I hiked 100 miles to find the best walking poles, here are my favourites
Trekking poles can improve balance on uneven terrain and reduce stress on joints. Our seasoned adventurer put 10 to the test to find the best
Oh, I would walk 500 miles – with the help of a trusty pole. A walking pole – or two – makes a surprisingly handy addition to your hiking kit, helping with balance on uneven terrain, taking strain away from your legs and knees, and making going up and down hills much easier. I first tried walking poles when I went trekking in the Himalayas – now, I wouldn’t be without one on rugged terrain, but they can be just as helpful on a casual stroll.
Hiking poles are typically used as a pair, and the idea is to swing each pole in time with the opposite foot as you move forwards: right foot and left pole, then left foot and right pole, in a rhythm. You can also use poles singly to keep a hand free or to take the weight off one side of your body.
Walking poles are available in fixed lengths or as adjustable models, and there are ones you can fold up and stick in a rucksack when not in use. There’s more variety out there than you may think – but we’ve narrowed it down to eight of the best walking poles for all kinds of hikers.
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Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned adventure travel writer and gear-tester, and I’ve been putting outdoor kit through its paces for more than a decade. I’ve hiked thousands of miles with walking poles – everywhere from the summit of Mount Kenya to my favourite local trails in the Cotswolds. I’ve also been working on two UK walking guides – a great excuse to grab a hiking pole and go exploring.
How I tested
The only real way to test a walking pole is to get out and walk with it. For this roundup I hiked at least 10 miles with each model I’ve recommended, covering a mix of trails, inclines and surfaces, including mountain tracks in the Lake District and more relaxed rambles on the Cotswold Way.
I tested 10 different individual models or sets of poles in these real-world conditions to find my favourites, using them in warm weather to see if the grips stayed comfortable when my hands were hot and sweaty, and in cold, wet conditions to assess traction and confidence on slippery terrain.
When trying out adjustable poles, I checked how easy they were to extend, fold and stash on the go. Durability was another focus: I paid attention to locking mechanisms, handles and materials to see if they seemed built to last. On longer hikes, I checked if each pole felt light and comfortable to carry, mile after mile.
Where not returned to the manufacturer, any poles sourced for this article were donated to charity after testing.
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The best walking and trekking poles
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<em>Best walking poles overall:</em>Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z poles
- What we love:Comfortable; sturdy; can cope with all conditions
- What we don’t love:You’ll need to spend more for an adjustable version
Black Diamond makes kit specifically for climbers, runners and hikers, so it’s no surprise that it knows a thing or two about poles. The Pursuit Carbon Z were brilliant when I hiked with them, whether on slick rock surfaces in Cumbria or chilled-out walks in the Cotswolds. They’re lightweight, have great grip and are easy to snap into shape to fold away and carry with you.
Why we love them
The Pursuit Zs combine my favourite walking pole ingredients – cork and carbon. The cork grips are comfy, prevent sweat from pooling and dry fast if you do get caught out in the elements. At 191g at the shortest length, the 100% carbon body of each pole is lightweight, but feels sturdy when I put weight on it, adding confidence on uneven surfaces. Their carbide tips also grip the ground well when you need extra support. I’ve used these poles on dozens of hiking adventures, including taking them to the French Alps on a trekking holiday, and their durability seems to match their build quality.
These poles fold up into three sections in a Z-design, so they’re easy to carry, but they’re not adjustable. That means you’ll need to order a height that suits you from between 110cm and 130cm. If you’d rather change the height of a pole on the fly, the good news is that the brand’s new Distance Carbon FLZ poles offer full adjustability. I’ve been able to test this more premium new version, and while I recommend the original Pursuit Zs for the average user, you could spend the extra £30 if adjustability is a big priority for you.
It’s a shame that … you’ll need to spend extra for an adjustable version
Weight: 191, 196, 200, 205, 209g, dependent on length?
