Trekking poles help reduce stress on your joints, improve balance and stability on uneven or dangerous surfaces, and provide support when descending steep, rocky trails, for example.
       Before we get into the review below, here are three key points to consider when purchasing a cane.
       Materials: Most walking poles are made from carbon (light and flexible, but fragile and expensive) or aluminum (cheaper and stronger).
        Construction: They are typically retractable, with steps that slide into each other, or have a three-piece Z-shaped design that is assembled like a tent pole with a piece of elastic material in the middle to hold the pieces together. Telescopic poles tend to be longer when folded, and Z-bars require a holding strap to keep them neat.
       SMART FEATURES: These include an extended grip zone, which is useful when walking on curved trails or steep slopes when you don’t want to stop and adjust the handlebar length.
        Most telescopic stands have two or three sections. They have four sections, which means they can be folded down to a compact size, making them easy to carry when not in use. Assembly and disassembly is quick and easy: the bottom simply slides and clicks into place, secured with a pull-out button, while the top allows for easy height adjustment and the entire unit is secured by turning a single mounting lever. To fold, simply release the lever and slide the top down while pressing all release buttons.
       Ridgeline trekking poles are made from DAC aluminum alloy and have a larger diameter than most trekking poles, providing extra durability and confidence in off-road situations, especially when carrying a backpack.
       The strap isn’t as soft as some, but the shaped EVA foam handle is very comfortable, and while the bottom extension area is small, it has some grip.
        Ridgeline poles are available in four versions: maximum length from 120cm to 135cm, folded length from 51.2cm to 61cm, weight from 204g to 238g and come with a five-year warranty. (PC)
       Our verdict: Folding trekking poles made from heavy-duty alloy and suitable for use on rough terrain.
        The new Cloud trekking poles from professional brand Komperdell are extremely durable and can be easily adjusted in length while remaining compact and extremely lightweight. The cloud kit includes several models with different designs.
        We tested a pair of C3s on the track: three-piece carbon fiber telescopic poles that weigh just 175 grams each, have a folded length of 57 cm and are adjustable from 90 cm to 120 cm. The bottom part extends to a universal point. and the top one can be adjusted according to the user’s height requirements using a centimeter mark. Once you adjust the rod to your desired length, the sections lock securely into place using the Power Lock 3.0 system, which is made from forged aluminum and feels completely durable.
        The padded wrist loop is easy to adjust and comfortable to use, and the foam handle is ergonomic and fits well in your hand with little to no sweat on your palms. The C3 comes with a Vario basket, which is said to be easy to replace (not always), and a tungsten/carbide flexible tip.
        These poles are made in Austria and are expensive, but every component is of the highest quality. Minor issues include difficulty reading, the bottom of the grip being short and almost featureless so your hand can slip off it, and the lack of a hard surface tip cover. (PC)
        These three-piece telescopic stands are lightweight and durable, with the top section made from carbon fiber and the bottom section made from high-strength aluminum to better withstand impacts and scratches from constant contact with objects. Rough and rocky terrain.
        This clever design means they are not as light as some full carbon putters (240g per shaft) but feel very durable when used on a variety of surfaces. Overall, these poles are highly functional, extremely durable and beautiful, and come in Salewa’s signature black and yellow color scheme.
       Our verdict: Durable, mixed-material hiking poles that perform well on a variety of surfaces, from sidewalks to mountaintops.
        This three-section folding cane features a suspension that can be turned on and off by turning a handle. This helps reduce shock from repeated blows to the wrists and arms.
        With a pack size of just 50cm (according to our measurements) and a working range of 115 to 135cm, the Basho features a foldable design that, once assembled, can be easily adjusted and locked in place using durable metal clips. Each aluminum trekking pole weighs 223 grams. Excellent ergonomically shaped foam handle with a very comfortable lower grip area. (PC)
        Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Release Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are great for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The three-piece telescopic stand is quick and easy to set up, and we love the cork handles, which are nice and cool to the touch. To begin, simply release the latch, adjust the stand to the desired height, and click the quick-release lock into place to secure it.
        It’s worth noting that it’s not shockproof and the folded length could be shorter, but overall we think it’s a decent cane for the money. (CEO)
       Our verdict: A great entry-level cane that’s comfortable, lightweight, easy to use and affordable.
        German brand Leki has long been a leading manufacturer of high-end trekking poles, and this all-carbon model is a proven mainstay in its wide range, combining versatility with exceptional performance. You can take these lightweight (185g) technical poles on a variety of adventures, from mountain epics and multi-day hikes to Sunday walks.
