Trekking poles are one of the most iconic pieces of hiking gear a backpacker can carry, and they’re also one of the most useful. The main reason trekking poles are so beneficial out on the trail is because of their ability to redistribute the weight of your backpack into your arms and alleviate leg, knee, and ankle strain while carrying a heavy load.
Trekking poles are often the most favorite piece of gear for thru-hikers because they can be used to set up a trekking pole tent, and help to provide a brace point for stability to navigate difficult terrain, but there’s also a myriad of other reasons to bring trekking poles out on the trail.
Crossing rivers, clearing spider webs, and checking bushes or rocks for venomous snakes, trekking poles have a talent for being useful in almost any situation, and they can even save your life or greatly reduce your chance of injury.
In addition, on rugged and rocky, muddy, or very difficult terrain, trekking poles give you the ability to catch yourself by leaning into the secured and stationary pole, instead of falling and facing a potentially life changing injury.
What are the Top 5 Best Budget Trekking Poles for Hiking and Backpacking?
Table of Contents
5. York Nordic Aluminum Trekking Poles With Digital Camera Mount
- Price: ~$49.99 USD
- Weight: ~8.6 ounces (~245 grams) per pole
- Length: 24 inches collapsed, 54 inches extended (~61 to 137 cm)
- Materials: High-Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (1) Black
- Grip Type: Black EVA Foam grips
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Camera Mount: Compatible With Go-Pro and Standard Digital Cameras! (Excellent Value!)
- Warranty: 5 Year Warranty (Best Warranty!)
- Summary: York Nordic trekking poles are crafted from high grade lightweight aluminum with a latching flip clip style locking mechanism. A great feature of these poles is their universal camera attachment port which allows for Go-Pro, or other digital cameras, to securely rest on top of the pole transforming the trekking pole into a stable camera mono-pod. The pole straps are also quite comfortable and the tips are durable, but you may still want to consider picking up an extra package of tips since any rubber tips will wear out from continuous use on the trail. If you’re looking for a high quality budget trekking pole with a camera mount this is one of the best options on the market.
4. Trail Buddy Aluminum Trekking Poles With Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$36.99 USD
- Weight: ~9.7 ounces (~275 grams) per pole
- Length: 21 inches disassembled, 24.5 inches collapsed, to 54 inches extended
- Materials: High Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (8) Aqua Sky, Beetle Red, Berry Pink, Bumblebee Yellow, Lake Blue, Purple Plum, Raven Black, Spring Green,
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics.
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Flip Click Locks
- Warranty: 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, and 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (Fantastic Warranty!)
- Summary: Trail Buddy trekking poles come in eight different colors and have a wide variety of tips including mud baskets, snow baskets, and plenty of extra rubber tips. The poles are made from high grade lightweight aluminum and have cork grips for maximum moisture wicking ability and hand comfort. The cost per value of these Trail Buddy trekking poles makes them the perfect starter kit to get out on the trail.
3. TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Aluminum Trekking Poles With Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$39.97 USD
- Weight: ~9.5 ounces (~270 grams) per pole
- Length: 15 inches (38 cm) fully collapsed
- 100 cm – 120 cm (Height: 5’8” / 172 cm or shorter)
- 115 cm – 135 cm (Height: 5’9” / 175 cm or taller)
- Materials: High Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (2) Black, Blue
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics.
- Locking Mechanism: Metal Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Summary: Trekology’s Trek-Z aluminum trekking poles are a fantastic starter kit for hiking and collapse down to just 15 inches (38 cm) making them simple for pack storage and transportation. They also come with comfortable cork handles for maximum moisture wicking, and have a wide variety of rubber tips including: mud and snow baskets, and other standard rubber tips with backup replacement. In terms of cost per value these are among the very best budget trekking poles available on the market today for hiking and backpacking.
2. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles With Natural Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$59.97 USD
- Weight: ~7.6 ounces (~215 grams) per pole (Very Lightweight!)
- Length: ~24 to 55 inches (~61 – 140 cm)
- Materials: Carbon Fiber (Very Lightweight!)
- Color Options: (1) Black
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics, plus an EVA foam sleeve just below for switchbacks, steep inclines, and more difficult terrain.
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Warranty: 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, and 3 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (Excellent Warranty!)
- Summary: Foxelli trekking poles are made of carbon fiber at a great price which makes these trekking poles among the highest cost per value carbon fiber poles on the market today. The come with a wide variety of attachment tips including mud and snow baskets and plenty of rubber tips with backup replacements. Foxelli poles are very lightweight and offer comfortable cork grips, and an EVA foam sleeve for a wide variety of ultralight hiking adventures on difficult terrain. These carbon fiber trekking poles are among the best budget trekking poles on the market today.
