Every gear we carry may impact our hike in a negative or a positive way. You may not notice it but there are scientific explanations to every gear on why to carry that specific product. You wants to be able to walk the long trails with less fatigue and pain. So, it’s very important that all the gears we carry act as our strength and stamina and minimize the risk of pain and exhaustion.
Hiking pole gives us the support we need to keep going on the trail without major pain in the knees, ankles or other joints. It improves our balance by cutting down the load pressure and wear and tear on our legs. Hiking pole provides stability while going downhill as well as while walking on flat land. It aids to minimize the impact on the body due to load and redistribute the weight, shifting the concentration of the weight.
Lesser the pressure on knees, the longer you can walk. So it’s important you choose right hiking poles which is durable, comfortable on the hand and most preferably lightweight. There are few features a trekking pole should have in order to be our best companion pole. I have tried to mention few features which I think are important to know before investing in the good pair of hiking poles.
Table of Content
- Features to consider
- 10. Black Diamond Distance ZZ-Poles
- 9.Leki Corklite Trekking Poles
- 8. Tri-fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
- 7. Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles By High Trek
- 6.Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles
- 5. Hike Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
- 4. BAFX Products – Anti Shock Hiking Poles
- 3. Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles
- 2. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
- 1. Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles
- Best Pick
- The Verdict
Features to consider
Weight
When you are on a long hiking tour, every ounce you carry counts. So, ultra light poles come handy while going on long trekking or hiking tour. Ultralight trekking poles are the poles which are super light weighing less than or around a pound. Most of the ultralight hiking poles are made of carbon components.
Length adjustment
Different types of hiking poles have a different number of length adjustment locks ranging from one to three. But, personally, I feel poles with only one lock position is the better option as it is more secure and reliable.
Handle type
There are hiking poles with various options for handle such as cork, cork-foam, foam, rubber, and plastic. I found the handle of cork, cork-foam, and foam more convenient and reliable.
Here I have listed my ten best preferences of ultralight hiking poles:
| Product Name | Dimension (Inches) | Weight (Ounces) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Distance ZZ-Poles | 14 X 5 X 3 | 19.2 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Corklite Trekking Poles | 2 X 3 X 26.4 | 17.5 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Tri-fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles | 33 to 35 | 20.8 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles By High Trek | 1.9 X 4 X 26.9 | 17.4 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles | 5 X 2 X 27 | 15.6 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Hike Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | 2.5 x 5 x 24.3 | 15.2 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| BAFX Products – Anti Shock Hiking Poles | 1.2 x 3.3 x 26.1 | 24 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles | 0.5 x 26.5 x 2 | 20 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles | 2 x 5 x 27 | 18 (Pair) | Buy Now |
| Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles | 24 inches to 53 inches | 15.2 (Pair) | Buy Now |
10. Black Diamond Distance ZZ-Poles
Black diamond distance ZZ poles are a great option of hiking poles for the ultra-light crowd. It weighs 1.2 pounds and has the dimension of 14 X 5 X 3 inches.
Black diamond distance ZZ poles have aluminum shafts which make it ultra light and sturdy at the same time. It comes with a 3-section folding design with speed cone deployment. This makes the pole fit easily in the luggage.
The grip extension of Black diamond distance ZZ pole is made of EVA foam which is breathable, moisture absorbent and non-slip. It also has specific wrist strap making the pole more secure to walk with.
Features I like
- Perfect length for both uphill and downhill
- Superlight
- Very sturdy
- Easy to expand and collapse
- Fits in the luggage easily
9.Leki Corklite Trekking Poles
Leki Corklite trekking poles is another great pair of hiking poles under ultralight series. It comes in handy for various activities like hiking, ice climbing, ski, walking on snow and more. It offers great features including the anti-shock lower section.
Leki Corklite weighs around 17.5 oz per pair, has the dimension of 2 X 3 X 26.4 inches and is made of Aluminum. This hiking pole feature Aergon Cor-tec Grips and speed locking mechanism on the upper section of its body.
This Leki pole has 3 section shafts that adjust from 67-135 cm. The grips of these poles are made of cork and rubber providing comfort and durability. It also comes with wrist straps which provide extra grip and stability.
Features I like:
- Great speed locks
- Easy to adjust cam
- Quality product
- Comfortable on hand
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Soft wrist straps
8. Tri-fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Tri-fold Carbon Cork trekking poles are one of the best ultralight hiking/trekking poles. It is very well made and provides the best deal of it. It weighs 1.3 pounds making it super light to carry on your journey.