Height: 110, 115, 120, 125, 130cm
Material: carbon and cork
Telescopic: no
Foldable: yes
Adjustable: no
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<em>Best budget walking pole:</em>Vango Annapurna
- What we love:Superb price
- What we don’t love:Probably too flimsy to hike its Himalayan namesake
- £28.95 per pole at LiGo LiGo £28.95
- £32.95 per pole at Outdoor Action Outdoor Action £32.95
Carbon walking poles needn’t cost you a packet – Vango has proven you can grab a great pair of poles for far less than £100 with the Annapurna. Nice and light at 190g per pole, and folding down to a respectable 62cm for easy transport or for tying to your backpack, I think this functional pole punches above its price – just note that it’s not sold as a set.
Why we love it
The Vango Annapurna strikes a good balance between weight, comfort and price. Built from a 50% carbon fibre shaft, it’s lightweight but still feels solid when leaned on, making it a reliable choice for varied terrain. The pole is collapsible via aluminium quick locks – they worked well during my tests, even with most of my body weight leaning on them, but didn’t feel as durable as the most high-performing (and expensive) poles I tested.
The foam grips are solid, even when wet, and long enough to be held at different heights on the go. I think they’re flimsy for a tough trek at altitude, despite being named after a Himalayan mountain, but for weekends exploring British hiking trails or for your first walking holiday, they’re a bargain and allow you to adjust pole height and grip position on the go.
It’s a shame that … the locks seem a little flimsy.
Weight: 190g
Height: 62-135cm
Material: carbon, foam
Telescopic: yes
Foldable: no
Adjustable: yes
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<em>Best adjustable walking poles</em>:Silva Carbon trekking poles
- What we love:Practical, comfortable and long-lasting
- What we don’t love:The wrist straps could be wider
I’ve been testing Swedish brand Silva’s popular carbon poles for more than a year, so I can vouch for their longevity as well as their good first-day performance.
These poles combine comfy cork and foam handles with lightweight carbon, and they’re sturdy without adding excessive weight. The flick locks are easy and intuitive to use, and mine are still going strong after miles of adventures.
Why we love it
These no-nonsense poles tick all the boxes. They’re easy to hold thanks to long cork and foam grips, so you can quickly change your hand position on varied terrain. The quality flick locks allow you to adjust pole height during a walk – without breaking your stride and even while wearing gloves. There are centimetres marked on both adjustable sections, too, so you can easily find the height you’re after.
These poles collapse to 65cm when you’re not using them, so they’re small enough to stick in a bag or to carry one-handed, and the carbide tips dig nicely into the ground when you need extra grip, offering extra confidence on mud and scree.
If I’m being really picky, I’d have preferred comfier, wider wrist straps, but these are great all-rounders for high- and low-land hikes.
It’s a shame that … the wrist straps are a touch thin.
Weight: 178g
Height: 65-140cm
Material: carbon, cork
Telescopic: yes
Foldable: no
Adjustable: yes
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<em>Best lightweight walking poles:</em>Gossamer Gear LT5 carbon trekking poles
- What we love:Light; may convert walking pole sceptics
- What we don’t love:Expensive and lack an extended grip
Gossamer Gear reckons its LT5s are among the lightest poles on the market – the brand claims they weigh 151g per pole. But when I weighed them, they were even less, at 139g. They feel delightfully light and freeing to handle but are still sturdy on tougher hikes, so if you think walking poles are too clunky to carry over long distances, these featherweights might just change your mind. They split into three sections and have twist locks that I found intuitive and efficient on test.
Why we love it
The ultralight LT5 Carbon Poles are popular among minimalist hikers, and for good reason. They feel surprisingly lightweight, even if you’re walking all day. I also thought their grip was the comfiest in the test, despite being made from foam, rather than my normally favoured cork. This allows sweat to evaporate quickly in hot conditions – I took them hiking in the jungle in Belize, and they performed brilliantly – and are comfy in cold or wet conditions, too.
