3 best folding hiking pole

Folding hiking poles, also commonly known as trekking poles or collapsible hiking poles, are an essential tool for many hikers, trekkers, and backpackers. Here's what you need to know:

Folding Hiking Pole

1. Purpose and Benefits:

Balance: They provide stability on uneven terrain, helping hikers maintain balance.
Joint Support: Trekking poles reduce the impact on joints, particularly when descending.
Efficiency: They allow the arms to share the workload, thus distributing the effort and potentially increasing hiking efficiency.

2.Design and Mechanism: Folding hiking poles typically have a series of shaft sections that fit together, allowing them to be quickly expanded and locked into place for use, or collapsed down for compact storage.

3. Materials:

Shaft: Often made of lightweight, durable materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber.
Grip: Can be made of foam, cork, or rubber. The choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. Cork handles, for example, are sweat-resistant and mold to the shape of your hand over time.

4. Features:

Adjustable Length: Many models allow users to adjust the pole's length, accommodating different heights and hiking terrains.
Shock Absorbers: Some poles come with a built-in shock-absorbing feature, which can reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
Wrist Straps: These provide additional security and reduce the chance of dropping the pole.
Interchangeable Tips: Many poles have carbide or steel tips for traction, but they also come with rubber covers or baskets for different terrains.

5. Weight and Portability: Folding hiking poles are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for backpackers or those with limited pack space. When folded, they can easily fit into or attach to most backpacks.

6. Durability: Though they are lightweight, quality folding hiking poles are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It's essential to choose poles based on the type of hiking you plan to do. For instance, more robust poles might be needed for challenging terrains or when carrying a heavy backpack.

7. Maintenance: After each hike, especially in muddy or wet conditions, it's a good practice to clean your poles and let them dry fully to prevent corrosion or wear. Periodically check the locking mechanisms to ensure they remain secure.

8. Brands and Price: There are numerous brands offering folding hiking poles, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium models. Prices can vary based on materials, design features, and brand reputation.

Conclusion: Folding hiking poles are a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, offering enhanced stability, support, and efficiency on the trail. Whether you're traversing challenging mountain terrains or going on a casual day hike, these poles can make your journey more comfortable and safe. When selecting poles, consider factors like material, weight, features, and adjustability to find the perfect fit for your hiking needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best folding hiking pole on the market

EarthTrekGear Folding Collapsible Travel Hiking Trekking Pole

EarthTrek Gear

Based on 418 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Folding Collapsible Trekking Hiking Pole. Compact. . . Collapsible . . . Easy to carry. Folds down to only 12".Adjustable height 49"-53", for tall stature users. Please measure for your height requirements before purchasing. EarthTrek Pole stashes easily in luggage, backpacks, for outdoor and travel. Includes many top benefits of standard hiking poles, including carbide steel tip with removable rubber hiking protector tip, comfort rubber handle with adjustable wrist strap. Has 5 one inch height adjustments Good for International travel as well. Double shock corded with smooth edges to reduce fraying. Made of lightweight aluminum alloy shaft. Quality grommet inserts in each section for additional strength. Water-resistant pvc storage bag included. Bonus snow/mud basket included. Complete folding collapsible hiking wading staff stick designed for travel by EarthTrek Gear. Standard straight removable rubber pole tip.Easy to pack with luggage or packs. Handsome, black color. Adjustable top section can be pushed down to reduce erected height to 49".

Compact, packable, folding, and easy to carry, adjustable
Makes fishing, wading, hiking and walking easy
Folds compactly to 12" (much like a super strong tent pole)
Adjustable from 49" to 53" in height
Color: Classic black, weight roughly 14oz

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this pole fold enough so that it will fit in a suitcase
Answer:	No storage on the seat
Question:	I am 5 ft. tall. Will this comfortably adjust to my height? One review said "no
Answer:	I would say no, based on the pictures I looked at for the sit-in kayak. I would continue looking for an alternative that would be made for a sit in kayak, not a sit on top kayak, there's a lot of difference.
Question:	Has anyone used this for wading (fly fishing)? If so, does it attach easily to a vest
Answer:	David, sorry for delay in responding. Here are approximate dimensions: Seat back at its widest point - 28.5 inches (at the top). Seat back at narrowest is 16 inches. Height of the seat back is 13 inches. Base of seat at its narrowest point (where it attaches to the seat back) is 14 inches wide, and at the widest is 16.5. The base length (part beneath your butt) is about 13.5 inches. Hope this makes sense, and all figures are approximate.
Question:	Had anyone packed this in their carry on and passed inspection by TSA
Answer:	They clip onto tour kayak eyelets. If you don't have existing eyelets on your kayak you'll need to buy and install them so that the seat is positioned correctly.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber Folding Walking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks (Set of 2)

Cascade Mountain Tech, LLC.

