What trekking pole material is best — aluminum or carbon fiber?

Aluminum ($30-80/pair) is durable, repairable (bends before breaking), and affordable. Carbon fiber ($80-200/pair) is 20-30% lighter and absorbs more vibration but can shatter on hard impacts. For most hikers, aluminum is the practical choice. Ultralight backpackers prefer carbon fiber.

What length trekking poles do I need?

When holding the pole with the tip on the ground, your elbow should be at 90 degrees. For most people: under 5'1" → 100cm, 5'1"-5'7" → 110cm, 5'8"-5'11" → 120cm, 6'0"+ → 130cm. Adjustable poles (recommended) let you shorten for uphills and lengthen for downhills.

Trekking Poles: Do You Actually Need Them? (Yes, Here's Why)

Q: Do I really need trekking poles?

Studies show trekking poles reduce knee impact by 12-25% on descents, improve balance, and increase hiking speed on flat terrain. They're especially valuable for hikers over 40, those with knee issues, or anyone carrying a heavy pack. On flat, easy trails they're optional.

Poles Reduce Knee Impact by 25%

Journal of Sports Sciences: trekking poles reduce compressive knee forces up to 25% during descents. On a 3,000-foot descent, that's hundreds of thousands of pounds of cumulative impact saved. Poles also improve balance (40% fewer falls on uneven terrain, University of Innsbruck).

Who Benefits Most

Anyone with knee issues, 20+ lb packs, hikers over 40, steep terrain. Only skip on flat paths under 5 miles.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork

$90/pair Check Price on Amazon

Cork grips, FlickLock Pro, aluminum, 1 lb 4 oz. Best value for most hikers.

Leki Makalu FX Carbon

$170/pair Check Price on Amazon

Carbon fiber, Speed Lock 2, 15.2 oz. Best lightweight for ultralight backpackers.

Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock Cork

$40/pair Check Price on Amazon

Aluminum, cork grips, flip-locks. The Costco-famous budget pick that performs far above its price.

REI Co-op Trailmade 2

$55/pair Check Price on Amazon

Aluminum, twist-lock, foam grips, 1 lb 4 oz. Best budget from a major brand.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

$180/pair Check Price on Amazon

Z-fold carbon, 9.9 oz, 5-second deployment. For trail running / fast-packing.

Sources

Bohne & Abendroth-Smith. "Biomechanics of Trekking Poles." JSS, 2007.
University of Innsbruck. "Poles and Fall Prevention." 2019.
Outdoor Gear Lab. "Best Trekking Poles 2025."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need trekking poles?

Studies show they reduce knee impact by 12-25% on descents and improve balance. Especially valuable for hikers over 40 or those with knee issues.

Aluminum or carbon fiber?

Aluminum ($30-80/pair): durable and affordable. Carbon fiber ($80-200/pair): 20-30% lighter but can shatter on hard impacts.

What length do I need?

When holding the pole with tip on ground, elbow at 90 degrees. Adjustable poles let you shorten for uphills and lengthen for downhills.

Trekking Poles: Do You Actually Need Them? (Yes, Here's Why)

Poles Reduce Knee Impact by 25%

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need trekking poles?

Aluminum or carbon fiber?

What length do I need?

Equipment Intel, Weekly