13 Greatest Ultralight Trekking Poles [2025]

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This can be a gear assessment of the Greatest Ultralight Climbing Poles for Climbing and Backpacking 2025.

There are a lot of advantages to taking a pair of climbing poles with you in your hike. Not solely can they scale back the pressure out of your ankles, hips, and knees when day climbing, backpacking, or thru-hiking for a lot of months. In addition they give you stability on tough terrain.

Let’s check out the Greatest Light-weight trekking poles 2025.

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How We Examined

All of the Trekking Poles on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the knowledgeable creator who has a few years of expertise in Via-Climbing, Backpacking, and Climbing. A number of the Climbing Poles have been bought and a few have been provided by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in every kind of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to provide you with the most effective ultralight trekking poles for 2025. Learn the Assessment Coverage for additional particulars.

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Greatest Light-weight Trekking Pole for Backpacking 2025

The most effective light-weight trekking poles for Backpacking in 2025 are:

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The Black Diamond Pursuit is the up to date alternative for the ever-popular Path Cork trekking poles. With the identical tremendous snug cork handles which are mushy to the contact and give you an ergonomic grip. I’m an enormous fan of using cork on the handles of trekking poles.

Cork grips mould to the grip of your hand over time, making them extra snug. There’s additionally an EVA foam grip extension and a cushty strap.

The Black Diamond Pursuit Poles are available two sizes, with the bigger measurement being the best choice for most individuals. They arrive with a lever lock mechanism that Black Diamond calls the Flick Lock System. They provide simple adjustability, which is ideal to be used with trekking pole tents and utilizing one on diverse terrain that requires the poles to be lengthened or shortened usually.

The Black Diamond Pursuit poles are created from 7000 sequence aluminum and are a little bit extra sturdy than many carbon-fiber fashions with out being an excessive amount of heavier. They arrive with trekking baskets, snow baskets, and a built-in hex device to help in changing the carbide ideas.

Total, the Black Diamond Pursuit poles are one of the well-liked trekking poles for backpacking in 2025. They’re the most effective compromise between weight, high quality, sturdiness, and performance. They do every part nicely with out being distinctive at something, however that’s what makes them so good and the most effective climbing poles in 2025.

The MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Trekking Pole does every part proper. It’s light-weight with out being fragile, it’s robust with out being too heavy, and it’s snug with out being the costliest set of poles on the checklist.

These poles are primarily designed for winter journey, however I discover them good as a strong trekking pole for round use. They’re gentle sufficient and robust sufficient to tackle a long-distance thru-hike.

They’re made with Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber and are stronger than another carbon fiber poles on this assessment.

The Dynalock lever locks are greatest in school and supply nice grip and adjustability. They function a backward-facing mechanism that stops unintended loosening when in touch with something whereas climbing. The strain will be simply adjusted with using any instruments.

The MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon poles are folding poles which are nice for journey as a result of their small pack measurement.

The handles are created from EVA foam, and include a neoprene strap which mixes to make the grips snug after a number of hours of climbing in any sort of terrain.

Total, the MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Trekking Poles are among the best trekking poles. If you’re robust in your gear and wish one thing that’s the highest high quality that may final, then these are for you. The one factor conserving them from the highest spot is the load, which is barely heavier than another ultralight fashions!

The Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking poles are one of many few that also use the twist lock system to regulate the peak. Though they don’t seem to be so widespread anymore, they nonetheless work nicely on these poles.

The Gossamer Gear LT5 poles are ultralight and greatest suited to somebody who understands they won’t be as sturdy as among the different fashions on this assessment. So, bush bashing or post-holing via spring snow melts must be saved to a minimal.

They just lately up to date the wrist straps don’t slip like some folks skilled on the older mannequin, however it’s attention-grabbing to notice that many ultralight hikers take away the straps to attempt to make them even lighter.

They’re additionally one of the compact trekking poles, with a collapsed size minimal measurement of round 23.5 inches / 60 cm. And a pleasant contact is the flexibility to purchase alternative segments in case you break one.

Total, these are the most effective extremely light-weight trekking poles available on the market in 2025 and greatest suited to thru-hikers and backpackers who prioritize weight financial savings and primarily stick with well-formed trails. These are my private favorites for thru-hikers.

Zpacks is among the greatest corporations to have a look at if you would like ultralight backpacking gear. And the Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are a really fairly priced possibility from this premium firm. And in case you solely wish to purchase one pole, then you will have that possibility.

The Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are made with a carbon fiber shaft and the choice of both EVA foam or cork handles. The EVA foam handles are barely lighter, and the cork handles are barely extra snug, however each are good choices.

Once I examined these climbing poles, I examined the froth handles and located them snug to make use of. There’s additionally a really light-weight strap that may be very simple to regulate and works nicely. One other factor that impressed me with these poles was the stability. They aren’t too heavy on the base and never too heavy on the handles, they’re well-balanced, light-weight trekking poles. I additionally examined them as tent poles on a number of trekking pole tents, they usually labored effective in that position too.

Total, the Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking poles are an excellent light-weight climbing pole possibility that’s greatest suited to light-weight backpackers and thru-hikers. And in case you solely need one pole in your ultralight trekking pole tent and a bit of additional stability when climbing, then they have you ever lined.

There’s a lot to love concerning the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles. They’re ultralight and fold as much as a small measurement. The FLZ is just like the space carbon Z mannequin however it has some peak adjustment inbuilt.

The Flicklock professional lever locks are made with aluminum and supply good high quality device free adjustability. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ solely gives about 6 inches / 15 cm of peak adjustability. Many of the different fashions on this assessment supply far more peak adjustment.

If you’re touring the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles can be among the best available on the market and one of many major causes to contemplate this pole. However they’re additionally snug and comparatively robust contemplating they’re an ultralight pole.

Total, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is among the greatest journey trekking poles and one of the compact.

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are simply the factor you want in case you’re on the lookout for a set of poles which are ultralight and pack away to a really small measurement.

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z includes a foldable Z design to make them simple to retailer away in your backpack due to their small collapsed size. This additionally makes them simpler to convey with you on climbing holidays.

They’re restricted by their lack of adjustability as they’re a hard and fast pole size. Should you personal a trekking pole tent then these poles might not give you the results you want.

The trekking pole is constructed utilizing 100% carbon fiber shafts. This makes for a light-weight set of poles that received’t maintain you again when you’re out on the path. Every pole weighs lower than 150g. That’s one of the tremendous light-weight trekking poles of 2025!

The handles of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles have been accomplished with a light-weight EVA foam grip. There’s additionally a grip extension, in addition to a moisture-wicking wrist strap. The strap will be simply adjusted in your consolation and can work to offer you a greater grip.

Total, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles are one of many lightest trekking poles on this assessment. I really like the minimalist weight however the lack of adjustability is the one factor holding them again. The Black Diamond Distance FLZ or Gossamer Gear LT5 are higher choices for most individuals.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon cork trekking poles are one other improbable selection if you would like a set of light-weight poles.

These explicit poles are manufactured utilizing 100% carbon fiber that’s barely thicker than many different carbon fiber fashions, making for really robust and light-weight trekking poles.

One other helpful function of the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is that it comes with cork grips. These are soft-touch ergonomic cork grips which are arguably the most effective grip materials you should use. The climbing poles additionally include an EVA foam grip extension for optimum consolation.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles include an answer wrist strap. This works to enhance your grip on the poles if you use them. You too can regulate the straps to make them extra snug.

Total, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles are an excellent and really sturdy possibility.

The Trekology collapsible trekking poles would be the good match for these on the lookout for a light-weight design that’s additionally extra reasonably priced.

These trekking poles work to provide the help you want if you want it most. You’ll be able to forestall pointless harm when climbing with these trekking poles.

These aluminum poles have been designed to be sturdy and light-weight. Every pole solely weighs 11.5 ounces, which is way lighter than best aluminum poles. This aluminum development additionally makes them tougher sporting than carbon poles.

One other nice function of those trekking poles is the cork grips. These work to wick away undesirable moisture, and are extra snug than foam grips.

Total, the Trekology Trek Z 2.0 Cork Trekking Poles are nice finances priced folding trekking poles.

The REI Co-Op Carbon Flash is an effective, strong set of climbing poles which are equal to the standard of most of the high manufacturers. I’ve used the REI Co-Op Carbon Flash Trekking poles for greater than 100 days of testing and 1000s of miles of thru-hiking on the Pacific Crest Path.

Whereas testing these poles, I discovered the froth grips to be snug they usually did a great job of absorbing the shock when climbing. The straps and the locking mechanism additionally do a great job and are prime quality. The REI Co-Op Carbon Flash poles do a great job at virtually every part.

