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The 10 Best Walking Sticks and Trekking Poles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sturdy, stable options for building confidence and strength on the trail

Best walking sticks collaged against peach striped background

Verywell / Chloe Jeong

A walking stick or set of trekking poles can add comfort, stability, and safety to your outdoor hikes. “They provide stability and balance on uneven terrain, and most importantly, relieve pressure off major joints like ankles, knees, and hips,” says Cory Goei, AMGA-certified SPI, a rock climbing guide and instructor. By practicing safe posture and balance when using trekking poles and walking sticks, you can gain confidence and strength to move proprioceptively—in other words, you'll better understand where your body is in space and how it's moving. This allows you to further activate and challenge the rest of your muscles as you hike.

When purchasing walking sticks or trekking poles, consider the terrain, weather conditions, and activities you're planning to do with them. To help you find the right walking sticks and trekking poles, we first spoke with experts to learn which key features they should have. Then, we tested and compared the best options from top brands. A walking coach from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding how to use walking sticks and which benefits they can provide.

Best Women's Overall

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Strong hybrid construction

  • Compact, trifold design

  • Ergonomically designed for women

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Wrist straps aren’t padded

Designed for women, these trekking poles are our top overall pick because of their carbon fiber construction that is strong, stable, and made to absorb excess shock. Made with a hybrid shaft construction of carbon upper stems and a durable aluminum bottom piece and carbide-enforced tip, these sleek, trifold poles proved durable and very supportive. Thanks to an ergonomic design, their cork grips felt very natural to hold. We also like that the tip’s dynamic suspension system absorbs shock very well, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5 for comfort and design. 

While testing, we found the set easy to put together and deconstruct with a tight pull and snap of its locking system. Once we got a feel for the bit of swift pull required to lock these open, we found them very easy to maneuver and adjust using the speed lock lever, rating them a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use. When not in use, we like how the set folds up compactly into the included sleeve, making this pair neat and stowable for everyday use, hiking, or backpacking. 

When using these to hike through a river with large boulders and slippery footing, we felt supported and never slipped. We also like the mesh drawstring bag these come with, which keeps the set contained in or attached to your pack with built-in elastic loops. With an impressive design, compatibility, and basket tip and drawstring sleeve included, these poles are a worthy investment for anyone needing a super strong, yet light, pair of poles that are versatile for various terrains.

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole):
9.1 ounces | Extended Length: 39.4-47.2 inches | Collapsed Length: 16 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping, folding | Included Accessories: Basket tip, drawstring bag | Shaft Material: Carbon, aluminum

Best Men's Overall

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Durable

  • Comfortable grip

  • Adaptable to changing terrain

Cons
  • Expensive

Our men’s top pick is this adjustable carbon set, which we found to be incredibly durable, comfortable, and versatile for many types of adventures. The interchangeable carbide tech tips on these poles enable you to adapt to varying trail surfaces without taking a long break—this versatility and control set the pair apart from others on our list, a feature that helped us quite a bit during test hikes. 

The carbon-fiber, telescoping shaft design of Alpine was easy to adjust for new terrain and stayed securely locked via strong aluminum locks, even with considerable force and weight on the poles, which is why we gave this option a score of 5 out of 5 for stability. We like that they expand to fit a wide range of heights, suiting anyone from 4-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, making them a great pair for any height. The increased adjustability also means they can be shared among hikers.

The cork grip and EVA foam extension were soft and promoted a secure grip that felt comfortable and didn’t cause blister issues for our hikers. We scored them a 5 out of 5 for comfort. While it doesn’t come with any accessories, like extra tips or a carry bag, the set is compatible with most baskets and tips. And despite being slightly bulkier compared to other options on our list, it attaches seamlessly to packs for light, easy portability. The higher price may not be worth it for those hiking on easier trails, but these poles are a tough, versatile option for your most challenging hikes.

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole):
8 ounces | Extended Length: 39-51 inches | Collapsed Length: 24 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping | Included Accessories: Basket tip | Shaft Material: Carbon fiber

Best Unisex

Mountain Safety Research DynaLock Ascent Carbon Poles

Mountain Safety Research DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Folds nicely

  • Easy-adjust pole locks

  • Multi-sport versatility

Cons
  • No bag for accessories

  • Fold release button can pinch fingers

These Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber walking sticks are our top unisex pick for their straightforward, sleek design featuring a comfortable grip, padded handle straps, and two size options to accommodate a wide range of heights.    

