Do trekking poles really help your knees?

Yes — research consistently shows 25% reduction in knee joint stress on downhill sections. For day hikes on flat terrain the benefit is minimal, but on any descent they're worth it.

What length should trekking poles be?

With your arm at 90°, the pole grip should sit at elbow height. Most telescoping poles adjust to fit any height. For hiking uphill, shorten 5–10cm; for downhill, lengthen 5–10cm.

Can I fly with trekking poles?

Checked baggage only — they're not permitted in carry-on. Pack them in a ski bag or wrap the tips. Carbon poles are more susceptible to damage in checked luggage than aluminum.

Best Trekking Poles in 2026: More Miles with Less Fatigue

Trekking poles reduce impact on the knees by up to 25% on descents — a significant number for anyone with existing knee issues or hiking steep terrain. They also improve balance on loose rock and stream crossings, and can be used as tent poles for ultralight shelter setups.

Here are the best trekking poles of 2026, ranked by weight, collapse mechanism (fold-down vs. telescoping), grip material, and shock absorption for different terrain types.

What to Look For

Carbon vs. aluminum: Carbon fiber is lighter (20–30% weight savings) and absorbs trail vibration better. Aluminum is more durable — bends rather than snapping under sudden lateral force. For rough rocky terrain, aluminum is safer.
Locking mechanism: Twist locks are the lightest but can loosen over time. Lever locks (flick locks) are more reliable and easier to adjust with gloves. Fold-down poles use a cord system — fastest to deploy.
Grip material: Cork grips absorb sweat and mold to hand shape over time — best for hot climates. Foam grips are lightweight and warm. Rubber grips are the most durable but get hot in summer.
Tip types: Carbide tips provide traction on hard surfaces and rock. Rubber tip covers protect surfaces in national parks, campgrounds, and urban sections. Baskets (wide discs near tip) prevent sinking in snow and mud.
Anti-shock: Spring-loaded anti-shock systems dampen vibration on hard terrain. Add slight weight and cost but make a noticeable difference on all-day rocky hikes. Skip it for lightweight backpacking.

Our Top Picks

#1 Best Overall

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

Cork/foam grip blend · 6061 aluminum shaft · Flicklock adjustable 62–130cm · 2 section · 9.9 oz each · Angled grip reduces wrist fatigue · Best for most hikers

~$80 View on Amazon →

#2 Best Ultralight

LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber · Folds to 38cm · 8.8 oz per pole · SpeedLock 2 lever locks · Thermo foam grip · Best fold-down pole for backpackers counting grams

~$200 View on Amazon →

#3 Best Value

REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles

7075 aluminum · Foam grips · 3-section telescoping · Flicklock adjustment · Anti-shock available · 14.5 oz each · Excellent build quality for the price

~$110 View on Amazon →

#4 Best Budget

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber blend · 18.6 oz/pair · Collapsible · EVA foam grips · Includes carry bag + extra baskets · Best lightweight budget option for casual hikers

~$45 View on Amazon →

Bottom Line

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles are the recommendation for most hikers — durable aluminum, ergonomic angled grip, and reliable flick-lock mechanism at a reasonable price. Backpackers counting pack weight should look at the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon: it folds to 38cm and weighs under 9 oz per pole.