Trekking poles tested around the world

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Sarah is a writer and radio journalist who travels the globe for assignments. She previously worked as a reporter and producer in Minnesota and was a clinical researcher in Philadelphia and Atlanta. Cerebral palsy impacts her mobility, making practical solutions like trekking poles essential for navigating everything from crowded airports to icy sidewalks or sandy trails.

*As always, Day Undefined encourages you to explore and find the products and mobility tools that best suit your needs. We share personal experiences, not medical advice!*

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I first started using trekking poles as a mobility aid during my first Minnesota winter. After years without regular physical therapy, I found myself struggling to stay upright even on short trips. Winter made things worse—every patch of ice seemed like a trap waiting to catch me off guard. One day, a friend recommended trying trekking poles.

Initially, I went for the Ultra Z Folding Trekking Poles, which I absolutely loved at first. They helped me walk faster and fall less. I could even traverse icy lakes or climb hills safely. The ability to adjust their height, change the tips, and fold them for travel was fantastic. But after about a year, these poles began to wear out quickly. Two out of four poles broke, leaving only one behind. Still, they were a great introduction to how trekking poles could help.

Next, I borrowed a nearly-new pair of Trail Trekking Poles. These felt incredibly sturdy and reliable, especially when I stood in water or walked through sandy areas. However, they weren’t foldable, and their rubber tips sometimes made surfaces slick. Despite their durability, I only used them for four months before deciding to upgrade again.

Currently, my go-to poles are the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles. I’ve been using them for eight months now, traveling across the U.S., Europe, and Africa. I own three poles: a matched pair of Distance Z Trekking Poles and an extra one—a slightly modified version called the Black Diamond Distance Women’s Carbon Z Foldable Poles.

Sarah, a white woman with brown hair wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt and jeans, is using her trekking poles on a hike through trees in Spain.
Image: Sarah hiking in Spain with her trekking poles.

 

For casual walks through Ouakam’s sandy paths in Senegal or quick trips to the market for mangoes, I often rely on my single Distance Women’s Carbon Z Foldable Pole. It’s lightweight, weighing only 240 grams, making it easy to fold and travel with.

When I’m fatigued, at the airport with heavy luggage, or heading out for a hike or a day at the beach, I bring my two Distance Z Folding Trekking Poles. These weigh 330 grams each, with thicker grips that provide better support. They’re my favorite because they feel incredibly solid and secure in my hands. The thicker grips are particularly comforting when I need extra stability.

[Watch: Sarah demonstrating her trekking poles on a walk in Senegal]

Both types of poles are fantastic. I haven’t needed to adjust the tips myself—they were installed at REI and have stayed intact. Collapsing them is equally straightforward for both models. These poles come in various lengths, and I picked the shortest size, which works perfectly for me. They may not be suitable for everyone if the available lengths don’t match your height. If you’re unsure about your ideal trekking pole length, it’s worth testing them out at REI before buying.

One of my favorite features is the simple folding mechanism. Pressing a small silver button releases the poles, allowing me to fold them and slip them into my backpack before meetings or keep them close during long flights. Here's a demo:

 

Here are some key takeaways for each type of trekking pole:

  1. Ultra Z Folding Trekking Poles are the most budget-friendly at $85.99, including interchangeable tips. They’re adjustable and collapsible but not durable enough for long-term use.
  2. The Trail Trekking Poles are adjustable for height but not foldable for transport. They felt especially sturdy in water or desert terrains. A new pair costs $119.95.
  3. The Distance Women’s Carbon Z Foldable Poles are extremely lightweight and foldable. They come in different sizes but aren’t height-adjustable. They’re the priciest at $189.95.
  4. The Distance Z Folding Trekking Poles cost $139.95 and aren’t height-adjustable, though they come in different sizes. These are my favorite—they’re solid, durable, easy to fold, and transportable, with a supremely comfortable grip.
Three trekking poles in a row leaned against a wall.
Image: Three trekking poles leaning against a wall.

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Have you ever used trekking poles? What features matter most to you?

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