Based on 102 reviews Check latest price

Product description

CASCADE MOUNTAIN TECH 100% CARBON FIBER FOLDING TREKKING POLES provide stability and support for a great price. Weighing in at just 8. 47 ounces per pole and collapsing to only 16-3/4 inches, these poles are an unbeatable value for anyone from novice day-hikers to the most experienced thru-hikers. Comfortable Cork Grips and 5 inch EVA down grips with padded wrist strap cut down on vibrations while absorbing moisture so your hands stay dry all day long. Each pair comes equipped with tungsten carbide tips for ice, mud, sand and dirt, rubber caps for pavement and concrete, and specialized baskets for use in snow and mud. Research shows that using trekking poles can help to burn up to 45% more calories while reducing impact on your knees and back and enhancing upper-body toning and increasing balance. They'll improve your hiking endurance and allow you to reach new heights. See what kind of difference trekking poles can make; order yours today! .

From the Manufacturer

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a limited manufacturer’s warranty on all of our products for a minimum of one year from the date of purchase to the original retail buyer. As some of our products carry longer than a one year warranty, please check your individual product documentation for more information. Our limited manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for intended uses only. In the case of a defect, will be happy to send replacement parts or product to resolve the issue. We do not warranty for misuse or unintended purposes (such as using trekking poles for skiing, using trekking poles for tent poles, or bending the poles beyond normal tolerances). Lost parts of any Cascade Mountain Tech products are not covered under our limited manufacturer’s warranty, but we do offer replacement parts so that you can continue using and enjoying your product.

Durable 100% carbon fiber and tungsten carbide tips provide an ultralight, super-dependable trekking pole weighing in at just .52 lbs or 8.32 ounces per pole
Comfortable cork grip handle with padded wrist strap wicks away moisture and dampens vibrations for non-slip performance and all-day comfort.
Easy-to-use quick locks allow you to adjust the pole from approx. 44 inches to 54 inches. A 5 inch EVA down grip allows for quick adjustments
Compact folding mechanism lets you fit this pole in your backpack and carry-on or strapped to your bike. Just 16-3/4 inches when collapsed and with a convenient carry case included
All accessories included! in addition to a great, compact trekking pole, we included 4 tips & baskets - rubber tips, boot tips, snow baskets & mud baskets to help you tackle any terrain

User questions & answers

Question:	Hi, are you able to adjust the height on these poles
Answer:	The metal handle is held onto the pot with two large rivets, so that is a really solid connection. From there the handle is sheathed in plastic/silicone, so I cannot tell if it extends the entire length of the handle until the hanger hole. I will say that the handle feels very durable, comfortable in hand, and unlikely to break.
Question:	to lock the pole segments together, how many times do you need to twist the middle section toward the lock symbol? Mine never seem to lock
Answer:	Yes, it is toxin free. It's made of an alloy so it does shed the non stick polish .
Question:	Multiple reviewers have posted about pole sections failing to twist-lock together and coming apart - is this still a problem or is it user-error
Answer:	I took a measuring cup that was liquid measurement (16 oz =1 pint) and 7 pints fit into the pan with a little room left over.
Question:	is it easy to broke
Answer:	I believe hollow in middle. All riveted so hard to tell., love love love trimontina. Pots themselves are all one piece. Some pots have a ridge at bottom.

Product features

From the Trail to the Road, we've got you covered

Perfect travel companion! This set of poles folds down to 16.75" long, perfect for a carry on suitcase

Tungsten Carbide tips and four additional tip accessories for hard and

soft surfaces.

Comfortable cork grip with extra 5 inch down grips.

Quick Lock mechanism for easy and dependable height adjustment.

Made of Carbon fiber.

Cork or EVA Grip

Whether walking or hiking, your hands need to be comfortable for each trek.

Cork grips provide exceptional comfort by easily conforming to your hands shape. Cork helps to lower the vibration with each step and is great for wicking away sweat.

