Walking poles help you stay balanced and reduce strain on your knees while hiking. They are great for long walks and rough trails. The right poles make walking easier and more comfortable. In the UK, the weather and terrain can be unpredictable. A good pair of poles can give you extra support on muddy paths, rocky hills, and steep climbs. But with so many choices, picking the best ones can be tricky. This guide will help you find the best walking poles for your needs. We’ll look at comfort, durability, weight, and price. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a perfect pair for you.
1. Black Diamond Trail Back
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 486g per pair
- Adjustability: FlickLock system (63.5-140cm)
- Grip: Rubber with ergonomic design
The Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles are a solid choice for hikers seeking reliability without unnecessary extras. Made from durable aluminum, these poles are built to withstand rugged trails and rough handling. The FlickLock system allows quick and secure length adjustments, making them suitable for various terrains and heights. The ergonomic rubber grips offer decent comfort and control, though they may feel a bit firm over extended use.
Despite their sturdy build, these poles are slightly heavier than some carbon fiber alternatives. However, this added weight contributes to their durability, making them a great choice for backpackers who prioritize strength over ultralight weight. The Trail Back is a dependable companion for long hikes, providing stability on uneven terrain at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Easy-to-use FlickLock adjustment system
- Ergonomic grips provide good support
- Affordable compared to premium models
Cons:
- Heavier than carbon fiber alternatives
- Rubber grips may feel firm on longer treks
2. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 450g per pair
- Adjustability: Quick-lock system (66-137cm)
- Grip: Cork handle with EVA foam extension
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber trekking poles offer an excellent balance of affordability, lightweight design, and durability. The carbon fiber construction significantly reduces weight while maintaining strength, making these poles a great option for ultralight backpackers. The cork handles conform to your grip over time and help wick away moisture, while the EVA foam extensions provide additional comfort on steep climbs.
One of the standout features of these poles is the quick-lock adjustment system, which is easy to use and holds the pole segments securely. However, some users report that the locks require occasional tightening to maintain stability. While carbon fiber is strong, it can be more prone to cracking under heavy stress compared to aluminum. Overall, these poles are excellent budget-friendly trekking poles for hikers looking for a lightweight yet reliable trekking companion.
Pros:
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Comfortable cork grip with foam extension
- Secure and easy-to-use quick-lock system
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Locks may require periodic tightening
- Carbon fiber can crack under extreme pressure
3. TREKOLOGY TREKZ XE – Women’s
- Material: Aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum
- Weight: 600g per pair
- Adjustability: Quick flip-lock system (62-135cm)
- Grip: Ergonomic EVA foam handle
The TREKOLOGY TREKZ XE poles are a great budget-friendly option for hikers who want durability and versatility. Made from aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum, they provide excellent strength while keeping the weight relatively low. The quick flip-lock system ensures easy adjustments, allowing users to adapt the length for different terrains and hiking styles. The EVA foam handles are comfortable and provide a secure grip, even when wet.
These poles excel in durability but are slightly heavier compared to carbon fiber options. They offer solid performance on rocky and uneven trails, making them ideal for hikers who prioritize toughness over weight savings. While the flip-lock system is generally reliable, some users may need to adjust the tightness over time to prevent slipping.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- Comfortable EVA foam grips
- Quick and secure flip-lock adjustment
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than carbon fiber poles
- Flip-lock may require occasional readjustment
4. TheFitLife Hiking Poles
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Weight: 540g per pair
- Adjustability: Twist-lock system (65-135cm)
- Grip: EVA foam with wrist straps
TheFitLife Hiking Poles offer solid performance at an affordable price, making them an excellent option for beginners or casual hikers. Constructed from aluminum alloy, they provide durability while maintaining a reasonable weight. The twist-lock mechanism ensures a secure hold, though it may take slightly longer to adjust compared to flip-lock systems. The EVA foam grips are soft and comfortable, helping to reduce hand fatigue on long treks.
These poles perform well on most terrains, providing good shock absorption and stability. However, the twist-lock system can loosen over time, requiring occasional adjustments. While they are not the lightest option, they strike a good balance between affordability and performance.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and good value for money
- Comfortable EVA foam grips
- Durable aluminum construction
- Decent shock absorption
Cons:
- Twist-lock system takes longer to adjust
- Slightly heavier than premium models
5. COVACURE Walking Poles
- Material: Aluminum alloy 7075
- Weight: 520g per pair
- Adjustability: Foldable design (43-135cm)
- Grip: EVA foam handle with wrist strap
COVACURE Walking Poles are great walking poles for hikers who need a compact and portable trekking pole. Their foldable design allows them to collapse to just 43cm, making them easy to store in backpacks. The aluminum alloy 7075 construction ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable. The EVA foam grips provide comfort, even during long hikes, and the wrist straps add extra stability.
