If you are an avid hunter, adding the best trekking poles for hunting to your gear can completely change the game.
Carbon Fiber / Aluminum Hybrid Trekking Poles
A Carbon Fiber & aluminum hybrid trekking pole is the material of choice for backcountry hunters who know exactly how many ounces they have in their pack. You get the best of both worlds when run a hybrid pole setup.
The Carbon fiber allows you to cut weight, while the aluminum adds back in additional strength and durability that you lose when you go 100% carbon fiber.
You’ll see our favorite hybrid trekking below as you keep scrolling.
Advantages of Using Trekking Poles For Hunting
There are many advantages to using trekking poles while hiking during your hunts, even if you are a newbie. For one, trekking poles add a lot of stability to your hike, giving you a safer and more comfortable experience. Using trekking poles also helps you get into a rhythm with your steps, keeping your pace smooth and steady. Even if hiking is a casual hobby, you should still consider purchasing trekking poles. They can only improve upon your experience.
To add trekking poles to your hiking routine, you’ll have to find the pair that best fits you and your hiking preferences. Below is a list of some of the best budget-friendly and highest quality trekking poles on the market today. Any of the poles on the list below would be a great choice, but choose the one that fits your style of hiking and your personal needs the best.
Not sure what to look for?
We also include a list of some of the key features to look for in trekking poles, as well as a quick and easy “How To Use” guide.
If you’d like to skip all the humbo jumbo and get right to the point, here are our quick take winners:
- Best Overall Trekking Poles: TREYL DuraLight Pro Trekking Poles
- Best Budget Friendly Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Best Trekking Poles For Hunting
TREYL DuraLight Pro Trekking Poles
The first pair of trekking poles on our list just happen to be our favorite. When it comes to a good set of sticks for the hunt, you need something that is of course durable, but not going to weigh down your pack.
We know what it’s like to count every ounce in your pack when you’re 5+ miles deep in your favorite hunting zone. These poles check both of those boxes. Durable + lightweight.
What Makes These Poles Unique & Our Favorite Choice?
3k Carbon Fiber + Aerospace 7075 Aluminum Shaft Mix – THIS IS THE TICKET.
The Treyl DuraLight Pros, combine the lightweight carbon fiber material on the upper two shafts, while adding in the strength and durability of Aluminum with the lower shaft. A full carbon fiber pole is great for the weight savings but can easily bend/break on that lower shaft as you’re scaling steep inclines in the backcountry. A full aluminum pole is super solid but not ideal to be trekking around the mountains with all that extra weight.
That’s why this pole kicks some major backcountry butt, you get the benefits of both lightweight and durability all in one stick.
Cork Shaft
There’s no better feeling than cork in your hands on a trekking pole. Cork grips wick away moisture, offers a more secure grip, and over time, can conform to your specific hands making it a much more comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 25.6 – 54.3 inches |
| Weight | 15.6 ounces (pair) |
| Material | 100% 3K Carbon upper 2 shafts, Aerospace 7075 Aluminum lower shaft |
| Price | $$ |
Montem Folding Collapsible 3K Carbon Poles
The second pair of trekking poles on our list are the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles. These poles are incredibly easy to adjust. Find the perfect height for you by adjusting anywhere from 24 to 53 inches. These poles are made of aluminum 7075, a super strong and lightweight material. Each pole weighs only 9.6 ounces so that they don’t weigh you down at all. The wrist straps that are attached to the ergonomic grips are padded for extra comfort during long hikes. For convenience, the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles also pack up quickly and easily to store in duffle bags or backpacks.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 24 – 53 inches |
| Weight | 15.6 ounces (pair) |
| Material | 100% Carbon |
| Price | $$ |
Black Diamond Trail Back Trek Poles
The Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles from Black Diamond are a popular pair among experienced hikers. They are made from 100% carbon so that they are super lightweight-just nine ounces per pole. These poles are designed with three foldable sections so that they can be assembled and disassembled with ease. For durability, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles have reinforced locking mechanisms and extra joint support along the upper shaft. To top everything off, the hand grips are made from soft EVA foam to keep your hands comfortable for long time use.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 24 – 55 inches |
| Weight | 17 ounces (pair) |
| Material | Aluminum 7075 |
| Price | $$ |
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Next on our list are the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles. These poles are popular for being high quality, but budget friendly as well. Even though these are the least expensive poles on our list, they will not disappoint. As many of the other more expensive poles, these are made from 100% carbon fiber, a material known for its light weight and strength. The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles have a quick locking system that is easy to use. This system allows you to adjust your poles anywhere from 26 to 54 inches so that you can find the perfect height every time. The hand grips are made from cork. Not only is cork soft and comfortable for your hands, but it also wicks away sweat and lowers the vibrations in the poles as you step. As a bonus, your purchase of these poles comes with additional snow baskets, sand/mud baskets, rubber boot tips, a trekking pole clip and an easy carrying bag for convenient storage.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 26 – 54 inches |
| Weight | 20.8 ounces (pair) |
