Best Trekking Poles 2026

A good pair of poles turns a hard descent into a pleasant walk and protects the knees on long downhill sections. Trekking poles relieve the joints, help balance on uneven terrain and make climbs easier, from durable aluminium to light carbon and foldable ones for a backpack. So we singled out the best trekking poles 2026, from versatile aluminium to Nordic walking models. For each we list the material, who it is best for and a rough price.

A good pair has a reliable locking mechanism, comfortable grips and straps and tips for various surfaces. It is important to know that aluminium and carbon each have their advantages and that the right pole height protects the knees and back. This guide is for everyone who hikes, walks or exercises, with honest advice on the material, height and how to use trekking poles properly.

Quick overview

These trekking poles cover every need, from durable aluminium to light carbon, foldable and Nordic walking models. Below is a quick overview before the details.

1. TrailBuddy Aluminium 7075

Photo: TrailBuddy

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For hiking, the TrailBuddy pair is the best and most versatile choice. It is made of durable 7075 aluminium, adjustable and reliable, with comfortable grips and tips for various surfaces. For a pair that covers most tours, it is the first choice.

Durable 7075 aluminium withstands load and tough terrain, and under great force it bends instead of breaking, which gives safety. Telescopic adjustable height adapts to the climb and descent, and comfortable grips and straps reduce fatigue on long tours.

They are heavier than carbon and telescopic, not foldable. But for durable aluminium, comfortable grips and tips for various surfaces, the TrailBuddy does the job well. Hiking boots come in handy alongside them for safe steps.

Pros: durable 7075 aluminium, comfortable grips and straps, tips for various surfaces.

Cons: heavier than carbon, not foldable, telescopic.

Our opinion: We recommend the TrailBuddy Aluminium 7075 as the first choice for hiking. Durability and comfortable grips cover most tours. They are heavier than carbon, but for reliability and value they are excellent.

2. Glymnis Aluminium

Photo: Glymnis

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For an affordable entry, the Glymnis aluminium pair offers adjustable height and tips at a low price. It is enough for recreational tours and occasional hiking, without a big spend on a first pair. For trying it out or beginners, it is hard to find a better ratio.

Aluminium is durable and affordable, and a clamp mechanism allows quick height adjustment. Included tips and baskets cover mud, snow and hard ground, so one pair serves in various conditions.

The grips are of basic quality, and the pair is heavier than premium models. But for a very low price, adjustable height and tips in the kit, the Glymnis Aluminium is an excellent choice to start.

Pros: a very affordable pair, adjustable height, tips in the kit.

Cons: grips of basic quality, heavier than premium models.

Our opinion: We pick the Glymnis Aluminium for an affordable entry and recreational users. Adjustable height and tips cover the basics. The grips are basic, but for occasional tours and budget they are excellent.

3. ALPIDEX Carbon

Photo: ALPIDEX

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For low weight, the ALPIDEX carbon pair is very light and reduces arm fatigue on long tours. It is intended for those to whom every gram matters, like fast hikers and those with long sections. For a light tour, it is the right choice.

Light carbon noticeably reduces the weight in the hand, so the arm tires less with constant pole lifting. Telescopic adjustable height adapts to the terrain, and low weight makes it comfortable on long and fast tours.

Carbon is more breakable than aluminium and more expensive. But for very low weight, less arm fatigue and adjustable height, the ALPIDEX Carbon does the job well. Sports smartwatches come in handy alongside it for tracking a tour.

Pros: very light carbon, less arm fatigue, adjustable height.

Cons: carbon is more breakable than aluminium, more expensive than aluminium ones.

Our opinion: We pick the ALPIDEX Carbon for light tours and fast walking. Low weight reduces fatigue on long sections. Carbon is more breakable, but for weight and comfort it is excellent.

4. Glymnis foldable

Photo: Glymnis

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For a backpack and travel, the Glymnis foldable pair breaks down into short parts that fit in a backpack. It is ideal for travel and tours where poles are carried half the time, because they fold and stow easily. For portability, it is the right choice.

