Trekking poles are no longer just for Nordic walking enthusiasts: for regular hikers, they are invaluable in protecting their knees.
        In my early years of trekking, I was adamantly against carrying trekking poles. I thought they were unnecessary and that my parents and grandparents would have used them. In short, I see them as fancy canes.
        Of course I was wrong. Trekking poles come in handy on many backcountry adventures, and even if you’re not concerned about balance, they can reduce the stress on your legs and knees by about 30%. This is a lot if you constantly carry a heavy backpack with you. I especially appreciate trekking poles for steep descents on loose shale or slippery ground, but they are also useful for going uphill. If your route involves river crossings or marshy areas, having a pole or pair of poles will help stabilize you and give you the tools to test the ground before getting back on your feet.
        When using a cane, your elbow should be at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Adjustable hiking poles fit most heights, but if you’re over 6 feet tall, look for a set that’s at least 51 inches long.
        Folding or Z-bars are usually lighter. They consist of three separate sections connected by ropes and are stored very compactly. They tend to be more expensive than telescopic racks and are the first choice for many fast packers and ultralight backpackers. On the other hand, they are more fragile.
        The telescopic stand is available individually or as an adjustable two- or three-piece kit. I recommend purchasing a two or three piece adjustable set; if you can’t change the length of your hiking poles, they will become bulky, unwieldy, and really just become walking poles.
        Trekking poles are mainly made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is more durable. Sometimes it bends, but rarely breaks. Carbon fiber breaks more easily, but it is very light.
        The pole handle is usually made of plastic, rubber, cork or foam. Cork and foam absorb moisture better and reduce chafing than plastic and rubber.
        Trekking poles often come with baskets, which are plastic or rubber discs that attach to the base of the pole and provide additional surface area to prevent the pole from sinking. They are useful on soft ground (sand, mud, swamp and snow). For most hikes, a small basket will suffice. Baskets with a larger surface area are better for snow. You can replace the basket on a trekking pole without replacing the pole itself.
        If you purchase a product through a link in this article, your contribution may receive a portion of the sale. We only include products that have been independently selected by Input’s editorial team.
        These folding Z bars come in different lengths depending on your height, and each bar weighs just over 5 ounces. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Stick features a 100% carbon fiber shaft, foam handle, and moisture-wicking tape. The package includes a small and lightweight basket suitable for dirt and sand, as well as removable rubber attachments for outdoor activities.
        The Leki Sherpa FX.One carbon poles are extremely durable, weighing just over 8 ounces each, yet surprisingly lightweight. The upper part is made of carbon, with a hollow core, and the lower part is made of aluminum. The handle is made of rubber and has an angled angle designed to support the wrist. Because they are Z-shaped poles, they fold up small enough to be stored in a backpack, making them ideal for winter and mountaineering adventures.
        Decathlon always offers great value for money and the Forclaz A300 ergonomic trekking poles are no exception. It is sold individually rather than in pairs, making it a good option for backpackers who like to be hands-free. They are made of aluminum, weigh 8.5 ounces each, have three sections, and feature a push pin system for easy adjustment. Summer basket included.
        The MSR Dynalock Explore Backcountry pole comes with winter and summer baskets and comfortable foam handles. This pair weighs 1.25 pounds, so they’re not the lightest, but they’re very durable, have a secure locking system, and work well for winter hiking and backpacking.
        The foam grips on REI Co-op poles are larger than most hiking poles, making them a good choice for taller hikers. The telescoping stand features a wide snow basket and the durable locking system is ideal for rough terrain. They are especially suitable for snowshoeing and mountaineering.
        Montem Super Strong trekking poles, as the name suggests, are very durable and are made of aluminum with foam handles and carbide tips. Considering how sturdy they are, it’s impressive that each one weighs just over nine ounces. There are a variety of colors to choose from for the stylish traveler and the price is very reasonable considering the quality.
        Finally, there are some hiking poles designed specifically for women! These adjustable telescopic stands are made of aluminum with foam handles and weigh just over eight ounces each. Black Diamond offers a variety of hiking poles, and these poles feature foam handles and easy-to-replace baskets for all-season use.
        You can buy hiking poles for every taste, made from lightweight carbon fiber and loaded with features, but for the average hiker, a set of poles that do exactly what they say on the tin will do. Constructed from aluminum with cork handles, the Ozark Trail Aluminum Adjustable Quick-Lock Hiking Poles aren’t the lightest trekking poles on the market, but at 10.4 ounces each, they’re certainly not heavy and you’ll have a hard time with them. to find them cheaper trekking poles.
        The Helinox Passport TL120 adjustable poles weigh just 6 ounces each and fold down to a small size to fit in your backpack. Instead of having a carbon fiber construction like most lightweight trekking poles, these poles are made from aluminum alloy, making them very durable. They come with a five-year warranty. Since they are not the longest when fully extended, they are not recommended for use by people taller than 5 feet 8 inches.