The Best Trekking Poles of 2024

By Michael Lanza

One of the most immutable truisms about hiking is this: Backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, mountain runners, and others who start using trekking poles almost never hit the trail without them again. No matter how much weight you’re carrying—from an ultralight daypack to a godawful heavy monster backpack—using poles will lessen your chances of an accidental fall and your leg muscles and joints, feet, back, and body will all feel better, thanks to the reduced strain, fatigue, and impact on them.

Consider this: I do not know a single experienced dayhiker or backpacker who does not use poles.

This review covers the best trekking poles available today. My picks are based on testing all of them (and many other poles) extensively on backpacking trips, dayhikes, mountain climbs and scrambles, backcountry skiing, and/or ultra-trail runs and dayhikes—as well as my experience ambulating thousands of trail miles over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog.


Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.


Backpackers hiking over Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park.
Backpackers hiking over Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park. Click photo for my e-guide “The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite.”

In the reviews below:

  • The poles are listed in order from lightest to heaviest because weight best distinguishes them in terms of intended uses, making it effectively the key factor influencing your choice.
  • I’ve given every pole an overall score—but keep in mind that, with poles, you should first figure out whether you need ultralight, lightweight, or heavier and sturdier poles, and then compare the scores and details of the models in your chosen category (which is why I list the poles in order of weight, not score). You will see that some pole models reviewed below have a similar or identical overall score but are very different from one another.
  • For reasons of comparison and intended uses, I categorize poles under 12 ounces (per pair) as ultralight, poles 12-15.9 oz. as lightweight, and poles one pound or more as the sturdiest, for hard use.
  • The capsule reviews below include a link to my full reviews of the poles.
  • Key point for backpackers who use an ultralight or lightweight tent: If you use a tent that pitches with trekking poles, many require poles that are adjustable and extend to 125cm or longer. Not all poles meet those specs.

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A backpacker on the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park.
David Gordon backpacking the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park. Click photo to get my e-guide to backpacking the Teton Crest Trail.

I regularly update this review with new poles that belong on this list. I’m confident you will find at least one model of trekking poles ideal for your type of hiking on or off-trail—and you’ll usually find the best prices at the links to online gear retailers below. Those are affiliate links that support this blog at no cost to you when you make purchases through them, so thanks for doing that.

See also my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.”

A backpacker standing at Ooh-Ah Point on the Grand Canyon's South Kaibab Trail.
Todd Arndt standing at Ooh-Ah Point on the Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail. Click photo for my expert help planning your next great backpacking trip.

Please share your questions, opinions, and experiences with any of these poles or your own favorite model in the comments section at the bottom of the review. I try to respond to all comments.

The chart below compares key metrics and features of each pole covered below, including an overall score. But keep in mind that some models have similar or identical scores even though they are very different; look closely at the scoring categories and specific reviews—and use my expert tips for choosing trekking poles—to determine which poles are best for your purposes. That’s why I list them in order of weight, because that metric most clearly distinguishes the types and best uses of poles.

The Best Trekking Poles

Trekking PoleScorePriceWeight/PairSizesCollapsible/FoldingAdjustabilityPacked Length
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z4.1$19010 oz./
283.5g
Four: 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130cmFoldingNo33cm/13 inches (110cm poles)
Gossamer Gear LT54.1$19510 oz./
283.5g
One size, adjustableCollapsible60-130cm60cm/23.5 inches
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ4.4$21011-13 oz./
311.8g-368.5g
Three men's/unisex and two women's sizes, adjustableFolding95-110cm, 105-125cm, and 120-140cm34-40cm/13.4-15.7 inches
MSR DynaLock Ascent4.4$1901 lb. 1 oz./
481.9g
Two sizes, adjustableFolding100-120cm and 120-140cm36.2cm/14.3 inches (100-120cm poles)
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork4$2001 lb. 1.5 oz./
496.1g
One size, adjustableCollapsible61-130cm61cm/24 inches
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork3.7$1401 lb. 2 oz./
510.3g
One size, adjustableCollapsible74-140cm73.5cm/29 inches
Montem Ultra Strong3.7$751 lb. 3 oz./
538.6g
One size, adjustableCollapsible61-135cm61cm/24 inches

Ultralight Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking and running poles.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking and running poles.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Score: 4.1
Best for: ultra-runners and -hikers and lightweight and ultralight backpackers.
$190, 10 oz./pair (110cm, with trekking baskets)
Four sizes, non-adjustable: 110, 120, 130, and 140cm
blackdiamondequipment.com

Lighter gear can entail tradeoffs, but these ultralight, non-adjustable folding poles make no large compromise on strength. BD’s Distance Carbon Z endured a mostly off-trail, two-day backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, and a mostly off-trail, roughly 14-mile and 5,000-foot dayhike of 10,470-foot Horstman Peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, among many other hikes and long trail runs. Quickly deployed to their fixed length (in four sizes), thanks to an internal Kevlar cord, these 100 percent carbon fiber poles have extended EVA foam grips and partly mesh nylon wrist straps. They fold to a tiny 33cm/13 inches (for the 110cm size). But they are non-adjustable, and under rare stresses, carbon will sheer or snap.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles at blackdiamondequipment.commoosejaw.com, or backcountry.com.