Total, the REI Co-Op Carbon Flash poles are a great possibility that does every part proper in a carbon fiber pole. They’re light-weight however not ultralight, they’re sturdy however not as a lot as among the others, and they’re reasonably priced however could be so a lot better in the event that they have been solely $50 cheaper.

The REI Co-Op Trailmade Trekking Poles are a great budget-priced possibility. Though they’re fairly priced they nonetheless work simply in addition to most of the model names listed above which are considerably dearer. However with supercheap choices from Trekology and Cascade Mountain Tech, they haven’t fairly carried out sufficient to take out the most effective finances possibility this yr.

All the things from the froth handles to the straps to the locking mechanism is sweet high quality. However contemplating this can be a finances possibility they don’t seem to be as excessive a top quality as most of the different REI Trekking Poles or different model title trekking poles listed above.

Total, the REI Trailmade is an effective finances possibility that can be greatest suited to a newbie or somebody who hits the path on a semi-regular foundation and may’t justify the excessive costs of among the different model names.

These Cascade Mountain Tech carbon fiber trekking poles are splendidly light-weight.

They function a carbon fiber shaft that can be light-weight sufficient in your wants, whereas additionally having the ability to deal with the strain of climbing.

The two×2 twill weave carbon fiber is stronger than regular carbon and works to suppress vibrations and noise.

You’ll be able to simply regulate these trekking poles to your wants. They’re extendable and include a fast lock operate.  You’ll be able to simply regulate the peak of the poles between 26” and 54” to go well with the terrain.

These explicit trekking poles include a cork grip. This provides you superior consolation whereas out on the path and works to decrease the vibrations as you stroll. The cork may also wick away any sweat.

The Cascade Mountain Tech aluminum trekking poles are an amazing selection in case you’re on the lookout for a extra budget-friendly possibility.

They’re definitely among the best finances trekking poles available on the market proper now. These explicit poles can be found at a way more reasonably priced worth than most of their carbon counterparts.

These Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles function cork grips and prolonged EVA foam grips. The cork makes for a extra snug grip that may mould to your hand over time. The cork additionally wicks away moisture and works to decrease vibrations as you stroll.

Although these trekking poles are manufactured utilizing aluminum, they’re nonetheless light-weight. Every pole weighs lower than a pound, making it the right addition to your trekking journey.

The aluminum shafts are additionally extremely sturdy, which can be important when climbing via frigid temperatures and throughout rocky terrain.

The Leki Black Sequence FX Carbon is the most recent version to the top-of-the-line, Leki Trekking Poles. These are a premium product that comes with a premium price ticket.

Whereas they don’t seem to be low-cost, they’re simply the factor to put money into in case you’re severe about your climbing. Weighing solely 228 grams per pole these light-weight climbing poles are positive to be well-liked with these wanting the most effective product that Leki makes.

They function a core carbon development to save lots of on weight, so that you received’t have to fret about them weighing you down. And an upgraded locking mechanism to carry the segments of the pole in place when climbing.

The Leki Black Sequence Poles function a safety strap so that you can connect to your wrist whereas strolling. This lets you preserve a great grip on the poles. You’ll be able to simply regulate them to be extra snug in your wrists, too.

One other nice function of those poles is the interchangeable basket system. This lets you swap the hampers on or off for various seasons.

Total, these have been among the greatest foldable trekking poles however the price ticket is a little bit on the excessive aspect in contrast with among the different poles on this assessment.

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But to be Reviewed

• Leki Khumbu Lite – The Leki Khumbu Lite is a just lately launched possibility from Leki that has but to be reviewed. They are going to be added very quickly.
• Leki Ultratrail FX – The Leki Ultratrail FX is a just lately launched possibility from Leki that has but to be reviewed. These are fixed-length trekking poles that can be added very quickly.

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Trekking Pole Comparability Desk

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Pole Varieties

There are a few totally different pole sorts: Telescoping, Folding, Fastened, and Shock absorbing.

Telescoping

Telescoping poles are the commonest of all varieties of poles. They permit the shaft of the pole to maneuver up and down inside itself. To make them regulate very excessive or very low they’re separated into 2 or 3 segments that use a locking mechanism to regulate the specified peak.

Folding Poles

Folding Trekking poles are the most effective for journey. The Z-style poles fold up into a really compact measurement for storage when not in use. When they’re paired with one section that has a telescoping adjustment they make for the most effective trekking pole.