1. Paria Outdoor Products Carbon Fiber Tri-Fold Collapsible Trekking Pole and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$59.99 USD
- Weight: ~9.0 ounces (~255 grams) per pole
- Length: 15 inches fully collapsed (38cm), and 47 to 53 inches fully extended (120 to 135cm) depending on pole length purchased.
- Materials: Carbon Fiber
- Color Options: (2) Black, Red
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics, plus an EVA foam sleeve just below for switchbacks, steep inclines, and more difficult terrain.
- Locking Mechanism: Single flick lock
- Warranty: Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty! (Astounding Warranty!)
- Summary: Among the best budget carbon fiber trekking poles available on the market today with an unbeatable warranty. Paria Outdoor Products produces some of the best budget hiking gear and their tri-fold trekking poles are no exception. If you’re looking for a highly collapsible, yet strong and durable pair of trekking poles, then pick up a pair of these, and if you have any issues do not hesitate to reach out Paria Outdoor Products because they’ll help you out.
Introduction: How to Use and Choose the Best Trekking Poles
For most people, the best trekking poles are adjustable variety with either latch and slide systems, or ball and notch (push button) systems of locking mechanisms.
Fixed length, or non-adjustable trekking poles, are great if the poles are matched properly to your height, but otherwise adjustable poles are best since they’re more useful on a wider variety of terrain, and they’re more versatile for everyone to use regardless of height.
The primary reason that adjustable trekking poles are better for most people is because to properly use a trekking pole you must ensure that when you’re holding the two poles out in front of you, and they’re planted in the ground, that your forearm and upper arm form a 90 degree (L shaped) angle.
This angle will give you the best weight distribution and allow you to reduce the load on your legs in the most efficient manner. In addition, the ability to adjust the pole’s length allows you to maintain the proper arm angle by simply lengthening the poles when you’re descending down a hill, and shortening them while ascending. If you can get into the habit of doing that, your knees and lower back will thank you graciously.
5. York Nordic Aluminum Trekking Poles With Digital Camera Mount
- Price: ~$49.99 USD
- Weight: ~8.6 ounces (~245 grams) per pole
- Length: 24 inches collapsed, 54 inches extended (~61 to 137 cm)
- Materials: High-Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (1) Black
- Grip Type: Black EVA Foam grips
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Camera Mount: Compatible With Go-Pro and Standard Digital Cameras! (Excellent Value!)
- Warranty: 5 Year Warranty (Best Warranty!)
If you’re looking for a fantastic pair of high quality budget trekking poles, with a camera mount, then York Nordic trekking poles are a great and inexpensive choice.
York Nordic Pro Series trekking poles are compatible with Go-Pro cameras and most other standard digital cameras with a bottom screw mount, which turns the trekking pole into a monopod for stable photography while out on the trail.
Each pole is approximately 24 inches when it’s collapsed, or 54 inches fully extended (~61 to 137 cm), and the poles are made of high-grade lightweight 7075 aluminum which gives the poles more strength than carbon fiber poles, while only weighing in at around 8.6 ounces (~245 grams) per pole.
York Nordic Pro Series trekking poles have latching flip locks to secure the poles at any desired length, tungsten steel tips for great slicing power, and rubber tips to reduce their impact on the trail, and provide higher traction.
In addition to the rubber tip, York Nordic has provided two additional snow baskets for improved traction during winter hiking adventures, and a comfortable nylon carrying bag for easy transportation.
While the handle is made of foam and not constructed from cork, the foam is quite soft to the touch and the wrist straps provided great support and comfort when pushing through your stride.
The reason that the York Nordic trekking poles come in at number five on our list for the best budget trekking poles is because while they lack a lot of attachments, or bells and whistles that a lot of the other starter kits possess, the York Nordic Pro Series poles make up for it with the camera mount since similar poles are often double the price.
York Nordic’s poles are an all around great option if you plan to do any photography, and with a wide enough length range they’re comfortable for almost anyone to use due to their unique three section expandable design.
If you’re looking for a high quality aluminum trekking pole with a camera mount, soft foam handles, and comfortable wrist straps then the York Nordic Pro Series trekking poles won’t disappoint. They also come with a five year warranty which is the best in the industry!
4. TrailBuddy Aluminum Trekking Poles With Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$36.99 USD
- Weight: ~9.7 ounces (~275 grams) per pole
- Length: 21 inches disassembled, 24.5 inches collapsed, to 54 inches extended
- Materials: High Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (8) Aqua Sky, Beetle Red, Berry Pink, Bumblebee Yellow, Lake Blue, Purple Plum, Raven Black, Spring Green,
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics.
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Flip Locks
- Warranty: 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, and 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (Fantastic Warranty!)