Like the Leki Cressida, these trifold were quick and easy to assemble and, when not in use, folded up to a comparable, compact size to be stored or stowed. One thing to note is that the push button to release these for folding can pinch your fingers, but it’s an issue that can be solved by being extra cautious. The tool-free pole lock adjustment system was simple to tighten when needed, too, and overall the sticks scored a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use.

The EVA foam upper grip and shaft extension are firm but soft as suede for comfortable handling, and we appreciated the lightly padded wrist straps that lent extra support on ascents and descents. With a smaller diameter than many, the Ascents also felt lighter than they actually are, and the reinforced carbon made these slim poles feel durable and long-lasting. But since the internal tightening cord isn’t protected, nor are the shaft pieces reinforced at the connection points, they might chip over time, hurting the design rating.

We particularly like this pick for its sizing options and versatility. The small and large sizes accommodate heights ranging from 4-foot-8 to over 6-foot-4, with both options easily adjustable for varied terrain and for sharing among family or friends. Both sets come with more accessories than many at their price point, including a set of small and larger baskets for grass, sand, and snow, which we found easy to switch out. While they don’t have a nifty bag, the included Velcro straps do just fine to keep the poles wrapped tight for packing. All this considered, the set scored a 4.5 out of 5 overall for design features.

We found these to be very sleek and found that they pack up less awkwardly than other folding pairs we tested. From hiking to cross-country snowshoeing to split boarding, we highly recommend these versatile walking sticks as a great, all-season investment for multi-sport trekkers. 

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole)
: 8.5 ounces (small), 9 ounces (large) | Extended Length: 39.4-47 inches (small), 47.2-55 inches (large) | Collapsed Length: 14.2 inches (folded) | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping, folding | Included Accessories: Additional baskets | Shaft Material: Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber

Perosn holding Mountain Safety Research DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles on trail

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Best Budget

TheFitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

TheFitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Very light

  • Extra tips included

  • Carry bag included

Cons
  • Wrist strap may be too long for some

Sometimes both seasoned and rookie hikers need reliable walking sticks at an affordable price, which is why we recommend this set of poles. Weighing in at around 7 ounces a stem—less than most on our list—these poles are light to carry and easy to transport. The carbon fiber pole construction, which telescopes and locks tight with adjustment, feels sturdy and built to last, scoring a 4.5 out of 5 for stability.

For the price, these trekking poles have some premium features—they sport a contoured, natural cork grip and EVA foam extension grip, both of which feel great in the hand. Though the wrist straps might be a little long for small hands or wrists, we managed to find a comfortable, supportive fit after some tinkering, and the extra slack wasn’t too bothersome. This solidified the pair's respectable scores of 4 out of 5 for comfort and extra features.

We love that this set comes with so many accessories, including two pairs of rubber tips, road feet, and a pair of small snow baskets, which we found stayed on tightly and did help with traction on slick surfaces (like mud and rock). You can even choose from a selection of bright or neutral colors.

Overall, we think the combination of solid features and accessories makes this set a great value for the price.

Key Specs:
Weight:
7.4 ounces | Extended Length: 24-53 inches | Collapsed Length: 24 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping | Included Accessories: Additional tips, baskets, storage bag | Shaft Material: Carbon fiber

Person holding TheFitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles outdoors on trail

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Best for Hiking

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Lifetime replacement

  • Padded wrist straps

  • Additional tips included

Cons
  • No anti-shock mechanism

  • Lock screws need periodic tightening

Our top pick for all-terrain hiking, these trekking poles are incredibly strong, come with tips for different seasons and trail surfaces, and offer a lifetime replacement promise. Made of trusty aluminum, which is stronger than carbon fiber, we are impressed with their quality for a set so inexpensive. And while they’re slightly heavier than carbon sticks, it’s not significant if weight isn’t a major concern for you. If you’re looking for extra shock protection, however, these won’t provide it. 

