Hiking and trekking poles can be used in two ways. First, using poles you take strain off of knees and ankles and give yourself more balance. Second, you work the upper body to burn more calories per mile, while actually feeling like you are exerting yourself less. Burn more, feel less. Using the right technique is essential, and these poles come with instructions. As with shoes, which pole is best in an individual choice. The following poles are all of good quality.
1. Leki Enzian Tour Trekking Poles
These 3-section poles can be adjusted for height - to share them or to modify for up and downhill trekking. The positive angle grips are comfortable. They telescope down small enough to pack in a suitcase for travel. I bought a pair to see me through a mountain walking vacation and it was money well spent to provide stability on the trail. Removable snow or trail baskets. These come in an anti-shock version also, but I love my regular version.
2. Black Diamond ContourTrekking Poles
Collapses down to 25 inches for packing. Non-slip foam grips and padded webbing for comfort. FlickLock adjustment system for securely changing the height of the pole.3. REI Peak UL Carbon Trekking Poles
REI is a name I trust for outdoor gear. This is their bestselling store brand of trekking poles. It features an ultralight carbon fiber construction. They claim 50% more holding power with their Duolocks locking mechanism. Adjustable length from 55" down to 27" for storage.4. Exerstrider OS2 Fitness Trekker
Two-piece telescoping aluminum alloy fitness walking poles. Compacts down to 31" for travel. Fits any user 3'11" to 6'2". "Paw" tip perfect for street or sidewalk use. Comes with Exerstrider instructional video and manual.5. Leki Makalu Anti-Shock Trekking Poles
Anodized aluminum shafts have internal springs to absorb shock on rough ground. Telescopes from 28" to 56" for packing and adjusting to users and terrain. Ergonomic soft grips.6. Exerstrider AT/S All-Terrain
Two-piece adjustable/telescoping fitness and trekking poles. This model features a carbide tipped ferrule for use on ice, packed snow, gravel or in wilderness trails. In addition to the cushion grip tips, it comes with removable small baskets for walking on gravel road, sand, wooded areas and fording streams, and large baskets for skiing or snow shoeing. Comes with manual and video.7. Leki Ultralite TI Trekking Poles
For trail walking and for travel, these are excellent poles. Telescoping makes them packable, and they have the ergonomic hand strap and grips for comfortable walking. They are lightweight.8. Masters 5.5 Trekking Poles
An entry-level trekking pole pair. The sturdy aluminum pole has a 3-section twist-lock adjustment. The grips are cork, ergonomically shaped with a strap. Comes with dust baskets, carbide tip and removable rubber fitness tip.9. Black Diamond Switchback Trekking Poles
These lightweight poles use a binary and FlickLock adjustment system rather than a twist system. They collapse down to 25 inches for carrying and adjusts to your desired length.