After hiking 100 miles with 10 different walking poles, our seasoned adventurer has found the best trekking poles for balance, comfort, and durability. Walking poles can improve balance on uneven terrain and reduce stress on joints, making them a handy addition to any hiking kit.
Why trust this review
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 the poles were tested
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.
The best walking poles overall
The Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z poles are the best overall, priced from £115.18 at Deporvillage. They combine comfort, sturdiness, and the ability to cope with all conditions. Made with cork grips and a 100% carbon body, they weigh 191g at the shortest length and fold into three sections in a Z-design. They're not adjustable, so you'll need to order a height that suits you from between 110cm and 130cm. For adjustability, the brand's new Distance Carbon FLZ poles offer full adjustability, but you'll spend an extra £30.
Best budget walking pole
The Vango Annapurna is the best budget option at £28.95 per pole from LiGo. It's a carbon pole weighing 190g, folding down to 62cm, with a 50% carbon fibre shaft and aluminium quick locks. The foam grips are solid even when wet, and it's adjustable from 62cm to 135cm. While it might be flimsy for a tough trek at altitude, it's a bargain for weekend exploring.
Best adjustable walking poles
The Silva Carbon trekking poles are the best adjustable option at £89.95 from Outdoor Action. These poles combine cork and foam handles with lightweight carbon, and they're sturdy without adding excessive weight. The flick locks are easy to use, and they collapse to 65cm. They've been tested for over a year and are still going strong.
Best lightweight walking poles
The Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon trekking poles are the best lightweight option at £214.99 from Ultralight Outdoor Gear. The brand claims they weigh 151g per pole, but they actually weigh 139g. They feel delightfully light and freeing to handle but are still sturdy on tougher hikes. They split into three sections with twist locks that are intuitive and efficient.
Other notable options
The OEX Duralumin is an affordable lightweight option at £31 from Blacks, with a 7075 aluminium build and a weight of 244g per pole. However, its grip is less ergonomic compared to pricier models.
The Leki Cressida is best for shorter people and smaller hands, priced at £90 from Nevisport. It's fully adjustable with an aluminium shaft weighing 237g per pole, and features a breathable strap and comfortable cork grip designed for smaller hands.
The Craghoppers Venture T Grip is best for a T-grip pole, priced at £28 per pole from Next. It has a foam handle that's comfortable and satisfying to hold, but at 270g, it's not ideal for longer treks.
The Mountain Warehouse Bowfell is a basic pole at £22.99 per pole from Mountain Warehouse. It's adjustable and folds into four sections, but the fibreglass body feels flimsier than more expensive models.
Key factors to consider
When choosing a walking pole, consider the material: aluminium poles are durable and affordable, while carbon fibre models tend to be lighter but more expensive. 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 and shorten them on climbs.
According to Adam Simpson, climbing specialist at Bigstone, to find the right length, “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”. Then “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 are designed to be used as a pair, with one in each hand to help redistribute the load as you walk. They can also be used singly for extra balance and joint support while keeping one hand free. After a few miles, you'll wonder how you ever walked without them.