Whereas I choose climbing poles with this design they’ve limitations in the case of adjustability. If you’re utilizing an ultralight tent that wants trekking poles then it’s possible you’ll not be capable to regulate the size to the proper peak of the folding poles. Make sure to double-check the minimal size and most size sizes of the poles to make sure they suit your tent.

Fastened

Fastened-length trekking poles are usually not suited to climbing and backpacking. However path runners who need ultralight poles which are of a hard and fast size for ultra-marathon working might take into account these to be a great possibility. The principle benefit they’ve is their ultralight weight, normally considerably lighter than another pole kind.

Shock Absorbing

Shock absorbing poles are the most recent innovation to poles for backpacking. They embrace some type of shock absorption that’s stated to cut back shock and vibration. They’re but to dwell as much as the promise of constructing trekking poles ship much less shock via the fingers. A great set of carbon trekking poles and cork handles will work suitably nicely at shock absorption when climbing.

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Shaft Materials

One issue to contemplate is what materials you need your trekking poles to be created from. The principle selections can be carbon and aluminum.

Carbon Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber shafts are light-weight and supreme for taking with you on hikes. These kind of trekking poles can be lighter than nearly all of aluminum poles. Nevertheless, they won’t be as sturdy as aluminum.

Carbon will are inclined to shatter and snap relatively than bend like aluminum poles. And I do know from expertise. I’ve damaged carbon fiber trekking poles on 3 separate events. Sure, not as soon as, not twice however 3 times! It’s an costly accident if you slip and fall onto a Carbon Fibre pole and it breaks.

One other factor about carbon fiber poles, they’ve an amazing skill to soak up the shock of fixed banging into the bottom. Making them extra snug than aluminum over time.

Aluminum

Aluminum poles are barely heavier than carbon fiber poles, nevertheless, they’re much extra sturdy.

They will take care of trickier terrains and help heavier weights. If you’re unlucky sufficient to take a fall and land on the poles, they are going to are inclined to bend. If you’re cautious, they are often bent again into form. Properly, more often than not anyway. And did I point out they’re cheaper than carbon!

Aluminum is a extra environmentally pleasant product that may be simply recycled when the trekking poles attain their finish of their life.

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Locking Mechanism

There are two widespread locking mechanisms utilized by trekking poles to permit the peak to be adjusted to go well with the person hiker. Twist Lock and Lever Lock.

Twist Lock

Not that way back it appeared that every one trekking poles used the Twist lock to permit the pole to telescopically regulate into itself to regulate the peak. In current occasions they’re primarily used on finances fashions. Whereas they work nice they don’t supply the identical sort of grip because the lever lock.

Lever Lock

Lever locks are used as the strategy of adjusting the peak on all the most effective climbing poles available on the market in 2025. They permit a extra strong and adjustable solution to lock the poles on the required peak.

On one aspect it the opening lever and on the opposite aspect is an adjustable screw mechanism. To regulate the peak you merely open the lever lock, slide the shaft to the required peak and shut the lever lock. Whether it is adjusted both too tight to shut simply or it’s too free inflicting the shaft to slip relatively than lock in place, tighten the screw. After utilizing them a few occasions it’s simple to work out the best way they work

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Adjustable Top

One other nice function to search for is adjustable peak. This can make the trekking poles simpler to make use of throughout totally different terrain, in addition to totally different elements of your hike. When strolling downhill, you will want to increase the trekking poles to provide the correct help it is advisable to forestall harm or pointless pressure in your joints.

Trekking poles with adjustable heights may also be extra versatile. You’ll be able to simply regulate them to fit your peak, so you will get the precise help if you want it most.

As a basic rule, the peak of the trekking poles must be set in order that the angle of the elbow is 90 levels when the fingers are positioned on the grip of the trekking pole. This isn’t a rule and a few folks benefit from the poles being adjusted a little bit larger or decrease.

You must also have a look at how you can regulate the peak of your trekking poles. Is that this simple to do when you’re out climbing? Does it function a twist lock design or a flip lock design?

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Handles

It is best to search for a set of trekking poles that include a cushty set of trekking pole grips. Most grip materials is both cork or EVA foam. Each have benefits and drawbacks.

Cork

Cork handles are arguably the most effective grip materials for handles on trekking poles. They’re good at absorbing sweat however the most effective function is their skill to soak up shock.

Cork handles have a few disadvantages that must be thought of. Firstly, cork as a cloth is getting used faster than it may be changed. Although it’s a renewable useful resource it’s being overused. And secondly, it’s dearer than EVA foam handles.

