If you’re are like me your knees can kinda hurt on the downhills. This list of the best budget trekking poles may help you tackle the downhills with more confidence.
I’ve provided a detailed review of the specs and pros and cons of each, and recommendations based on my 18 years of physical therapy practice and hiking addiction.
If you’re not sure about investing in expensive trekking poles, but want to ease the pressure on your knees — this best cheap trekking poles review is for you.
*Spoiler alert: it’s not just for old folks or hardcore mountaineers.
And don’t worry, you won’t look like a dork – trekking poles are the new cool kid on the hiking block.
What You Will Learn
- What Are the Best Trekking Poles of 2024
- Top Trekking Poles by Need
- ⭐️ ⭐️ Best Budget Hiking Pole Review ⭐️ ⭐️
- How to Use Trekking Poles – Tips From A Physical Therapist
- Buying Guide: What to Look for When Choosing Trekking Poles
- Final Verdict: Best Overall
- FAQ: Best Budget Trekking Poles
- Why Trust?
- More Hiking Resources
What Are the Best Trekking Poles of 2024
The aim of this article is to talk you through all the features and considerations that go into choosing the best budget trekking poles.
I’ve only included the products that I love and that have a proven reputation of being a sound investment for hiking.
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles Blue Cork
- Aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum,
- 10.6 -ounce trekking pole
- Quick Lock Mechanism
- Easily adjust your trekking poles from 44”- 54”
- Cork Grip with Extended EVA Down Grip
- Folding them down to 16.75"
Best for Knees : Black Diamond Women's Trail Pro
With hikes in the steep mountains, these are a lifesaver. It still hurts on steep declines, but far, far less.
- Shock absorption technology
- Author is probably biased - I LOVE these!!!
Absolute Cheapest : Trail Buddy Trekking Poles
Great starter trekking poles for people unsure if they want to utilize them on hikes.
- Super cheap trekking poles
- Comes with rubber tips and baskets.
- Come with padded straps, cork grip and external locks.
Best for All Season : BD Trail Back Trekking Poles
Perfect for those people that want to keep their outdoor adventures going into winter with snowshoeing, skitouring or even just safely walking to the mailbox on icy roads.
- The baskets can be changed out for snowbaskets.
Popular REI Trekking Poles : Mountainsmith Roamer
Super value trekking poles. They come with powder ski baskets and trekking baskets and rubber tips so you don't have to buy them separately.
- Has OLS - Outer lock system to make adjustments easy and quick.
- Shock absorption
Best Warranty : Komperdell Carbon
Best priced carbon fiber trekking poles and with a 3 year, no questions asked full repair service they are an excellent value for hikers going long distances.
- 3 year warranty no questions asked
- Built in Austria for serious hikers
- Most expensive
Best Budget Lekis : Trekking Poles Legacy Lite
Best for people that want a sturdy, yet lightweight trekking pole with an exceptionally comfortable grip.
- Cork grip and with ergonomically designed grip to alleviate wrist pain on prolonged hikes.
Best for Photographers : Camera Mount Hiker Power Lock
This is a hiking staff, so great for those that prefer to carry only one pole. The globe shaped top also allows more pressure to go through shaft.
- Great for people creating video content on their hikes
- Only one pole
Best Ultralight Trekking Poles : Alps Mountaineering Momentum
Perfect for people who want to go the distance as these are the lightest budget trekking poles on market.
- Comes with powder ski baskets and trekking baskets so you don't have to buy them separately.
But Are Trekking Poles Worth it?
Mostly. Exactly Who Are They Good For 👎🏻
I’ve included adjustable, inexpensive & lightweight trekking pole solutions that offer:
- ⏬ Reduced forces on lower body joints that cause pain on the downhills,
- 🥾⚖️ Improved balance and stability and security
- Increased stamina for long distance hikes, birdwatching, skitouring, snowshoeing, fishing or hunting,
- ⛰ More Freedom in the Outdoors, especially after a knee surgery.
This review is targeted at people that want to undertake longer hikes, multi-day treks or people with balance or mobility problems and want to reduce their risk for falls.