The highly popular and best selling TrailBuddy poles are among the best budget trekking poles on the market. They come in eight colors and have a wide variety of tips including: snow and mud baskets, and plenty of other rubberized and replacement tips for maximum traction on a wide variety of terrain.
In terms of cost per value, there are very few trekking poles that can compare, and in a sense, TrailBuddy poles have become the gold standard for budget trekking poles. They also have one of the best warranties on the market with a three month money back guarantee and a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
TrailBuddy trekking poles break down to 21 inches disassembled, 24.5 inches collapsed, or 54 inches fully extended, and come with latching flip locks which make adjusting their length a lot more convenient than other styles of locking. They’re also made of high quality aircraft grade lightweight aluminum for increased durability.
The cork handles on TrailBuddy trekking poles are also very comfortable and wick away moisture in a way that only cork grips can. EVA foam tends to become a bit soggy or slippery over time, but cork grips are great at staying dry in even the most harsh conditions, plus they have a great ergonomic hand feel.
Unlike other trekking poles of a similar price, the TrailBuddy wrist straps are well-padded and provide a great deal of comfort and support as you place pressure on them and follow through with your stride.
Many other companies producing trekking poles tend to forget how important wrist straps are, and they focus on only the engineering of the pole itself, but TrailBuddy has spared no expense in this way because their wrist straps are well-padded and very comfortable.
There is one aspect of any cork gripped trekking pole that needs to be mentioned though and that is cork grips may sometimes become separated from trekking poles under a tight grip with high pressure.
It’s highly suggested that you try out any poles you purchase and give them a good workout within the first 90 days. Also, it should be mentioned that this simple manufacturer defect is uncommon in the products TrailBuddy produces and can easily be fixed at home with high quality glue.
If you run into any issues within the first three months don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer because they’re always willing to replace or repair any products they produce.
Regardless of that minor grip defect some customers have experienced, TrailBuddy trekking poles are among the best budget poles on the market and they come in so many different colors, with loads of different tip attachments, cork grips for great moisture wicking, and a lightweight and easily adjustable aluminum pole, these poles are very hard to compete with.
If you’re not in need of a camera mount and you want a pair of high quality trekking poles with cork grips and loads of different attachments, you’ll be hard pressed to find any other trekking poles that will provide this level of value. TrailBuddy has gone above and beyond with these budget trekking poles, and in fact they have a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon which is an outrageously high rating for such inexpensive trekking poles.
3. TREKOLOGY Trek-Z Aluminum Trekking Poles With Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$39.97 USD
- Weight: ~9.5 ounces (~270 grams) per pole
- Length: 15 inches (38 cm) fully collapsed
- 100 cm – 120 cm (Height: 5’8” / 172 cm or shorter)
- 115 cm – 135 cm (Height: 5’9” / 175 cm or taller)
- Materials: High Grade Lightweight 7075 Aluminum
- Color Options: (2) Black, Blue
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics.
- Locking Mechanism: Metal Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
If you’re in need of a pair of highly collapsible aluminum trekking poles for your hiking trip, then Trekology has made these wonderful Trek-Z poles to suit your needs with one of the most collapsible poles available on the market today.
Breaking down to around 15 inches when they’re fully deconstructed (38 cm), Trekology’s Trek-Z trekking poles are very easy to carry with any pack setup and they also come with a convenient carrying bag for easier storage.
Each pole only weighs around 9.5 ounces each (~270 grams), and their aluminum construction allows them to endure more harsh treatment than some of their carbon fiber counterparts.
Trek-Z poles can be extended to a max length of 47 to 53 inches (120 cm to 135 cm) depending on the pole length purchased as there are two variants of these trekking poles available based on height. They also use a latching quick flip lock to secure the pole to their desired length.
In addition to their length versatility, their cork grips are quite ergonomic and have a fantastic hand feel as well as a high level of moisture wicking ability for even the most extreme perspiration. If you think you’ll find yourself doing any switchbacks, each pole also has a highly durable EVA foam grip just below the cork grip for more extreme terrain.
The Trek-Z’s have a tungsten tip and four different rubberized attachments with back-up replacements for each. Trekology has included mud and snow baskets, as well as two different types of the standard rubberized tips which should last quite a while even with a great deal of use.
When it comes to high quality budget trekking poles that collapse down to such a low profile, there are very few poles available on the market that measure up to the quality crafted into Trekology’s Trek-Z trekking poles.
In addition, the company has a one year warranty, so if you have any issues with the poles at all don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer. They’re very friendly and always willing to help you out should any issues arise. With that being said, these are fantastic budget trekking poles backed by a great company, and you won’t be disappointed with their performance.
2. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles With Natural Cork Grips and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$59.97 USD
- Weight: ~7.6 ounces (~215 grams) per pole (Very Lightweight!)
- Length: ~24 to 55 inches (~61 – 140 cm)
- Materials: Carbon Fiber (Very Lightweight!)
