The Best Walking Sticks for Hiking of 2026

The Cascade Mountain trekking poles are your classic aluminum poles, featuring cork or EVA foam grips, an adjustable height (up to 54 inches), a fast-locking system, and a generally lightweight design. They’re sturdy, easy to use, and come with a handy case to keep them together and clean.

These poles are very affordable, and reviewers definitely noticed the difference between these and higher-end poles. They’re meant for casual use, though they do come with a variety of tips including options for improved performance in snow, sand, mud, and on rocks.

For demanding hikers and distance runners where every ounce matters, these Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a real treat. The combined weight of this pair of poles is barely over a pound, they feature interchangeable tips (including compatibility with carbide tips), and reviewers loved how comfortable these trekking pole’s grips were.

The main drawback here is the price, though these are right in line with other high-end carbon fiber poles. They’re an investment, but if you want a lightweight pole that is extremely durable and adaptable, these are the best that we found.

If you really need the lightest poles possible, such as for a long-distance race or backpacking trip, these AceCamp Carbon Fiber poles shed every ounce possible. The pair will set you back at just under 8oz, well under even other high-end carbon fiber shaft material poles.

That lightweight does seem to come with some sacrifices, namely, they are a little trickier to assemble, the foam grips are minimal (we’re being charitable), and these aren’t quite as comfy as the other poles with full grips. If you just want to lose weight but keep a full-length pole, though, these are a great choice.

If you’re looking for basic trekking poles for casual use, these aluminum poles are a great pick. They’re super affordable, adjustable, come with your choice of rubber tips, carbide tips, and mud baskets for sand/mud/snow, and they’re still relatively lightweight.

These are not likely to be the poles you’ll want if you’re a hardcore hiker or distance runner, but if you just need a basic pole with some shock absorption, these are a great choice. They’re “heavy” for poles, but at less than one pound each, they shouldn’t weigh you down.

The Foxelli carbon fiber poles are among the most popular (and most affordable) carbon fiber poles out there. The pair weighs in at less than a pound, and the poles come with comfortable cork grips to prevent slipping when in use.

Line these up with other high-end carbon fiber poles and you’re unlikely to find much of a difference. Considering these cost less than half what some other carbon fiber poles cost, that’s a huge win.

Sure, carbon fiber poles are cool, but if you want a more natural walking stick, this hickory option is a great choice. It’s heavy, of course—it is made of wood after all—and it doesn’t adjust, but it’s a good choice for anyone that wants a stick for stability.

Obviously, the people buying a hickory walking stick are going to be a select group, but reviewers love this pole’s sturdy construction, shaved grip material, and overall quality. The main thing you may want to do is consider some kind of wrap for the grip, as your hands could blister up easily if you’re gripping a wood stick for an extended hike.