Like other telescoping poles, these extend easily and lock in seconds, thanks to Montem’s flip-lock system. While testing, we found the process simple, but one of the pole’s locking mechanisms did come loose, which made it difficult to tighten without a tool mid-hike. It’s worth noting that they hold very securely once tightened, however, they have to be tightened quite a bit to remain secure. They also tend to need tightening from time to time for extensions to hold tight. We didn’t have any issues with the lock clips themselves, and the poles offered excellent support, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for stability but only a 3.5 in design because of the added maintenance.

The aesthetically-pleasing EVA foam handles resemble cork but are comfortable and sweat-absorbing. The extended foam grip has extra contour and texture, which we found helpful for pulling ourselves up while climbing. The wrist straps are padded and adjust nicely to prevent chafing. They also stay secure, so you won’t accidentally drop a pole while hiking, though they also need occasional retightening.

The poles come with added tips and baskets for traversing off-road terrain, and you can choose from a variety of colors and patterns. Regardless of their quirks, we still enjoyed these poles and recommend them for their durability, easy setup, and great value for the price.

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole)
: 9.6 ounces | Length: 24-53 inches | Collapsed Length: 24 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping | Included Accessories: Additional tips, baskets | Shaft Material: Aluminum

Best Weight Capacity

Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles

Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Durable

  • Budget-friendly

  • Includes carry bag

Cons
  • Rubber tips may slide off

  • Heavier than other options

  • Faux cork handles

Aluminum construction and reinforced joints make these walking sticks dependable on all types of terrain, supportive for all body types, and our top pick for those who require a little more support.

Like our best unisex pick (Mountain Safety Research’s Carbon Poles), these poles come in longer and shorter versions, and both fold down to a compact 15 inches, making them just as easy to stow. The trifold design is extra sturdy thanks to their 100% aerospace grade 7075 aluminum shaft, the same material used for airplanes. Because of their performance on the road and trail, we scored them a perfect 5 out of 5 for stability. 

We love that these poles come with a ripstop, water-resistant bag, and various tips, baskets, and feet, but we weren’t a fan of the faux cork handles and docked these a point for their extra features score after a tip slid off mid-hike, scoring them a 4 out of 5 for this attribute. We did like that the soft faux cork grips are made from sweat-absorbing EVA foam and that they feature extension grips, which we found to be similar to Montem’s Ultra Strong handles. The contour and base supported shifts when ascending or descending steep hills, which is why we scored them a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort. We like that they also come in a cork-handle version if you prefer the upgrade. 

We scored these a perfect 5 out of 5 for ease of use for their flip locks, which makes trail-side setup fast so that you can spend more time walking and less time adjusting. Overall, we think these foldable poles are a great bang for your buck. They’re super strong and very space-saving. Their heavier weight isn’t very noticeable for everyday hikers unconcerned with added ounces.

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole):
10.4 ounces | Extended Length: 39.3-47.25 inches (small), 45.25-53 inches (large) | Collapsed Length: 15 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping, folding | Included Accessories: Additional tips, baskets, drawstring bag | Shaft Material: Aluminum

Best Lightweight

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Foxelli

Pros
  • Good for trail running

  • Great value

  • Handle isn’t bulky

Cons
  • Cork hand grips may chip

  • Lower quality of carbon

When every ounce counts, we recommend these carbon trekking poles, our top pick for the best lightweight walking sticks. Made from 100% carbon fiber, a material known for being incredibly lightweight, each pole weighs 7 ounces, so your energy can go toward moving faster instead of lifting a heavier pole. 

This weight difference was noticeable when we took the Foxellis out on a hike, along with the impact-absorbing qualities inherent to the carbon material. The set's tips and baskets stayed securely put when tried, and the same went for the telescoping poles and quick-lock screws. The Foxellis scored 4.5 out of 5 for stability and ease of use. Among the included tips, the road feet felt especially nice and shock-absorbing on the pavement, propelling each stride forward. The poles also came with a carry sleeve and a bonus fanny pack, which was a nice surprise. 

When it comes to durability, the adage “you pay for what you get” is somewhat true with this pair, to an extent. It does feel like a lower quality of carbon than much more expensive options, and some of the plastic parts, like the lock joints, feel slightly chintzier than a pair triple its price, but nothing that seriously concerned us. 