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Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles.
Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles.

Gossamer Gear LT5
Score: 4.1
Best for: lightweight and ultralight backpackers and hikers.
$195, 10 oz./pair (without trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 60-130cm
gossamergear.com

Weighing (per pair) about as much as a lightweight down jacket—and less than five ounces of water—the minimalist, collapsible LT5 poles stand up to more abuse than they’d receive on many well-maintained trails, as I discovered on a 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, including a 15-mile day traversing most of the rugged Escalante Route; on a seven-day, 96-mile traverse of the Wind River High Route, two-thirds of which is off-trail; and on a four-day, 45-mile hike through Yosemite. The carbon shafts extend to 130cm/51 inches, long enough for all but the tallest hikers, but their collapsed length of 60cm/23.5 inches isn’t very packable. While the twist-lock mechanism doesn’t lock as securely as a lever, they rarely slipped in use. The LT5 poles offer the performance needed by many hikers, backpackers—especially lightweight and ultralight—climbers, and others.

See my full review of the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles at gossamergear.com.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, and other parks using my expert e-guides.

Lightweight Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ
Score: 4.4
Best for: ultra-runners and -hikers and lightweight and ultralight backpackers.
$210, 12.7 oz./pair (105-125cm, with trekking baskets)
Three sizes, adjustable: 95-110cm, 105-125cm, and 120-140cm
blackdiamondequipment.com

BD’s folding, carbon fiber Distance Carbon FLZ hit a sweet spot between the most packable, ultralight poles and models only marginally heavier and less packable and offer greater versatility through their adjustability. On dayhikes and trail runs of up to 15 miles in Idaho’s Boulder and Pioneer Mountains and Boise Foothills and a 10-mile, 3,600-vertical-foot dayhike on a trail strewn with wet, slippery rocks and mud in New Hampshire’s White Mountains—as well as backpacking trips on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and in the Wind River Range and The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park—I found they perform very much like the Distance Carbon Z and are tough enough for backpacking. Quickly deployed and adjusted using BD’s FlickLock levers, they have extended EVA foam grips and partly mesh nylon wrist straps. If you’re looking for the lightest and most packable adjustable poles, look no further.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking and running poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com.

Get the right pack for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and the best ultralight backpacks.

Sturdiest Poles

MSR DynaLock Ascent trekking poles.

MSR DynaLock Ascent
Score: 4.4
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, and climbers.
$190, 1 lb. 1 oz. (100-120cm, with trekking baskets)
Two sizes, adjustable: S (100-120cm), L (120-140cm)
msrgear.com

These folding poles find a unique balance of three qualities: durability, exceptional packability, and adjustability in folding poles. In the backcountry, they stand out for being tough and stable, proving their value on outings from backpacking in the Wind River Range and a 20-mile, mostly off-trail peaks traverse in Idaho’s Sawtooths to a rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon and some of the hardest miles on the Appalachian Trail. They have Kevlar-reinforced, all-carbon construction, an adjustability range of 20cm in each of two sizes—serving virtually everyone—and a packed length of a mere 36.2cm/14.3 inches (for the small size). The sections lock rigidly with a simple pin and the Dynalock levers never slipped. And that price is a super value.

See my full review of the MSR Dynalock Ascent trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the MSR Dynalock Ascent Trekking Poles at msrgear.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com.

Want a pair of sturdy, four-season poles for just $90? Check out the MSR Dynalock Trail Backcountry Poles (1 lb. 5 oz.) at moosejaw.com or msrgear.com.

Get the right synthetic or down puffy to keep you warm. See “The 10 Best Down Jackets.”

 

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Score: 4
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, climbers, and snow sports users.
$200, 1 lb. 1.5 oz./pair (with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 61-130cm
backcountry.com

From a 94-mile traverse of Glacier National Park and a rugged, 74-mile hike in the Grand Canyon to backcountry skiing and scrambling off-trail up mountains, BD’s collapsible Alpine Carbon Cork poles proved tough enough for any activity year-round. The 100 percent carbon shafts have extended grips and don’t feel too heavy. Adjustable from 110-130cm, they can effectively be used at any length nearly down to their packed length of 61cm/24 inches—a wider range than most poles, serving all but very tall hikers. The FlickLock Pro levers are basically flawless. Two complaints: They’re not very packable and adjusting the lever tension requires a tiny Allen wrench, rather than a screwdriver head that would be found on many multi-tools or knives.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles at backcountry.com, blackdiamondequipment.com, or moosejaw.com.

Get the right tent for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
and “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent.”

The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles.
The Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles.

Montem Ultra Strong
Score: 3.7
Best for: many backpackers and hikers on a budget.
$75, 1 lb. 3 oz. (with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 61-135cm
montemlife.com

If cost is a barrier, these collapsible sticks are your answer. From the rugged, 25-mile Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop in the Grand Canyon to a four-day hike in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and other trips, Montem’s 7075 aluminum shafts suffered no damage—although the piece attaching the upper lever mechanism to the shaft broke on one pole after a few years (there’s a lifetime warranty). The adjustability—61-135cm/24-53 inches—beats poles costing much more. Like pricier models, these have flick-lock levers, extended EVA foam grips, and adjustable straps. Tradeoffs: The levers occasionally slipped—in rugged terrain, not on moderate trails—the poles are heavy, and the collapsed length of 61cm/24 inches ranks them among the least-packable.

