., Black Diamond). But first, here’s some basic information that will make your selection a little easier:
An overview of walking poles
Trekking poles have been a key part of athletes’, mountaineers’ and hikers’ equipment for almost 50 years. Some are made of carbon, some of aluminium, there are telescopic poles, some can be folded, others have a fixed length. They feature different tips and baskets, long or short handles, hand straps, as well as cork, plastic or foam grips.
What kind of material are walking poles made of?
Modern walking poles are made of aluminium, carbon or a combination of the two materials.
| Aluminium trekking poles | Durable and robust. Great if there are larger rocks. Heavier than carbon. |
| Carbon trekking poles | Particularly lightweight. Can be damaged by (larger) rocks more easily than aluminium. |
| Aluminium and carbon trekking poles | Combine low weight and good stability, e.g. lower section made of aluminium and upper section made of carbon. |
What designs of walking poles are there?
The best trekking poles for backpacking should take up as little space as possible. That’s why they’re not designed as one long pole but as a folding pole or telescopic trekking pole. Depending on the design, their length can also be conveniently adjusted. Use our Hiking Pole Length Calculator to find out how long your walking poles should be.
| Telescopic pole | The individual sections are pushed inside each other. This helps with length adjustment, and transport measurements remain low. Featuring 3 sections, telescopic poles are easily attached at the back of a walking backpack (about 30 litres). You can secure them at the desired length using a twist lock, clamp closure or clip lock. |
| Folding pole | Instead of pushing the elements inside each other, they are folded. Sometimes, the top section has an additional option (telescopic function) to individually adjust the length. A steel cable runs through the inside of the section, tensing the pole and keeping it secure. |
| Trekking pole with a fixed length | There are some trekking poles with a completely fixed length and others with an adjustable section (similar to folding poles). These are particularly suitable for creating very lightweight and perfectly adapted poles for individual sports (e.g. Nordic Walking or trail running). They can’t be compressed however, so they take up more space during transport. |
What are walking poles used for?
Walking pole is the generic term for all poles used by outdoor enthusiasts during hillwalking, trekking, mountaineering, approach, trail running and Nordic Walking. Because of this variety in activities, athletes’ requirements concerning their equipment, i.e. trekking poles, vary widely.
The effect is similar, though to different extents. The poles relieve the leg muscles but actively involve the upper body in the movement. Whether on an ascent or descent, whether with a heavy walking backpack or light-footed during trail running – the best walking poles will provide ongoing support and ensure better endurance and sporting performance.
| Hillwalking | Length-adjustable all-round hiking poles are perfect for most hill walks. |
| Approach/mountain hiking | Folding poles usually save a lot of space and are perfect for climbing tours and mountain hikes. |
| Trail running | The motto for trail running is “ultra-light”. Carbon is therefore the best choice for particularly lightweight trail running poles. |
| Trekking | Whether carbon or aluminium – walking poles for long trips with a heavy backpack can be a bit more robust. Handles with different gripping options ensure easy handling. |
| Nordic Walking | Poles for Nordic Walking are lightweight and dynamic. Special handles and hand straps have been specifically designed for Nordic Walking requirements. |
| Ski touring | Some walking poles are true all-rounders and can be used for snowshoe hiking and ski touring with suitable snow baskets. |
Our selection covers eight walking poles – from the economical and versatile all-round model as well as the robust trekking poles for long trips to ultra-lightweight carbon folding poles for sporty trail runners.