These poles felt extremely comfortable, with a natural cork grip-foam extension combo, similar to the Montem’s handle, that kept hands comfortable and dry. The handle felt a little smaller than others. It also has some of the tighter-adjusting wrist straps, which are padded and smooth-seamed, making these well-suited for smaller hands and wrists or for someone who doesn’t like a bulky grip. 

Considering the value and suitability for all conditions and activities, we like that these poles maintain all the necessary features of a trustworthy walking stick while shedding that unwanted extra weight (and price).

Key Specs:
Weight (Per Pole):
7 ounces | Extended Length: 24-55 inches | Collapsed Length: 24 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping | Included Accessories: Additional tips, baskets, drawstring bag, fanny pack | Shaft Material: Carbon fiber

Best for Seniors

TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles

TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Easy to adjust

  • Sturdy

Cons
  • Locks should be tightened before use

  • Sturdiness makes these heavier than others on our list

With a strong aluminum staff, these easy-to-adjust walking sticks are our top pick for older adults who want to keep active and need more stability while on the move. Easy-to-hold cork handles are grippy and built for comfort, molding to hands in hot and cold weather and providing stable assistance when walking. And we found the wide wrist straps offered the best padding out of all poles on our list, rating them a 5 out of 5 for comfort. 

The wide lever locks securely (and easily) fastened during tests to adjust the poles on the spot without much of a struggle, something especially important if you or your loved one has arthritis pain or hand immobility. This safe and simple design led us to score these poles a 4.5 out of 5 for both our ease of use and extra features attributes. And though the extra strong aluminum makes these a bit heavier than others, the sturdiness is worth the extra weight. They earned a 4.5 out of 5 for stability, losing a half point only because they need a good tightening before use. 

This value-packed set comes with two pairs of rubber tips, mud baskets, snow baskets, and one pair of connectors. Stow all pieces in their carry bag, so everything’s tidy and right where you left them for when it’s time to set out again. You can even choose these poles in a variety of colors to fit your personality and easily identify your walking sticks. 

Key Specs:
Weight:
9.7 ounces | Extended Length: 25.5-54 inches | Collapsed Length: 24.5 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Telescoping | Included Accessories: Additional tips, baskets, drawstring bag | Shaft Material: Aluminum

Person holding TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles outdoors over trail

Jessica Murtaugh

Best Single Pole

A Alafen Aluminum Collapsible Trekking Pole

A Alafen Aluminum Collapsible Trekking Pole

Amazon

Pros
  • Comfortable grip

  • Budget-friendly

  • Comfortable grip and wrist straps

Cons
  • Heavier than other options

  • Max length is shorter than others

Two isn’t always better than one, and when one trekking pole is all you want, we recommend this sturdy aluminum pole from A Alafen. Its durable aluminum frame offers stable support to balance footing, leverage to help you up steep steps, or measure the depths of a stream before crossing. This pole’s tungsten steel rod tips help give it great traction, while the rubber tips and basket offer stability and versatility on slippery or soft surfaces.

Designed with tri-folding suspension, it’s easy to collapse and extend thanks to its quick-lock system, which we found simple thanks to graphic prompts on the pole itself. It also only measures just over a foot when folded up, making it a lot more compact than other options on our list. And while the aluminum makes it heavier than some, it wasn’t bothersome on the trail—plus, there’s just one to pop in your pack. In total, its design features, ease of use, and comfort all scored a glowing 5 out of 5.

The pole comes with a nice carrying bag, making it particularly travel-friendly, and it comes at an affordable price. 

Key Specs:
Weight:
10.3 ounces (single pole) | Extended Length: 43-49 inches | Collapsed Length: 14.1 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Folding | Included Accessories: Basket | Shaft Material: Aluminum

Person walking with A Alafen Aluminum Collapsible Trekking Pole outdoors on trail

Jessica Murtaugh

Best Wood

Forest Pilot Trekking Poles

Forest Pilot Trekking Poles

Amazon

Pros
  • Solid strength

  • Collapsible and adjustable

  • Cushioned, foam handle

Cons
  • Waterproofing may wear over time

  • Not as easy to assemble as others on our list

  • Heavier than others on our list

If you’d rather go natural with your walking stick, we love this adjustable pole made with durable but light beech wood with the modern features of a synthetic pole. Unlike most wood walking sticks that don’t collapse, this pole connects by screwing its three pieces together, much like a pool cue, for a solid staff with full functionality. And get this: Its top piece extends telescopically and locks, too, making this natural stick adjustable to the same heights you would expect from a synthetic option—even a child can use it by attaching two instead of all three pieces. 

