For backpackers
The Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking (2027)
The best backpacking trekking poles for 2027: light, packable poles that double as shelter supports on multi-day trips.
The short answer
For backpacking in 2027, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z wins on weight and packability. Hikers using pole-pitch shelters should choose the adjustable Fizan Compact 3 instead.
Our top picks at a glance
- Black Diamond Distance Carbon ZFeatherweight folding poles built for thru-hikers and runners.Best ultralight
- Fizan Compact 3Italian-made aluminum poles that rival carbon on weight.Best aluminum ultralight
- Black Diamond Trail Ergo CorkErgonomic cork grips on a proven aluminum frame.Best all-around
- Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking PolesThe budget carbon pair that embarrassed premium brands.Best budget
- LEKI Cressida FX CarbonWomen-specific folding carbon poles with LEKI's Aergon grip.Best for women
- LEKI Makalu Pro FX CarbonLEKI's folding carbon pole with a 110-130 cm adjustable range.Best folding premium
- Black Diamond Trail Pro ShockAluminum poles with Control Shock damping and FlickLock Pro security.Best aluminum value
- Montem Ultra StrongBurly aluminum poles rated for heavy loads and rough trails.Best for heavy loads
- Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking PolesFeatherlight carbon poles sold as a complete trail kit.Best ultralight value
- TrailBuddy Trekking Poles7075 aluminum poles with cork grips and one-hand lever locks.Collapsible 7075 all-rounder
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Folding poles stow inside the pack for summit scrambles and flight days
- Cork grips keep hands comfortable across a week without a glove layer
Common complaints
- Fixed length folding poles make shelter pitching a geometry compromise
- Every shock absorber and oversized lock bills a backpacker in carried ounces
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Weight (per pair, 120 cm) | Lengths available | Folded length (120 cm) | Shaft material | Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | Best ultralight | 10.5 oz (298 g) | 100, 110, 120, 130 cm (fixed) | 15.7 in (40 cm) | 100% carbon fiber | EVA foam, minimalist |
| 2 | Fizan Compact 3 | Best aluminum ultralight | - | - | - | 7001 aluminum, 3 sections | EVA foam, extended |
| 3 | Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork | Best all-around | - | - | - | 7075 aluminum, 3 sections | Natural cork, ergonomic 15-degree angle |
| 4 | Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Best budget | - | - | - | 100% carbon fiber, 3 sections | Cork with EVA extension |
| 5 | LEKI Cressida FX Carbon | Best for women | - | - | - | Carbon, foldable 5 sections | Aergon Air cork |
| 6 | LEKI Makalu Pro FX Carbon | Best folding premium | - | - | - | Carbon | LEKI Aergon-series grip |
| 7 | Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock | Best aluminum value | - | - | - | Aluminum | - |
| 8 | Montem Ultra Strong | Best for heavy loads | - | - | - | 7075 aluminum, 3 sections | EVA foam, extended |
| 9 | Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Best ultralight value | - | - | - | 100% carbon fiber, 3 sections | Cork with EVA extension |
| 10 | TrailBuddy Trekking Poles | Collapsible 7075 all-rounder | - | - | - | 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum | Cork and EVA |
Best ultralight
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Featherweight folding poles built for thru-hikers and runners.
10.5 oz per pair and a 40 cm fold. The Distance Carbon Z is the backpacking pole for hikers who measure their kit in grams.
Strengths
- Among the lightest full-featured poles made
- Z-pole folding design deploys in seconds
- Folds to under 16 inches for pack stowage
- EVA foam grips with breathable straps
Limitations
- Fixed length per size; no on-trail adjustment
- Carbon shafts can snap under lateral load
- Not ideal for pitching pole-supported shelters
| Weight (per pair, 120 cm) | 10.5 oz (298 g) |
|---|---|
| Lengths available | 100, 110, 120, 130 cm (fixed) |
| Folded length (120 cm) | 15.7 in (40 cm) |
| Shaft material | 100% carbon fiber |
| Grip | EVA foam, minimalist |
Best for: Ultralight hikers and trail runners who need poles that vanish into a pack.
Skip if: You need adjustable length for varied terrain and shelter pitching.
Best aluminum ultralight
Fizan Compact 3
Italian-made aluminum poles that rival carbon on weight.
11.6 oz of Italian aluminum with full adjustability for pitching trekking-pole shelters, something fixed Z-poles cannot do as flexibly.
