Backpacking is a demanding yet rewarding outdoor activity that requires the right gear to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Among the essential equipment for any serious backpacker are hiking poles. These tools provide stability on rough terrain, reduce strain on joints, and enhance overall hiking efficiency. With the myriad of options available on the market, choosing the best hiking poles can be daunting. This article aims to simplify your decision by highlighting the five best hiking poles for backpacking, considering factors such as material, adjustability, weight, comfort, and durability.
1. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
Why They Stand Out:
Black Diamond is a well-respected name in the outdoor gear industry, known for producing high-quality and reliable equipment. The Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are no exception. These poles are designed to offer superior comfort and performance, making them a favorite among backpackers.
Key Features:
- Material: Made from aluminum, these poles strike a balance between strength and weight. Aluminum poles are durable and can withstand the rigors of tough trails.
- Ergonomic Cork Grips: The cork grips are designed to conform to the shape of your hand, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Cork also helps to wick away moisture, keeping your hands dry during long hikes.
- FlickLock Adjustability: The FlickLock system allows for quick and easy adjustment of pole length, which is crucial for adapting to different terrains and hiking conditions.
- Weight: Weighing in at around 1.1 pounds per pair, these poles are lightweight enough for long-distance backpacking while still providing ample support.
Performance:
The ergonomic design of the cork grips makes a noticeable difference in comfort, especially on extended hikes. The FlickLock system is reliable and easy to use, allowing for seamless adjustments on the go. The aluminum construction ensures that these poles are robust enough to handle rough trails without being excessively heavy.
2. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles
Why They Stand Out:
Leki is another top brand in the world of trekking poles, known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials. The Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles are designed with the avid backpacker in mind, offering a combination of lightweight construction and durability.
Key Features:
- Material: These poles are made from carbon fiber, which is lighter than aluminum but equally strong. Carbon fiber also has the added benefit of reducing vibrations, providing a smoother hiking experience.
- AERGON Thermo Grips: The grips are ergonomically designed for comfort and made from a thermal material that remains comfortable to hold in varying temperatures.
- Speed Lock 2 Adjustment System: This system allows for quick and secure adjustments to pole length, ensuring adaptability on diverse terrains.
- Foldable Design: The foldable design of these poles makes them easy to pack and carry, an excellent feature for backpackers who need to save space and weight.
Performance:
The carbon fiber construction makes these poles incredibly light without sacrificing strength. The AERGON Thermo Grips are comfortable and provide a secure grip in all weather conditions. The Speed Lock 2 system is easy to operate, even with gloves on, and the foldable design is a significant advantage for those who need to pack efficiently.
3. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Why They Stand Out:
For backpackers on a budget, the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. These poles are perfect for those who want the benefits of carbon fiber at a more affordable price.
Key Features:
- Material: Constructed from 100% carbon fiber, these poles are both lightweight and durable, providing excellent support on the trail.
- Cork Grips: The natural cork grips are comfortable and help to wick away moisture, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions.
- Quick Lock System: The quick lock system allows for easy adjustment of pole length, catering to different terrains and hiking preferences.
- Weight: These poles are lightweight, weighing just 1.2 pounds per pair, making them ideal for long-distance backpacking.
Performance:
Despite their lower price point, these poles perform admirably on the trail. The carbon fiber construction reduces fatigue, and the cork grips provide excellent comfort and grip. The quick lock system is reliable, allowing for easy adjustments without slipping. Overall, these poles offer great performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
SEE ALSO: WHAT TO WEAR HIKING ON A HOT DAY
4. MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
Why They Stand Out:
MSR (Mountain Safety Research) is known for producing top-tier outdoor equipment, and the DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles are no exception. These poles are designed for serious backcountry adventurers who demand the best in performance and durability.
Key Features:
- Material: Made from high-strength carbon fiber, these poles are designed to withstand the toughest conditions while remaining lightweight.
- Dual-Density Grips: The grips are ergonomically designed for comfort and feature a dual-density material that provides a secure hold in all conditions.
- DynaLock Adjustment System: The DynaLock system offers rock-solid adjustments, ensuring that the poles stay at the desired length without slipping.
- Compact Design: The compact design of these poles makes them easy to carry and store, perfect for backpackers with limited space.
Performance:
The high-strength carbon fiber construction of these poles ensures that they are both lightweight and incredibly durable. The dual-density grips provide comfort and a secure hold, even in wet or cold conditions. The DynaLock adjustment system is one of the most reliable on the market, ensuring that the poles remain at the desired length without any slipping. These poles are perfect for serious backpackers who need gear that can handle the most challenging conditions.
5. Komperdell C3 Carbon Powerlock Trekking Poles
Why They Stand Out:
Komperdell is a brand known for its innovation and quality, and the C3 Carbon Powerlock Trekking Poles are a testament to this reputation. These poles offer a perfect blend of strength, weight, and adjustability, making them a great choice for backpackers.
Key Features:
- Material: These poles are constructed from carbon fiber, providing a lightweight yet strong option for backpacking.
- Foam Grips: The foam grips are comfortable and provide excellent insulation, keeping your hands warm in cold conditions.
- Powerlock 3.0 Adjustment System: This system allows for quick and secure adjustments, ensuring that the poles stay at the desired length.
- Weight: At just 1.1 pounds per pair, these poles are light enough for long hikes without compromising on durability.
Performance:
The carbon fiber construction of these poles ensures that they are both lightweight and strong. The foam grips provide excellent comfort and insulation, making them ideal for cold-weather backpacking. The Powerlock 3.0 adjustment system is reliable and easy to use, allowing for quick adjustments on the trail. These poles offer excellent performance for backpackers who need a durable and lightweight option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hiking poles is crucial for any backpacking adventure. The poles highlighted in this article offer a range of features to suit different needs and preferences, from the budget-friendly Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles to the high-performance MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles. Each of these poles has been selected based on their material, adjustability, weight, comfort, and durability, ensuring that you can find the perfect pair to enhance your backpacking experience.
When selecting hiking poles, consider the type of terrain you will be tackling, your personal comfort preferences, and your budget. Investing in a good pair of hiking poles can make a significant difference in your overall hiking experience, providing you with the stability and support needed to tackle challenging trails with confidence.
Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a novice just starting out, the right hiking poles can help you navigate the great outdoors with ease. Happy hiking!