Trekking Poles
3 guidesBest Trekking Poles for Women (2026)
Lighter, shorter, and designed for women. The best trekking poles for female hikers ranked by fit, weight, and grip comfort.
Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking (2026)
Ultralight, packable, and durable enough for multi-day loads. The best trekking poles for backpacking ranked for weight, packability, and trail performance.
FAQs
How do you use trekking poles?
Set the pole length so your elbow forms a 90-degree angle when the tip touches the ground beside your foot. On uphills, shorten the poles a few centimeters so you can push down effectively without hunching. On descents, lengthen them to absorb impact and keep your weight back. Plant the pole slightly behind your lead foot on flat terrain, opposite to your walking stride: left pole with right foot.
Are trekking poles worth it?
Yes, for most hikers. Studies show trekking poles reduce knee joint stress by up to 25% on descents, which matters most on long days and steep terrain. They also improve balance on uneven ground, provide a useful third and fourth point of contact on river crossings, and can double as tent poles for ultralight shelters. The main trade-off is the weight and the occasional awkwardness on scrambling terrain where you need both hands.
What are trekking poles used for?
Trekking poles serve four main purposes: reducing impact on knees and joints on descents, improving uphill efficiency by engaging the upper body, providing stability on uneven, wet, or loose terrain, and assisting balance during river crossings. For backpackers, they can also serve as poles for ultralight tarp or shelter setups.
What length trekking poles do I need?
For most hikers, a pole adjusted so the elbow is at 90 degrees when the tip rests on flat ground is the right starting point. This typically means 100 to 110cm for hikers 5’6″ to 6′. Shorter hikers generally need 95 to 105cm poles. Adjustable poles (recommended for most people) let you fine-tune for terrain. Fixed-length ultralight poles require knowing your size before purchasing.
What is the difference between trekking poles and hiking poles?
The terms are used interchangeably. Trekking poles, hiking poles, and walking poles all refer to the same piece of gear. Some manufacturers use “trekking” to imply more rugged, backcountry-oriented construction and “hiking” for lighter, trail-focused poles, but there is no universal standard.
Carbon vs aluminum trekking poles: which is better?
Carbon poles are lighter (typically 30 to 50% lighter than aluminum) and stiffer, which translates to better energy transfer on hard ground. The trade-off is they can snap rather than bend when put under sideways stress, such as a fall or a stuck tip. Aluminum poles are heavier but more durable and less likely to fail catastrophically. Carbon is the better choice for ultralight backpackers and those covering big miles; aluminum is better for casual hikers or anyone who puts their poles through rough use.