Top Trekking Poles by Need
| Click Below to Purchase | ❓EXACTLY who it’s good For |
|---|---|
| Black Diamond Trail Pro | Knee Issues |
| Leki Legacy Lite | Long Distance Hikes |
| Alps Mountaineering | Ultralight Treks |
My Pick for People with Bad Knees : Black Diamond Trekking Poles
These Black Diamond Women’s Trail Pro Trekking Poles are my top choice of all the trekking poles I’ve reviewed below for those with knee problems! They have great potential to protect your knees on hiking trails and backpacking adventures with it’s innovative shock absorption technology.
Knees are my problem and these really help on the downhills.
I much prefer multi-functional devices that are of HIGH QUALITY. These can also be used for skiing with different baskets attached to the bottom.
The handgrips don’t make my hands sweaty and have a very nice groove so you never feel like you have to have the “death grip.”
I took them up the Olpererhutte Zillertal Alps bridge on a flying dress photography trip and they stayed attached to my wrists easily even when handling my camera.
According to research, they can reduce the stress on your knees and joints, improve your balance, and even help you maintain a faster pace.
💃🏻 What is a “women’s trekking pole”?
The same thing as a unisex pole but meant for people (any gender) with smaller hands and less than 6 feet tall.
ANOTHER THING: If you plan to walk or hike over hard surfaces like asphalt, you’ll do yourself a favor by buying rubber tips for your poles as the metal tip makes annoying noises and provides less traction. Or if you want to use your trekking poles for hunting, I’d recommend the quieter tips.
⭐️ ⭐️ Best Budget Hiking Pole Review ⭐️ ⭐️
Choosing the best budget trekking poles can feel a bit overwhelming. Read these detailed hiking pole reviews to help you find the best way to walk comfortably, even downhill for your next trip outside.
1. Top Pick: Best Budget Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Women’s Trail Pro Trekking Poles
What do hikers think?
I picked up these poles after my husky crashed into my left knee resulting in a full thickness cartilage tear on the backside of my kneecap. With hikes in the steep Alps, they are a lifesaver. It still hurts on steep declines, but far, far less.
Type: Telescoping with twist lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Eva foam grip
✅ Pros: Flicklock Pro adjustability to change length on the fly, 4 way shock control technology to dampen forces and make downhills much more comfortable, very lightweight, fits in carryon baggage
▶️ Size: 23 inches collapsed, Useable length 37-49 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 2.8oz
🛑 Cons: More expensive, but ideal for people who only want to buy once
2. Best Trekking Poles for 4 Season Use
Black Diamond Trail Back Poles
What do hikers think?
These are the best budget trekking poles for people that want to keep their outdoor adventures going into winter with snowshoeing, skitouring or even just safely walking to the mailbox on icy roads. The baskets can be changed out for snowbaskets.
Type: Telescoping with twist lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Eva foam grip
✅ Pros: Flicklock Pro adjustability, 4 season flex carbide tips, baskets can be interchanged (*not included)
▶️ Size: 24 inches collapsed, Useable length 39-55 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 1oz
🛑 Cons: Can create small vibrations with heavy use, no shock absorption
3. Best Budget Leki Trekking Poles – Cork Grip
Leki Legacy Lite Trekking Poles
What do hikers think?
Ahhh, Leki. The porsche of trekking poles and most of them are definitely not budget but these come in under $100.
Some hikers absolutely love a cork grip and these are ergonomically designed to alleviate wrist pain on prolonged hikes.
A cheap trekking pole best for people that want a sturdy, yet lightweight trekking pole with an exceptionally comfortable grip.
Type: Telescoping with external lever lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Cork and Rubber grip
✅ Pros: Ultralight poles, Ergonomic handle, cork handle, carbide flex tips, sturdy even for heavier hikers
▶️ Size: 26 inches collapsed, Useable length 39-53 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 2oz
🛑 Cons: Difficult to fit in carryon luggage
4. Popular REI Trekking Poles
Mountainsmith Roamer Trekking Poles
Best Budget Trekking Poles from REI
Best affordable trekking pole with powder ski baskets, trekking baskets and rubber tips so you don’t have to buy them separately.
Has OLS – Outer lock system to make adjustments easy and quick.
Type: Telescoping with lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Plastic grip
✅ Pros: Great value for the cost, unisex sizing
▶️ Size: 26 inches collapsed, Useable length 26-53 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 4oz
🛑 Cons: No markings on bottom to visually see your height adjustment level, poles can collapse on themselves with heavy useage
5. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles– Cost Effective Trekking Poles
Best budget trekking poles on amazon.