The grip isn’t as long as the grips on other poles on test, so you can’t hold this pole at a different height without changing its setup. The three-section carbon design has a simple twist-lock adjustment, which I usually don’t rate over flick locks, but Gossamer Gear has managed to create good-quality twist locks that stay put, allowing me to fine-tune the length fast and without excessive fiddling.
The minimal pack size makes them easy to strap on to a backpack or stow in your luggage, so they’re ideal for fast packers or thru-hikers who count every gram and need poles that perform day after day. Casual hikers can choose something cheaper.
It’s a shame that … they’re expensive, and there’s no extended grip.
Weight: 139g
Height: 60-130cm
Materials: carbon, foam
Telescopic: yes
Foldable: no
Adjustable: yes
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The best of the rest
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OEX Duralumin
- What we love:Incredibly good value and pleasingly light
- What we don’t love:Comparatively poor grip
Best for: lightweight on a budget
Aluminium doesn’t offer carbon’s magic combo of lightweight and sturdiness, but it still does a great job on the trail – and it’s far more affordable. OEX’s Duralumin champions its high-grade 7075 aluminium build, and I was impressed by how lightweight each pole was at just 244g – there are lighter options out there, but you’ll have to spend a lot more.
I thought the Duralumin’s grip performed less well during testing – the foam is unforgiving and not as ergonomic in the hand as the grips on some pricier models. It does extend down, though, which is handy for adjusting where you hold these poles, and the flick locks work well and stay in place all day once adjusted.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the grip isn’t great.
Height: 105-135cm; weight: 244g; material: aluminium, foam; telescopic: yes; foldable: no; adjustable: yes
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Leki Cressida
- What we love:Lightweight and easily adjustable
- What we don’t love:Only suited to shorter people
Best for: shorter people and smaller hands
Do women need to choose female-specific walking poles? In general, no – but shorter women and teenagers may prefer a lightweight design tailored to their height rather than a unisex model.
Leki’s Cressida trekking pole is fully adjustable, and the aluminium shaft feels rugged and stable in all terrains. Each pole weighs 237g, so while carbon would be lighter, you won’t feel weighed down. The clips are quick and easy to lock and unlock, allowing you to adjust your pole on the fly, and the breathable strap and comfortable cork grip, designed for smaller hands, keep hands cool even in hot weather.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’ll only suit shorter people and smaller hands.
Height: 100-120cm; weight: 237; material: aluminium; telescopic: yes;
foldable: no; adjustable: yes
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Craghoppers Venture T Grip
- What we love:Handle is comfortable and satisfying to hold
- What we don’t love:It’s weighty, so not ideal for longer treks
- £28 per pole at Next Next £28
- £35 per pole at Craghoppers Craghoppers £35
Best for: a T-grip pole
A T-grip pole looks as it sounds, with an ergonomic, elongated handle like those you might find on old-fashioned wooden walking sticks. T-shaped handles offer a wider surface for support on uneven ground, and are easier to lean on than a regular pole.
If you’re after a single pole, Craghoppers’ affordable option might suit you to a T. It has a foam handle that I rated for its comfort and satisfying feel. This pole has a twist-lock system, which I don’t find as reliable as flick locks, but it’s still sturdy enough for more casual country walks or exploring a city. At 270g, this isn’t a lightweight model, so I wouldn’t trek all day with it, but you can stuff it in a rucksack when you don’t need support.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not lightweight and is best used singly.
Height: 100-135cm ; weight: 270g; material: aluminium, foam; telescopic: yes; foldable: no; adjustable: yes
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Mountain Warehouse Bowfell
- What we love:A decent first walking pole at a competitive price
- What we don’t love:A touch flimsy, especially considering its weight
- £22.99 per pole at Mountain Warehouse Mountain Warehouse £22.99
- £26.99 per pole at Wallis
Best for: a basic pole
Not sure if walking poles are for you, or just want to snap up a design you can use now and then without having to splash cash on something fancy? Mountain Warehouse’s Bowfell is a no-fuss, simple model that’s still adjustable, folding into four sections. Just be sure to buy two if you want a pair, as it’s sold individually. Its fast-locking mechanism performed well and made it a good choice for travel. The foam grip is comfortable enough and suitable for cold weather.
