Trekking poles: choose the shaft, lock and length
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- Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles, Cork Grip. Best for: Hikers who lean hard on their poles. See options on Amazon
- Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles, Cork Grip. Best for: Lightest pair for long days. See options on Amazon
- Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles. Best for: A wider length range, including shorter users. See options on Amazon
Aluminum or carbon fiber
The shaft material is the main choice. Cascade Mountain Tech makes the same Quick Lock pole in both. Its aluminum pole uses 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs 10.4 oz per pole; its carbon fiber pole weighs 8.1 oz per pole without the rubber tips. Cascade says its aluminum poles are less likely to snap under lateral pressure than carbon fiber poles.
Foxelli makes its aluminum poles from 7075 aluminum at 9.4 oz each. For the lightest pair here, choose carbon. If you want the shaft Cascade calls less likely to snap under side pressure, choose aluminum.
Length range and packing size
Each pole should adjust to your height and to the slope. Cascade lists 26 to 54 inches for both of its Quick Lock poles. Foxelli lists 24 to 54 inches for its aluminum poles, and Foxelli says the length adjusts to fit adults or children.
For packing, Cascade says each pole comes apart into a 20.75 inch upper piece, a 20 inch middle and a 21.25 inch lower piece. Foxelli lists 21.3 inches when disassembled. Cascade includes a travel bag with its pairs, and lists a 29 x 5.25 inch carry case with the carbon set.
Locks, grips and straps
All three picks use quick-lock (lever) clamps rather than twist locks. Cascade calls its mechanism Quick Lock, and Foxelli describes heavy duty fast locks.
All three have cork grips with an extended EVA foam section below, and adjustable wrist straps. Foxelli lists padded straps. Cascade calls its cork moisture-wicking.
Tips and baskets for different ground
All three list tungsten carbide tips for traction. Cascade says the tips improve traction on muddy, slippery or snowy terrain and includes rubber baskets, boots and tips. With the carbon set, Cascade lists rubber boot tips, mud baskets, snow baskets and small rubber tips. Foxelli says its poles include accessories for all terrains and all four seasons.
Foxelli also sells asphalt tips, mud baskets and snow baskets as separate parts, and Cascade sells replacement upper, middle and lower sections if a pole bends or breaks.
What poles can and cannot do for your knees
Makers sell poles on comfort. Cascade says its poles are designed to reduce impact on your knees, back and hips and to improve balance, and Foxelli says its poles help maintain balance and minimize impact on legs, knees, ankles and feet. Treat these as maker claims, not treatment.
MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider if knee pain follows an accident or injury, and lists warning signs such as being unable to bear weight, severe pain, or a knee that buckles, clicks or locks. If you only need a single support for balance on flat walks, see our walking stick guide.
What to look for when you buy
Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles, Cork Grip
Best for: Hikers who lean hard on their poles
Cascade lists 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, 10.4 oz per pole, Quick Lock adjustment from 26 to 54 inches, cork grips with EVA extensions, adjustable wrist straps, tungsten carbide tips, rubber baskets, boots and tips, and a travel bag. Cascade says aluminum is less likely to snap under lateral pressure than carbon.
Watch out: Heaviest pick here. Several colors share this listing family; check the color and that Amazon is the seller.
See options on AmazonCascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles, Cork Grip
Best for: Lightest pair for long days
Cascade lists 100 percent carbon fiber shafts, 8.1 oz per pole without rubber tips, Quick Lock adjustment from 26 to 54 inches, cork grips, tungsten carbide tips, a 29 x 5.25 inch carry case, and rubber boot tips, mud baskets, snow baskets and small rubber tips. Cascade lists a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
Watch out: Cascade's own page says aluminum is less likely to snap under side pressure.
See options on AmazonFoxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles
Best for: A wider length range, including shorter users
Foxelli lists 7075 aluminum, 9.4 oz per pole, quick locks, adjustment from 24 to 54 inches, 21.3 inches disassembled, natural cork grips with EVA sleeves, padded adjustable wrist straps, tungsten carbide tips and accessories for all four seasons.
Watch out: Sold on Amazon by the Foxelli storefront; check the color variant.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are carbon fiber or aluminum trekking poles better?
- Carbon is lighter: Cascade lists 8.1 oz per carbon pole against 10.4 oz for aluminum. Cascade also says aluminum is less likely to snap under lateral pressure.
- How long should trekking poles be?
- Pick poles that adjust around your height and terrain. Cascade's poles adjust from 26 to 54 inches, and Foxelli's from 24 to 54 inches.
- Do trekking poles help your knees?
- Cascade and Foxelli say their poles reduce impact on the knees. MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider for knee pain after an injury or with warning signs like a knee that buckles or locks.
- What tips should trekking poles have?
- All three picks list tungsten carbide tips for traction, plus rubber tips and baskets for pavement, mud and snow.
Sources
- Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles (Cork Grip) (cascademountaintech.com), Cascade Mountain Tech
- Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles (Cork Grip) (cascademountaintech.com), Cascade Mountain Tech
- Aluminum Trekking Poles (foxelli.com), Foxelli
- Knee pain (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus