The Best Hiking Poles, Your Complete Guide!

When hitting the trails, a reliable hiking pole can make all the difference in comfort, stability, and endurance. For men who love trekking across challenging terrains or enjoy long-distance hikes, a high-quality hiking pole offers crucial support. Whether you're looking for lightweight durability, adjustable features, or ergonomic grips, choosing the right pole is key to enhancing your outdoor experience. In this post, we’ll review the top five hiking poles for men, each carefully selected for their performance, build quality, and user-friendly design to help you make an informed choice for your next adventure.

#5 ALPENWERT Hiking Poles

Pros:

1. Lightweight yet Sturdy – At only 300g per pole, these hiking poles provide excellent support without adding significant weight, which is ideal for long hikes or challenging trails.

2. Adjustable Length – With a telescopic adjustment range from 65cm to 135cm, these poles adapt well to different terrains and inclines, making them versatile for a range of environments.

3. Comfortable Grip – The ergonomic cork handles and hand straps are designed for comfort, reducing strain on the wrists and ensuring a secure grip, even on steep or slippery terrain.

4. Comprehensive Accessories – Comes with three different attachments for varied surfaces, plus specialized snow and mud plates, making them suitable for all-season use.

5. Durable Construction – Made with a blend of carbon and aluminium, these poles are both strong and lightweight, offering a balance between resilience and portability.

Cons:

1. Metal Fasteners May Add Slight Weight – While durable, the metal fasteners add a bit of weight compared to some all-carbon designs.

2. No Shock Absorption – These poles lack a built-in shock absorption feature, which may be preferred by hikers looking for additional impact reduction on steep descents.

3. Limited Colour Options – Available only in black, so options are limited for those who prefer varied or high-visibility colours.

4. Complex Adjustment Mechanism – Telescopic poles can take slightly longer to adjust and lock in place, which could be a hassle if adjustments are frequently needed on the trail.

Conclusion:

The Alpenwert Rugova Series Pro III hiking poles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, durability, and adaptability, making them an excellent choice for hikers of various skill levels. Their lightweight construction and versatile design make them suitable for diverse environments, from mountainous terrains to snowy trails. While they lack a shock absorption feature, they make up for it with ergonomic grips, robust materials, and useful attachments. Overall, these poles are a strong, reliable option for outdoor enthusiasts who want dependable support without the bulk.

#4 Montem Ultra Light

Pros:

1. Lightweight and Strong – Weighing just 7.6 ounces per pole, these 100% carbon fibre poles provide durability without added bulk, allowing for easy, fatigue-free hiking.

2. Highly Adjustable – Quick-lock mechanisms make these poles easy to adjust between 24” to 53”, letting users find the ideal height based on terrain and preference.

3. Compact and Travel-Friendly – These poles pack down small, making them easy to store in backpacks or luggage, perfect for travel or multi-day hikes.

4. Comfortable Grip and Straps – Equipped with EVA foam grips and padded wrist straps, they provide an ergonomic, slip-free grip for all-day comfort.

5. Replaceable Accessories – Includes mud baskets, rubber tip protectors, and pole connectors, allowing for adaptable use across varying terrains and conditions.

Cons:

1. Less Shock Absorption – Made of rigid carbon fibre, these poles lack built-in shock absorption, which might not suit those needing extra impact reduction on rocky trails.

2. Not Ideal for Heavy Loads – While sturdy, carbon poles can be more prone to breaking under extreme weight compared to some aluminium options.

3. Simple Aesthetic – Available only in Glacier Gray, these poles might not appeal to those who want more colour variety or personalization.

4. External Lock Mechanism – Though reliable, the external quick-lock system could loosen over time, requiring occasional maintenance for consistent stability.

Conclusion:

The Montem Carbon Trekking Poles offer an impressive blend of lightweight design and strength, making them an excellent option for both casual and seasoned hikers. Their portability and ease of adjustment make them particularly well-suited for those who prioritize a light pack and need flexibility in pole length. While they may lack shock-absorbing features, the carbon fibre construction offers solid support and durability on a variety of terrains. Overall, these trekking poles are ideal for those seeking a lightweight, no-frills, dependable hiking companion for their outdoor adventures.

#3 Leki Cressida Poles

Pros:

1. Durable Aluminium Build – Constructed from high-quality aluminium, these poles provide durability and resistance to bending or breaking, ideal for rough trails or challenging hikes.

2. Adjustable 3-Piece Design – The 3-piece adjustable design with a clamp closure allows for easy customization of pole length, accommodating different terrains and user heights.

3. Lightweight for Aluminium Poles – At 474 grams per pair, these poles strike a balance between strength and weight, offering good support without adding too much bulk.

4. User-Friendly Clamp Closure – The clamp closure system is easy to adjust and locks securely, making it reliable for hikers who need stability and quick adjustments on the go.

5. Versatile Use – Designed for trekking and mountain hiking, these poles are suited for a range of outdoor activities.

Cons:

1. Less Shock Absorption – Aluminium poles do not naturally absorb shock as well as carbon, which might cause slight discomfort on particularly hard surfaces or rocky paths.