Strengths
- Among the lightest aluminum poles ever made
- 7001 aluminum is strong and field-bendable
- Made in Italy by the oldest pole maker in the business
- Compact collapsed length suits travel
Limitations
- Twist locks require a learning curve to set securely
- Thinner shafts flex more under heavy loads
- Harder to find in US stores
| Weight (per pair) | 11.6 oz (330 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 59-132 cm |
| Collapsed length | 23 in (59 cm) |
| Shaft material | 7001 aluminum, 3 sections |
| Grip | EVA foam, extended |
Best for: Weight-conscious hikers who distrust carbon durability.
Skip if: You want lever locks; Fizan uses an internal twist-flex system.
Best all-around
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Ergonomic cork grips on a proven aluminum frame.
Heavier, but the FlickLocks and cork grips justify it for hikers who prioritize reliability and comfort over the last few ounces.
Strengths
- Natural cork grips mold to your hands and manage sweat
- 15-degree ergonomic grip angle reduces wrist strain
- FlickLock adjustability is glove-friendly and secure
- Interchangeable carbide tech tips and rubber tips included
Limitations
- Heavier than carbon rivals at 1 lb 2 oz per pair
- Cork needs occasional cleaning to stay grippy
- Three-piece design packs longer than folding poles
| Weight (per pair) | 1 lb 2 oz (510 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 74-140 cm |
| Collapsed length | 38.5 in (98 cm usable min) / 74 cm min |
| Shaft material | 7075 aluminum, 3 sections |
| Grip | Natural cork, ergonomic 15-degree angle |
Best for: All-around hikers who want cork comfort and FlickLock reliability.
Skip if: You count grams; aluminum three-section poles are not the lightest option.
Best budget
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
The budget carbon pair that embarrassed premium brands.
A full carbon pair at one pound with cork grips doubles for shelter support on multi-day trips without a premium price riding in your pack.
Strengths
- 100 percent carbon fiber shafts at a budget price
- Quick locks adjust fast and hold reliably for most users
- Cork grips at a price where foam is the norm
- Includes mud, snow, and rubber tip accessories
Limitations
- Carbon quality control is less consistent than premium brands
- Locks can slip under very heavy loads if under-tightened
- Warranty support is thinner than major brands
| Weight (per pair) | 1 lb (468 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 66-135 cm |
| Collapsed length | 26 in (66 cm) |
| Shaft material | 100% carbon fiber, 3 sections |
| Grip | Cork with EVA extension |
Best for: Budget hikers who want carbon weight savings without premium pricing.
Skip if: You are hard on gear in talus; budget carbon can snap under lateral load.
Best for women
LEKI Cressida FX Carbon
Women-specific folding carbon poles with LEKI's Aergon grip.
The Cressida folds to 40 cm inside a pack and its Aergon Air grip is sized for smaller hands, the backpacking pick for women who fly to trailheads.
Strengths
- Aergon Air grip sized for smaller hands
- Folding design packs to 40 cm for travel and packs
- Speed Lock 2 plus external locking is fast and secure
- Carbon shafts damp trail vibration noticeably
Limitations
- Premium price
- Shorter maximum length limits tall users and snow use
- Folding poles have a fixed usable range per size
| Weight (per pair) | 1 lb 1.3 oz (490 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 100-120 cm |
| Packed length | 40 cm |
| Shaft material | Carbon, foldable 5 sections |
| Grip | Aergon Air cork |
Best for: Women hikers who want a folding carbon pole sized for smaller hands.
Skip if: You need a long pole for tall stature or winter use.
Best folding premium
LEKI Makalu Pro FX Carbon
LEKI's folding carbon pole with a 110-130 cm adjustable range.
Folding carbon that still adjusts across 110 to 130 cm gives shelter-pitch flexibility most fixed folding poles give up.
Strengths
- Foldable carbon shafts pack short for travel and stowage
- Adjustable across a 110-130 cm range
- LEKI's grip and strap ergonomics are the industry benchmark
- Carbon shafts damp trail vibration noticeably
Limitations
- Premium price
- Folding poles have a fixed usable range per size
- Carbon can snap under lateral load where aluminum bends
| Usable length | 110-130 cm |
|---|---|
| Design | Foldable, adjustable |
| Shaft material | Carbon |
| Color | Natural carbon / black |
| Grip | LEKI Aergon-series grip |
Best for: Frequent hikers who want folding carbon packability with LEKI build quality.
Skip if: You need a wider adjustment range or prefer aluminum's bend-not-snap failure mode.
Best aluminum value
Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock
Aluminum poles with Control Shock damping and FlickLock Pro security.
