Top Pick: Best Travel Collapsible Hiking Stick

Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a rhythm and significantly reduce load and impact on hips, knees, and ankles when going downhill. As with most hiking and backpacking gear, balancing weight and durability is the most common consideration. Below are our top hiking pole picks of 2024, which cover the gamut from ultralight and folding models to sturdy designs for high-mountain adventures.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a hiking stick that suits your individual preferences and needs.
• Consider factors such as weight, durability, and affordability when selecting a collapsible hiking stick.
• Ultralight and folding models are ideal for weight-conscious backpackers.
• Sturdy designs are recommended for high-mountain adventures.
• Women’s-specific trekking poles offer added comfort and ergonomics.

Best Overall Trekking Pole: Black Diamond Pursuit

If you’re searching for the best overall trekking pole, look no further than the Black Diamond Pursuit. This top-of-the-line hiking pole combines solid construction, a comfortable feel, and premium features to deliver exceptional performance on the trail.

The Black Diamond Pursuit features a telescoping design with a reliable lever lock system, allowing for easy height adjustment to suit your preference. The aluminum shaft ensures durability, so you can confidently tackle any terrain. To enhance your comfort during long hikes, the Pursuit is equipped with cork grips that offer a soft and ergonomic feel in your hands.

Black Diamond takes sustainability seriously, incorporating eco-friendly design elements into the Pursuit. The grip extensions are infused with algae, contributing to a greener environment, while the wrist straps are made from recycled fibers. With these thoughtful features, you can enjoy your trek knowing that you’re making a positive impact.

The Black Diamond Pursuit also utilizes the trusted FlickLock+ levers, allowing for quick and secure adjustments to suit your changing needs on the trail. Although the Pursuit may have a longer collapsed length compared to some other designs, its outstanding quality and reliability make it an excellent choice for hikers of all levels.

Best Budget Trekking Pole: REI Co-op Trailmade

The REI Co-op Trailmade is our top pick for the best budget trekking pole. It offers a great balance between affordability and functionality. With its aluminum construction and lever lock system, it provides durability and easy adjustment. The foam grip provides a comfortable hold, although it may not be as premium as cork grips. While it may lack some of the features found in higher-end models, such as choke-up extensions and longer-lasting materials, the Trailmade is a reliable option for hikers on established trails who are looking for basic balance and support.

If you’re on a budget and need a reliable hiking pole, the REI Co-op Trailmade is an excellent choice. It is designed to meet the needs of hikers who value affordability without compromising on quality. Let’s take a closer look at the key features that make the Trailmade the best budget trekking pole:

Aluminum Construction

The REI Co-op Trailmade is made from lightweight and durable aluminum, allowing it to withstand the rigors of the trail while keeping the weight down. The aluminum construction offers excellent strength and stability, ensuring the pole can handle the demands of various terrains.

Lever Lock System

Equipped with a lever lock system, the Trailmade allows for easy and secure height adjustment. This feature ensures that you can quickly adjust the pole to your desired length, providing optimal support and stability during your hikes.

Foam Grip

The Trailmade features a comfortable foam grip that provides a secure hold, even in wet or sweaty conditions. While it may not have the premium feel of cork grips, the foam grip offers excellent cushioning and absorbs vibrations, reducing hand fatigue during long hikes.

Reliability and Affordability

While the REI Co-op Trailmade may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end trekking poles, it delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. It is a great option for hikers on established trails who prioritize basic balance and support without breaking the bank.

When it comes to finding the best budget trekking pole, the REI Co-op Trailmade stands out for its durability, ease of use, and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced adventurer on a tight budget, the Trailmade offers the perfect balance of quality and affordability.

Best Ultralight Collapsible Pole: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z takes the crown as our top pick for the best ultralight collapsible pole. Crafted from carbon fiber, these poles are exceptionally lightweight, making them a favorite among ultralight backpackers and long-distance trail runners. With their innovative Z-Pole technology, these collapsible poles allow for quick and effortless deployment and collapsing, enabling hikers to set up and pack up their gear with ease. When collapsed, these poles shrink down to a compact size, making them convenient to carry and store on any adventure.

One of the few drawbacks of carbon fiber, however, is its higher price point and reduced durability compared to aluminum. While the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z may not withstand heavy pressure as well as other materials, its weight-saving properties and remarkable portability make it an excellent choice for hikers who prioritize lightness and convenience.

Key Features:

• Carbon Fiber Construction: The carbon fiber construction of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z ensures an incredibly lightweight pole that won’t weigh you down on the trail.
• Folding Design: These poles are collapsible, allowing for easy storage and portability.
• Foam Grip: The foam grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, enhancing your grip even in wet conditions.

Specifications:

“The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles have been a game-changer for me. Their lightweight design and easy folding mechanism allow me to focus on the trail while providing the support I need. Perfect for fastpacking and races!” – Sarah H., Ultrarunner

Best Four-Season Trekking Pole: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is our top pick for the best four-season trekking pole. Designed to handle a wide range of conditions and terrains, this pole is perfect for adventurers who want reliability and durability all year round.

Constructed with carbon fiber, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork offers a remarkable balance of strength and weight savings. The lightweight nature of carbon fiber allows for comfortable and effortless handling during long hikes. Its telescoping design enables easy length adjustment, accommodating various trail conditions.

