Best Trekking Poles: Aluminium, Carbon & Cork Grip Picks

As an Amazon Associate, Peak Outdoor Guide earns from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep our guides free.

Trekking poles do quiet, unglamorous work: they take load off your knees on descents, add two points of balance on scree and river crossings, and set a rhythm that saves energy over long days. Studies put the reduction in knee force on descents at up to a quarter. Here are four picks across the spectrum, plus how to pick the right shaft, lock and grip for you.

Our top trekking pole picks for 2026

How to choose trekking poles

Aluminium vs carbon

Aluminium is heavier but tough — it bends rather than snaps under sudden load, so it is the safer bet for rough, rocky terrain and for beginners. Carbon is lighter and absorbs vibration better, ideal once you know how to place your poles and want to shave grams.

Lever locks vs twist locks

External lever (flick) locks are quick to adjust with gloves and easy to check at a glance — the modern standard. Twist locks are lighter and cleaner but can slip if worn or under-tightened. For most people, lever locks win on reliability.

Grip material

Cork breathes and moulds to your hand over time; foam is light, soft and warm; rubber insulates in cold but can chafe in heat. Whatever the material, choose poles with grip that extends a little down the shaft so you can choke down on steep traverses without re-adjusting length.

Foldable vs telescoping

Telescoping poles adjust across a wide length range and tend to be sturdier — best for varied terrain. Z-fold poles pack down shorter for stowing on a pack or in luggage, which suits travel and fastpacking. Set length so your elbow sits at 90 degrees on flat ground.