This design of hiking poles has unique folding design which packs down to less than 15 inches in length making it very easy to fit it on your backpack. The assembly of this pole is very simple.
This Tri-fold Carbon cork pole is adjustable and comfortable. They can be adjusted from 100 cm to 120 cm using a single flick-lock. It allows the pole to be at the ideal length whatever terrain you follow.
This pole has ergonomic syncork handle which absorbs sweat and provides all-day comfort reducing the arm fatigue you may face while on the trail.
With simple locking mechanism, super strong carbon fiber shaft and aluminum alloy connector, this hiking pole is very durable and will hardly let you down.
Features I like:
- Excellent grip
- Comfortable foam grips
- Lightweight
- Very sturdy
- Offers the best support while going downhill
- Very well made
- Provides great value for your money
7. Premium Ultralight Trekking Poles By High Trek
Premium Ultralight trekking pole is another great lightweight hiking poles. It weighs about 1.55 pounds per pair and has the dimension of 1.9 X 4 X 26.9 inches.
This premium ultralight trekking pole is made with aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum and weighs 8.7 ounces each. It is strong, light weight and has softer impacts. This ensures your hikes to easier on joints.
This hiking pole is adjustable from 25 to 53 inches to provide the best deal for your height range. This pole features easy lever lock height adjustment providing ease while adjusting for your preferred height.
Premium ultra light trekking poles features ergonomically designed black EVA foam handles which provide all day comfort. This pole also comes with adjustable wrist strap which provides extra grip and reliance.
This pole comes with tungsten-tipped ends, removable rubber ferrules and mud/snow basket that let you walk through all types of terrains with increased balance, stability and less fatigue.
Features I like:
- Very sturdy
- Easy adjustments
- Light weight
- Great value and product for the money
- Comfortable on hand
- Well made
6.Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles
Cascade mountain tech carbon fibre trekking poles offers great value and features for the amount you pay. It's light weight, strong and comfortable at the same time. It is ultra light pole weighing 7.8 oz per pole and has dimension of 5 X 2 X 27 inches.
Cascade mountain tech poles are made of 100% carbon fiber. This pole has very sturdy flip locks which support you for all your adventures.
It can be extended up to 54 inches and collapsed up to 26 inches to adjust your preferred height range.
Cascade mountain tech pole has tungsten carbide tip. This tip provides stability on the uneven surface of terrains you pass through. It also comes with bonus tip kit including snow basket, boots and small rubber feet.
This model of hiking poles also features adjustable wrist strap for the extra stability and balance. It has option for EVA foam and cork grip depending on your preference of your comfort.
Features I like:
- Very Light weight
- Flip locks which are very sturdy
- Carbon fiber shafts
- Comfortable handgrip
5. Hike Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Hike hunger carbon fiber trekking pole is another great ultralight hiking poles which is made of 100 % carbon fiber. It is strong, light and durable.
Each pole weighs 7.6 ounces and has the dimension of 2.5 x 5 x 24.3 inches. This hike hunger hiking pole features quick flip lock which allows us to collapse and extend poles from 24inches to 54 inches.
These poles can be collapsed into small pack and can be stored in your backpack when not in use.
This hike hunger carbon fiber trekking pole has ergonomic cork grip which absorbs moisture and provides great comfort.
These poles also include nonslip EVA foam grip extensions underneath the cork grip. These poles are also fitted with trekking baskets and tungsten carbide tips.
The interchangeable tips allows us to switch between various tip options depending on the change in surface of trail.
These hiking poles also comprise of rubber tips, rubber feet, mud baskets, snow basket and carry bag with strap.
Features I like:
- Durable
- Good quality
- Provides great balance and grip
- Strong and sturdy
- Easy flip locks
- Comfortable cork handle
- Adjustable wrist straps
4. BAFX Products – Anti Shock Hiking Poles
The anti shock hiking poles by BAFX are comfortable and lightweight weighing 12 ounces each. These poles are great for regular walks, leisure hikes, adventurous treks and many other activities.
These poles can be extended to any length from 26.5 inches to 52 inches in length. These poles can be extended and compressed by turn locking system.
Each pole has measuring marks on the middle section to adjust your preferred height. This pole has dimensions of 1.2 x 3.3 x 26.1 inches.
These anti shock hiking poles by BAFX comes with two sets of rubber tips and one set of mud disks for hiking on softer surfaces such as mud, snow etc.
