Trekking poles divide hikers right down the middle. Some swear by them on every walk. Others have never touched a pair.
I was in the second camp for a long time. Then the routes got longer and more demanding. The Jurassic Coast's clifftop paths are unrelenting on the descent, loose chalk underfoot and steep drops to your left. Pen y Fan in wet January conditions asks something different from your legs and your confidence. The Fort William Four, with Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete, is a day that demands everything you have. Once I started using poles on the kind of ground that actually asks something of you, I understood immediately what I had been missing.
The benefit is not just your knees, though that alone is worth the investment. It is the confidence on technical terrain, the extra stability on river crossings and the slightly different cadence that reduces fatigue over a long day. Good poles earn their place in your pack.
The problem is choosing the right pair. The market is enormous, the pricing swings from £25 to well over £200, and the differences between models are not always obvious from a product listing. This guide cuts through all of that.
Do you actually need trekking poles?
For shorter walks on gentle terrain, probably not. For anything over 15km with significant ascent and descent, they earn their place quickly.
The most significant benefit is knee load reduction on descents. Research consistently shows that using poles correctly reduces the impact force through your knees on downhill sections by a meaningful amount. For anyone with existing knee issues, hiking regularly over long distances, or tackling consecutive days of walking, this is the reason most people start using poles and the reason they keep using them.
The secondary benefits compound over a long day: better balance on uneven ground, stability on stream crossings, extra push on steep ascents and a consistent rhythm that reduces overall fatigue. On the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, poles in the later miles make a real difference to how the final section feels.
Aluminium or carbon: what's the difference?
This is the first decision most people face and it is a genuine trade-off rather than one being clearly better.
Aluminium poles are tougher. If you push them hard against a rock or fall awkwardly, they bend rather than snap. That matters on technical terrain where a sudden pole failure at the wrong moment is a real problem. They are heavier than carbon but the durability argument is strong for regular hikers who treat their gear hard.
Carbon fibre poles are lighter and dampen vibration better, which means less fatigue over long days. The trade-off is brittleness under lateral stress. Carbon can snap rather than bend, and a snapped pole on a remote ridge is a more serious situation than a bent one. For most UK hiking, aluminium or a carbon and aluminium hybrid is the sensible choice unless you are specifically chasing low weight for a demanding route.
Locking mechanisms explained
Flick locks (also called lever locks or external locks) are simple, reliable and easy to adjust even with gloves on. They are the standard on quality poles for good reason.
Twist locks are found on older and budget designs. They work, but they are harder to adjust in the cold and wet, which is relevant for most UK conditions.
Speed Lock systems (used by Leki) are a refined version of the flick lock, providing fast adjustment with reliable clamping force. Worth paying for if you adjust your poles regularly during a walk.
Grip materials: cork, foam or rubber?
Cork is widely regarded as the best grip material for long days. It moulds slightly to your hand over time, wicks moisture effectively and feels comfortable even when your hands get warm. The choice for serious mileage.
Foam is lighter and works well in cold conditions when you might hold the pole shaft lower, below the grip. Softer than cork but picks up dirt more easily over time.
Rubber is found on budget poles and Nordic walking sticks. Fine for occasional use but not the choice for serious mileage.
Telescoping vs folding poles
Telescoping poles collapse by sliding sections into each other and locking. They are the most common type, widely adjustable, and straightforward to repair or replace sections if needed.
Folding poles break into segments connected by an inner cord, similar to a tent pole. They pack significantly smaller than telescoping poles and deploy faster. The trade-off is that most folding poles have a narrower or fixed length range.
For most UK hikers, telescoping poles with flick locks give the best combination of versatility and reliability. Folding poles are excellent if packability is a priority or you are also using poles for trail running.
1. Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3
The Trail Explorer 3 is Black Diamond's all-terrain entry point and the pole most UK hikers should start with. Three-section aluminium construction, FlickLock adjustability and comfortable EVA foam grips at a price that does not require serious consideration.
The headline feature is the FlickLock mechanism. Black Diamond's patented system is widely regarded as the best locking mechanism in the market: simple, reliable and easy to operate even with gloves on. You adjust the length in seconds without tools and the lock holds firmly under load. On the descents of the Jurassic Coast or the chalk paths above Lulworth Cove, that reliability matters.
