8 best walking poles for all your adventures, no matter the terrain

These carbon classics from trekking specialists Black Diamond strike the balance between weight and durability. The flick locks are quick and easy to use, and the ergonomic grips are made from cork, but there’s also a rubberised extension below, for added grip on steep terrain, so, you get the best of both materials. The padded wrist strap feels secure, and the poles come with two basket sets, including one for deep snow, plus interchangeable carbide and rubber tips.

Walking poles needn’t cost you a packet. Vango has proven you can grab a great pair of poles for less than £50, with the brand’s simple camino pole, which is sold individually. Nice and light at 280g and folding down to a respectable 67cm for easy transport or for tying onto your backpack, this functional pole punches above its price point.

We reckon it’s a bit flimsy for tough treks, but for weekends on hiking trails or for packing for your first walking holiday, it’s a bargain.

Fancy buying your first walking poles but not sure where to start? This is a fuss-free, sturdy pair that will do you proud on its namesake country trails and hilly terrain. Comfortable rubber grips with a ribbed pattern are easy to grab, and feel good to hold on to all day. Meanwhile, well-made flick locks make it quick and easy to fold up the poles, and a decent weight at 305g per pole makes this pair a good choice for beginner hikers tackling their first mountain paths. 

These walking poles fold up to just 38cm, which is dinky enough to fit in a daypack or even a waist pouch. This makes them ideal for trail runners and travellers as well as for popping in your backpack for occasional use during hikes. The poles’ three break-apart sections lock together easily, even when you’re wearing giant gloves, and the top section has its own adjustment mechanism to help you find the perfect length. The foam grips are comfortable, but they can get a bit sweaty during long, warm treks, and they aren’t as durable as cork.

We’ve tested a few Robens walking pole offerings (all of which are named after beauty spots in the Lake District) and we reckon they all give great bang for your buck (or should that be pole for your pound?). The Coniston stood out on test, however – this lightweight aluminium pole folds down to a respectably small 37cm but is sturdy to walk with, easy to clip together and reliably tough, even with regular use. You won’t find a better pair of poles for around £50 – great if you’re big on adventure but small on budget.

Do women need to choose female-specific walking poles? In general, no – but shorter women may prefer a lightweight design tailored to their height, rather than a unisex model.

Leki’s Cressida trekking poles are fully adjustable, while the carbon shaft feels rugged and stable on all terrains, but without much added weight. Each pole is just 245g, so, this is a good choice for less-able hikers who don’t want to feel weighed down.

The clips are quick and easy to lock and unlock, enabling you to get the right length for you, while the breathable strap and comfortable cork grip (designed for smaller hands) keep palms cool even during hot weather.

Although these walking poles are currently out of stock, you can sign up to be notified when they’re available again, as they’re due to be restocked soon.

Les Batons d’Alain (French for ‘Alan’s poles’) are brightly-hued fixed hiking and skiing poles designed and made in the foothills of Mont Blanc by mountain guide Alain Desez. These poles have a sturdy aluminium main body and a long, padded foam grip that enables the hiker to hold the pole at different heights. Sounds like a simple idea but when you’re hiking on rocky, mountainous ground, Alain’s poles let you adjust your grip on the fly, which saves time, compared with fiddly adjustable walking poles. The downside is you can’t store them in a backpack.

“These poles are made for walking”, says Silva of its affordable aluminium offering, which we’d agree is a great all-rounder if you don’t want to splash cash on carbon.

A good choice for your first pair of trekking poles, these tick all the boxes at an affordable price point – they’re made from lightweight but sturdy aluminium, are adjustable with good flick locks and come with snow baskets for winter mountain conditions. The cork handles are breathable and comfy, and a generous 140cm of height will suit taller trekkers.