If you want to protect your knees or relieve a lot of pressure from them while hiking then getting a pair of backpacking trekking poles would be ideal. I have very strong arms and by using trekking poles, I take away some of the force or pressure that my legs were getting. This is great for me because I can hike easier and with less problems afterwards. I have listed some amazing trekking poles below. Some are very inexpensive and some are very expensive. I highly recommend at least taking a look at them. I am pretty sure that you will be content with one of the trekking poles below due to the fact that a lot of people love these items as well.
Best Backpacking Trekking Poles – Quick Chart
Backpacking Trekking Poles | Weight | Material | Lock Type | Grip |
1. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles with Cork Grip | 8 oz each | Aluminum | Quick Lock | Cork grip |
2. High Trek Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles | Aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum | 8.7 oz each | Quick Lock | EVA handles |
3. TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles | 1.32 lbs total | 7 Series Aviation Aluminum Material | Twist lock | Hard Plastic |
4. Himal Outdoors 2 PCS Adjustable Travel Hiking Walking Stick Trekking Pole | 600g of 2pcs | Not Available | Flick-lock mechanism | EVA Foam Handle |
5. BAFX Products – 2 Pack – Anti Shock Hiking / Walking / Trekking Trail Poles | 12.4 oz each | Aircraft grade aluminum | Twist Lock | Plastic |
6. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles | 9.7 oz per pole | Aluminum 7075 | Quick Lock | Cork Grip |
7. Cascade Mountain Tech 100% Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles | 7.8 oz each | 100% carbon fiber | Quick Lock | EVA Grip |
8. Trekology Hiking Sticks Collapsible Hiking Poles | 9 oz each | Aluminum alloy | Flick-lock mechanism | Cork handle |
9. Montem Ultra Strong Hiking / Walking / Trekking Poles | 9.6 oz per pole | Aluminum 7075 | Quick Lock | EVA foam handles |
10. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | 7.6 oz each | Carbon Fiber | Quick Lock | Cork handle |
11. Black Diamond Trail Back Trek Poles Hiking | 13.6 oz | Carbon Fiber | Collapsible | EVA foam grip |
12. LEKI Legacy Lite COR-TEC Pole Pair | 1.09 lbs | Aluminium (HTS 6.5) | Aluminum shaft Speedlock2 Lock System | AERGON Cor-Tec Compact Grip |
13. Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Carbon Trekking Poles | 7 oz each | Carbon Fiber | Quick Lock | Cork Grips |
14. LEKI Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles | 8 oz each | Aluminum | Quick Lock | Ergonomic cork grip |
15. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trek Walking Poles | 0.8 lbs | Aluminum | Quick Release | Cork |
How To Choose A Pair Of Trekking Poles
Types Of Trekking Poles
Standard Trekking Poles
Standard trekking poles will come in three pieces. The user inserts each piece with each other to make the trekking pole. The top two piece will have a locking mechanism while the bottom piece will have a carbide tip or trail foot. These trekking poles are very popular and most of the trekking poles that you will see will have three pieces that you combine together.
Collapsible Trekking Poles
These trekking poles will have three pieces that are connected by a wire. Since everything is connected, you basically have one piece. The user will have to tighten to the wire to create the trekking pole. When the user loosens the wire, the trekking pole will collapse into three pieces that are connected to each other by a wire.
Wooden Trekking Poles
Not a lot of people get wooden trekking poles but they are available. These trekking poles are made out of wood and will often come in one piece. People cannot collapse these trekking poles. These are very long and everything is made out of a type of wood. Some are very durable while others are not.
Choosing The Shaft Material
Aluminum
This material is one of the best that you can get. A lot of people love trekking poles made out of aluminum because this material is very affordable. There are a lot of people who love aluminum because this is very durable and does not bend easily as well. It is easy to see that this material is very lightweight which makes trekking poles made from this to be very easy to carry.
Composite
Composite trekking poles are often made from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a very good material that is lighter than aluminum by around 2 ounces per trekking pole. I find that aluminum tends to be more durable. When carbon fiber breaks, these do not bend at all, this material splinters and breaks apart. Once a carbon fiber trekking pole breaks, it will no longer be usable.
Choosing The Locking Mechanism
Twist Lock
Twist locks used to be popular. Most trekking poles in the past would have a twist lock. Basically, you twist the end of a piece in order to lock two pieces together. This requires time and energy which is why most people no longer want twist locks. Sometimes, it is very hard to open a twist lock.