Our EVA grips have an incredible 5 inch down grips for maximum versatility on the trail or road.

Quick Lock for Quick Adjustability

Fully adjustable height allows you to tailor our aluminum folding pole to your preference while providing sturdy support during hikes and walks.

With the Quick Lock mechanism, adjust the height of your pole from 44 in. (112 cm) to 54 in. (137 cm) with the simple flip of a Quick Lock tab.

How will you use them?

Trekking poles provide a lot of support. Using poles can help to burn up to 45% more calories than without them. They reduce the impacts on your knees and back, enhance upper-body toning and increase balance.

Because of all these great benefits people are using poles for a wide variety of reasons. Some are using them as walking sticks in their everyday stroll around the neighborhood. Some are giving them to their kids to take them on their first quick hike in the hills. The experienced outdoor adventurer uses them while hiking, camping and in the snow.

Whatever your use, at Cascade Mountain Tech we want our poles to support you every step of the way.

Let's Go!

Avid walkers,hikers and snowshoers understand the importance of quality trekking poles. They improve your stability out on the trail and help transfer energy throughout your whole body. In the end,lightweight trekking poles will enhance your hiking endurance and make your trek more enjoyable.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of poles or are just picking up a new hobby, you’ve come to the right place. Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles are known for their superior quality and performance.

Mistone Short Hiking Poles (Person’s 4’4” to 5’6”) Folds to 14” Walking Poles/Ultra Strong Aluminum 7075-T6 Alloy/Adjustable Height/Belt Mounted Holster/Buy 1 pole or 2 poles

Sterling Specialties LLC

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mistone is veteran owned. We donate 2% of sales revenue to charities that fight animal cruelty and care for abused animals. We are a small company run by a lifelong hiking enthusiast. Our goal is to provide the best products at the lowest possible cost. Mistone Foldable Hiking/Walking Poles: FOLD TO 14" FOR CONVENIENT TRAVEL and take just seconds to assemble and disassemble., - BELT MOUNTED CARRIER is included so that you can carry the poles on your belt or in your backpack. Are SOLD AS SINGLE POLES OR IN PAIRS. ACCESSORIES include a tungsten carbide tip, rubber tip cover, rubber boot tip cover, mud basket and snow . PROTECTIVE SURFACE - The pole surface is created through an advanced oxidation process that protects the metal from weathering and corrosion. ONE YEAR WARRANTY - The poles can be returned for a replacement or a refund, no questions asked. Your satisfaction is our goal.

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT – 2 Versions - Regular and Short – Regular poles fit people 5’ 7’ to 6’ 8” tall. Short poles fit people from 4' 4" up to 5' 6" tall. Quick flip lock makes adjusting pole height a breeze even when you're wearing gloves.
FOLDS TO 14” for convenient travel. Each pole comes with a BELT-MOUNTED CARRIER (see photo on left) allowing you to carry poles either attached to your belt or in your backpack. Also included are a rubber tip, a rubber boot, mud baskets, and snow baskets (snow baskets for light snowshoeing only).
BUILT TO LAST - Made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Not all 7075 alloys are equal. Our T6 alloy combines a number of metals including zinc and magnesium that give it lightweight, extreme durability and strength comparable to some steels.
BUILT FOR COMFORT – Lightweight – Regular poles weigh only 9.5 oz and Short poles weigh only 9.2 oz for less fatigue and greater endurance. Extended EVA handles are comfortable in both hot and cold temperatures and mold to the shape of your hand. Padded strap for hand comfort.
WARRANTY - Don't just take our word that these will be the only poles you'll ever need. They come with a 1-year warranty! You can return the poles no questions asked

User questions & answers

Question:	Cannot find any option to order a single pole & the photo shows 2 poles. The Price is 37.95 & does not specify whether it is for a single pole or pair
Answer:	nope
Question:	For the short size what is the shortest length it goes? My mom is 4’9 and it is still long for her
Answer:	The backlit light is a color gradient that goes from blue,purple,pink,red,orange,yellow and green (left to right). Sadly it doesn't have RGB customization but the overall quality of the keyboard makes up for it. :)
Question:	I see you have the regular length poles. When will the short poles be available
Answer:	Mine has Kailih switches.
Question:	How to lock
Answer:	There is a warranty form of some kind but the entire form and the manual is in simplied Chinese. I wouldn't get my hopes up.