Embarking on a 500-mile journey is much more manageable with a reliable walking pole by your side. Whether you choose one or two, hiking poles offer invaluable support, enhancing stability on uneven ground, alleviating pressure on your legs and knees, and facilitating easier ascents and descents. My initial experience with walking poles occurred while trekking through the Himalayas, and now, I find them indispensable even for casual walks.
Typically, hiking poles are utilized in pairs, where each pole is swung in rhythm with the opposite foot: right foot with left pole, and left foot with right pole. Alternatively, they can be used individually, allowing you to keep one hand free or to balance the weight more evenly across your body.
Walking poles come in fixed lengths, adjustable models, and even foldable options that can be conveniently stowed in a backpack when not in use. The variety available may surprise you, but we have distilled the options down to eight of the top walking poles suitable for various types of hikers.
Leading the pack as the best overall walking poles are the Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z poles, followed by the budget-friendly Vango Annapurna. For those who need adjustable poles, the Silva Carbon trekking poles stand out, while the Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon trekking poles are recognized for their lightweight design.
As an experienced adventure travel writer and gear tester with over a decade of experience, I have hiked thousands of miles using walking poles, from the peaks of Mount Kenya to my favorite local trails in the Cotswolds. I am also working on two walking guides for the UK, which gives me ample opportunity to utilize my hiking poles while exploring.
The true test of a walking pole comes from practical use. For this evaluation, I trekked at least 10 miles with each of the selected models, traversing a range of trails, elevations, and surfaces, including rugged mountain paths in the Lake District and gentler walks along the Cotswold Way.
I scrutinized 10 different models in real-world settings, assessing how the grips performed in warm conditions while my hands became sweaty, and evaluating traction and stability on slippery surfaces in cold, wet weather. When testing adjustable poles, I evaluated their ease of extension, folding, and portability. Durability was also a key consideration; I paid close attention to the locking mechanisms, handles, and materials to determine their longevity. During longer hikes, I monitored how light and comfortable each pole felt to carry over extended distances.
For poles not returned to the manufacturers, any that were sourced for this article were donated to charity after testing.
Black Diamond specializes in equipment for climbers, runners, and hikers, so it’s no surprise they excel in producing quality poles. The Pursuit Carbon Z poles performed admirably during my hikes, whether on slick rocks in Cumbria or leisurely walks in the Cotswolds. These poles are lightweight, offer excellent grip, and can be quickly folded for transport.
What sets the Pursuit Zs apart is their combination of materials—cork and carbon. The cork grips are comfortable, wick away sweat, and dry quickly when exposed to moisture. Weighing only 191 grams at the shortest length, the poles are constructed entirely of carbon, providing both lightness and sturdiness for added confidence on uneven surfaces. Their carbide tips also ensure a secure grip on various terrains. I have relied on these poles for numerous hiking adventures, including a trekking holiday in the French Alps, and they have consistently demonstrated durability that matches their quality.
These poles fold into a compact Z-design, making them easy to carry, but they are not adjustable. Therefore, you must select a height that suits you, with options ranging from 110cm to 130cm. If you prefer a pole with adjustable height, the brand’s Distance Carbon FLZ poles offer that feature at an additional cost of £30. Although I recommend the original Pursuit Zs for average users, the adjustable version may be worth considering if flexibility is a priority for you.
One drawback is that the adjustable version requires an additional investment.
Weight: 191, 196, 200, 205, 209g, depending on length. Height: 110, 115, 120, 125, 130cm. Material: carbon and cork. Telescopic: no. Foldable: yes. Adjustable: no.
High-quality carbon walking poles don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Vango’s Annapurna model demonstrates that you can acquire a reliable pair of poles for under £100. Weighing in at 190g per pole and folding down to a compact 62cm for easy transport or attachment to a backpack, this functional option offers exceptional value for money, though it is not sold as a set.
The Vango Annapurna strikes a commendable balance between weight, comfort, and cost. Constructed with a 50% carbon fiber shaft, it provides a lightweight yet solid feel, making it a dependable choice for varied terrains. The collapsible design features aluminum quick locks, which performed well during testing, even when bearing significant weight, although they did not feel as robust as some higher-end poles I evaluated.
The foam grips maintained their comfort level even in wet conditions and are long enough to accommodate different grip heights during use. While I find them somewhat inadequate for challenging high-altitude treks, they serve as an excellent choice for weekend excursions on British trails or for novice hikers embarking on their first walking holiday.
One downside is that the locking mechanisms may feel a bit fragile.
Weight: 190g. Height: 62-135cm. Material: carbon, foam. Telescopic: yes. Foldable: no. Adjustable: yes.
After more than a year of testing the popular carbon poles from the Swedish brand Silva, I can attest to their durability as well as their initial comfort and performance.