While the folding mechanism is convenient, it may not be as sturdy as traditional telescoping poles under heavy loads. These poles are best suited for casual hikers or travelers who need a lightweight and portable option rather than a rugged, heavy-duty trekking pole. Overall, they offer excellent value for those looking for an easily packable solution.
Pros:
- Compact foldable design
- Lightweight yet durable aluminum construction
- Comfortable EVA foam grip
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Less sturdy than telescopic poles under heavy use
- Folding mechanism may require occasional adjustments
6. Glymnis Walking Poles
- Material: 7075 aluminum alloy
- Weight: 490g per pair
- Adjustability: Quick-lock system (65-135cm)
- Grip: EVA foam handle with wrist strap
Glymnis Walking Poles are a solid option for hikers who want an affordable and lightweight trekking pole with reliable performance. Made from 7075 aluminum alloy, they offer good durability while keeping the weight relatively low. The quick-lock system ensures easy and secure adjustments, making them suitable for various terrains and user heights. The EVA foam grips provide comfort and a firm hold, even in wet conditions.
These poles perform well on moderate trails and offer good shock absorption. However, they may not be as durable under extreme conditions compared to high-end models. The quick-lock system, while efficient, may require occasional tightening. Overall, Glymnis Walking Poles are a great choice for budget-conscious hikers who need a dependable yet lightweight trekking pole.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
- Quick and secure adjustment system
- Comfortable EVA foam grips
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Not as robust as premium models
- Locking system may need occasional readjustment
7. TrailBuddy Walking Poles
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum 7075
- Weight: 500g per pair
- Adjustability: Quick flip-lock system (63-137cm)
- Grip: Cork handle with EVA foam extension
TrailBuddy Walking Poles are a well-rounded option for hikers seeking a blend of durability, comfort, and affordability. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum 7075, they offer excellent strength while keeping weight at a reasonable level. The quick flip-lock system makes adjusting the pole length easy and secure, ensuring stability on varying terrains. The cork grips provide comfort and moisture absorption, while the EVA foam extensions allow for better grip on inclines.
These poles strike a great balance between weight and durability, making them a popular choice for hikers of all levels. While they are slightly heavier than carbon fiber alternatives, they make up for it in resilience and dependability. Some users may find the flip-locks require occasional tightening, but overall, TrailBuddy poles provide great value for the price.
Pros:
- Sturdy yet lightweight aluminum construction
- Comfortable cork grips with foam extensions
- Quick and secure flip-lock system
- Affordable with good performance
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than carbon fiber models
- Flip-locks may need periodic readjustment
8. Trekrite Telescopic Poles
- Material: Lightweight aluminum
- Weight: 500g per pair
- Adjustability: Telescopic twist-lock system (65-135cm)
- Grip: Contoured EVA foam handle with wrist strap
Trekrite Telescopic Poles are an affordable and sturdy option for walkers and hikers. Made from lightweight aluminum, they offer good durability while keeping weight manageable. The telescopic twist-lock system allows for easy height adjustment, though it may take a bit longer to secure compared to flip-lock alternatives.
These poles provide reliable stability on uneven terrain, and the contoured EVA foam handles enhance comfort. However, the twist-lock mechanism may require periodic tightening to prevent slippage. Overall, Trekrite poles are a good choice for budget-conscious hikers seeking a dependable trekking companion.
Pros:
- Affordable and durable
- Comfortable contoured grip
- Adjustable length for various users
- Lightweight aluminum construction
Cons:
- Twist-lock system can loosen over time
- Slightly slower to adjust than flip-lock poles
How to Choose Hiking Poles in the UK?
Walking poles are great tools for hikers and walkers. They help with balance, reduce strain on the legs, and provide support on uneven ground. Choosing the right walking pole in the UK can be tricky because of the many options available. This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a walking pole.
Why Use Hiking Poles?
Walking poles improve stability and reduce pressure on joints. They make walking easier, especially on rough or steep paths. Many hikers find that using poles helps them walk longer without getting as tired. They also provide extra support for people with knee or joint problems.