EVA Foam

EVA foam is the commonest materials on climbing pole handles. It’s snug, light-weight, and absorbs sweat. However it isn’t as sturdy and after being uncovered to warmth, sweat, and plenty of use it’s going to begin to crumble. Should you hike utilizing the identical poles for 3 or 4 thru-hikes you’ll know what I imply. Most individuals, won’t use them that a lot.

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Wrist Straps

Trekking poles that include a wrist strap can be a lot simpler to make use of. These work to offer you a greater grip in your trekking poles. It may be value on the lookout for straps which are capable of wick away moisture, as it will make them extra snug to make use of on lengthy hikes.

The higher straps must be simple to regulate alongside your wrist in order that they’re extra snug. Check out how simple the wrist straps are to regulate as a way to get the precise help.

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Weight

Typically talking the lighter the higher in the case of trekking poles. However there’s a restrict when the poles are too gentle and never strong sufficient to resist the pains of climbing and backpacking journeys. Carbon can be lighter than aluminum but additionally not as robust so if weight is your most necessary consideration then purpose for carbon.

It’s best to purpose for a weight of 17 ounces / 481 grams or much less for the pair of poles. Needless to say the ultralight trekking poles won’t be as sturdy and it’s possible you’ll cry if you break them!

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Packability: The Pack Measurement is Necessary

When not utilizing the climbing poles they are going to normally be both saved on the surface of the backpack or carried by hand with you. Aside from fixed-length poles, all will pack down sufficiently small to be hooked up to the aspect of your pack.

The last word in packability is the folding fashions. Whenever you carry safety for the pole ideas you may even retailer them inside your backpack if you would like. A set of rubber ideas work nicely for this objective although they have been designed for strolling on arduous surfaces comparable to paved paths. The telescopic fashions are usually not fairly as compact however their pack measurement remains to be adequate for most individuals.

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Sturdiness

Trekking poles are a compromise between weight, energy, and performance. Should you really feel you can be utilizing your poles in tough terrain then aluminum can be higher than carbon. Should you fall and bend the aluminum you may bend them again relatively than carbon which can shatter.

Essentially the most ultralight poles on this assessment won’t be as robust because the heavier fashions. Whenever you make your buy choice simply make sure to take this into consideration.

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Girls’s Trekking Poles

Girls’s trekking poles are made by some producers. It is very important notice that every one the poles within the assessment are unisex and can be utilized by each women and men. Girls’s climbing poles are normally shorter and with narrower hand grips than the unisex fashions. If you’re shorter or have smaller fingers, no matter your gender then take into account the Girls’s Trekking Poles as an excellent possibility.

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Trekking Pole Ideas

Pole Ideas are normally created from tremendous robust tungsten carbide. They’re extremely wear-resistant however will put on out over time and must be changed. All of the fashions within the assessment above can have the information changed once they put on out.

There Are Two Issues You Want To Be Conscious of. Firstly, watch out when packing poles in your automobile. Preserve the pole tip away from home windows as they are going to shatter glass with even minor contact. A set of rubber ideas can forestall this from taking place. Secondly, they won’t be allowed as in cabin baggage on a flight and have to be positioned in checked baggage.

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Trekking Baskets and Snow Baskets

Trekking Baskets connect to the information close to the very backside of the pole. They’re primarily utilized in sand, mud, and snow to help in stopping the trekking pole from sinking too far into the mushy terrain. Whereas trekking baskets are usually not vital, they’re worthwhile. More often than not I don’t use them and take them off.

When climbing on snow, you need to use snow baskets to cease them from sinking too deep.

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Worth

If you’re something like me the value and weight are the 2 most necessary issues. In some circumstances, the price of the poles doesn’t point out the standard. The most cost effective mannequin on this assessment would make a great worth trekking pole for newbies or for somebody eager to strive trekking poles.

My first-ever trekking poles have been a really low-cost mannequin. As soon as I noticed that they have been for me, I bought a greater pair of carbon trekking poles.

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Touring with Trekking Poles

As a rule, you will be unable to take any kind of trekking pole as carry-on baggage on a flight. They have to be positioned in your checked baggage.

I’ve traveled all all over the world with trekking poles and from my expertise, the Z-Type folding poles are considerably higher than the remainder for journey.

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Conclusion

The Greatest Light-weight and ultralight trekking poles for 2025 are:

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Steadily Requested Questions

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