Hiking can be considerably enhanced and balance improved through the use of walking poles, which are often overlooked – discover the top 8 models for the year 2025 that can help make your hiking experience more enjoyable.
As a lifelong hiker, I've finally ditched my crusty old ways and decided to give walking poles a shot. Let me tell you, I've been missing out big time! From clambering around the Pennines to strolling through the countryside, these bad boys have made every hike a breeze.
Expressing my undying love for these walking sticks, Andrew Bennett, a hardgoods buyer for Mountain Warehouse, quipped, "They're like having an extra pair of arms on the trails!" And he ain't kiddin'!
So, after tripping my way through a dozen different walking poles from Leki, Black Diamond, Komperdell, and Silva, here's the lowdown on my favorites. Buckle up, folks!
The Top 8 Walking Poles for Various Hikers
1. Black Diamond Pursuit Shock Trekking Poles
I've had my eye on these Black Diamond Pursuit Shock Trekking Poles for a while, and they did not disappoint. Stylish and sturdy! They're available in two handy sizes, and they're made with aluminum, which is heavier but incredibly durable. I put them to the test on some steep, rocky Pennines terrain, and let me tell you, they held up A-frickin'-1.
Foo-fightin' fantastic features include an ergonomic cork grip that molded beautifully to my hands, a foam grip extension to tackle steep ascents, and wide, comfy wrist straps. A hex tool for maintenance is also a bonus. Now, they're not foldable, but hey, a few extra inches in my bag is a small price to pay for those poles. At £160 a pop, they ain't cheap, but they'll last, so in my book, they're a solid investment.
2. FitLife Aluminium Trekking Poles (Amazon's Best Pick)
If you're looking to get your feet wet (hiking pun intended) without breaking the bank, check out Amazon's FitLife Aluminium Trekking Poles. They might not have the finesse of high-end poles, but they're a nifty option for beginners.
These budget babies come with 5 color options, storage clips, tips, and baskets. While the thin straps aren't as comfy as others, and there's a twist lock system instead of the usual flicklock, I found them a breeze to use when traversing tricky moorland. Plus, they come with rubber tips, which don't make any noise on hard ground. These poles are a pocket-friendly, no-nonsense solution to hiking like a boss.
3. Komperdell Borea Carbon Pro Walking Poles (Best for Lightweight Hiking)
Ladies, I have a polished number for you! The Komperdell Borea Carbon Pro has been designed with the fairer sex in mind, and it both looks and performs like a dream. Made with a combo of carbon fiber and titanal, these babies are light as a feather, yet they pack a potent punch! They're a terrific choice for speedier hikes or trail running.
Sleek features include a white pole shaft, delicate detailing, a metallic gold lever lock, and a cork grip that molded perfectly to my hands. With three sections, they might not fold down as compactly as other options, but they're still easy to pack. These carbon beauties are a bit pricier at almost £136, but they're still cheaper than my top pick and are one of the most stylish and comfortable picks I've ever used. Just remember, if you're heading for some seriously rugged terrain, you might want to opt for a heavier, fully aluminum-based pole.
4. Eurohike Trekker Antishock Walking Pole (Best for Seniors or Beginners)
There's no age limit on hiking, but as we age, our bodies might need a little more support than before. Enter the Eurohike Trekker Antishock Walking Pole - a hybrid masterpiece. It ain't flashy, but it's practical as hell! It's sturdy, has an antishock system, an extended ergonomic handle, and a comfy wrist strap.
Despite being sold individually (for balance, it's best to use two poles), this baby's antishock system can reduce pressure on the lower spine, hips, knees, and legs. Made with an aluminum pole shaft, it can take on rugged terrain. However, the twist lock system for adjusting the system might be tricky for those with reduced mobility in their hands. It's sold individually, but it's a terrific option for those who need a little extra support.
