Whether you're hitting the trail for five days or five hours, a good pair of trekking poles can really come in handy. Of course, choosing the right trekking poles is a delicate art. Luckily though, we've already done most of the work for you. Here, we've collected our favorite trekking poles, ranging from the budget-buy to the premium pick. TrailBuddy Trekking Poles Perfect PolesIdeal for all kinds of terrain and every type of hiker. Best OverallFind on Amazon Hikers and backpackers of all ages and skill levels will benefit from using a pair of TrailBuddy Trekking Poles. These poles are awesome at preventing and combating sore muscles, increasing your stability, and helping you move faster and more efficiently, all of which help provide ample support on all types of terrain. They’re made from tough-as-nails aluminum with comfy cork handles that wick moisture and mold to the shape of your hand. And, these poles are available in a wide range of colors and come with a host of add-ons, like a carrying bag, rubber tips, connectors, mud baskets, and snow baskets. Pros: Tougher than carbon fiber Lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum (they weigh just 4 ounces) Easier to adjust than twist lock Lever-locks let you change the height (from 25.5 inches to 54 inches), even when wearing gloves Cork handles are really comfy and can be used in both hot and cold temps Available in several colors Comes with a complete set of connectors and baskets Cons: The top of the handle(s) could stand to be a little more rounded Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles Hike Smarter Every hiker's dream-come-true product.Runner UpFind on Amazon Equally great for newbie hikers and hardcore hikers alike, the Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles help keep you upright for optimal support and posture. These highly coveted trekking poles are relatively lightweight and crafted with 100-percent carbon fiber, and the extended grip offers relief for a quick transition on changing terrain. Plus, they come with a bonus tip kit, which includes snow baskets, sand/mud baskets, rubber tips, and more, so you’ll be adequately prepared for all kinds of weather and trail conditions. Pros: Built with 100% carbon fiber Quick-lock feature Light, non-slip grip with adjustable wrist strap They come with a bonus tip kit Cons: They vibrate just a little when they hit the ground Bafx Trekking Poles Budget-Friendly and Oh-So-FunctionalThe utmost in affordability and functionality.Best ValueFind on Amazon The Bafx Trekking Poles are perfect for budget-conscious shoppers since they’re available at a very accessible price point. That said, they don’t skimp on features and functionality — these poles are the real deal. They’re a great fit for hikers of all levels with their ergonomic grips and lightweight-yet-sturdy construction; not to mention, the anti-shock feature in each pole helps to effectively reduce the force of impact on your knees and sensitive joints. Pros: Thoughtfully designed ergonomic grips Extra-wide padded wrist strap Anti-shock feature Durable and lightweight You get all the essentials you need along with the poles: mud baskets, rubber tips, etc. Cons: These are really best for beginners, so if you’re a more seasoned hiker, you may want to opt for another product Aihoye Trekking Poles For Those With Creaky Knees and Achy JointsCushion your limbs on the descent with these stellar shock-absorbing poles. Best Shock-AbsorbingFind on Amazon If you suffer from sore joints, unstable hips, or shaky knees, the Aihoye Trekking Poles will absorb more of the impact (especially on descents) so that your muscles don’t have to do all the work. The built-in shock absorber is a cut above the rest as it reduces the force of impact on your wrists while providing balance and support. And, the natural cork handles and padded straps help ensure a comfy, stable grip, no matter what the trail looks like. Pros: Shock-absorbent system is excellent Made from highly durable aviation aluminum Quick-lock feature allows you to collapse or extend your poles from 26 inches to 53 inches Cork handles are sweat-resistant and comfy to hold Cons: Not the best poles for backpacking Foxelli Trekking Poles Ideal for BackpackingAwesome for backcountry adventures. Most Lightweight Find on Amazon The Foxelli Trekking Poles won’t add much weight to your setup, and they’re fully collapsible, so they’ll fit neatly inside your bag. This makes them perfect for those times when you need to carry an ultralight pack, whether you’re day-hiking it or going on a week-long backpacking trip. These poles are also awesomely shock-absorbent, highly durable, easily adjustable, and perfectly suited for all weather conditions. Pros: Made from 100% carbon fiber (known for its extreme lightness) Significantly minimizes the impact on your joints Easily adjustable thanks to the quick-lock technology Retractable from 24 inches to 55 inches Anti-slip natural cork grips absorb sweat and moisture Great for all weather conditions Cons: Definitely on the pricey end Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using trekking poles? For people who hike often, trekking poles can be a godsend. Their biggest draw is that they help you control your descent, thereby reducing the impact on your knees and joints. They can also help you maintain a consistent rhythm and aid in balance while you hike. Also, they can be used to ward off unwanted obstacles in your path, like spiderwebs and branches. How do I choose the right pair of trekking poles? First, you’ll need to decide between one pole or two (which is mostly a matter of personal preference). You’ll also want to consider locking mechanisms and height-adjustment features. With locking mechanisms, you’ll choose between twist locks and flick locks; generally, twist locks are easier to adjust on the fly, while flick locks work better in sub-zero temperatures. In terms of height adjustment, there are a couple rules of thumb to follow here. If you’re shorter than 6 feet, you’ll be able to shorten most poles to your liking, but if you’re taller than 6 feet, you definitely need to select poles that have a maximum length of at least 51 inches. Finally, foldable poles are the most packable (and therefore are used mostly by backpackers and ultra-runners), and shock-absorbing poles are great if you suffer from unsteady hips, knees, or ankles.