When choosing the best lightweight trekking poles, it’s a good idea to consider your body size and frame, how you’ll be packing them in your backpack, and what types of terrain you’ll be traversing. They are a very important part of your trekking gear. In fact, the right poles can enhance your journey by providing more stability and knee support wherever your trek takes you. Naturally, you’ll want to get the best and lightest poles available in your budget range.
For starters, metal tips (carbide tips) are best for digging into surfaces like gravel, ice and hard packed dirt. Rubber tips are great for paved surfaces like large smooth rocks, sidewalks and concrete. Mud Baskets help on mud, sand and snow.
Aluminum poles are a tad bit heavier than carbon, but only by a couple of ounces. Do you want your poles to collapse or do you prefer foldable? Should they be adjustable? What kind of locking system seems best to you? What do you want the grip to be made of? After thinking about the answers to these questions, then it’s time to start looking for the ideal set of poles for you.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TREKKING POLES
To get you started, the list below contains some of the lightest trekking poles on the market to day:
Bafx Hiking Poles
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Trekking, Walking, Hiking Poles Adjustable for All Heights, Durable & Lightweight Aluminum. Ergonomic, shock absorption system, helps support backpack weight, and is easy on the knees. Great set of trekking poles for the novice or experienced.
Foxelli Hiking Poles
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Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles – Collapsible, Lightweight, Shock-Absorbent, Hiking, Walking & Running Sticks with Natural Cork Grips, Flip Locks, 4 Season/All Terrain Accessories and Carry Bag. Has all the accessories you could ask for and more. Easy on the knees and ankles, and great for balance. Customer service is outstanding.
Cascade Hiking Poles
Sturdy, Rock Solid Feel…
Carbon Fiber Walking or Hiking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks. Lets you traverse over any terrain regularly with confidence and less fatigue. High quality at half the cost of high-end competitors.
Montem Hiking Poles
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Ergonomic EVA foam grips and padded straps make for a comfortable trekk. Strong, reliable, lightweight and gives good service over time.
Aihoye Trekking Poles
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Old sports injuries, bad hips, knees, and ankles, osteoarthritis, balance issues will all love this shock-absorbent design. Sturdy and excellent value for the money. Has quick and helpful customer support too.
Hiker Hunger Trekking Pole
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Made from airplane grade aluminum. Ultra light and strong for heavier weight across all terrain. 3-year manufacturer warranty. Compares favorably to high-end poles.
OUTAPEX Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole
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Comfortable ergonomic grips. Provides pressure relief and good balance over rocks, ice, grass, dirt and other surfaces. Reduces impact on body. Compares to high-end poles, but offers affordability.
ULTRALIGHT Trekking Poles
Amazon Nordic Walking Sticks
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TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles are high quality poles that are built to stabilize you over any terrain. Full accessories are included. Will take abuse over years of trekking.
Covacure Trekking Poles
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Innovative folding design folds down to 14” for easy backpack storage. EVA Foam Handle and wrist strap are comfortable. Locks can be trusted to hold on inclines and declines. Good for women and men.
Alafen Trekking Pole
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This is 1 pole only. Folding pole that is super lightweight, and made of aircraft grade aluminum and built to last over time. Even large people can trust this pole for stability. Push button lock stays secure.
NACATIN Trekking Poles
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Made of 7075 Aluminum Alloy, and folds down to less than 15”for easy backpack storage or luggage. Helps prevent falls and knee injuries, helps with balance and stability, and lets you stay on the trails longer. Sturdy, dependable poles, and easy setup (please watch video).
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