Best Trekking Poles of 2026: Top 5 Picks

Carbon vs Aluminium: The Decision That Matters

Carbon fibre poles are lighter (typically 15–30% less than aluminium equivalents) and absorb trail vibration better, reducing arm fatigue on long days. They're more expensive and can snap under lateral impact — a sudden sideways force like a pole stuck between rocks. For trekkers who prioritise weight and comfort over ruggedness, carbon is the right choice.

Aluminium poles are heavier but bend rather than snap under impact — meaning they fail more gracefully. For rough terrain, budget-conscious trekkers, or anyone who is hard on gear, aluminium is more appropriate. The weight difference over a full day is real but modest; most trekkers won't notice it until day 10 of a long expedition.

Flick-Lock vs Twist-Lock: Always Choose Flick-Lock

Twist-lock mechanisms are common on budget poles and are prone to slipping, especially in cold and wet conditions. Flick-lock (lever) mechanisms are more reliable, easier to adjust with gloves on, and hold their position more consistently. All five poles in this guide use flick-lock systems.

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon is the standard against which we measure all other trekking poles. The three-section folding design collapses to 38cm — short enough to fit in an overhead locker and most backpack side pockets — while the SpeedLock 2 flick-lock mechanism is the most reliable we've tested in wet and cold conditions. At 268g per pole (536g per pair) it's light without being fragile.

Leki's Aergon Thermo grip is the most comfortable we've found for long days — the cork-blend upper section absorbs sweat, the foam extension grip below allows a lower hold on steep ascents without adjusting length. The included trekking baskets are the right size for most trail conditions; larger snow baskets are available separately.

Black Diamond's Trail Ergo Cork hits the sweet spot between quality and price for carbon trekking poles. The FlickLock Pro mechanism is robust and easy to use with gloves, the cork grip is comfortable for full-day use, and the ergonomic angled grip design reduces wrist strain on traverses. At 248g per pole it's among the lightest in this guide.

The telescoping (rather than folding) design means they pack less compactly than the Leki but are slightly more structurally simple. The tip carbide is replaceable — important on a pole you'll use for years. At roughly £60 less than the Leki for comparable carbon construction, this is the pick for trekkers who want quality carbon without paying the top tier premium.

At under £60 for a pair, the Black Diamond Trail Sport aluminium poles are the best-value entry into quality trekking poles. The aluminium construction is durable — these will bend before they snap, which matters on rough terrain. FlickLock mechanism is the same reliable system used on more expensive BD poles. The grip is a basic foam which some find less comfortable over long days but works adequately.

These are the poles we recommend for first-time trekkers, the Camino, or anyone who wants to try poles without a significant investment. They're also a sensible choice for routes where poles might get damaged or lost.

Austrian brand Komperdell makes some of the most underrated poles in the market. The Carbon Explorer's four-section fold collapses to just 33cm — shorter than the Leki — making it the best packability of any serious trekking pole we've tested. At 260g per pole it's light, and the cork grip is comfortable for long days. The Powerlock mechanism is reliable and easy to operate.

The four-section design does mean more joints, which adds marginal flex compared to three-section telescoping poles. For most trekking conditions this is imperceptible; technical climbers would notice it. For trekkers who frequently travel by plane and want poles that disappear into a carry-on bag, this is the pick.

For ultralight backpackers, the Gossamer Gear LT5 is exceptional. At 136g per pole (272g the pair) it is genuinely featherlight — roughly half the weight of aluminium poles and 50% lighter than the Leki. The carbon construction is high quality and the fixed-length design (no adjustment mechanism) eliminates the heaviest component of most poles while improving stiffness.

The trade-off is that fixed-length poles require you to know your correct pole height before ordering (Gossamer Gear provide a sizing guide). They also can't be shortened for packing — they require a large bag or checked luggage. These are poles for dedicated ultralight trekkers who have already thought carefully about their system.

Comparison Table

How to Set the Right Pole Length

Stand upright holding the pole with the tip on the ground. Your elbow should be at 90 degrees — forearm parallel to the ground. This is your base length. Shorten slightly for uphill sections (reduces shoulder strain), lengthen for downhill (provides better braking support). Most trekkers set a single length and leave it — but adjustable poles allow fine-tuning if you want to optimise.

Frequently Asked Questions