Aluminum shafts that bend rather than snap, double FlickLock Pro levers, and shock damping suit rough multi-day terrain where a broken pole is a real problem.
Strengths
- Control Shock Technology: 4-stage shock absorption with rebound control
- Double FlickLock Pro adjustment is glove-friendly and secure
- Aluminum shafts bend rather than snap on falls
- Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips and a padded wrist strap
Limitations
- Heavier than carbon alternatives at 590 g per pair
- Shock mechanism adds a component ultralight designs skip
- Less refined grip ergonomics than LEKI's best
| Weight (per pair) | 1 lb 5 oz (590 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 68-140 cm |
| Shaft material | Aluminum |
| Lock | FlickLock Pro (double) |
| Damping | Control Shock Technology, 4-stage |
Best for: Hikers who want dependable aluminum poles with shock absorption and top-tier locks.
Skip if: You backpack long distances where carbon weight savings matter.
Best for heavy loads
Montem Ultra Strong
Burly aluminum poles rated for heavy loads and rough trails.
Heavy packs and larger hikers load poles hardest on descents; the Montem thick 7075 shafts are the budget answer rated for exactly that abuse.
Strengths
- 7075 aluminum shafts handle heavy users and loads
- Among the strongest budget poles available
- EVA foam grips with extended choke section
- Includes full accessory kit of tips and baskets
Limitations
- Heavy at over 1 lb 4 oz per pair
- Budget finish scuffs quickly
- Locks benefit from periodic tightening checks
| Weight (per pair) | 1 lb 4 oz (567 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 61-137 cm |
| Collapsed length | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Shaft material | 7075 aluminum, 3 sections |
| Grip | EVA foam, extended |
Best for: Larger hikers and beginners who want maximum strength per dollar.
Skip if: You prioritize low weight for long-distance backpacking.
Best ultralight value
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Featherlight carbon poles sold as a complete trail kit.
At 14.7 oz per pair with a full accessory kit, the Foxelli covers weekend backpacking weight targets without the premium carbon bill.
Strengths
- 100 percent carbon shafts at just over 7 oz per pole
- Cork grips wick sweat on long climbs
- Flip locks adjust quickly without tools
- Sold with a full kit: tips, baskets, and carry case
Limitations
- Direct-to-consumer brand with lighter retail support
- Carbon demands care around rocks and car doors
- Grip sizing runs small for very large hands
| Weight (per pair) | 14.7 oz (417 g) |
|---|---|
| Usable length | 62-137 cm |
| Collapsed length | 24 in (62 cm) |
| Shaft material | 100% carbon fiber, 3 sections |
| Grip | Cork with EVA extension |
Best for: Day hikers who want ultralight carbon feel at a direct-to-consumer price.
Skip if: You need expedition-grade lock security for heavy winter loads.
Collapsible 7075 all-rounder
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
7075 aluminum poles with cork grips and one-hand lever locks.
TrailBuddy lists tent-pole duty among its uses, and the lever-lock sections break down small enough for a suitcase or pack side pocket between trips.
Strengths
- 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum bends under lateral load instead of snapping like carbon
- Lever locks adjust one-handed and break down for suitcase packing
- Cork and EVA handles with padded straps mold to the hand
- Doubles as tent poles and ships with a carry bag and tip accessories
Limitations
- Heavier than the carbon pairs in this guide
- Single wide length range is less tailored than sized folding poles
- Color variants sit on separate listings, so verify the exact listing at order time
| Length | 24.5 in collapsed to 54 in extended |
|---|---|
| Shaft material | 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Grip | Cork and EVA |
| Tip | Tungsten carbide |
| Lock | Lever (flip) locks |
Best for: Budget hikers and seniors who want lever locks and cork grips in a complete kit.
Skip if: You count grams; carbon poles undercut its weight clearly.
Questions, answered
Can trekking poles pitch a tent?
Many ultralight shelters are designed around adjustable poles, typically set between 110 and 130 cm. Fixed-length Z-poles work only if the shelter accepts their exact length.
How much should backpacking poles weigh?
Under 1 lb per pair is the modern benchmark; under 12 oz, like the Distance Carbon Z and Fizan Compact 3, is ultralight territory.
Folding or telescoping for backpacking?
Folding poles pack shorter and deploy faster; telescoping poles adjust for shelters and varied terrain. Choose based on your shelter system first.
Do poles count as base weight?
Most hikers count poles as worn weight since they are in your hands, but honest accounting includes them either way; the difference between picks here is only a few ounces.