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Gear / Trekking poles

Best Trekking Poles for Long Descents

Trekking poles are the cheapest knee insurance you can buy. On a trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc you'll descend around 10,000 m, and poles spread some of that load to your arms. Adjustable poles are easiest for beginners; folding poles pack smaller for flights and huts.

Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures (per pair), checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

At a glance

ProductPrice (USD)WeightDesignBest for
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon CorkBarnaby's pick $230 499 g · 17.6 oz Carbon, adjustable All-round trekking
Leki Makalu LiteBest value $160 516 g · 18.2 oz Aluminium, adjustable Durability on a budget
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z $220 298 g · 10.5 oz Carbon, folding Ultralight and travel
Forclaz (Decathlon) MT100Best budget $40 400 g · 14.1 oz Aluminium, adjustable Try poles cheaply
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Black Diamond

Alpine Carbon Cork

Barnaby's pickPremium

Price
$230
Weight
499 g · 17.6 oz
Design
Carbon, adjustable

A long-time favourite: stiff carbon shafts, reliable FlickLock lever locks and comfortable cork grips that stay pleasant in sweaty hands.

Why hikers love it

  • Light yet stiff carbon shafts
  • Lever locks that are easy to adjust with gloves
  • Cork grips mould to your hands over time

Good to know

  • Carbon prefers careful handling between rocks
  • A premium price for a pole

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Leki

Makalu Lite

Best valueMid-range

Price
$160
Weight
516 g · 18.2 oz
Design
Aluminium, adjustable

A solid mid-range pole from Germany's best-known pole maker. The reinforced aluminium shaft and SpeedLock Plus locks are built for heavy packs and long descents.

Why hikers love it

  • Tough aluminium that bends rather than snaps
  • Strong locks rated for heavy loads
  • Great value from a specialist brand

Good to know

  • Slightly heavier than carbon poles
  • Packs longer than folding designs

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Premium

Price
$220
Weight
298 g · 10.5 oz
Design
Carbon, folding

Folds into three sections like a tent pole, so it fits inside a carry-on or pack. Among the lightest poles you can buy.

Why hikers love it

  • Remarkably light, around 300 g a pair
  • Folds small for flights and hut storage
  • Fast to deploy on the trail

Good to know

  • Fixed length, so choose your size carefully
  • Made for hiking rather than heavy loads

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

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4

Forclaz (Decathlon)

MT100

Best budgetBudget

Price
$40
Weight
400 g · 14.1 oz
Design
Aluminium, adjustable

A basic adjustable aluminium pole sold singly for about $20. A pair costs less than a single premium pole.

Why hikers love it

  • Costs about $40 a pair
  • Simple, adjustable and tough
  • Good way to find out if you like poles

Good to know

  • Push-pin adjustment works in fixed steps
  • Heavier than carbon poles

Check price at Decathlon

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