5 BEST TREKKING POLES FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING

Would you like to keep your base weight as low as possible?Wouldn’t be nice if you can go downhill and uphill way faster and significantly less effort. Let’s find out how to choose trekking poles that can relieve stress on your knees.If you’re here, then you know that long hikes can be rough on your feet, knees and ankles.

Are you looking for a pair of trekking poles that you can rely on them when you are about to fall over? Would you like to keep your base weight as low as possible? Wouldn’t be nice if you can go downhill and uphill way faster and significantly less effort. Let’s find out how to choose trekking poles that can relieve stress on your knees.

If you’re here, then you know that long hikes can be rough on your feet, knees and ankles. The most challenging hikes, which are sometimes the best ones, can also challenge your core muscles and your ability to balance. If you’re ready to take your hiking to the next level, you’re willing to hike with best trekking poles.

Today’s trekking poles aren’t the four or five-foot long walking sticks your dad used to cut for you alongside the trail.These poles range from very affordable to very expensive and come in a variety of weights, lengths, and strengths.Like all others, I was a little bit hesitant to carry poles in my hand, and during my first couple of days, I felt awkward taking them.When I just walked down a big uphill, they took much weight off my knees, and it changed everything for me.

OUR REVIEWS OF TOP 5 BEST TREKKING POLES

Discover the Best Trekking Poles for hiking and backpacking trips. We’ve included the trekking poles, which are suitable for every type of adventure best yet. They are lightweight and offer you the best support for efficient hiking on trials. Our definite guide covers the strong, feather-light, durable, and comfortable to quick-adjust trekking poles, increasing your stability and balance on the rough terrains.

1. Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles

These Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles have three things going for them right off the bat.First, they’re telescoping, and can be easily stored in your backpack when not in use. Second, they weigh in at 7.6 ounces each, meaning the pair weighs less than one pound. Third, they are 100% carbon fiber, which means they’re durable, flexible, and not prone to vibration.No matter how long the hike, these poles will be up to the job. Furthermore, these poles feature tungsten tips and flick-locks, which many experienced hikers prefer to the older twist-locking style.I also liked the grip on these poles. I could hold them comfortably from any direction, or palm the top. These poles aren’t shock absorbing, and I found them to be very sturdy when I needed them for balance or large step-ups.

2. Foxelli Collapsible Trekking Poles

Foxelli Collapsible Trekkers are comparable to the Hiker Hunger poles in price but have a slightly different make-up.Rather than being 100% carbon fiber, these poles are made with Aramid, but the difference doesn’t have a huge impact on performance.This pair weighs in at less than one pound and has many features you would expect from a more expensive pole, such as rubber covers for the tungsten tips and flick-locks to adjust the height. They also come in a lightweight nylon bag, which is nice because it keeps them together.

3. Paria Outdoor Products Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

The Trifold Carbon Cork Trekkers feature a newly re-enforced locking mechanism, carbon fiber shafts and aluminum alloy connectors.Rather than flip-locks or twist-locks, these poles have an internal elastic cord and fit together much like tent poles do. On the upside, these poles are less expensive than the Hiker Hungers and Walking Sticks.They also collapse to a mere 15 inches, so they are very portable and packable. The downside is that they weigh in between 8 and 9 ounces each, meaning the pair weighs more than a pound.I like the way they fit together like tent poles and the fact that they are super portable, but for the extra weight, it might not be worth it.

4. Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are priced on par with the other poles reviewed in this article, selling for $$ on Amazon. These poles are straightforward and professional. They feature flick-locks and even include a powder basket.The well-padded grip is comfortable and allows for multiple positions: noticableYou can hold it straight or palm the top for a little more reach (the top has a lip to grip), or you can temporarily remove the strap and hold further down the pole for a short climb. The strap is the noticeable difference between this and cheaper models, and I wouldn’t do without the strap.

5. Cascade Mountain Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The Cascade Mountain trekkers are the top rated trekking poles reviewed in this article, but in many ways, you aren’t getting what you aren’t paying for. These poles do feature a strap, which improves comfort, but they also allow more vibration than the other models because they’re only 50% carbon fiber.When I strike these poles on the floor or a rock, I feel the vibration in my hands, and personally, I don’t like that. The poles are easy to adjust, and the locking mechanism is secure.These poles feature shock absorption, but if you’re counting on your poles to ease the strain on your back and knees, shock absorption does more harm than good. If you want to drive your pole into the ground and lean on it to help yourself step on a high rock, if the pole absorbs your weight, then your hips and knees are still doing most of the work, and the pole hasn’t assisted you. These poles weigh in at just over one pound, so they also aren’t as light as many of the other choices in this price range.