- Color Options: (1) Black
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics, plus an EVA foam sleeve for switchbacks, steep inclines, and more difficult terrain.
- Locking Mechanism: Latching Quick Flip Locks
- Warranty: 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, and 3 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (Excellent Warranty!)
If you’re looking for a super lightweight trekking pole carbon fiber is the way to go, and Foxelli’s carbon fiber trekking poles are among the highest rated and best budget poles available on the market today, with a five star rating on Amazon.
It should be mentioned before we continue though that for some reason carbon fiber trekking poles are a controversial topic in the hiking community. This is due to the fact that people believe they’re weaker or easier to break than aluminum poles, and this is just simply not true.
The main reason for a trekking pole to break or bend, is improper usage. The most common example is when a hiker is ascending or descending a difficult section, and they continue to use their cork grips instead of swapping to the EVA foam grips. This places a lot of pressure on the pole, and as a result, over long periods of extended use, any pole that’s improperly used in such a way will begin to damage.
However, to dispel the myth of a weaker carbon fiber trekking pole, Foxelli has produced a fantastic carbon fiber trekking pole that can withstand even the most harsh treatment out on the trail, while being significantly more lightweight than any aluminum trekking pole.
If you are concerned about the poles breaking though, rest easy in knowing that Foxelli does offer a 90 day money back guarantee, and an almost unparalleled three year manufacturer’s warranty, so if you have any issues with the poles, Foxelli will take care of you.
Weighing in at just 7.6 ounces per pole (~215 grams), Foxelli’s carbon fiber trekking poles are a top of the line budget trekking pole designed for ultralight and lightweight hiking on rugged terrain.
The Foxelli carbon fiber trekking poles use a latching quick-lock system to secure the pole at any desired length, plus they come with a comfortable cork grip, and an EVA foam sleeve for switchbacks or other rugged terrain. Each pole collapses down to around 24 inches, and expands to 55 inches (~61cm – 140cm) which makes these poles great for people of any height.
The tips of these poles are made of tungsten carbide which makes them strong and durable on ice, gravel, or packed dirt, and Foxelli has included a variety of attachments for them including mud and snow baskets, as well as standard rubberized tips and asphalt tip attachments.
Overall, these trekking poles have a great cork grip with a nice hand feel, are made of strong materials, come with a variety of attachments, and they can hold up to any hiking adventure on any terrain. If you’re looking for a pair of budget high quality carbon fiber trekking poles backed by a great company these are a fantastic choice.
1. Paria Outdoor Carbon Fiber Tri-Fold Collapsible Trekking Pole and Four Season Tip Attachments
- Price: ~$59.99 USD
- Weight: ~9.0 ounces (~255 grams) per pole
- Length: 15 inches fully collapsed (38cm), and 47 to 53 inches fully extended (120 to 135cm) depending on pole length purchased.
- Materials: Carbon Fiber with Aluminum Attachment Joints
- Color Options: (2) Black, Red
- Grip Type: Cork grips; Great for moisture wicking and hand ergonomics, plus an EVA foam sleeve just below for switchbacks, steep inclines, and more difficult terrain.
- Locking Mechanism: Single flick lock
- Warranty: Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty! (Astounding Warranty!)
With a lifetime warranty and manufactured right here in the United States, Paria Outdoor Products is a company based in Colorado that produces high quality products with a lifetime warranty.
In fact, while these trekking poles are great, it’s their lifetime warranty and fantastic customer service that bring them to the top of this list. When it comes to high quality budget hiking products Paria Outdoor Products is one of the best.
Collapsing down to just 15 inches (38 cm) and expanding out to 47 to 53 inches (120 to 135 cm), the Paria Outdoor Products carbon fiber trekking poles are among the finest budget trekking poles available on the market today.
They also have a fantastic form fitting and ergonomic cork grip that wicks away moisture very well, and they have an additional EVA foam grip for more extreme terrain. Paria has also included rubberized tips including mud and snow baskets, and standard rubber tips as well as a carrying case for easier portability.
While each pole does weigh a bit more than some of the lightest carbon fiber trekking poles, like the Foxelli trekking pole previously mentioned on this list, the Paria poles are very well-crafted and their tri-fold design makes them a great carry, and worth the extra weight, since they can be stored away much more easily.
If you’re looking for a pair of high quality trekking poles that can fold down into a more compactible size, have a cork and EVA grip handle, and are able to withstand harsh treatment out on the trail, then these pair from Paria Outdoor Products are among the best budget trekking poles that you can find.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed our review on the best budget trekking poles for hiking and backpacking. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please leave a comment down below we would love to hear from you.
As always thank you so much for being here, we hope that you have a wonderful day, and Happy Trails!
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