Up top, this walking stick has a smooth, carved handle for your grip and a ribbed EVA foam extension with a leather wrist strap for splinter-free handling. The iron tip of this mostly wooden stick also resembles a modern trekking pole with two additional tip options, a rubber tip cap, and a mud basket. It even comes in a choice of three accent colors and with a carrying sleeve. The clever construction and extending capability, while slower than some, scored the staff a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use, design features, and comfort.

Strong, solid, and waterproof, this walking stick is the heaviest on our list due to its solid wood construction and scored a 5 out of 5 for stability as a result. It’s an enjoyable staff for strolls and hikes where durability and natural aesthetics are preferred. Overall it's giving an old-meets-new world experience that anyone would enjoy. 

Key Specs:
Weight: 24 ounces | Extended Length: 46-55 inches | Collapsed Length: 16.5 inches | Collapsing Mechanism: Unscrews, telescoping | Included Accessories: Additional tip, basket, and storage bag | Shaft Material: natural beech wood

Forest Pilot Trekking Poles displayed in grass

Jessica Murtaugh

Compare

Comfort Value Stability/Support Ease of Use Extra Features
Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles
Best Women's Overall:
Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS
5 4.5 5 4.5 5
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles
Best Men's Overall:
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles
5 4.3 5 5 4.3
Mountain Safety Research DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
Best Unisex:
Mountain Safety Research DynaLock Ascent Carbon Poles
4.5 4.5 5 5 4.5
TheFitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Best Budget:
TheFitLife Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
4 5 4.5 5 4
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
Best for Hiking:
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
4 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.5
Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles
Best Weight Capacity:
Trekology Trek-Z Hiking Poles
4.5 4.5 5 5 4
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Best Lightweight:
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
4.5 4.5 5 4.5 4
TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles
Best for Seniors:
TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles
5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
A Alafen Aluminum Collapsible Trekking Pole
Best Single Pole:
A Alafen Aluminum Collapsible Trekking Pole
5 4.5 4.5 5 5
Forest Pilot Trekking Poles
Best Wood:
Forest Pilot Trekking Poles
4.5 5 5 4.5 4.5
People trekking through water with Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Pole

Jessica Murtaugh

How We Selected and Tested the Best Walking Sticks and Trekking Poles

To make our list of the best walking sticks and trekking poles, we first spoke with hiking guide Peter Walker and certified rock climbing guides and instructors Cory Goei, AMGA-certified SPI, and Chad Martin, AMGA-certified SPI, WFR, to get their expert advice on which features every walking stick and trekking pole needs. Next, we consulted academic journals and scientific findings to understand how walking sticks and trekking poles can be beneficial to walkers. Then, we researched dozens of walking sticks and trekking poles from the top, trusted brands. 

Finally, we tested fourteen top walking sticks and trekking poles to see how each performed in key areas, including five key attributes: comfort, stability, ease of use, extra features, and value. We tested each set at various intensities, from short and easy outings on groomed trails to longer, more challenging treks on rougher, more technical terrain at steeper elevations. Each hike ranged from 2 to 5 miles. Our testers noted how the poles performed in key areas, giving each pair a score of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for each category. 

To be selected as our top pick in each category, each set had to perform according to high standards of technical specifications and expert insight.

Walking stick features are as varied as the hikers who use them. We chose our top walking stick picks by speaking to four experts, including hiking guides and trekkers with years of international trail experience. We considered their recommendations for why walking sticks are beneficial, how they collapse, their materials and construction, tips and baskets, and considerations for hikers as they make their first walking stick purchase. We then kept those insights in mind as we looked over various walking stick options by over 15 different manufacturers.

In choosing our best walking stick picks, we carefully reviewed customer feedback on technicalities such as ease of extension, locking mechanisms, durability, collapsibility, and comfort. We chose walking sticks at various price points that we think offer a good value. Whichever walking sticks you choose, we hope they help you to better enjoy your time outdoors!