        Easily adjustable, users can set the length of these three-section telescopic poles from 110cm to 135cm (dimensions shown in the middle and bottom) and they swivel into place using the TÜV Süd tested Super Lock system. Withstands falling. pressure weighing 140 kg without failures. (Our only concern with twist locks is the accidental tightening that can occur.)
        These canes feature an easily adjustable, comfortable, soft and breathable wrist loop, as well as an anatomically shaped foam top handle and a patterned extended bottom handle to help you hold the cane. They are equipped with a carbide Flexitip short tip (for improved installation accuracy) and come with a hiking basket. (PC)
        The cork handles on these poles are instantly comfortable in the hand, feeling more natural and warm than rubber or plastic handles; They don’t have finger grooves, but that’s not a problem, and the wrist straps are luxuriously padded and easily adjustable. The bottom of the extension is covered in EVA foam and is a reasonable size but doesn’t have any pattern.
        These three-section telescopic stands are extremely easy to adjust (from 64 cm when folded to a large usable range of 100 to 140 cm), and the FlickLock system ensures complete safety. They’re made from aluminum and weigh 256 grams each, so they’re not particularly light, but they’re strong and durable.
       The trekking poles are available in a variety of colors (Picante Red, Alpine Lake Blue and Granite), and the components and accessories are very good for the price: they come with carbide technical tips (interchangeable), and the kit includes a mounted hiking basket and a snow basket.
       A slightly lighter (243 g) and shorter (64 cm to 100–125 cm) women’s version is also available in an “Ergo” design with angled handles.
        These five-piece folding poles are attractively priced and have many features that more expensive poles don’t have. The bracelet is wide, comfortable, easily adjustable and secured with Velcro. The molded foam handle is anatomically shaped with a good sized bottom handle and ridges for added confidence and control.
        Height is easily adjustable from 110 cm to 130 cm; They fold into a convenient three-section format that can be easily packed at 36cm long; Clever assembly and locking system: You lower the top telescopic section until you hear the release buttons click, indicating they are firmly in place, and then the overall height is adjusted using a single plastic clip at the top.
        They are made of aluminum and weigh 275 grams each, making them slightly heavier than the others in the test. However, the wide diameter of the tube (20mm at the top) adds strength, and the tungsten tip ensures tip durability. The package includes a summer basket and a protective feather. The components aren’t particularly high-end, but for the price there’s a lot to like and a clever design. (PC)
       Standing out from the crowd, this T-grip pole is sold separately and can be used as a standalone walking pole or combined with another pole and used as a standard hiking pole.
        The plastic head has the profile of an ice ax (without the adze) and acts like an ice ax: the user places their hands on it and lowers the pole into mud, snow or gravel to gain traction during mining operations. mountaineering. Additionally, you can place the ergonomic EVA foam handle under your head and use the wrist strap just like any other hiking pole.
        The pole itself is a three-piece telescopic structure made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ranging in length from 100 to 135 cm and secured with a twist-lock system. It’s impact resistant and comes with a steel toe cap, hiking basket, and rubber travel caps.
        The entire set is 66cm long and weighs 270g. While it’s not as short and thin as others in the test, it feels durable, can take a bit of a beating and offers something a little different. (PC)
       Our verdict: A technical cane with impressive versatility that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
        The Nanolite Twins are lightweight, four-piece collapsible carbon fiber walking poles designed for runners who pack quickly and walkers who like to travel light. Available in three sizes: 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm, but the length is not adjustable. The medium sized 120cm pole weighs just 123g and folds down to 35cm, making it easy to store in a backpack or hydration vest.
        The Kevlar-reinforced umbilical cord holds the pieces together, allowing them to be assembled instantly when pulled from above. The pieces are snapped together like collapsible tent poles, and then the knotted rope is threaded through specially made notches to secure the pieces in place.
        These affordable racks are quick to deploy and light enough for gram counters, but they don’t offer the same level of confidence as more durable designs—the rope-based mounting system feels basic, and the excess rope falls out as you use it. Swim. move.
        The strap and handle are functional but rudimentary, and the bottom handle is missing, which is a problem when tackling trails along steep slopes or climbs, given that you can’t adjust the length of the pole. They have carbide tips and are equipped with removable rubber covers and baskets. (PC)
       Our verdict: Walking sticks are great for runners and trail runners who carry them with them for as long as they use them.
       • Can be used as a probe, providing protection from deep puddles and snow-covered crevices to aggressive brambles.
        Some people prefer to use one pole, but for best results and increasing cadence (getting a smooth, efficient walking rhythm), it’s best to use two poles that take into account your arm movements. Please note that many rods are sold in pairs rather than individually.
        Upgrading your outdoor gear? Visit our review of the best walking boots or best walking shoes to find the best hiking shoes on the market right now.