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."