Person climbing rock with Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Pole

Jessica Murtaugh

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Sticks and Trekking Poles

  • Durability: More rigorous, mountainous hiking or hiking in harsher weather will require a more durable stick that can help you navigate the terrain. The weakest parts of a pole are the connections, so opting for a fixed walking stick may be a good idea if you need something to hold a lot of weight. New or casual hikers or even outdoor walkers may be fine with a walking staff or pole of simpler construction.
  • Material: Most walking sticks and trekking poles are made from wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum. “Much is touted in terms of the strength and lightness of carbon,” says Walker. "Carbon’s strength is primarily in the long axis of the pole. If you jam the pole in a crack and torque it left or right—it will break and splinter. Aluminum will not do this so fast or catastrophically.” Also, consider how much weight your sticks will add to your pack while shopping, since a large load can turn a quick hike into a long slog.
  • Grip: Grips are often made from molded foam, rubber, or natural cork, with cork being more durable and comfortable but more expensive. “A rubber handle can be colder to the touch compared to a cork handle in cold weather,” says Martin.“It’s a small thing, but I will never buy a rubber-handled trekking pole after owning a cork handle,” he says. Make sure your grips feel comfortable to prevent sore spots or blisters.
  • Adjustability: Trekking poles may adjust by telescoping or by folding. Telescoping is the most common, where sections of the pole are nested together and slide and lock into place. Walker recommends poles that collapse into three sections, as he says they're easier to stow. “Those that telescope in two sections will be harder to fit in your carry-on luggage and will also project awkwardly from your backpack when you're not using them.” Trifold poles often have a band running through the center that keep the nested sections together.
  • Special Features: Walking sticks and poles may come with special features and accessories. Some sets absorb shock well, while others have snow baskets for hiking in cold temperatures. Tips are also important—basket tips are ideal for snow, while rubber feet work best on pavement.
Person standing at water's edge with Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Pole

Jessica Murtaugh

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a cane, a walking stick, and trekking poles?

Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Walking canes are intended for everyday support while you walk across flat surfaces. They're also supposed to be shorter, so your elbow is only slightly bent (compared to the 90-degree angle you should look for when using a walking stick).
  • A walking stick is traditionally a single pole that may be adjustable. Even a salvaged branch can be a walking stick—but they are naturally prone to breaking under pressure.
  • Trekking poles are intended to be used as a pair. They're lightweight, adjustable, and designed to be packed with you on longer adventures. They're often pricier, but worth the investment if you hike a lot.

Are walking sticks and trekking poles really that helpful?

“My experience is that trekking poles make you hike 'smarter' in that your brain is receiving information from places other than your two feet when it decides to inform you how to stay balanced,” says Walker. In addition to easing the load, walking sticks can help you to burn more calories, improve your upper body strength, and help to reduce ankle fractures and muscle soreness. “People of all ages will benefit from using poles,” says Goei. “Poles provide a more distributed body workout, engaging the upper body during hiking instead of just the lower body.”

What's the best height for a walking stick?

According to our experts, your walking stick or pole should be tall enough to allow for a 90-degree bend in your elbow. Many walking sticks come with an upper and lower grip so that you can change the positioning of your grip depending on the type of trail you're navigating. “Generally, when traveling uphill, the poles are adjusted smaller, whereas downhill, the poles are lengthened a bit,” says Martin.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer and avid hiker, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, researches and reviews fitness gear for Verywell Fit. She is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers. Her favorite trekking poles to take hiking are Leki's Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles because of their light and compact design, the fact that they’re ergonomically made for women, and their strong stability that absorbs excess shock. For this shopping guide, she prioritized eco-conscious brands that promote size, gender, and race inclusivity in their products.

Additional reporting by Amy Scanlin

As a long-time fitness enthusiast and group fitness instructor, Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, always sources the best products through expert opinions and first-hand reviews. When choosing top products for articles, she always balances product features, value, and practical application before recommending them to her readers. Amy is passionate about helping enable her clients and readers to live a life of activity, both in the gym and in the great outdoors.

2 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Ferlinc A, Fabiani E, Velnar T, Gradisnik L. The importance and role of proprioception in the elderly: a short review. Mater Sociomed. 2019;31(3):219. doi:10.5455/msm.2019.31.219-221

  2. Fitness trend: Nordic walking. Harvard Health.