Best entry level carbon fiber trekking poles. Has all the features of poles 3 times the price like tungsten carbide tips and adjustable straps. Includes snow baskets, sand/ mud baskets, rubber boot tips, rubber tips, trekking pole clip and a carry bag.
Great value trekking poles for most day hikers and long distance thru hikers that don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Type: Telescoping with external lock, carbon shaft
Grip: Cork grip
✅ Pros: Price, Ultralight, Moisture wicking handles
▶️ Size: 26 inches collapsed, Useable length 26-54 inches. Weight per Pair: 15.6 oz
🛑 Cons: bulky levers to change the height
Protip: How to fit trekking poles : Measure the height of your trekking pole by placing the tip 4 inches away from your pinkie toe. The height of the handle should be at your wrist with a 90 degree bend in your elbow.
6. Best Ultralight Trekking Poles
Alps Mountaineering Momentum Trekking Poles – Pair
Best inexpensive trekking polesmade of carbon fiber.
Perfect for people who want to go the distance as these are the lightest budget trekking poles on market. Not so perfect for taller and heavier users who might need stronger poles.
They come with powder ski baskets and trekking baskets so you don’t have to buy them separately.
Has ELL – External lever lock to make adjustments easy and quick. Tungsten carbide tips help provide excellent traction.
Type: Telescoping with lock, Carbon Fiber shaft
Grip: EVA Foam grip
✅ Pros: Ultralight weight, unisex sizing
▶️ Size: 24.5 inches collapsed, Useable length 24.5-53 inches. Weight per Pair: 14.5 oz
🛑 Cons: Reports of poles snapping with heavier users, consider REI return policy
7. Trailbuddy Trekking Poles : Best Low Budget
Best Budget Trekking Poles with Accessories
Great starter trekking poles for people undertaking their first long distance hike or just want a really great price.
Super cheap trekking poles that come with rubber tips and baskets. They come with padded straps, cork grip and external locks.
Low-cost trekking poles perfect for people who prefer longer walks and don’t need ultralight or maximum strength poles.
Type: Telescoping with external lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Cork grip
✅ Pros: Cost, tips and baskets included
▶️ Size: 24.5 inches collapsed, Useable length 24.5-54 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 4oz
🛑 Cons: quality and customer service, weight, handles tend to break off and baskets get lost
8. Best Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles + Free Repairs (Sustainable Choice)
Komperdell Summit Carbon Compact Trekking Poles
Best Budget Trekking Poles Warranty
Reasonably priced trekking poles made of carbon fiber trekking poles and with a 3 year, no questions asked full repair service they are an excellent value for hikers going long distances. Made in Austria for serious hikers.
Type: Telescoping with powerlock, Carbon fiber shaft
Grip: Plastic grip
✅ Pros: 3 year repair service free of charge, ultralight, padded wrist straps
▶️ Size: 22.44 inches collapsed, Useable length 35.43-47.24 inches. Weight per Pair: 1lb 0.6oz
🛑 Cons: price
9. Camera Mount + Best Hiking Poles
Hiker Power Lock Staff – Single Monopod
What do hikers think?
This is a hiking staff, so great for those that prefer to carry only one pole.
The globe shaped top also allows more pressure to go through shaft like a trekking poole tripod.
Great for people creating video content on their hikes as the handle comes off to
Type: Telescoping with external lock, Aluminum shaft
Grip: Eva foam grip
✅ Pros: Camera mount inside handle
▶️ Size: 26 inches collapsed, Useable length 26-55 inches. Weight per one: 10.2 oz
🛑 Cons: Single staff
How to Use Trekking Poles – Tips From A Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, I teach people all of the time how to use crutches at work so I put together an article on How to Use Trekking Poles Correctly if you need a quick lesson.
Buying Guide: What to Look for When Choosing Trekking Poles
I’ve included a comparison chart of all the best budget trekking poles, as well as in depth reviews of each product that make finding the best budget trekking pole, much easier.
Only high-quality, adjustable length poles are included in this review. I bought a $30 pair of Viking cheap hiking sticks that broke within 2 hours of use on a 5 day backpacking trip in the Dolomites. So not only did they not provide me any support, I still had to carry them out! Cheap trekking poles shouldn’t break after 1 use.