Clamp Lock
Clamp locking mechanisms are now very popular. All people need to do is flip the clamp and snap it. The mechanism will combine two pieces together once it is locked. This is very easy to do and requires no time and effort at all. Most of the trekking poles that you will see will have this locking mechanism.
Push Button Lock
This locking mechanism is more common with collapsible trekking poles. You basically lock the hiking sticks when you align the button to the hole. The hole and button will lock the hiking sticks in place. In order to release and collapse the trekking poles, all the user has to do is press the button.
Choosing The Handle Material
Cork
Cork is a great material for the handle of a trekking pole. This material works well and repels water. This can reduce the shocks produced by the trekking poles and absorb them. I love that handles that are made from this are very light in weight. This material provides a lot of traction and a comfortable grip.
EVA Foam
EVA Foam is an amazing material that a lot of trekking pole handles have. One of the advantages of EVA foam is that this is very durable. This material has a very low cost which is why a lot of handles are made out of this. This material can reduce shocks and absorb them also. The handles made from this material are often very easy to clean.
Rubber
This is a very good material to use to create trekking pole handles. Amazing material that absorbs shocks and protects the hands from vibrations. This amazing material naturally repels water while also being very affordable. Rubber is very good and very durable which is why a lot of people get handles that are made out of this material. I love that rubber as this is a great handle material that provides a lot of traction and grip.
Wood
Wooden handles are very common with wooden trekking poles. The appearance of this material is amazing and beautiful. Wood is known for being safe, nontoxic and nonreactive. Wood is very stiff though but wood does not cost much.
Things To Consider
Weight
The weight of the trekking poles is very important. While trekking poles do allow us to conserve energy and relieve pressure to the knees, they take away energy as well. Whenever we lift the poles, this action causes our body to put energy into the lifting motion. The lighter the poles, the more energy we are going to conserve. So I highly recommend getting trekking poles that are lightweight. Some poles that are very lightweight do cost a lot. So budget your money and the weight of the trekking pole also.
Lock Type
The lock type of the trekking sticks matter. Some lock types will decrease or take away the shock absorption of the item. This is important because if you want shock absorption, you may not get it with certain types of locks. Vice versa. If you don’t want anti shock, then you should also pay attention to the lock type.
Durable
The durability of the trekking poles is important also. There are very affordable trekking poles that are not durable at all. I’ve bought a lot of hiking sticks in the past, a lot of the cheap ones break easily. They did not last at all. The expensive ones actually last better. Durability should be considered. It may be worth paying extra money for an item that will last for a long time.
Price
The price matters a lot. There are some hiking poles that are practically the same but one company is selling it for half the price. Maybe it is a counterfeit also. Make sure that the item you are getting is pretty good and high quality. You may buy something very cheap but it will not last long.
Material
The material of the trekking pole is very important especially the handle. Some people do not like the EVA foam handle, some do not like the cork handle, and some do not like the plastic handle. Some like carbon fiber, some like aluminum, and so on. Make sure, you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the material that you are purchasing.
Best Backpacking Trekking Poles – Inexpensive Hiking Sticks
Here are some very inexpensive trekking poles. If you are looking for trekking poles that are very cheap and very durable then these trekking poles would be ideal for you. All product links are affiliate links.
1. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles with Cork Grip
Weight: 8 oz each
Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: Cork grip
Short Review: If you are looking for an amazing pair of backpacking trekking poles you will need to consider this. This is constructed out of “Aircraft Grade” aluminum that can withstand more force, is highly durable, and vital when hiking rocky terrain. This features a quick lock will support you during all your adventures, it is easy to use and reliable. Comes with cork grips or handles that provide comfort, and lowers the vibration as you step. This is very affordable and inexpensive. This is also very durable. This is most certainly worth getting as this can relieve knee pressure and prevent falling while in the outdoors. I’ve been looking for a item of this quality for a long time. I find this item to be spectacular and one of the best that is available right now.
2. High Trek Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles
Weight: Aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum
Material: 8.7 oz each
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: EVA handles
Short Review: This pair of outdoor walking sticks is exceptional and I love it. This is constructed out of tough aluminum can withstand pressure and impact better than carbon fiber which is crucial when hiking on rocky terrain. This set comes with telescoping poles that adjust in height from 25.5 inches up to 54 inches. This weighs about 4 ounces less than typical 6061 aluminum sticks. One of the best items I know of because it is really easy to use and suitable for my needs. This is accurately what was advertised plus it is also one of the best that I have ever tried. In terms of how easy to use this item is, this is really easy. This is a very good item with an even better price.
3. TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles
Weight: 1.32 lbs total
Material: 7 Series Aviation Aluminum Material
Lock Type: Twist lock
Grip: Hard Plastic
Short Review: I like using this pair of hiking sticks and I know you will also. This comes with high quality 6 series aluminum material with shock-absorbing effect that can strongly reduce damage from the impact force. This has extra long eva foam handles with straps that provides a lot of comfort and shock absorption. This is easy to collapse, small and light enough to be stored within your backpack. This has plenty of things going for it including the low selling price. There are lots of items online but this continues to be one of the best because this is incredibly resilient and very effective at the same time. If you read through the the positive customer reviews, then you will understand the reasons why plenty of men and women are obtaining this.
4. Aihoye Hiking Trekking Poles
Weight: 10.8 oz each
Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Twist Lock
Grip: Plastic And Soft Foam
Short Review: You will need to look at this pair of backpacking sticks before this is sold out. This features shock-absorbent design helps to reduce strains on hands and wrist during trekking. This features an ergonomic plastic handle grip, which offers a maximum non-slip, comfortable, natural and warm handhold. I like that I can recommend items from this company for the reason that this company continue to improve their items over time. I have to admit I am extremely impressed. Intuitive design allows this item to be very easy to setup and takes no effort at all. This is constructed with strong and lightweight aircraft grade aluminum material, great for all types of outdoor adventures including trekking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, and mountaineering.
5. BAFX Products – 2 Pack – Anti Shock Hiking / Walking / Trekking Trail Poles
Weight: 12.4 oz each
Material: Aircraft grade aluminum
Lock Type: Twist Lock
Grip: Plastic
Short Review: I am ecstatic to recommend this pair of hiking poles for the reason that this is extraordinary. This comes with twist lock mechanism these walking poles can be made the perfect height for any trail situation. This incorporates an anti-shock spring to help prevent joint fatigue by absorbing some of the shock with each pole placement. The design of this is both great looking and practical at the same time. This is amazing and I know this simply because of the positive consumer feedback. This is very useful to have and I love the features of this item as well.
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6. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Weight: 9.7 oz per pole
Material: Aluminum 7075
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: Cork Grip
Short Review: You simply won’t go wrong if you choose this pair of backpacking trekking poles. I am really happy with this item. This is constructed out of strong aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, tougher than carbon fiber yet weighing less. This features lever locks can be easily operated with just one hand, which is much easier than the 2-handed twist locks. This comes with padded straps and moisture wicking cork handles will mold to the shape of your hand for a secure and comfortable grip. This is among the finest considering that it has a great deal of functionality while being incredibly easy to use. This is a great item to have for your knees.
7. Cascade Mountain Tech 100% Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles
Weight: 7.8 oz each
Material: 100% carbon fiber
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: EVA Grip
Short Review: This pair of backpacking poles is really affordable and it has a lot of happy shoppers. This is constructed out of 100% carbon fiber which is known for its light weight. This features a quick lock that will support you during all your adventures, it is easy to use and reliable for holding the pole at the desired height. Amazing lightweight strong pole for people who are focusing on speed and ultralight packing. Hiking is a lot more fun if you have a good item like this and this is very useful as well. One of the best items for hiking as this will allow you to conserve more energy and prevent injuries from happening. This has lots of positive customer reviews because this is amazing. One of the best trekking poles that is available right now.
8. Trekology Hiking Sticks Collapsible Hiking Poles
Weight: 9 oz each
Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Flick-lock mechanism
Grip: Cork handle
Short Review: You should check out this pair of backpacking poles for the reason that it could possibly be the item that you are searching for. This is constructed out of 100% air-space grade 7075 aluminum-same material used on aircrafts and in marine environments, when strength and lighter weights are needed. This features joints have been enhanced to be extra secure with added metal caps and cork texture grip absorbs sweat out of your hands. A very versatile item that gives lots of usefulness while hiking and prevents injuries. This can relieve knee pressure and prevent falling while in the outdoors and the price is also extremely inexpensive. I really like that this is easy to use, easy to change height and very durable as well.
9. Montem Ultra Strong Hiking / Walking / Trekking Poles
Weight: 9.6 oz per pole
Material: Aluminum 7075
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: EVA foam handles
Short Review: This pair of outdoor walking sticks is one of the best that I genuinely love. This is constructed out of Aluminum 7075 – the same material used to build airplanes. Get this and experience truly what a strong trekking pole is. This features an adjustable quick locks allow you to quickly & easily lengthen the poles from 24” to 53”. This also comes with easily storable rubber tip protectors, pole connectors, and mud baskets. One of the benefits of easy to use items such as this is that people are exceptionally comfortable in making use of them. This is one of the greatest and lightest hiking sticks that you will ever come across.
10. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Weight: 7.6 oz Each
Material: Carbon Fiber
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: Cork Handle
Short Review: You certainly will like and make use of this pair of hiking sticks all the time. This is constructed out of 100% carbon fiber material, which is known for its incredible lightness which allows people to move quicker and faster while exerting less energy. This set is shock-absorbent and significantly minimizes the impact on joints. This features a quick-lock technology which makes it incredibly easy to use and a breeze to adjust. . The design is rather good which permits this item to be both effective and have a good amount of capabilities. This does the job that it is supposed to do and this is pretty impressive. This high quality item exceeded my expectations and I will keep recommending it for the reason that it continues to do so.
Check Out My Other Reviews – backpacking pads – backpacking flatware – camping picnic tables – merino wool hiking sock – rfid blocking sleeve |
Expensive Trekking Poles
Here are some trekking poles that are somewhat expensive. These are made out of very high quality materials. These are also designed and manufactured by very popular companies.
11. Black Diamond Trail Back Trek Poles Hiking
Weight: 13.6 Ounces
Material: Carbon Fiber
Lock Type: Collapsible
Grip: EVA foam grip
Short Review: One of the greatest items that I have ever tried is this pair of backpacking trekking poles. This comes with lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension with breathable, moisture-wicking strap. This incredibly lightweight collapsible pole is constructed out of Carbon Fiber. This has optimized joint support and stiffness for increased durability and z-pole fixed length construction with speed-cone deployment. I am definitely satisfied because of the weight and durability of this item. One of the lightest trekking poles that I have ever come across. The weight is pretty light and the grip is very comfortable. Multi-purpose item that makes the outdoors a lot easier and prevents injuries from happening.
12. LEKI Legacy Lite COR-TEC Pole Pair
Weight: 1.09 lbs
Material: Aluminium (HTS 6.5)
Lock Type: Aluminum shaft Speedlock2 Lock System
Grip: AERGON Cor-Tec Compact Grip
Short Review: You have to look at this pair of outdoor walking sticks before this is sold out. This features COR-TEC grip material is 80% natural ground cork for a more durable, biomechanical design. This is constructed out of proprietary heat-treated ultralight 16mm HTS 6.5 Series Aluminum upper shaft; 14mm lower shafts. The LEKI grips keeps wrist in neutral position and provides more efficient pole plants. This has a design and imaginative flavor all its own. We all would like sturdy items such as this. This is really good and easy to lock. The durability is outstanding and this should last for years to come.
13. Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Carbon Trekking Poles
Weight: 7 oz each
Material: Carbon Fiber
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: Cork Grips
Short Review: One of the things I like in regards to this pair of trekking poles is that it is very high-quality. This is constructed out of lightweight and extremely strong 100% carbon fiber engineered for trekking hiking snowshoeing and also as walking sticks. This features cork grip with EVA grip extension contoured dimpled palm grip with nylon adjustable straps provide firm grasp in any situation. This comes with height adjustment via two hard anodized aluminum steel and polymer snap-click compression lever locks. The fact that this is very easy to lock means it does not have a lot of complicated instructions. This is one of the most durable trekking poles that I have ever come across.
14. LEKI Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles
Weight: 9 oz each
Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Quick Lock
Grip: Ergonomic cork grip
Short Review: This pair of outdoor hiking sticks is outstanding and I really like it. This features Soft Strap is an ultra-light, very breathable strap and offers maximum comfort with minimal weight. Comes with speed lock that offers extremely fast adjustment of the pole length. 35% lighter, 27% smaller and same holding force as SL1. This is constructed out of durable aluminum and stretches to 100 – 135 cm while weighing only 245g. Items like this one make hiking a lot more fun. If you are searching for an amazing item, this is it. I like this durable item. This is a pretty good item for the outdoors that can prevent injuries and help you conserve energy.
15. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trek Walking Poles
Weight: 0.8 Pounds
Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Quick Release
Grip: Cork
Short Review: You will definitely love and use this pair of outdoor walking sticks on a regular basis. This is constructed out of 7075 Aluminum shafts and comes with fusion comfort strap for premium support. This features soft-touch ergonomic grip top with 100% natural cork grip and EVA foam grip extension with interchangeable tech tips compatible with carbide tech tips included. This set of trekking poles is one of the best that is on the market at this time which is why this has a good amount of positive customer feedback. This is incredibly resilient. It is easy to tell due to the fact this is made of high quality materials. Very useful for trails that are very steep and should help relieve the knees of a lot of pressure.