Few Things To Know About Trekking Poles

Here’s Few Things To Know About Trekking PolesCarbon Fiber Is Flexible And Strong, And Most Poles Contain Some Of It. The Higher The Carbon Fiber Content, The Less Vibration You Will Feel In Your Hands Each Time The Pole Strikes The Ground.You Have To Carry The Weight Of Your Poles With Every Step. Look For A Pair That Weighs Less Than One Pound, And That Is Comfortable To Carry.You Won’t Want Your Poles Everywhere. Know The Size Of Your Backpack And What You Plan To Carry In It. Make Sure That Your Poles, When Collapsed, Will Either Fit In Your Bag Or Strap Onto It Securely.Shock absorption is not a feature.

If you think about it, the reason you need a hiking pole is to lend sturdy support and balance, especially on challenging terrain.If you lean on your pole to step up onto a fallen log and the pole absorbs your body weight as you lean on it, then you’ve left your knees and back doing all the work. If you’re going to do that, you might as well leave your poles at home.I have been backpacking for years, and Now I never go without them. Let’s discuss the benefits of using trekking poles vs. regular walking sticks

Do You Need Trekking Poles

Well, it depends on where you are going, if you are going uphill they come in handy, and you do not need them for packed trails. If you have a heavy load and going to the mountains, they are a damn necessity and also crossing water with poles is a lot easier.

1. Trekking Poles Vs Walking Sticks

Trekking poles or Hiking poles provide you stability on tough terrain. They help you distribute your weight across your limbs so you can go further.Especially they will take off wear and tear on your joints and knees. Personally, I found that I could go further in a day and I like being a four-legged creature during the hike.Trekking poles and walking sticks both can do the same thing, but the biggest advantage of using poles is less weight and size.

Moreover, also you can fold them and put it in your pack when not using them.Using walking sticks does not provide upper body exercise compared to trekking poles especially when there are many elevation changes.However, the biggest advantage is that you can walk faster with just using a walking stick. Trekking poles have physiological benefits, and they also provide you better grip over a tricky terrain.Besides this let’s check out the types of trekking poles and how to choose them.

2. Twist Locks Vs Flick Lock

Twist lock poles features “twist lock” locking mechanism for a secure height adjustment so you can find your ideal pole length more quickly than before no matter what’s your height.The biggest complaint that I had with twisted lock poles is they do not often lock properly, and I had to readjust them occasionally during the hike.There isn’t any difference between Twist Locks and Flick Lock Poles, but the flip lock poles are much easier to adjust and use.

I wouldn’t want to rule of poles solely based on the locking mechanism you’ve got to try which one works for you.Personally, I’d just go with flick lock poles they are super comfortable, beautiful and lightweight.Another factor to consider, when choosing trekking poles is the shaft material which makes them either heavy or lightweight, let’s check out the benefits of using aluminum vs. carbon fiber poles.

3. Shaft Material

Carbon fiber poles are less dense compared to Aluminum and stronger against compression forces. Usually, carbon-fiber poles are lighter than aluminum poles, so they are the ideal choice if you are looking for a lightweight pole.The only drawback I can think of is carbon fiber is brittle and not flexible enough and won’t bend. They will just snap if you load them heavy and if you snap them then you will just need to through them.

Aluminum poles are stronger compared to carbon fiber poles. Choose aluminum poles if you are planning of more challenging hike and not concerned about the weight of the pole.Because in case If you bend aluminum pole during the trip, you can bend it back to shape and it’s easy to repair. Aluminum trekking poles are bit heavier, but they are more durable compared to carbon fiber.

Which one is the best trekking pole?

Personally, I like having trekking poles because I can use poles as another freaking set of legs and if you are carrying a heavy pack then I highly recommend them. They make downhills and uphill’s a lot easier; they will provide the balance that can save your ankles and they are much more helpful in the water crossing too.However, trekking poles take some time to get used to, so give it some time maybe a couple of days on hiking.

I’d say if you have any knee, ankle, or back problems then they are mandatory just go for them. All things considered, you can get a solid pair of Trekking poles from Amazon in the $50.00 to $70.00 price range. Get you some and use them, and let me know how loudly your hips and knees thank you. Happy Trails!