5. Leki Cressida FX Carbon Trekking Poles (Best for Trekking)
The Leki Cressida FX Carbon Trekking Poles are for serious hikers who clock tons of miles on multi-day escapades. High-tech features abound, making them a breeze to use even for novices like me. Lightweight, fast, and supportive, these poles make an excellent choice for multi-day trekking.
These bad boys are designed for women, with an ergonomic soft cork grip and an extended cork grip for tackling steep ascents. The pole shafts are made with carbon fiber for lightness and carbon with titanal for extra durability. Easy to extend and retract, the locking system is simple, and they fold down compactly into sections, coming with a mesh bag for storage. Not-so-terrific point: they're somewhat pricy, so they might be a stretch for frivolous spenders. But if you're an avid hiker or prepping for a big challenge, they're top-notch.
6. Leki Cross Trail Carbon Walking Poles (Best for Speed)
If you've got the speed of a cheetah and a Desert Fox's techie heart, you'll adore the Leki Cross Trail Carbon Walking Poles. They're built for moving swiftly across hills and fells, making them the ultimate companion on the trail or for speedy hikes.
I was immediately smitten with the marble-effect green and white design on the pole shaft, and the cork grip? Dreamy! However, attaching the glove-like straps was a wee bit tricky at first. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite simple. Gloves not your thing? No worries - you can still enjoy these poles without the straps. These puppies work on both trails and uneven terrain, but if speed and efficiency are your priorities, foldable poles might be a better option to save precious seconds adjusting on-the-go.
7. Silva Aluminium Walking Poles (Best Mid-range Pick)
If you're after something that doesn't break the bank but still gets the job done, the Silva Aluminium Walking Poles are an ideal mid-range option, priced just under £50. No-frills, but dependable, these pale blue poles are made with aluminum for toughness and built to last.
While they're not the most compact option, I found them simple and easy to use, with a simple locking system and a plain rubber grip. Wrist gloves are as sturdy as those on the Leki Cross Trail poles, but they don't clip on and off as easily - or cheaply. These poles are perfect if you're after a dependable pair without spending a mint.
8. Decathlon Forclaz 1Ultra Compact Trekking Pole (Best Budget Option)
Whip out your wallet and check it for loose change, 'cause Decathlon's Forclaz 1Ultra Compact Trekking Pole is the budget pick you didn't know you needed. Sold individually, these babies are sturdy, with wide aluminum pole shafts. They're light, easy to assemble, and can fit snugly in your rucksack.
While I didn't test them on soft ground, I didn't find any issues traversing varied terrain. A tension string connects the pole segments for extension and clamping with a lever lock, and a push pin locking system sits near the midpoint of the pole. This interactive pole comes with an extended handle for comfy grip, and an extended grip beneath for extra hold options. For those testing the hiking waters for the first time, this is a terrific, budget-friendly option.
The Takeaway
Trekking poles are more than just a walking accessory; they're a game changer for hikers of all skill levels. Reduced joint impact, enhanced balance, confidence like you've never known, and even some stylish design choices? I'm absolutely sold! So gather up your gear, grab a pair of trusty poles, and hit the trail! Remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. And with walking poles, every step of the way becomes a little lighter and a whole lot better. Happy hiking, adventurers!
So, folks, stride out and try some trekking poles for yourself. You won't look back! Like any good hike, it's the journey that counts - and with these bad boys by your side, every step looks bright and buoyant. So, bust out your gear, snag a pair of walking poles, and enjoy the hike of a lifetime! And keep in mind, it's the trek, not the goal, that makes the adventure worthwhile. So get out there and make some memories!
- The Black Diamond Pursuit Shock Trekking Poles, with their stylish and sturdy design, are a great addition to anyone's fitness gear, catering to both home and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize health and an active lifestyle.
- For those seeking to integrate sports into their daily routine at a budget-friendly price, the FitLife Aluminium Trekking Poles are a fantastic choice, providing a convenient and affordable solution for home-based workouts or outdoor exercises such as hiking or brisk walks.