The cork grip of the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork provides a comfortable hold even in wet or sweaty conditions, reducing the risk of slippage. The ergonomic design adds to the overall comfort, ensuring a secure and relaxed grip throughout your trek.

Although the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork may be overkill for most three-season hikes, it excels in winter mountaineering and summer backpacking trips. Its four-season adaptability makes it a reliable companion for any adventure.

While the price point may be higher compared to other options, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork’s durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious hikers who demand the best.

Key Features:

• Carbon fiber construction for strength and weight savings
• Telescoping design for easy length adjustment
• Cork grip for comfortable and secure hold
• Four-season versatility for various trail conditions

Best Lightweight Pole: Gossamer Gear LT5

The Gossamer Gear LT5 is our top pick for the best lightweight pole. Made from carbon fiber, these poles are incredibly light, making them ideal for thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers. With their telescoping design, they offer easy length adjustment and pack down to a compact size. The foam grips provide a comfortable hold, although they may not be as durable as cork. While they may be more expensive and less durable compared to other options, the LT5 poles are perfect for those looking to minimize weight without sacrificing performance.

When it comes to lightweight hiking poles, the Gossamer Gear LT5 stands out for its exceptional blend of weight savings and functionality. Constructed from carbon fiber, these poles are feather-light, making them a preferred choice for long-distance hikers and backpackers striving to reduce their pack weight. The telescoping design allows for easy length adjustment, ensuring a custom fit for any user. Additionally, the LT5 poles pack down to a compact size, making them easy to store and transport.

The foam grips of the Gossamer Gear LT5 provide a comfortable and secure hold, allowing hikers to maintain a confident grip even in challenging terrain. While cork grips are known for their durability and moisture-wicking properties, the foam grips on the LT5 offer a lightweight alternative without compromising comfort.

It’s important to note that carbon fiber, while incredibly lightweight, is not as durable as other materials like aluminum. The LT5 poles may not withstand heavy impacts, so they are best suited for hikers who prioritize weight savings over ruggedness. Additionally, the LT5 poles come at a higher price point compared to other options on the market. However, for hikers seeking the ultimate lightweight experience, the Gossamer Gear LT5 is an excellent investment.

Key Features:

• Constructed from carbon fiber for exceptional lightness
• Telescoping design for easy length adjustment
• Compact size for convenient storage and transport
• Foam grips for a comfortable, secure hold

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight
• Easy to adjust and pack down
• Comfortable foam grips

Cons:

• May not be as durable as other options
• Higher price point

Best Overall Women’s-Specific Trekking Pole: Leki Cressida FX Carbon

The Leki Cressida FX Carbon is our top pick for the best overall women’s-specific trekking pole. Designed with women in mind, it offers a comfortable and ergonomic grip with a soft cork handle. The foldable design provides compact storage, and the carbon fiber construction offers a balance of strength and weight savings. While it may be more expensive and heavier than some other options, the Cressida FX Carbon is a premium choice for women looking for comfort and versatility on the trail.

Here are the key features of the Leki Cressida FX Carbon:

With its exceptional design and quality, the Leki Cressida FX Carbon is an excellent choice for women who prioritize comfort and durability in a trekking pole.

Outstanding Value in a Lightweight Pole: Black Diamond Distance Z

The Black Diamond Distance Z is an outstanding value in a lightweight pole. Made with a folding design and carbon fiber construction, it offers the perfect balance of portability and weight savings. The foam grip provides a comfortable hold, ensuring a pleasant hiking experience. Though the foam grip may not be as durable as cork, the Distance Z makes up for it with its affordability and durability.

While it may lack some of the adjustability features found in other poles, the Black Diamond Distance Z is a reliable choice for those looking for a lightweight and compact trekking pole. Its folding design allows for easy storage and transportation, making it a convenient option for hikers of all levels.

With the Black Diamond Distance Z, you can enjoy the benefits of a lightweight pole without breaking the bank. It’s a reliable companion that will enhance your hiking adventures without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0

The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is a folding, lightweight, and durable hiking pole that offers the best bang for your buck. Priced affordably, this hiking pole is designed to provide great value without compromising on performance.

With its folding design, the Trek-Z 2.0 can be easily collapsed and stored in your backpack when not in use. This makes it convenient to carry and transport, especially for hikers who prefer a compact gear setup.

Despite its lightweight construction, the Trek-Z 2.0 is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Made from high-quality materials, this hiking pole offers durability and reliability on the trail, ensuring it will last for many hiking trips to come.

While the Trek-Z 2.0 may be slightly heavier compared to some other options, its affordable price and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for hikers on a budget. This hiking pole provides the stability and support you need without breaking the bank.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting your outdoor adventures, the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is a worthwhile investment. It offers a great balance of functionality, affordability, and durability, making it the best choice for those looking to get the most out of their hiking pole without spending a fortune.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best travel collapsible hiking stick depends on individual preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize lightweight design, durability, or affordability, there are options available to suit every hiker. The Black Diamond Pursuit, Gossamer Gear LT5, and Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z offer exceptional performance in their respective categories. For women-specific poles, the Leki Cressida FX Carbon is a top choice. And for those on a budget, the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 provides excellent value. With the right hiking stick in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle any adventure on the trail.

Source Links

• https://www.cleverhiker.com/hiking/best-hiking-trekking-poles/
• https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-trekking-poles
• https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-trekking-poles