The three-section design packs down compactly on the side of your pack when not needed, which makes these poles genuinely practical on mixed routes where you want poles for some sections and hands free for others. The interchangeable tip system is compatible with both carbide and rubber tech tips, allowing you to switch for different surfaces.
The aluminium shaft is heavier than carbon alternatives but significantly more durable. For a first pair of poles or a reliable everyday set for UK hiking, the Trail Explorer 3 gives you Black Diamond build quality and a two-year warranty at a price that is hard to argue with.
Who these are for: Hikers looking for their first quality poles or a reliable all-terrain set. The right choice for most UK day hiking and weekend trips.
Read our full Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 review →
Black Diamond make a full range beyond this one. Our best Black Diamond trekking poles guide compares the Trail, Trail Back, folding Trail Vista and carbon Pursuit side by side.
2. Leki Makalu FX Carbon
Leki is to trekking poles what Thermos is to flasks. The name has become synonymous with the product itself, and the Makalu FX Carbon is the reason why.
This is a five-section full carbon folding pole that packs down to 40cm and adjusts between 110 and 130cm via the Speed Lock 2 Plus lever system. The carbon shaft provides excellent rigidity and vibration dampening. The Aergon Air grip is the standout feature: ergonomically shaped with a rubberised top section for grip and control on steep descents, foam shaft for comfort when holding lower on the pole on climbs, and the geometry is designed to put your wrist in the right position without you thinking about it.
Deployment is fast via the ELD folding system. The poles snap into place quickly and fold back down to their 40cm packed length in seconds. For mixed routes where you want poles for technical sections and stowed for scrambling, this speed matters.
At around £195 the Makalu FX Carbon is a meaningful investment. What that investment buys is a pole built for decades of use rather than years. Leki have been making poles since 1948, spare parts are available, and the quality of construction is immediately obvious when you handle them. The long-term per-use cost of a pair of Lekis used regularly over ten or fifteen years compares favourably to replacing cheaper poles every few seasons.
Who these are for: Serious hikers who cover regular mileage in demanding conditions and want poles that genuinely last. The benchmark choice for UK and alpine walking.
Read our full Leki Makalu FX Carbon review →
Leki's range runs from the budget Voyager to this carbon flagship. Our best Leki walking poles guide walks through the lot.
3. Black Diamond Distance Z
The Distance Z exists for a specific type of hiker: someone who wants to move fast, pack light, and have poles that stow away in seconds when the ground demands hands. If that describes you, these are exceptional.
The Z-fold design deploys and collapses faster than any telescoping pole. Pull the sections apart and they snap into place via an inner cord mechanism. One push of a button and they fold back down to a size that fits easily alongside your pack. On routes that mix walking with scrambling, or if you are trail running with poles, that quick deployment genuinely changes how you use them.
The aluminium version handles rough use well and is the sensible choice for most UK conditions. The foam grips are lighter than cork but wear more quickly over time.
The key limitation is the fixed length. You choose your size when you buy and that is the length they are. This works well if you know exactly what pole length suits you but makes these unsuitable as a first pole for someone still working that out. Also not ideal for sharing with hiking partners of different heights.
Available in 100cm, 110cm, 115cm, 120cm, 125cm and 130cm. As a guide, stand with your arm bent at 90 degrees and measure from your palm to the floor.
Who these are for: Fast hikers, trail runners and anyone doing mixed scrambling and walking routes where quick pole deployment is genuinely useful.
4. TheFitLife Carbon Trekking Poles
The TheFitLife carbon poles are a genuine surprise at the price. Carbon fibre construction, cork handles, flip lock adjustment and a comprehensive accessories pack including rubber tips, trekking baskets and a carry bag. The specification sheet would be impressive at twice the cost.
They are among the lightest poles in this guide, beaten only by poles costing significantly more. The cork grips are comfortable and perform better than foam in damp conditions, which is relevant for most UK hiking. The flip lock adjustment works reliably and the accessories included mean you have what you need for different terrain out of the box.