See my full review of the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles at montemlife.com.

See all reviews of trekking poles, “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.” and all reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

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11 thoughts on “The Best Trekking Poles of 2024”

  1. Big fan of yours! My husband is interested in new poles, sturdy ones, that have more of a handle grip. Something like:
    LEKI Wanderfreund Makalu Trekking Pole
    Any advice about this kind of hiking pole?
    BTW, I love my Gossamer Gear ones, that you recommended to me & that worked great on the JMT last year!

    Reply
    • Hi Michele,

      I’m glad those Gossamer Gear LT5 poles have worked out well for you. I think they’re excellent, certainly lightweight, and quite durable; I’ve seen no concerns with my pair, even after numerous trips, some of those in very rough terrain. Has your husband ever tried hiking with those poles? They might just be perfect for him, too.

      What appeals to him about a handle grip? I haven’t used the Leki Wanderfreund Makalu Trekking Pole (that’s an affiliate link), but I’ve looked at it online and the handle looks more like something you’d grip from above on its horizontal portion, like a cane, rather than with your hands through the wrist straps and holding the pole’s grip on the same plane, as you’re accustomed to doing with your LT5. The Wanderfreund Makalu certainly looks durable (aluminum shafts), but has he considered how he would use that hiking? I just wonder if it’s intended to use more like a cane, which would not feel natural for use as a hiking pole.

      If he likes Leki, he might look at the the Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles (that’s an affiliate link), which are aluminum and equally sturdy, a bit lighter than the Wanderfreund Makalu, and have a grip that looks comfortable and is oriented more for hiking. Or, again, he might try your LT5 poles and at least see what he thinks of that type of grip.

      Or look at some of the heavier/sturdier models in this review.

      I hope that helps. I would definitely recommend he use some kind of poles. But I would point him toward poles with a grip that looks more intended for hiking.

      Reply
  2. Thanks for this helpful review. My only question is which collapsible sticks have anti-shock system? I have old decathlon sticks with springs, but need lighter ones for travel. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Deborah,

      I’m honestly not sure what trekking poles are still made with anti-shock technology. I personally don’t look for that in poles because I’m skeptical about the benefits, while the disadvantage is significant: Too much of your effort when pushing off with poles (whether going uphill or on relatively flat terrain) gets absorbed by the anti-shock device rather than transmitted to the ground.

      I hope that helps. Good luck.

      Reply
  3. Hi Michael! Thanks for all of your helpful articles, I’ve used them extensively as I’ve gotten into backpacking over the last few years.

    I was wondering, do you have any guidance about which of these poles would be suitable (or definitely not suitable) for use with trekking pole tents? Is collapsible vs folding a consideration for that kind of use? The lightweight/compact design of the BD carbon FLZ poles is appealing, but I’m wondering whether they would hold up when doubling as tent poles.

    I’ve never used trekking poles before, but everything I’ve read makes me want to give them a try. And I figure if I’m going to start using trekking poles, the weight savings of a trekking pole tent would make sense too!

    Reply
    • Hi Quinn,

      Thanks for the nice compliment about my blog and for asking good questions about trekking poles. You should definitely start using them, by the way. As I wrote in the second paragraph of this story: I do not know a single experienced dayhiker or backpacker who does not use poles.

      If you want to get an ultralight backpacking tent that pitches with trekking poles, note the last bullet point in the tips above the reviews of these poles in this story: “Key point for backpackers who use an ultralight or lightweight tent: If you use a tent that pitches with trekking poles, many require poles that are adjustable and extend to 125cm or longer. Not all poles meet those specs.” The tent’s pitching instructions will indicate the length to set trekking poles.

      I’m a big fan of BD’s Distance Carbon FLZ and for starters, you’d have to get the right size for the tent you choose. And I would be a little concerned about how well they’d hold up in really strong winds; for average use in reasonably protected campsites, the Distance Carbon FLZ poles would be fine. I’d suggest the Gossamer Gear LT5 as a strong, ultralight pole for pitching a tent; I’ve used those poles for that purpose.

      It does matter where you’ll use that tent and the tent itself.

      I hope that helps. Good luck and get in touch anytime.

      Reply
  4. Hello guys, I need your advice, I am on the overweight side and have a sore knee, so when I walk and hike I have to put more pressure on one side (left) and I already broke 2 poles, is there a stronger model that you could suggest me….thanks in advance

    Reply
  5. My wife and I use the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon cork. Not the lightest, not the most compact, not the cheapest. But they are quite durable, reasonably quick to adjust when switching uphill to downhill trekking. Above all the cork grips are quite comfortable. And FWIW when I snapped one last summer., after heavy use, I called the company and they sent me a new shaft free of charge. Terrific customer service!

    Reply