These poles have anti-shock spring located in the upper section of each pole. This helps in minimizing placement impact and allows us to walk comfortably.
Wrist straps are also added in these poles which are adjustable and makes grip more secure.
Features I like:
- Great price range
- Great adjustability
- Can be stored easily
- Nice and stable
3. Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles
Mountainsmith carbonlite pro trekking poles are a great option for the ultralight crowd which checks all features a good hiking pole ought to have.
Its weight is 20 ounces and has dimension of 0.5 x 26.5 x 2 inches. This pole can withstand maximum load up to 160 pounds.
This Mountainsmith carbonlite pro trekking poles is made of carbon wrapped 7075 aluminum poles. It has three telescoping sections.
It can be compressed up to 26.5 inches and extended up to 54 inches. Mountainsmith carbonlite pole has spring loaded anti-shock system with twist lock-out feature.
This provides added balance and allows us to walk comfortably. This pole features twist lock double cam adjustment which is easy to adjust and handle.
These poles have molded cork and EVA handle which is very comfortable in hand. The wrist straps are adjustable according to the fit of hiker. This pole has removable hiking baskets with locking pin and compatible snow basket.
Features I like:
- Sturdy and stable
- Easy to adjust
- Comfortable on hand
- Very light and well made
- Provides great balance for ascents and descents
2. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
Black diamond trail ergo cork trekking poles are great poles engineered to provide perfect balance, stability and comfort. These poles are made of aluminum which makes them more sturdy and durable.
This black diamond trail ergo cork trekking poles weigh 18 oz and has dimension of 2 x 5 x 27 inches. They can be compressed and extended as per the requirement of hiker.
This grip handle of this hiking pole is made in 15-degree corrective angle. This provides optimal grip position and increases the level of comfort.
Additionally, the foam grip extension is non-slip and has 360 degree padded webbing strap. The adjustments are double flick lock and are very easy to use. This makes the adjustment very easier on trail.
This Black diamond trail ergo cork trekking poles have interchangeable carbide tech tips, low profile trekking baskets and powder baskets.
Features I like:
- Provides great balance
- Very comfortable cork grips
- Easy to adjust locks
- Sharp tips
- Angled grip extensions
1. Montem Ultra Light Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles
Montem ultra-light carbon fiber hiking is another great hiking pole which checks all the features a good hiking pole ought to have. They are made of 100% anti-shock carbon fiber.
These poles are ultra light and very strong too. These Montem Ultralight carbon fiber hiking poles weigh 7.6 ounces per pole. This helps in cutting off the extra pounds you may have to carry while hiking.
These are one of the lightest carbon fiber hiking poles available.
These Montem trekking poles are built to last, comprising of tungsten tips and EVA foam handles. These poles provide great support and stability.
These poles have adjustable bolts which allow hikers of wide height range to quickly lengthen and shorten the poles from 24 inches to 53 inches. This helps in achieving perfect height you need.
The grip extends down the pole so that you can comfortably adjust your grip while hiking uphill. This prevents you from any unwanted hassles.
These poles also come with nylon straps which ensures safe journey without having to worry about dropping your hiking poles.
Features I like:
- Easy to use
- Great quality
- Very comfortable grips
- Superlight and easy to carry
- Well constructed
- Provides good support and stability
- Best value for the money
Best Pick
There are many poles which check the list of features good hiking pole ought to have to act as great companion pole.
Considering all the factors including comfort, grip, price value, weight and more, Trifold Carbon Cork Trekking poles are my favorite pair of hiking poles in ultralight category. These poles, being lightweight, are very sturdy providing enough balance to our body. It makes descending the hill an easy job.
These poles also provide great value for the money we spent. So spending on Trifold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles cannot be a wrong decision in my opinion.
The Verdict
I won't be wrong if I call hiking poles the third pair of limbs. Because they provide great balance to be on your feet while hiking, especially while descending down the slopes.
So, never ignore the fact that a good pair of hiking poles also helps in minimizing the pain and fatigue you may experience due to the long walk.
Choose the pole which provides you good grip. It should not cause pain in your arms or wrists.
Gear your poles up with proper pole tips depending on the surface of terrain you are about to follow. Opting for the wrong pole tip doesn't let the pole perform the way it's supposed to.
Overall invest on the poles which provide you all the feature required and is well made. Because every gear you carry while hiking makes a huge difference in the comfort level.