The honest concern with budget carbon poles is long-term durability. The materials are genuinely good but have not been tested across years of hard use the way Leki or Black Diamond poles have. For occasional hikers and anyone getting into trekking poles without wanting to spend premium money while they work out what they need, the TheFitLife carbon poles are an outstanding entry point.
Available in a wide range of colours which is a bonus if aesthetics matter.
Who these are for: Newer hikers, occasional walkers and anyone who wants to try carbon fibre poles without the premium price. Also a solid choice as a second pair for a partner who does not use poles regularly.
5. Trekology Walking Poles
The Trekology poles are the budget aluminium option for anyone who wants to try poles without any significant financial commitment. Available in two size ranges: 100 to 120cm for shorter hikers and 115 to 135cm for taller adults, which covers the vast majority of people.
Aluminium construction means these poles are robust and will handle the kind of use a newer hiker puts them through without drama. The quick lock adjustment works adequately and is easier to operate than twist lock systems. Cork grips at this price point are a genuine positive.
The trade-off versus the TheFitLife carbon poles is weight and vibration dampening. Aluminium is heavier and transmits more trail vibration into your hands over a long day. For occasional use and shorter walks that difference is negligible. For serious mileage the extra weight and vibration become meaningful.
For anyone wanting to find out whether poles suit their hiking before spending more, or as a gift for someone starting out, the Trekology poles get the job done at minimal cost.
Who these are for: First-time pole users, occasional walkers and budget-conscious hikers. Also good as spares or a pair to lend.
Best trekking poles for bad knees
If knee support is your primary reason for using poles, the most important factor is not the pole itself but how you use it. Poles reduce knee load on descents when you use them actively, planting them ahead of you and transferring weight through your arms and shoulders.
That said, some design features help. Longer, adjustable poles allow you to lengthen them slightly on descents to get more benefit from the weight transfer. The Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 and the Leki Makalu are both well suited here, with wide adjustability ranges and reliable locking that holds under load.
Anti-shock mechanisms, found on some Leki AS-designated models, absorb some impact on hard surfaces. The evidence for how much difference they make in practice is mixed, but for hikers with significant knee pain they are worth considering.
How to use trekking poles correctly
Buying good poles is one thing. Using them properly is another, and poor technique significantly reduces the benefit.
Correct length: Your elbow should be at roughly 90 degrees when the pole tip is on the ground beside your foot. Lengthen slightly for descents, shorten slightly for ascents.
Strap technique: The strap is not there to grip. Thread your hand up through the strap from below, then hold the grip. This way the strap takes the load on the forward push, reducing hand fatigue significantly over a long day.
On ascents: Shorten the poles and use them to push off behind you, engaging your upper body in the climb.
On descents: Lengthen the poles and plant them ahead of you before each step, transferring weight through your arms and protecting your knees.
On flat ground: Use a natural swinging motion opposite to your foot strike, the same rhythm as walking without poles.
Black Diamond trekking poles at Blacks
Prices pulled live from Blacks, updated daily. Links are affiliate links.
Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 Headlamp
£94
Black Diamond Trail Vista Shock Walking Poles
£121
Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon FLZ 135cm Walking Poles
£160
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
£84
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
£69
Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon FLZ 125cm Walking Poles
£160
Black Diamond Distance 1500 Head Torch
£169
Frequently asked questions
Do I need one pole or two? Two poles give significantly better balance and more effectively reduce knee load on descents. One pole is better than none but the benefits are noticeably reduced.
What length trekking poles do I need? Stand with your arm bent at 90 degrees and measure from your palm to the floor. Most adults fall between 105 and 130cm. Adjustable poles let you fine-tune from there.
Are expensive trekking poles worth it? For occasional walkers on moderate terrain, no. The Trekology and TheFitLife options offer genuine quality at low prices. For regular hikers covering serious mileage in demanding conditions, yes. The difference in comfort and durability over years of use justifies the premium.
Can you take trekking poles on a plane? Trekking poles must go in checked luggage. They are not permitted in hand luggage due to the carbide tips. Most folding poles fit easily in standard hold luggage.
Are trekking poles bad for the environment? The carbide tips cause wear on stone and paved surfaces. Rubber tip protectors, included with most poles, should be used on paved or rocky surfaces to minimise this impact.
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