5 Best Hiking Poles for Longer Walks and Treks (2023 Australia Guide)

Last updated: April 6, 2023

Reviews of five of the best hiking poles available today, for extra stability, more balance, and improved endurance on longer walks and treks.

Using walking poles is certainly no luxury when going on longer and more challenging walks and treks. Hiking poles help prevent injuries, correct your posture and balance, and improve your overall fitness.

To help you find a suitable pair of hiking poles, we’ve reviewed and shortlisted five of the best sets of hiking poles in Australia, based on weight, materials, shock absorption, grip, price, and more.

Best Choice: Black Diamond Distance FLZ	Best Affordable: Trekology TREK-Z Cork
415-475 grams (per pair)	660 grams (per pair)
110-140 cm (adjustable)	130 cm (adjustable)
Aluminium	Aluminium
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Trekology TREK-Z Cork Folding Hiking Poles

• New Design! Increase Your Foot Print! Trek-Z Ergonomic...
• Engineered and Built To Last: Keeping your Adventurous...
• Compact Design that is Ready to Go When You Are: Trek-Z...

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Here are our five favourite sets of hiking poles, ranging in price from around 40 to 400 Australian dollars.

1. Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles

Black Diamond has been setting high standards in the market as an established manufacturer of premium equipment for climbing, skiing and mountain sports since 1957.

This set of Black Diamond trekking poles offers an efficient 3-section foldable design that allows for easy packing and fast deployment. The breathable, lightweight EVA foam grips easily absorb any excess moisture. The interchangeable, non-scarring rubber and carbide tech tips provide excellent traction on different terrains.

The poles have an aluminium shaft, weighing 415g per pair, which is reasonably lightweight, especially compared to the more affordable ones. The poles are also adjustable, and you can also choose from three different sizes. For example, the smallest version has an adjustable length from 95 to 110 cm, and the largest poles have an adjustable length from 120 to 140 cm.

You can’t really go wrong with a set of Black Diamond hiking poles, and the FLZ poles aren’t going to disappoint. They’re pretty much suitable for all types of hikes, and the ability to adjust the length can come in handy depending on the kind of hike you’re doing.

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2. Trekology TREK-Z Cork Folding Hiking Poles

The most affordable set on this list is this particular set of Trekology TREK-Z Cork folding hiking poles. They are made with aluminium materials, with a comfortable contoured cork handle and nylon strip.

The poles are adjustable, from 110 cm to a maximum length of 130 cm. The poles are also collapsible (tri-fold design) down to 38cm, making them very portable and easy to carry around with you.

With 660gr per pair, they are a bit heavier, which is not surprising at that affordable price point. Overall, this set of Trekology hiking poles is the perfect choice for those looking for extra support and balance during walks and hikes.

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3. Mountain Designs Tread Cork Trekking Poles

The Mountain Designs Tread Cork Trekking Poles are designed for maximum comfort and support while hiking. With the replaceable carbide tip, rubber foot, and basket, it’s easy to tackle any terrain.

A speed lock system and telescopic design allow for quick length adjustment, and the anti-shock shaft enhances stability as you trek. The handles are made with EVA foam and cork, which is absorbent and moulds to the shape of your grip.

This pair of trekking poles is surprisingly affordable and offers excellent value for money for hiking enthusiasts looking for extra comfort when out on the trail.

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4. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

With ergonomic cork grips, a durable aluminium frame, and an easy-to-use locking system, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are excellent value for money.

As the name suggests, the Trail Ergo Cork poles have cork grips that feel comfortable in the hand and don’t generate as much sweat. The aluminium makes these poles heavier but also sturdier.

The 3-section design allows for easy length adjustment, with a minimum length of 74 cm and a maximum length of 140 cm. Also take note of the 15-degree corrective angle of the grips creating that ergonomic position.

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5. Leki Eagle Walking Poles

Developed and designed in Germany, Leki hiking poles are synonymous with quality, durability and comfort.

The sturdy Leki Eagle hiking poles are made with lightweight and durable aluminium. The innovative adjustment system allows you to easily and quickly change the length of the poles, which comes in handy when going uphill and downhill during a longer trek.

The carbide tips provide maximum stability on harder surfaces, and with a maximum height of 145 cm, this pair of hiking poles is particularly suitable for the taller hiker.

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Good hiking poles come in different sizes and price categories, some more durable than others. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive pair of hiking poles to get the best value.

It all depends on your personal needs, the type of hikes you’re going to do, and what kind of features you want your new trekking poles to have.

Here are just some basic things to consider when choosing that perfect pair of hiking poles:

1. Weight
2. Materials
3. Fixed vs adjustable
4. Grips
5. Shock absorption
6. Tips
7. Benefits

Further below, we’ll also discuss the benefits of using walking poles.

1. Weight

One of the first things to look at is the weight of your hiking poles. While some prefer a bit of weight in their hands for more grip, lighter poles are generally better, especially during longer treks.

Weight is typically determined by the materials and any accessories attached to the pole. Generally speaking, though, there aren’t any substantial weight variations between the different poles available.

2. Materials

Most hiking poles are made with either aluminium or carbon fibre. Aluminium is heavier but is typically a bit more robust. Carbon fibre ones are lighter but are more prone to dents.

3. Fixed vs adjustable

Adjustable poles are typically a bit more expensive but come in handy when hiking on different terrains. Going uphill, for example, requires shorter hiking poles.

The other advantage of adjustable poles is that they can also be used by others in your household.

4. Grips

The grips are essential and need to fit your hands. You want to make sure that the material used for the grips is something you find comfortable, as everyone is different.

Cork is getting increasingly popular as it can take the shape of your hands. Cork generally also feels a bit cooler.

Other common materials are foam and rubber. Foam is very light and can absorb water. Rubber is heavier but gives you a firmer grip.

5. Shock absorption

Some hiking poles have some sort of shock absorption system in place. This can come in handy when hiking on rough terrains or when going downhill. Some hikers actually prefer poles without shock absorption for even more traction.

If you have vulnerable knees, though, some level of shock absorption will certainly be beneficial.

6. Tips

Most trekking poles use steel or carbide tips to provide better traction. Some poles will come with plastic or rubber tip protectors that you can use on different surfaces. Rubber works really well on asphalt surfaces.

Tips are usually interchangeable, so you’re not bound to one material for all your hiking efforts.

Benefits of Using Trekking Poles

Using a pair of hiking poles is not just for professional or older hikers. Hiking poles can benefit anyone who regularly goes on adventurous bush walking tracks.

If you’ve ever done a challenging or really long walking trail, your knees, hips, and lower back likely must have hurt a bit. As healthy as hiking is, your body will have a lot to endure without the right equipment and proper training.

Here are just a few benefits of using a pair of hiking poles during longer treks.

1. Reduce Impact on Legs

Studies have shown that using quality hiking poles while doing longer, challenging hikes can reduce the impact on your legs, knees, ankles and feet by as much as 40%.

This should certainly not be underestimated, especially if you are a regular (long-distance) hiker.

2. Up Your Speed

Using hiking poles means you’re essentially using your arms to help move yourself forward. This is beneficial if you consider hiking a sport, as it will ultimately increase your average speed.

In addition, using trekking poles create a consistent walking rhythm which also benefits your speed.

3. Better Traction

Hiking poles can significantly improve traction, especially on slippery and rocky surfaces. In addition, you can use your hiking poles to negotiate obstacles and surfaces.

4. Improve Balance and Posture

Using a pair of hiking poles can greatly improve your balance, as you basically have two extra limbs that you can use to your advantage.

Your overall posture will also improve and therefore decrease the risk of back pain and other injuries.