2. Heavier than Carbon Fibre – While lightweight for aluminium, these poles are still heavier than their carbon counterparts, which could affect endurance on long treks.

3. Limited Colour Variety – The mango-white-silver colour scheme may not appeal to all users, especially those looking for more subdued or diverse colour options.

4. Bulky When Packed – Though adjustable, the aluminium construction can make these poles slightly bulkier when packed compared to compact carbon fibre alternatives.

Conclusion:

The Leki trekking poles are a solid choice for mountain hikers and trekkers seeking durable and adjustable poles. Their aluminium build provides robust support, especially for more rugged terrains, while the clamp closure system ensures easy length adjustments. Although they are slightly heavier than carbon poles, they make up for it with resilience and versatility. If you prioritize durability over ultralightweight designs, these Leki poles are a dependable option for a range of outdoor activities.

#2 Mountainsmith Carbonlite Trekking Poles

Pros:

1. Lightweight Carbon Fiber Construction – The carbon fibre upper construction keeps the poles lightweight at just over a pound per pair, ideal for long hikes and minimizing fatigue.

2. Durable and Adjustable Design – With three telescoping sections and double cam twist locks, these poles are highly adjustable, offering versatility on various terrains and easy storage when collapsed.

3. Anti-Shock System – The spring-loaded anti-shock system provides impact absorption, reducing strain on joints and enhancing comfort on hard or rocky surfaces.

4. Comfortable Extended Handles – The combination of cork, EVA, and TPR in the handle design offers comfort and durability, with an ergonomic grip to prevent slippage and reduce hand fatigue.

5. Replaceable Tips and Hiking Baskets – These poles come with removable hiking baskets and replaceable carbide tips, making them adaptable for different surfaces and easy to maintain.

Cons:

1. Twist Lock Mechanism – While functional, the twist lock adjustment system may not be as quick or as secure as lever locks, especially in wet or muddy conditions where grip might be reduced.

2. Slightly Heavier than Full Carbon Options – The mix of carbon and aircraft-grade aluminium increases durability but adds a bit of weight compared to poles made entirely from carbon fibre.

3. Bulkier When Collapsed – Although they collapse to a portable 25 inches, they may still be bulkier than folding trekking poles, which could be a consideration for minimalists.

4. Less Compact – These poles may not pack down as small as foldable trekking poles, making them slightly less convenient for tight storage in travel or small backpacks.

Conclusion:

The Mountainsmith trekking poles offer a practical blend of lightweight carbon fiber and durable aluminium, perfect for hikers looking for reliable support on various terrains. With adjustable length, anti-shock features, and comfortable grips, they prioritize comfort and impact reduction. The twist-lock adjustment might take some getting used to, and while slightly bulkier than some models, they make up for it with versatility and robust construction. Ideal for outdoor lovers.

#1 Leki Neotrail FX.One Superlite

Pros:

1. Ultra-Lightweight Build – Weighing only 131 grams per pole, the Neotrail FX.One Superlite poles are among the lightest trekking poles available, perfect for reducing fatigue over long distances and ideal for trail running.

2. High-Quality Carbon Construction – Made from high-quality carbon (HRC max), these poles are both lightweight and durable, providing stability without adding significant weight.

3. Compact Foldable Design – The push-button release mechanism allows the poles to fold down to a compact 35 cm, making them easy to pack and convenient for travel or when stowing them in a running vest.

4. Versatile Grip Design – With an elongated Thermo grip and rounded head, these poles offer multiple grip options, enhancing comfort and control over different terrains and inclines.

5. Ideal for Trail Running and Hiking – Specifically designed with trail runners in mind, the slim design, lightweight build, and compact folding make these poles perfect for fast-paced, dynamic outdoor activities.

Cons:

1. Fixed Length Limitation – Although adjustable in increments of 5 cm, the fixed length may limit customization, making it less suitable for hikers who require more variable length adjustments.

2. Limited Support for Heavy Loads – The ultra-lightweight and slim design, while beneficial for runners but may not be suitable in rougher terrains.

3. Specialized Usage – These poles are optimized for trail running, so they may not be as versatile or durable for intense trekking.

4. No Shock Absorption – Unlike poles with built-in anti-shock systems, these lack shock absorption, which could be a drawback on harder surfaces or during prolonged descents.

Conclusion:

The Leki Neotrail FX.One Superlite poles are great choice for those prioritizing speed and minimal weight, particularly suited for trail runners and light hikers. The ultra-light carbon build and folding mechanism make them highly portable and easy to deploy on the go. However, the fixed length and lack of shock absorption may not suit those seeking more adaptability or joint support on challenging trails. These poles are best suited for fast-paced adventures where weight, portability, and stability in moderate conditions are key factors. For trail runners looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing support, these Leki poles are an excellent investment.

 

For our full range of hiking poles please click HERE.