Updated 12/20/2025

I always hike with trekking poles, no matter the trail. Among the many benefits, they provide stability and help to reduce strain on your lower body by distributing some of the work to your upper body.

Why I Use Trekking Poles

Like most hikers, when I first got started I didn’t use trekking poles. After a friend loaned me hers when we were descending a steep and slippery hillside, I decided to buy my own and have been using them ever since. I like how they help give me a boost when going up steep steps, and how they provide stability when descending. And crossing streams is much easier when I have poles to provide more points of contact.

Additional uses for trekking poles include being able to setup a tarp or ultralight backpacking tent, to use as a splint for first aid, or to make you appear larger if you encounter wildlife, such as a curious black bear.

Trekking Pole Features to Consider

Materials – Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum

When deciding between different trekking pole shaft materials, the main factors to consider are weight, durability, and cost. Both carbon fiber and aluminum poles offer different advantages:

Carbon Fiber

• Lighter weight reduces fatigue on long hikes
• Provides some shock absorption from the ground, reducing jarring to your wrists and arms over long distances
• Strong and able to withstand heavy downward force, but more vulnerable to twisting or bending sideways, which can cause cracks or shattering
• Typically cost more than aluminum poles

Aluminum

• Heavier, which can be noticeable on longer hikes, potentially increasing fatigue during constant use
• Aluminum is more resistant to lateral (side-to-side) stress and less prone to catastrophic failure
• More likely to bend than break, can sometimes be straightened out for continued use
• Typically more budget-friendly

Locking Mechanism: Flick-Lock vs. Twist-Lock

The locking mechanism on a trekking pole determines how quickly and securely you can change the pole length on the trail, which is important for adapting to varying terrain, inclines/declines, or your own stride.

Flick-Lock (Lever-Lock)

• Quick to adjust, often with one hand
• External lever mechanism is durable and reliable
• Easy to operate with gloves or in cold conditions
• Tension can be adjusted in the field with simple tools
• Slightly bulkier design that could snag on brush, though this is uncommon

Twist-Lock

• Streamlined and minimalist design with fewer external parts
• More prone to loosening over time, especially during long hikes
• Can be difficult to adjust with gloves or when exposed to dirt and extreme cold
• Failures are harder to repair in the field compared with flick-locks

Both systems work, but flick-locks are generally considered more reliable and easier to use in a wide range of conditions, while twist-locks favor a sleeker profile at the cost of potential maintenance issues and challenges in harsh environments.

Handle Material: Cork vs EVA Foam

The handle material on a trekking pole affects comfort, grip, and long-term usability. Both cork and EVA foam handles offer distinct advantages depending on the conditions you hike in and your personal preferences:

EVA Foam

• Lightweight and cushioned, which helps reduce hand fatigue on long hikes
• Durable and water-resistant, holding up well in wet or muddy conditions
• Warmer in cold weather than cork, which can make a difference on chilly trails
• Less effective at wicking sweat, so hands can get slippery in hot weather
• Budget-friendly and widely available

Cork

• Natural feel that gradually molds to your hand for a personalized grip
• Excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping hands dry on hot or sweaty hikes
• Can be less durable than foam and may deteriorate over years of heavy use
• Less cushioned, which can be noticeable on long days
• Usually more expensive than EVA foam handles

Both handle types work well, but EVA foam is generally better if you prioritize durability, cushioning, warmth in cold weather, and a lightweight, budget-friendly option. Cork is a strong choice if you want a natural, moisture-wicking grip that molds to your hand and provides maximum sensitivity.

My Experience with Trekking Poles

The first trekking poles I bought were REI brand and had twist locks to adjust the length. Over time these became difficult to keep tightened and my poles would collapse on me. After that, I bought poles from Black Diamond that used lever locks instead. I used these for several years but I struggled with opening and closing the levers – and while it was possible to adjust the tightness of the levers, it required the use of a screwdriver to do so.

I eventually switched to Leki Cressida poles when I found them on clearance at REI. These featured lever locks, but the tightness could be adjusted by turning a small dial on the lever.

I’ve also tried a pair of Leki folding trekking poles with shock absorbers, and I’ve tested an ultralight pair of Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles. Here are my thoughts on each:

The first trekking poles I bought were REI brand with twist locks. Over time, they became hard to keep tight and would frequently collapse on me. Next, I tried Black Diamond poles with lever locks. I used these for several years, but opening and closing the levers was difficult, and adjusting the lever tightness required a screwdriver.

Eventually, I switched to Leki Cressida poles I found on clearance at REI. These also have lever locks, but the tightness can be adjusted easily with a small dial on the lever.

I’ve also tried Leki folding trekking poles with shock absorbers and tested ultralight Gossamer Gear LT5 poles. Here’s what I thought of each:

Leki Cressida CorTec

Cressida CorTec trekking poles are made for women with a pole length that adjusts from 90 to 125 cm. I’m 5’1″ and typically use them set at 105 cm. When I’m going downhill, especially when there are steep steps to descend, I extend them to 115 cm. I like the feel of cork handles better than foam, which tends to not dry as fast when my hands are wet from sweat or rain. I’ve been using these poles for over five years and they are still in excellent condition.

Specs

• Style: collapsible
• Shaft material: aluminum
• Grip: cork
• Locking mechanism: flick-lock
• Pole length: 90 – 125 cm
• Packed length: 25″
• Weight: 8 oz. per pole
• Price: $149.95

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS

I recently added a pair of folding trekking poles to my hiking kit so I’d be able to stash them easier when I don’t need to use them. The Cressida FX Carbon AS are made of carbon fiber and feature anti-shock springs to absorb shock. This is especially useful on descents for reducing the impact on your joints.

Instead of two levers to adjust the height, these have one lever at the top which makes it faster to make adjustments when hiking. These poles come with a carrying case that fits in the side pocket of my backpack.

See my full review of the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS

Specs

• Style: foldable/adjustable
• Shaft material: carbon fiber
• Grip: cork
• Locking mechanism: flick-lock
• Pole length: 100 – 120 cm
• Packed length: 15.7″
• Weight: 9 oz. per pole
• Price: $239.95

Gossamer Gear LT5

I’ve been testing a pair of ultralight LT5 trekking poles from Gossamer Gear for the last couple of months. I can definitely tell a big difference in the weight – they are light as a feather at just under 5 ounces per pole. While I prefer flick-lock adjusters, I can appreciate the minimal style of these twist-lock poles with fewer parts to snag on brush when hiking through overgrown trails, plus they pack down small for stashing on the outside of my pack when I don’t need to use them.

See my full review of the Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles

Specs

• Style: collapsible
• Shaft material: carbon fiber
• Grip: EVA foam
• Locking mechanism: twist-lock
• Pole length: 105 – 130 cm
• Packed length: 23.5″
• Weight: 4.9 oz. per pole
• Price: $195

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