10 Best Trekking Poles UK 2024 | Leki, Black Diamond and More

Whether you're tackling treacherous trails or craggy cliffs, these classics from Black Diamond offer the perfect balance between weight, durability and ease of use. The adjustable height is straightforward and sturdy thanks to the flick locks, so you're not going to be fretting when you're clambering downhill. 

Furthermore, the ergonomic grips are a delight, consisting of not just cork but rubber too, giving you the best of both worlds. While they might be on the pricey side, if you're looking to pick up some trekking poles that are going to last both the literal and metaphorical distance, these will do you proud. 

The main highlight here is surely the fact that these babies fold up to a tiny 38 cm! This is astonishingly small, and perfect for anyone who likes to escape to foreign climates for a walking holiday – there's no doubt a pair of these will easily fit in your carry-on luggage. 

The sections that break apart are easily locked back together, even when you're wearing your biggest gloves, which is a relief in the winter months. Plus, the rubber grips will give your hands that extra touch of insulation during chillier adventures. 

It's fair to say that Trekrite isn't one of the big players when it comes to hiking accessories. However, what they may lack in status they surely make up for in ratings, because these hiking poles are killing it. They have over 1000 reviewers on Amazon and still maintain a very admirable 4.6 stars.

They're made of low-weight aluminium, they have a credible adjustable length, and they even include anti-shock technology which can be turned off (very handy when you're going uphill!). The materials might be a little on the weak side, so you might not want to put too much pressure on them, but for a first or a back-up set these are an affordable option. 

Perfect for long weekend expeditions or just a big day out, the Black Diamond Distance Z sticks come in under 200 g per pole, making them the lightest in our ranking. This is likely due to the fact they're fixed length, as doing away with the adjustable functions saves on weight. 

But the weight is not the only thing that makes them great for storing away, as they can fold down to a measly packable capacity, although that will vary depending on the size you buy. 

The only difference between these and 'men's' poles is that they accommodate those of slightly shorter heights, due to them being able to shrink down to a length of 90 cm. 

This pair uses lightweight-but-rugged aluminium for its shaft, and features stable locks which will stay thoroughly secure when in use. They also use cork as their grip material, which, as we know, is only going to become more comfortable over time.

Aluminium poles used to come in much weightier than their carbon counterparts, but what Leki has been doing with the material is a true testament to how far engineering has come. Believe it or not, these are lighter than some carbon trekking poles! 

In addition to being surprisingly light, these poles have reliable locks that are easy to use whilst wearing gloves and have an admirable 35 cm worth of leeway in their adjustability. Plus, the rubber handles make them a solid option on home soil. 

If you're a fan of mixing it up when it comes to the trails you walk, you may already know that finding for a set of poles which can do the lot can be difficult. However, Cascade has done a pretty good job here. These poles come with plenty of different accessories so that you can mix and match depending on the trail you're taking. 

The adjustable height ensures that not only are the sticks up to the job, but also that you'll be stable enough to tackle any ascent. It's worth mentioning that some users have found the screws to come loose when they're out, so it might be worth taking a little screwdriver with you in your pack. 

One feature we particularly love about these walking poles from Motem is their 'quick twist' locking system. This allows the poles to be quickly adjusted, but more crucially it means that they never collapse without the lock being turned. So there should be no unwanted surprises or falls!

Additionally, they fold up to one of the smallest pack lengths, perfect for storing away in small spaces. However, some users have found that the cable used on the inside wasn't the best quality, which could lead to the folding functionality quitting before you've put a considerable amount of ascents on them. 

If you're predominately looking for good value for money, then these Keswick T6's from Robens offer just that. They're not too basic either, adjusting between 66 and 135 cm using a screw mechanism and boasting a comfortable, ergonomically-designed EVA handle.

However, unfortunately trekking poles are one of those products where you tend to get what you pay for, so whilst they're good value for money, they may not last as long as some. One reviewer said theirs broke halfway up Ben Nevis, so you might want sturdier goods if you plan on tackling bigger mountains.