A direct comparison of 8 walking poles in our test
| Material & weight (per pair) | Recommended use & price (RRP) | Design | Handle & hand straps | Tip & basket | Length (adjustment range & packed dimensions) | Special features | |
| Black Diamond – Distance Carbon Z | Carbon, 280 g (at a length of 120 cm) | Trail running, €170.00 | Folding pole with push-button release | Foam (EVA) with grip extension, ergonomically shaped, strap adjustable & breathable | Tech Tips & narrow baskets (both can be replaced) | Fixed length of 110 cm to 130 cm in 5 cm increments, 40 cm packed dimensions (at a length of 120 cm) | Also available as a ladies’ model, ultra-lightweight |
| C.A.M.P. – Backcountry Carbon 2.0 | Carbon, 380 g | Hillwalking & trekking, €75.00 | Telescopic pole with three sections, aluminium clip locks | Foam, with hand strap | Carbide tips, replaceable basket | 64 – 135 cm, 64 cm packed dimensions | Robust, lightweight and very economical carbon trekking pole |
| Leki – Makalu FX Carbon As | Aluminium & carbon, 534 g | Trekking, €205.00 | Folding pole with telescope section (with Speed Lock 2 plus clip lock) | Aergon Air with grip extension, Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 | DSS Tip, 14 mm, trekking basket 2.0 (replaceable) | 110 – 130 cm, 40 cm packed dimensions | Anti-shock system (Dynamic Suspension System, DSS) |
| Leki – Khumbu Lite | Aluminium, 492 g | Trekking & hillwalking, €85.00 | Telescopic pole with three telescope sections (with Speed Lock 2 plus clip locks) | Aergon with Lock Security Strap Soft 2.0 straps | Flex Tip, trekking basket 2.0 (replaceable) | 100 – 135 cm, 67 cm packed dimensions | Versatile, robust and lightweight, unisex |
| Leki – Eagle | Aluminium, 540 g | Trekking & hillwalking, €50.00 | Telescopic pole with three sections and Super Lock system (twist lock) | PAS V1 handle with Lock Security Strap nylon strap | Flex Tip, racing/trekking basket (replaceable) | 110 – 145 cm, 65 cm packed dimensions | Unisex |
| Leki – Sherpa FX One Carbon | Aluminium & carbon, 490 g | Trekking & ski touring, €175,00 | Telescopic pole with three sections and Super Lock system (twist lock) | Aergon Air with grip extension, Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 | Flex Tip, trekking basket 2.0 (replaceable) | Fixed length of 120 cm to 140 cm in 5 cm increments, 40 cm packed dimensions | Unisex, ergonomic handles for easy gripping, includes folding pole bag |
| Leki – Makalu FX Carbon | Carbon, 508 g | Trekking & hillwalking, €195,00 | Folding pole with telescope section (with Speed Lock 2 plus clip lock) | Aergon Air with grip extension, Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 | Flex Tip, trekking basket 2.0 (replaceable) | 110 – 130 cm, 40 cm packed dimensions | Unisex, including folding pole bag |
| Leki – Voyager | Aluminium, 540 g | Trekking & hillwalking, €60.00 | Telescopic pole with three sections and Super Lock system (twist lock) | PAS V1 handle with Lock Security Strap Soft 2.0 strap | Flex Tip, racing/trekking basket (replaceable) | 110 – 145 cm, 65 cm packed dimensions | Unisex. Lightweight and affordable. Great all-round walking pole |
Alpinetrek test result & purchasing recommendations for different areas of use
For occasional hikes in low mountain ranges and day trips, the economical Leki “Eagle” and “Voyager” walking poles are the best hiking poles. Of course, a PAS V1 handle isn’t as comfortable as an Aergon Air handle and many hikers prefer clip locks to twist locks, but as the value-for-money winners in our test, the two Leki trekking poles certainly come out on top.
On extended trips and trekking tours you’ll be superbly equipped with the Leki models Makalu FX Carbon, Sherpa FX One Carbon or Makalu FX Carbon As. These trekking poles can be folded or are telescopic, which is a matter of preference in the end. You can basically ignore the packed dimensions when considering the size of the walking backpack – since you carry the poles in your hands most of the time anyway. In addition, the cushioning effect of the DDS can make long journeys with a heavy backpack significantly more comfortable.
For trail running and ultra-lightweight use, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is hard to beat. At its shortest length (110 cm), a pair of these sophisticated trail running poles weighs a mere 264 g and can be folded to 33 cm to save space, making them the best backpacking poles. For increased speed, long distances and maximum performance, these poles come highly recommended.
In the mid-range (at least when it comes to the price), you’ll find the Leki Khumbu Lite made of aluminium and the C.A.M.P. Backcountry Carbon 2.0. Both are characterised by solid technical specs as well as great features. For under €100, hikers who don’t necessarily need the most exclusive material will get reliable walking poles that provide more comfort than the lower-priced entry-level models, yet offer excellent stability and features.