Types of Walking Poles
There are different types of walking poles. Some are fixed-length, while others can be adjusted. Adjustable poles are useful because they let you change the height based on the terrain. Fixed-length poles are often lighter but less versatile.
There are also folding poles. These are great for people who want to pack them away when not in use. They are compact and easy to carry. Some poles have shock absorbers to reduce impact, which can help on hard surfaces.
Material and Weight
Most walking poles are made of aluminium or carbon fibre. Aluminium poles are strong and affordable but slightly heavier. Carbon fibre poles are lighter and absorb shocks well, but they can break under heavy pressure.
The weight of a pole matters, especially on long hikes. Lighter poles reduce fatigue, but they should still be strong enough to support your weight. If you plan to hike for many hours, a lightweight pole will be more comfortable.
Grip and Comfort
The grip of a walking pole is important for comfort. Grips are usually made from foam, cork, or rubber. Cork grips are great because they absorb sweat and shape to your hand over time. Foam grips are soft and comfortable, while rubber grips provide a strong hold but can get sweaty in warm weather.
Some poles have ergonomic grips, which fit better in your hand. Others have an extended grip below the main handle. This is useful when walking on steep ground because you can hold the pole lower down without adjusting its length.
Adjustable or Fixed-Length Poles?
Adjustable poles are great for different types of terrain. You can shorten them for going uphill and lengthen them for downhill sections. This makes them very versatile.
Fixed-length poles are lighter and simpler. They do not have moving parts, which makes them more durable. These poles are good for people who always walk on similar terrain and do not need to adjust their poles often.
Shock Absorbers: Do You Need Them?
Some walking poles have built-in shock absorbers. These help reduce the impact on your joints, especially when walking on hard surfaces. If you have knee or joint problems, shock absorbers can make walking more comfortable.
However, not everyone needs shock absorbers. Some hikers prefer poles without them because they provide better stability on rocky ground. Poles without shock absorbers are also usually lighter and cheaper.
Pole Tips and Baskets
The tip of a walking pole affects how well it grips the ground. Most poles come with a metal tip, which provides a good grip on dirt and rocky trails. Rubber tips can be added for walking on roads or pavements. These help reduce noise and prevent damage to the surface.
Baskets are small rings near the tip of the pole. They stop the pole from sinking into mud or snow. If you walk in wet or snowy conditions, choose poles with larger baskets for better support.
Straps: Are They Important?
Many walking poles come with wrist straps. These help keep the poles secure and reduce strain on your hands. If you use straps properly, they can also improve your balance and walking efficiency.
Some straps are padded for extra comfort. Others have a quick-release system, which lets you remove your hand quickly if needed. This can be useful for safety, especially in tricky terrain.
Folding vs. Telescopic Poles
Folding poles collapse into small sections, making them easy to carry. They are great for people who want to pack them away when not in use. These poles are popular with trail runners and ultralight hikers.
Telescopic poles adjust in length by sliding into themselves. They are stronger than folding poles and more adjustable. If you need a sturdy and versatile pole, telescopic poles are a good choice.
Choosing the Right Size
Walking poles come in different sizes. The right size depends on your height. When holding the pole, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle. If a pole is too long, it will be hard to control. If it is too short, it will not provide enough support.
Most adjustable poles can fit different heights. If you are unsure about the size, an adjustable pole is a good option.
Price and Budget
Walking poles come in different price ranges. Basic poles are cheaper and work well for casual walks. More expensive poles have better materials, are lighter, and come with extra features.
If you walk often, investing in a good pair of poles can make a big difference. Cheaper poles may not last as long or be as comfortable. However, if you are new to walking poles, starting with an affordable pair can help you decide what you like.
Where to Buy Trekking Poles in the UK?
Walking poles are available in outdoor shops, sports stores, and online. Popular UK retailers include Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, and Decathlon. Online stores often have good deals and customer reviews to help you choose.
Trying poles in a store can help you find a comfortable grip and size. Many shops also have expert staff who can give advice. If you buy online, check the return policy in case the poles do not fit well.
Final Tips for Choosing Trekking Poles
Think about where you will be walking. If you hike in mountains, strong and adjustable poles are best. If you walk on flat paths, a simple fixed-length pole may be enough.
Consider your budget and needs. Lightweight and durable poles are better for long hikes, while budget-friendly options work for occasional walks.
Comfort is key. Choose grips that feel good in your hands, and make sure the size is right for you.
With the right walking poles, you can enjoy more comfortable and stable walks in the UK. Take your time to choose a pair that suits your needs, and happy walking!
