In this text, I present some of the best lightweight trekking poles from several different brands and with rather different prices and features. But why writing about trekking poles in the first place? Well, I myself do mountain climbing, and trekking poles are one essential part of my equipment, I simply do not go anywhere without them.
My own main reasons for using trekking poles are the following:
- Balance. Just see Alpine/mountain goats, the best climbers of all times. What they can do is incredible. They have 4 points to make the balance, and this is what you need when you walk on a rough terrain or when you cross mountain creeks over some slippery rocks. This is my most important reason for using poles.
- At high altitudes, I use them to rest and take a breath. See the photo here to get some idea about it. If you have ever been above 3000 meters of altitude, you will surely know what I am talking about.
- I find them very useful in descending from mountains. They definitely reduce the stress on my bad knees.
These are my reasons and I know that I need trekking poles. But before you invest money in this tool, I would warmly advise you to try them first and to feel true benefits of using them.
Regarding the material, the main body of trekking poles are mainly made of aluminum or carbon. Both have some advantages and disadvantages. For example, carbon is lighter but not flexible. You will see both examples in the text below.
The handles of walking/trekking/skiing poles can be of foam, cork, or rubber. Each of them has some good and some less good features. Foam and cork are truly lightweight and perform well when the hand is sweating. They both also provide a nice soft and warm touch in cold temperatures. For me, these are definitely better than rubber.
You will notice that some poles have shock absorbers and some do not have it. I have been using both types for years, and must say that I am not really sure about the true difference which such an extra feature can make. I am just fine without having it.
Here is a nice video by REI which you might like to see, about the purpose and use of trekking and walking poles, and about some of their basic features:
In the rest of the text, you may see a few very good models presented in no particular order, which you might consider purchasing and using in your outdoor activities. They have different locking mechanisms, so you can decide which suits you best.
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles
It is hard to find any activity where these poles could not be used. So if you are mountaineer, climber, hiker, backpacker, this is something for you. These are ultra lightweight poles with only 14.6 oz (444 grams) for a pair and completely made of carbon.
These are collapsible and folding poles, not telescoping ones, and this makes them different from many others. This implies that you can pack them in a 3-peacees set which is only 15 inches (38.1 cm).
The length adjustability (in the range 43-51 inches, which is roughly 110-130 cm) is in the upper section, below the handle. This is regulated by a clamp lock. The lower sections are set into a fixed position through a lock button.
The grip is ergonomic and it is continued by a section with a foam with a nice touch. With this, you can choose where to grasp the poles, depending on the terrain, without having to do additional length adjustments.
Wrist straps allow an easy adjustability as well and you will be able to see this in the video below.
The poles come with a nicely designed stuff sack which can be tucked inside itself to occupy very little space in your luggage or backpack.
- My rate: 9.1/10.
Technical specifications & summary of features
- Material: carbon 100%.
- Length: 110-130 cm.
- Weight: 444 g (pair).
- Ultralight Aergon Thermo Mid grip, with an expander for a comfortable fit.
- Ultra-lightweight, highly breathable strap offering maximum comfort with minimum weight.
- Speed Lock, fast adjustment. TÜV certified.
- Shorter version exists for women.
Where to buy
- The best place regarding the price and shipping conditions is usually Amazon.com.
- Model for women; 105-125 cm.
Komperdell Carbon Powerlock trekking poles
Komperdell is a company with a long history, founded in 1922 in Vienna and it has been manufacturing walking, hiking, ski and billiard poles ever since. Already in 1928 the company had fifty employees and nowadays it is one of the leading pole producers in the world.
Millions of Komperdell poles are presently in hands of mountaineers and hikers throughout the world. This is a reliable and top class tool.
Here I present only one out of many trekking poles of this company.
- My rate: 9.5/10.
Technical specifications & summary of features
- Weight: 13.5 oz (400 g)/pair.
- Material: carbon.
- Packed size length: 27.2 in (69 cm).
- Maximum length: 57 in (145 cm).
- EVA foam grips.
- Padded wrist straps.
- Power Lock II system.
- Vario summer baskets.
- Tungsten/carbide flex tips
So these are 3-section clamp-lock type poles, with 18 mm diameter the upper section, 16 mm the middle, and 14 mm the lower section. You may also find some variants like the model with Power Lock 3, and also a compact model, just follow the links given above.
Warranty: 3-years, world class service. Komperdell offers a 3-year repair service, free of charge, for all telescopic poles.
On their site, you will see this statement “We stand for excellent products made in Austria AND world class service – we want our costumers not only to be satisfied, we want them to be advocates! That’s the reason we are the only producer with direct repair service!”
Where to buy
- Check directly at Amazon.com.
Exped Compact 135 SA trekking poles
Exped started as a company in the early 80’s as a distributor of other outdoor brands, and they started building their own gear in 1997, receiving many awards for their innovative products.
Exped Compact 135 SA trekking poles are 4-section type lightweight and compact aluminum poles. The letters SA in the name describe ‘shock absorbing‘ feature of these poles.
These are telescopic poles but the bottom two sections are of fixed length. This is achieved by lock buttons like in the case of the LEKI model presented above.
The top sections are with an internal lock. The length is adjusted with these two sections and you can have a range between 110 and 135 cm.
The grip is ergonomic, EVA molded foam. It performs great both with gloves and without them, giving a nice soft and warm feeling. You have an extended grip below the upper part, which you will surely use on an uneven terrain. The straps and pleasantly padded and easily adjustable.