The fibreglass body of the pole feels flimsier than expensive models, and it isn’t a featherweight option at 255g per pole. But for weekend walkers, holiday hikers, or anyone wanting a dependable backup pole, the Bowfell offers good value, solid adjustability and decent functionality on unchallenging terrain.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it feels cheaper and flimsier than more expensive models.
Height: 100135cm; weight: 255g; material: fibreglass; telescopic: yes; foldable: no; adjustable: yes
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What you need to know
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What are the key factors to consider?
A good walking pole should feel like an extension of your arm, not an awkward bit of kit you’re forever adjusting. The first choice is material. Aluminium poles are durable and affordable; carbon fibre models tend to be lighter but more expensive. The lighter the pole, the less weight you’ll have to carry.
Next, get a grip: cork handles mould nicely to your hand and prevent sweat from pooling, while rubber and foam offer solid comfort in cold or wet weather.
Adjustability is useful on varied terrain, allowing you to lengthen poles on descents, shorten them on climbs and set them to suit your height. Collapsible or adjustable poles either telescope down or fold up in sections, and can usually be adjusted to any length within a given range with a locking mechanism. Flick locks (similar to those found on camera tripods) are generally more secure than twist locks.
Benefits of using a walking pole – and when to use them
Walking and trekking poles aren’t just for mountain-goers. Wherever you walk, they can reduce strain on knees and hips, improve balance, and help spread effort across your upper body. They’re especially handy on descents on rocky ground.
Poles can also boost your rhythm and pace, turning a trudge into a stride. Use them on steep or uneven ground, or long-distance walks where fatigue might set in. For short city strolls, you can probably leave them behind.
How to choose your walking poles
Think about where and how often you walk before you pick up a pole. Occasional hikers can get by with mid-range aluminium poles, while regular trekkers may want to invest in carbon poles with ergonomic cork grips. Collapsible or telescopic designs will fit in a daypack or suitcase, so they’re better for travel and trekking abroad.
In general, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle when holding the pole by its hand grip, so either make sure you choose a fixed pole that’s the right length for your height, or buy an adjustable model.
Ordering poles online can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure about what length to buy. According to Adam Simpson, climbing specialist at Bigstone, the best way to overcome this is to “stand straight and raise your elbow to 90 degrees, so your forearm is parallel to the floor, and make a fist like you’re holding a trekking pole”. It’s important to do this while standing on flat ground. “Measure from the floor to the top of your fist for your ideal trekking pole size,” he says. “For walking, hiking, and backpacking: stability and support matter most. Size up if you’re right on a size cusp.”
Walking poles vs Nordic walking poles
Walking poles are made for support and stability, while Nordic poles are designed to help with propulsion when you’re practising Nordic walking (a full-body exercise that involves walking to engage the upper body and to boost fitness compared with regular walking).
The latter are lighter and used with a specific arm-swing technique for brisk walking. If your goal is upper-body exercise, go Nordic. If it’s hillwalking or rough terrain, stick to traditional poles.
How to use walking poles
Walking poles are designed to be used as a pair, with one in each hand to help redistribute the load as you walk. The idea is to swing each pole in time with the opposite foot moving forwards: right foot, left pole, in a rhythm.
You can also use them singly – for example, for extra balance and joint support while keeping one hand free for navigation or carrying gear. After a few miles, you’ll wonder how you ever walked without them.
For more hiking inspiration, read the Filter’s guides to the best walking boots for men and the best walking boots for women
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Sian Lewis is an award-winning freelance outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She discovered how great walking poles are in the Himalayas and has never looked back. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com