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10 Best Hiking Sticks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles - Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Backpacking Gear - Pair of 2 Walking Sticks for Hiking, 7075 Aluminum with Cork Grip

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are designed to be a reliable companion for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their standout feature is the use of durable 7075 aluminum, which is known for being lightweight yet incredibly strong, making these poles suitable for various terrains, including rugged trails and snowy landscapes. Weighing in at just 4 ounces per pole, they are easy to carry, reducing fatigue during long hikes. The adjustable height range from 24.5 inches to 54 inches allows users of different heights, including kids, to use them comfortably.

One of the strengths of these poles is the user-friendly lever lock system, which can be operated with one hand, a notable improvement over the traditional twist locks that often require two hands to adjust. The cork grips provide a comfortable, moisture-wicking surface, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions. Additionally, the threaded tips allow for easy attachment of accessories, which is a great feature for those who hike in diverse environments.

The TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are a solid choice for casual hikers and families looking for an affordable yet functional option. They excel in adjustability and comfort, making them great for both novice and experienced hikers. However, those who prioritize maximum shock absorption might want to explore other alternatives.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Adjustability
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the lever lock system is reliable and sturdy, even under significant weight.
Grip
The ergonomic cork grips and adjustable wrist straps provide comfort and reduce chafing, which can be further minimized by wearing gloves.
Tip
The poles are versatile with different tips for various terrains, making them suitable for hiking on packed gravel, dirt, asphalt, and more.
#2

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Aluminum Hiking Walking Sticks with Adjustable Locks Expandable to 54" (Set of 2), Cork Grip, Orange

The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for reliable hiking sticks. Made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles weigh just 10 ounces each, making them lightweight and easy to carry. The quick lock mechanism allows for smooth adjustments between 26 to 54 inches, which is great for users of different heights or for varying terrains. The cork grips provide comfort and help absorb vibrations, while the extended EVA down grip is beneficial for climbing steep paths as it offers extra hand placement options.

One of the standout features is the tungsten carbide tips, which are designed to withstand diverse trail conditions, paired with rubber baskets that are sturdier than many competitors' plastic options. This versatility means they can be used year-round, whether you're hiking in the snow or navigating muddy trails.

These trekking poles cater well to casual hikers and those looking for a reliable companion on varied terrain. They're particularly suitable for anyone who values comfort and adjustability while trekking.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material
Lightweight and durable, these poles offer easy height adjustments and multiple types of feet for different terrains.
Adjustability
Lightweight and durable, these poles offer easy height adjustments and multiple types of feet for different terrains.
Grip
Comfortable cork grips and extended EVA down grip enhance usability on challenging paths.
Weight
Lightweight and durable, these poles offer easy height adjustments and multiple types of feet for different terrains.
Shock Absorption
A fantastic investment for strenuous, steep hikes, providing stability and reducing joint impact.
Tip
Versatile with a comprehensive tip kit, adaptable across various hiking conditions.
#3

Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Trekking Poles with Extended Down Grip Plus Tip Kit, 2 Count (Pack of 1)

The Cascade Mountain Tech Lightweight Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers seeking reliability and comfort on various terrains. Made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles weigh just 10 ounces each, making them easy to carry without adding significant weight to your gear. The quick lock mechanism allows for easy adjustments from 26 to 54 inches, accommodating different heights and preferences, which is perfect for sharing between users or adapting to different trail conditions.

These trekking poles stand out with their ergonomic cork grip that not only feels comfortable but also absorbs vibrations from uneven surfaces, enhancing your experience. The extended EVA down grip is particularly useful when climbing steep inclines, providing extra hand placement options to relieve pressure on your hands.

While the aluminum construction offers strength, it may not absorb shock as well as carbon fiber options, which can lead to fatigue over long hikes. Additionally, while the tungsten carbide tips are designed for year-round use, they may require occasional replacement depending on the terrain you tackle. The inclusion of various accessories like mud and snow baskets, as well as rubber tips, adds value and versatility, making these poles suitable for different environments. They're also convenient for transportation, fitting easily into your pack with the provided travel bag.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material
These poles are stable, strong, lightweight, and easy to adjust, making them perfect for long, strenuous, steep hikes.
Adjustability
These poles are stable, strong, lightweight, and easy to adjust, making them perfect for long, strenuous, steep hikes.
Grip
The ergonomic cork grip is comfortable and absorbs vibrations, enhancing the hiking experience.
Weight
These poles are stable, strong, lightweight, and easy to adjust, making them perfect for long, strenuous, steep hikes.
Shock Absorption
The trekking poles significantly reduce joint impact, especially beneficial for those with early stages of osteoarthritis.
Tip
Lightweight and durable, they are easy to adjust and come with multiple types of feet for different terrains.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Sticks

Choosing the right hiking sticks can significantly enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain on your joints, and improving your balance on uneven terrain. When selecting hiking sticks, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure they meet your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
MaterialThe material of hiking sticks affects their weight, durability, and cost. Common materials include aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum sticks are generally more affordable and durable, making them a good choice for rugged terrain. Carbon fiber sticks are lighter and absorb shock better, which can be beneficial for long hikes or if you have joint issues. Choose aluminum if you prioritize durability and cost, and carbon fiber if you prioritize weight and shock absorption.
AdjustabilityAdjustable hiking sticks allow you to change their length to suit different terrains and your height. This feature is important for comfort and efficiency. Adjustable sticks can be divided into telescoping and folding types. Telescoping sticks have sections that slide into each other, while folding sticks collapse into shorter segments. Telescoping sticks are generally more robust and easier to adjust on the go, while folding sticks are more compact and easier to pack. Choose adjustable sticks if you hike on varied terrain or share the sticks with others.
GripThe grip of hiking sticks affects comfort and control. Common grip materials include cork, foam, and rubber. Cork grips are comfortable, absorb sweat, and conform to your hand over time. Foam grips are soft and absorb moisture, making them good for hot weather. Rubber grips are durable and provide a firm hold, but can become slippery when wet. Choose cork grips for long hikes and comfort, foam grips for hot weather, and rubber grips for durability and wet conditions.
WeightThe weight of hiking sticks can impact your energy levels and comfort during a hike. Lighter sticks are easier to carry and can reduce fatigue, especially on long hikes. However, lighter materials like carbon fiber can be more expensive. Heavier sticks, often made of aluminum, are more durable and can provide better stability. Choose lighter sticks if you prioritize ease of carrying and reduced fatigue, and heavier sticks if you prioritize durability and stability.
Shock AbsorptionSome hiking sticks come with built-in shock absorbers to reduce impact on your joints. This feature is particularly important if you have knee or joint issues or if you plan to hike on hard surfaces. Shock absorption can be turned on or off in some models, providing flexibility. Choose hiking sticks with shock absorption if you need extra joint protection or plan to hike on hard or rocky terrain.
TipThe tip of hiking sticks affects their grip on different surfaces. Common tip materials include carbide and rubber. Carbide tips are durable and provide good traction on rocky or icy surfaces. Rubber tips are quieter and better for use on paved surfaces. Some hiking sticks come with interchangeable tips for different terrains. Choose carbide tips for rugged, rocky, or icy terrain, and rubber tips for paved or smooth surfaces.

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