Folding into short segments allows storage in a backpack or travel bag, so the poles do not stick out when you do not need them. Aluminium keeps the pair firm and light, and additional adjustable height adapts it to the terrain and the user's height.

The folding joints are less rigid than telescopic ones, and folding takes a few seconds. But for folding into a backpack, easy carrying and adjustable height, the Glymnis foldable is an excellent choice. Camping gear comes in handy alongside it.

Pros: folds for a backpack, easy to carry, adjustable height.

Cons: folding joints are less rigid, folding takes a few seconds.

Our opinion: We pick the Glymnis foldable for a backpack and travel. Folding into short parts makes it practical to carry. The joints are less rigid, but for portability it is excellent.

5. LEKI Khumbu SpeedLock

Photo: LEKI

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For quick and secure adjustment, the LEKI Khumbu with a SpeedLock lever changes the height without slipping. With the top build of a well-known hiking brand, it combines reliability and durability, so it is the choice for more serious hikers. For reliable adjustment, it is the right choice.

The SpeedLock lever allows quick height changes even with gloves, and firm locking does not slip even under great load. The top LEKI build and ergonomic grips with straps give a secure hold and durability over the years.

It is the most expensive on the list and heavier than carbon. But for quick and secure adjustment, a build without slipping and top quality, the LEKI Khumbu SpeedLock does the job well.

Pros: quick and secure adjustment, does not slip under load, a top build.

Cons: the most expensive on the list, heavier than carbon.

Our opinion: We pick the LEKI Khumbu SpeedLock for reliability and quality. The SpeedLock lever and firm locking give safety on the terrain. It is more expensive, but for durability and build it is worth the difference.

6. ALPIDEX Nordic Walking

Photo: ALPIDEX

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For Nordic walking, the ALPIDEX Nordic Walking pair has glove-straps and tips for asphalt and grass. It is adapted to the push-off technique of walking, where the arms are actively involved in the movement. For fitness walking, it is the right choice.

Glove-straps hold the pole to the hand and allow proper push-off without gripping the handle, which is the essence of the Nordic technique. Tips and rubber attachments cover asphalt and grass, and light carbon reduces fatigue at a faster pace.

The purpose is narrower, for Nordic walking, and less for tough hiking terrain. But for glove-straps, tips for asphalt and grass and light carbon, the ALPIDEX Nordic Walking is an excellent choice.

Pros: glove-straps for technique, tips for asphalt and grass, light carbon.

Cons: a narrower purpose for Nordic walking, less for tough terrain.

Our opinion: We pick the ALPIDEX Nordic Walking for Nordic walking. Glove-straps allow proper push-off technique. The purpose is narrower, but for fitness walking it is excellent.

7. ALPIDEX Anti-Shock

Photo: ALPIDEX

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For shock absorption, the ALPIDEX Anti-Shock pair has a spring system that softens impacts on the descent. It further spares the wrists and elbows on hard terrain, so it is the choice for sensitive joints and long downhill sections. For softer steps, it is the right choice.

A spring system absorbs part of the impact with each step, which reduces the load on the wrists and elbows. Light carbon reduces fatigue, and telescopic adjustable height adapts to the climb and descent, where absorption is most useful.

The absorber bothers some on the climb because it absorbs part of the push-off, and the pair is more expensive than ordinary ones. But for shock absorption, protecting the wrists and light carbon, the ALPIDEX Anti-Shock does the job well.

Pros: shock absorption, spares the wrists and elbows, light carbon.

Cons: the absorber bothers some on the climb, more expensive than ordinary ones.

Our opinion: We pick the ALPIDEX Anti-Shock for sensitive joints and long descents. The springs soften impacts and spare the wrists. On the climb the absorber gets in the way, but for descents it is excellent.

