best trekking poles review for hiking and other adventures
"Trekking In Style" By Corneliu Stefan Esanu



Welcome to our best trekking poles review.

The Oregon Discovery team has tested several trekking poles to see the following:

  • Are there any benefits to trekking poles?
  • Which trekking poles to buy?

Amazon or your local REI has many options, so I will save you from reading long, boring reviews or buying the wrong thing. This way, you can get the best trekking poles and head out in nature.

Regarding the trekking pole selection, If you pick a quality manufacturer (I already did it for you), it boils down to the material - carbon fiber or aluminum.

I will give you a detailed breakdown below, but here is a brief overview if you already know what you want.

Brief Overview:
Get the aluminum model if you are on a budget or can live with slightly heavier trekking poles.

Get the carbon fiber model if you must have the lightest trekking poles and can pay a bit extra.

But let me first address the elephant in the room.

Do I really need those awkward-looking sticks with me on a hiking trip?

The answer is yes. For multiple reasons. Trekking poles:

  • Engage your upper body, building more strength and endurance
  • Help you balance better on even and uneven surfaces
  • Help balance-impaired individuals to be more active
  • Improve hiking pace and increase speed
  • Reduce the strain on the legs, knees, and back so you can hike longer
  • Absorb the shock and reduce the impact on your body, lowering the risk of injuries
  • Take pressure from current and past injuries, thus reducing the risk of reinjuring
  • Helpful for people with artificial hips, knee replacement, and similar procedures to be able to hike (not medical advice; check with your doctor first)
  • On the beach, if a sneaker wave comes, ram the poles into the sand or gravel to remain stable and resist the water pulling you into the ocean
  • When fording a river, trekking poles help you fight the current and remain stable on slippery rocks
  • If you encounter hostile wildlife (or aggressive forest junkie), the length of trekking poles can create distance between you and the attacker (not legal/self-defense advice!)

With that out of the way, here are the best trekking poles.



TrailBuddy Aluminum Trekking Poles

The Trailbuddy Trekking Poles Key Features:

trailbuddy trekking poles aluminum

  • Durable And Light: Made with aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum (spoiler: VERY durable material), weighing 9.7 oz each (approximate weight of a fat hamster). It is 4 oz lighter than the close competitor's model
  • 4 Tips: You will get 4 different pole tips for gravel, mud, sand/loose soil, and snow
  • Comfort for your hands: The pads on the straps and moisture-wicking grips will take the shape of your hands and wrists, so no chafing
  • Adjustable length: Fits hikers from 4'11'' to 6'5''
  • Easy to adjust: Trailbuddy's level locks adjust easily in seconds
  • 8 colors of choice: Got to hike in style! Also, wild animals avoid bright colors because they associate them with danger

Price

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Lighter than its competitors
  • Affordable, without sacrificing quality
  • Adjustable for any hiker, it doesn't matter if you are a Frodo or Legolas
  • Durable enough to be passed to your grand kids (unless you plan to fight with bears on every hike)

Cons:

  • A bit heavier than carbon



Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Key Features of Trekking Poles by the Hiker Hunger Outfitters:

USA brand hiking hunger outfitters trekking poles

  • Lighter Than Any Other Trekking Poles: Each pole weighs only 7.35 oz (it is like holding 4 Pop-Tarts in each hand)
  • Built To Last: High-quality carbon fiber construction will last you a long time
  • Adjustable length: Adjustable for hikers between 4'11'' and 6'5''
  • 5 Tips For Different Terrains: Tungsten tips (for gravel & ice), mud baskets (for mud & sand), snow baskets, boot tips (for pavement & rocks), and small tips (for storage & indoors)
  • Two Different Choices of Handles: Cork handles are better for sweat management and extreme temperatures but are more easily damaged. EVA foam grips are more durable and better for comfort but offer less sweat ventilation. Unless you have a specific reason for cork, stick with EVA foam
  • Available in 12 colors: Hike in style and match the rest of your outfit: Also, wild animals avoid bright colors because they associate them with danger

Price

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Very durable
  • The lightest trekking poles available
  • Adjustable for any hiker, it doesn't matter if you are a Frodo or Legolas

Cons:

  • More expensive than aluminum (Still the price of a breakfast for two in IHOP)



Conclusion

So here it is, our best trekking poles review.

Trekking poles is a literal hiking multitool for the price of an Uber Eats order.

It helps hike faster, safer, and longer and prevents you from being washed away by waves (don't try it during a tsunami, please!)

Get the aluminum model if you are on a budget or can live with slightly heavier trekking poles.

Get the carbon fiber model if you must have the lightest trekking poles and can pay a bit extra.

Trekking poles are the best way to get around until Elon Musk starts selling affordable jetpacks on Amazon.



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