Swappable baskets are easily removed and changed.
- My rate: 9.4/10.
Technical specifications & summary of features
- Weight per pair: 470 g.
- Sections: 4.
- Shock absorber: yes.
- Packaged length: 55 cm.
- Adjustable length min: 110 cm.
- Adjustable length max: 135 cm.
- Use: trekking; backpacking; hiking.
- Exped carbide tips.
-
Pole material: DAC featherlight NSL TH72M aluminum.
Where to buy
- Check directly at Amazon.com.
Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro trekking poles
These are 3-section type, lightweight carbon-wrapped aluminum trekking poles with an anti-shock system.
The grips of these poles are a particularly nice combination of the two great materials, cork and EVA foam, as you can see from the picture. Similar to the other models presented in the text, you also have an extended grip beneath the standard top grip.
This all comes with adjustable straps. The tips are of carbide similar to the other models.
- My rate: 9.4/10.
Technical specifications & summary of features
- Weight: 1 lb 4 oz (570 g)/pair.
- Packed length: 26.5 in (67 cm).
- Maximum length: 54 in (137 cm).
- Materials:
– carbide tips
– carbon wrapped 7075 aluminum. - Molded cork/EVA handle.
- 3 telescoping sections.
- Spring loaded anti-shock system.
- Twist lockout double-cam adjustment.
- Adjustable neoprene wrist strap.
- Snow basket compatible.
Where to buy
- Check at Amazon.com.
Here is a YouTube video about Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro trekking poles from Mountainsmith:
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
These Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles are 3-section type aluminum telescopic tool useful for backpackers, trekkers, and hikers.
They come with 2 external clump type Black Diamond FlickLocks. So you have the same lock system in both places. This makes it very similar to the Kamperdell model presented above.
The grips are made of rubber, different from all other models presented here. Also different from other models, you do not have an extended grip. So I would say there are good reasons for such a low price. Adjustable straps are also quite appropriate for the price.
The tips are flex-type, with the meaning that they are meant to break or flex if they get stuck in the rock. In this way, shafts of the poles are protected from flexing and breaking. They are press fit, which implies that you can replace them if they are worn out.
As usual, you have a thread on the tips so you can replace baskets and use those appropriate for your current situation and environment.
- My rate: 9.2/10.
Technical specifications & summary of features
- Weight: 1 lb 2 oz (525 g)/pair.
- Packed length: 25 in (63.5 cm).
- Usable length: 26-55 in (63.5-140 cm).
- Material:
– aluminum shafts
– rubber grip with nylon webbing strap. - Dual FlickLocks with a great adjustability.
- 2 kinds of baskets, for 4-season customization.
- Warranty: 1 year.
Where to buy
- Check at Amazon.com.
Instead of a summary, here I give a comparison table for the given models, with some essential features and prices:
| LEKI Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles | Komperdell Carbon Powerlock trekking poles | Exped Compact 135 SA trekking poles | Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro trekking poles | Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles |
| 444 g | 400 g | 470 g | 570 g | 525 g |
| Carbon | Carbon | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Foam grip | Foam grip | Foam grip | Foam+cork grip | Rubber grip |
| Packed: 38.1 cm | Packed: 69 cm | Packed: 55 cm | Packed: 67 cm | Packed: 63.5 cm |
| My rate: 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
My rates are the results of all the features taken together. So the highest rate for Komperdell Carbon Powerlock trekking poles is because of a reasonably low price and other exceptional features (primarily the weight but also materials).
All these models are currently available on Amazon and eBay and you can order them following the links given above.
So I hope this review of some of the best lightweight trekking poles is useful to you. If you have enjoyed this article and find it useful, please feel free to share it socially for others to read.
Please leave your comments below, I shall be happy to read them. Thank you and have a nice day.
Hi jovo thank you for this post, iam from New Zealand and down here we have some great placers to hike and over the years i have just pick up a good old stick lol.
but my friend let me use one of his poles and well now i understand why i should spend some money and get me a pole lol after ur post and that video iam thinking of the “LEKI Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles” cheers again
Hi David, great to hear from you. I think you made a right choice, this is a great brand and very good model. I do not go without poles, they are so good for stability and I also rest on them to get air when I am on high altitude.
By the way, my daughter was there a few months ago and they traveled around for several weeks, climbed a volcano. Great stories from her. All the best to you.
This is a timely article for me and my girlfriend. I’ve been a backpacker for over 40 years and introduced my girlfriend to backpacking five years ago.
We both are beginning to feel our age in our knees. My girlfriend was the first to try trekking poles. They helped a lot with her balance and stamina and were essential for rocky stream crossings.
She has inexpensive trekking poles which are heavy and wants to trade up, but has been hesitant because of the price. You article will help us make an informed decision.
Hi Gary, great to hear from somebody with experience in backpacking. I have been using trekking poles for many years, cannot imagine going on any tour without them. I need them a lot, for balance and for my bad knees. Thank you, all the best.
Hi Jovo: I enjoyed reading this blog as I am relatively new to using trekking poles for hiking. I am an avid cross country skier and snow shoe explorer and have specific trekking poles for these sports. I recently used my husband’s poles for a day hike in the narrows in Zion and they made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the day. What is your opinion about buying one quality pair that would work for walking and snow sports.
Hi Bethany, most of them have replaceable baskets, so yes you can definitely use them for both activities. Just order a pair which allows you to put snow baskets. You can find many good poles in my page on equipment reviews.