Protip: If you’re wondering if you can take hiking poles on a plane, ensure they are checked and not in carryon luggage.
The purpose of these lightweight and collapsible trekking poles is not only safety, but to reduce the strain on your lower body joints and muscles, especially if you’re wearing a backpack.
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Buy a watch HEREHow to Choose the Best Hiking Poles
The best value trekking pole shouldn’t be hard to find. But first of all, you’ve got to decide which kind of hiking you’re going to do and if you will be challenged in stamina, balance, traction or incline.
Maybe you want a camera mount? Trekking poles will have different benefits but the one you choose should be based on what you need.
- Steep Inclines and Declines
- Uneven Terrain
- Icy Paths
- Long distance hikes
What Are Features of Good Trekking Poles?
Trekking Poles Review : Collapsible Trekking Poles
What are the features of the best value trekking poles? Every size does not fit all. One has to keep various factors in mind including durability, weather conditions, weight etc. etc.
- Collapsible vs non collapsible – if it’s not collapsible then a stick may work better
- Material– Usually the hiking poles are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Both are good but each offers different benefits. Aluminum poles are cheaper, while carbon fiber poles are typically lighter. Other names for carbon shaft material: carbon fiber poles, foxelli carbon fiber, alpine carbon cork, trail ergo cork
- Pultruded vs rolled shaft carbon fiber processing
- Hand grips– Usually made of cork, rubber and foam. Cork is all weather, though rubber is good for winters as it insulates the hand whereas foam is excellent for summers as it absorbs sweat. Sometimes they will be called carbon cork, cork grips or ergo cork depending upon brand.
- Warranty length
- Packed Size : especially for travel in carryon bags
- Weight
- Locking Mechanism: Internal vs External: Twist lock mechanism vs External lock
Final Verdict: Best Overall
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Best entry level carbon fiber trekking poles. These trekking poles have all the features of poles 3 times the price like tungsten carbide tips and adjustable straps. While they don't have flicklock or shock absorption technology, these poles will certainly help you get into more serious hiking.
If you end up making use of trekking poles and want to upgrade, you'll have a very cheap tester to ensure that it's not a waste of money.
Many people think they "need" poles and only end up carrying them on their pack the whole hike. So be sure that you really need them with this starter set.
- Cheapest and most loaded options
- Great reviews
- Good value for the money
- Not for extremely serious hikers, but a great entry point
FAQ: Best Budget Trekking Poles
What is the best length for trekking poles?
The best cheap hiking poles must be flexible. Adjustable is the best so that you can adjust it to your limb and trunk height and whether you will be going uphill, down or flat.
Why do hikers use these poles?
People use the best budget trekking poles for increased balance, safety and speed.
Is hiking with poles a better workout?
Yes, you tend to move faster and have increased cardiovascular demand when you utilize the best budget trekking poles. Some studies indicate a 20% increased heart rate, but it will depend on the personal situation.
Do inexpensive poles break easily?
Yes. I bought a $30 pair of Viking poles and they broke within 1 hour of use by an 11 year old. You don’t need an ultra strong trekking pole, but the cheapest are more likely to fail. This experience is why i put together this review of the best budget trekking poles. I would love a $300 carbon fiber set, but it’s not realistic for most of us normal hikers.
Is it better to hike with one pole or two?
This is entirely personal preference. It’s an old hikers tale that speed hikers should use 2 and amblers only use one. Decide what feels best to you.
Why Trust?
At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.
I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.
My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.
I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.
More Hiking Resources
Here’s more awesome gear to empower your journey.
Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers
- 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
- 🌳Stay connected and hike with more confidence Best Two Way Radios for the Mountains
- ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
- ❄️ Go hiking in the winter or on icy surfaces safely: The Best Microspikes for Hiking
- 💰 Save money by making your SUV a hotel the night before a big hike: My Review of the BEST Air Mattress for Your SUV
I highly recommend using trekking poles for longer or more demanding hikes to reduce risk of falls and injury. The benefits of trekking poles often outweights the cons.
Collapsible is a must as you won’t always want to use them and you’ll want to attach them to your backpack. I hope this list of the best budget trekking poles has given you more confidence to explore the outdoors.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.