Trekking poles: buying guide

Trekking poles are chosen by material, weight and purpose, so first choose the material by the terrain. Aluminium poles are more durable and cheaper because under great load they bend instead of breaking, so they are safer for tough terrain, while carbon ones are lighter and reduce fatigue on long tours but are more breakable. For a backpack foldable ones are practical, and for Nordic walking special models.

Then look at the locking mechanism and accessories. A reliable mechanism, like a lever or clamp system, must hold the height firmly without slipping under load. Comfortable grips and straps reduce fatigue, and interchangeable tips and baskets adapt the pole to mud, snow and hard ground.

Finally, watch the height and technique. On flat ground set the height so your elbow is bent at a right angle when the pole touches the ground, and shorten it for the climb and lengthen it for the descent. Proper use can reduce forces on the knees on the descent by around a fifth to a quarter, so poles are most useful on downhill sections. Alongside them, hiking boots come in handy for safe steps.

Conclusion

The best trekking poles depend on the terrain, the weight you want and the purpose. For most the best is the TrailBuddy Aluminium 7075, for an affordable entry the Glymnis Aluminium, and for low weight the ALPIDEX Carbon. For a backpack there is the Glymnis foldable, for reliable adjustment the LEKI Khumbu SpeedLock, for Nordic walking the ALPIDEX Nordic Walking, and for absorption the ALPIDEX Anti-Shock.

Whatever you choose, match the material to the terrain, check the locking mechanism and set the right height. With regular use, trekking poles become a simple tool for less load on the knees, better balance and more pleasant tours at any time.

With the right choice of trekking poles and good technique, the knees are more relieved and balance safer on any terrain. Choose the material by the terrain, set the right height and enjoy your tours, at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

Which trekking poles are best?

For most people the best is a durable aluminium pair with adjustable height, like the TrailBuddy model. For light tours lighter carbon ones are better, for a backpack foldable ones, and for Nordic walking special poles. The leading brands are LEKI, Black Diamond and ALPIDEX.

What are trekking poles for?

Trekking poles relieve the knees on the descent, help balance on uneven terrain and make climbs easier by transferring part of the force to the arms. They are also useful when crossing streams and on slippery ground. As an addition to good footwear, they make longer tours more pleasant and safer.

How to adjust the height of trekking poles?

On flat terrain set the height so your elbow is bent at a right angle when the pole touches the ground. For the climb shorten the poles, and for the descent lengthen them for better support. Check that the locking mechanism is tightened firmly before leaning on them.

Aluminium or carbon poles?

Aluminium poles are cheaper and more durable because under great load they bend instead of breaking, so they are safer for tough terrain. Carbon ones are lighter and reduce fatigue on long tours but are more breakable. For most, aluminium is more reliable, and carbon for those to whom weight is decisive.

How much do poles reduce the load on the knees?

Research shows that proper use of poles can reduce forces on the knees on the descent by around a fifth to a quarter. This especially helps on long downhill sections and people with sensitive knees. The effect depends on the technique and the correct pole height.

Are poles useful for the descent?

Yes, on the descent poles are most useful because they take part of the force off the knees and give extra support and balance. Lengthen them for a downhill section and place them ahead of you. This reduces the impact load and the risk of a fall on slippery or steep terrain.

How we chose

In compiling this list of trekking poles we relied on independent sources and recommendations, rather than marketing. We checked the data through a pole test at Outdoor Gear Lab, a pole guide at REI and usage advice at Cleveland Clinic.

We deliberately mixed aluminium, carbon, foldable and Nordic walking poles, so that every terrain and purpose finds its own. We placed special emphasis on the material, the locking mechanism and honesty about how much poles really help the knees. Prices change through the year, so we listed them roughly, in euros.

Sources

1. Best trekking poles 2026 - Outdoor Gear Lab
2. Trekking poles benefits - REI
3. Do trekking poles reduce knee load - PubMed
4. How to use trekking poles - Cleveland Clinic
5. Nordic walking technique - Verywell Fit
6. Hiking safety basics - NHS

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