| Material | Aluminum 7075 |
| Price | $ |
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Another top-of-the-line pair of trekking poles from Black Diamond are the Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. These poles were designed to be used in all four seasons, even deep snow. Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips and 38 mm trekking baskets keep you safe in all terrain. If you plan to use your poles in deep snow, 100 mm powder baskets can be purchased separately. More specifically, these poles are made from carbon fiber that is separated into three different sections to maintain strength. For adjustability, the dual FlickLock Pro system makes things simple and quick so you can be on your way in a flash. Each pole is topped with cork grips with soft rubber extensions. Wrist straps give you better handling and more support.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 24 – 51 inches |
| Weight | 17.1 ounces (pair) |
| Material | 100% Carbon |
| Price | $$$ |
Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles
Last, but certainly not least, are the Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles. Each pole shaft is made from 7075-series aluminum to make them as lightweight as possible. For added strength, the poles are also heat treated so that they can withstand rough and tough terrain. The wrist straps on each pole are air textured to allow for air flow. They also dry quickly and wick moisture away from your skin. Quick adjustments are easy to make with the SpeedLock Plus locking system. This system offers reliable adjustments for length to make sure your poles fit you perfectly for every situation. For the utmost comfort, the Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles have Aergon Cor-Tec grips. These grips are made from 80% natural cork. Cork is the perfect grip material as it absorbs sweat, is lightweight, and comfortable for your hands. To keep your hands in an ergonomically comfortable position, the grips are also situated at a positive eight degree angle. If you plan to use these trekking poles in all season, different trekking baskets can be purchased separately and added to the bottom with no hassle.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 27 – 54 inches |
| Weight | 17.3 ounces (pair) |
| Material | Aluminum 7075 |
| Price | $$ |
REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles
The Co-Op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles from REI are some of the most lightweight trekking poles on the market. These poles are made from composite carbon. They are formed from three sectioned pieces to minimize weight while also maintaining strength and sturdiness. Easy adjustments are possible with the low profile, Powerlock 3.0 system. The tips of these poles are made from Tungsten carbide to withstand the toughest terrain. For comfort, the Co-Op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles have EVA foam grips with ergonomic shapes, as well as easily adjustable wrist straps for support and control.
Quick Glance Specs
| Height | 21 – 55 inches |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces (pair) |
| Material | 100% Carbon |
| Price | $$$ |
How to Use Trekking Poles
You may think that using trekking poles is self-explanatory and pretty straightforward. While you are relatively correct, there are a few tips and tricks that will really help you get the most out of your trekking poles. Read below for adjustability and comfort suggestions, as well as how best to use your poles for uphill and downhill hikes.
Wrist Strap
While it may not seem like much, the wrist strap on your trekking poles is actually important. To put the strap on correctly, put your hand through each strap from the bottom so that it hits your wrist in the proper place. Then, adjust the strap to fit your wrist snugly and comfortably. It should never be so tight that it restricts your motion, or so loose that it doesn’t provide the support you need.
Proper Pole Length
The length of your trekking poles is very important. If you hike with trekking poles that are the incorrect length, it could cause discomfort during use. To use properly, make sure to adjust each pole so that your elbow makes a 90-degree angle. This positioning will allow you to have the correct amount of leverage when using your trekking poles. 90-degree angles allow you to push off the ground with more force with each step.
Uphill Use
Once your poles are fitted to your wrists and height correctly, it is time to get out there and use them. Trekking poles need to be used differently when you are going uphill vs. when you are going downhill.
If your hike has a long climb that is uphill, using your poles properly can be a huge help. For a long uphill climb, adjust your poles to be slightly shorter than normal. This gives you more leverage to push off and assist you up the hill. The right way to use your trekking poles uphill is to keep them close to your body and to not place them in front of your lead foot. Using them this way will give you more power to push off and assist you up the hill. If there are moment where you have to make large steps uphill, like onto a ledge, use both poles at the same time to help hoist you up to prevent your legs from tiring.
Downhill Use
Once you begin your descent, you should be using your best trekking poles for hunting differently than you did when hiking uphill. For a long stretch of downhill use, lengthen your poles slightly. This allows you to stabilize yourself and slightly slow your downward momentum. You want to be able to remain standing upright when planting your poles. To use trekking poles downhill properly, plant them ahead of where you are stepping without having to lean forward drastically.
Key Features to Look For
Weight
When shopping for the best trekking poles for hunting, weight is a key feature to consider. Trekking poles should never feel like a burden when you are hiking, and they should never weigh you down. Make sure the poles you choose are lightweight so that they don’t make your hike more difficult. Aim for poles that are individually less than one pound in weight.
Packed Size
When shopping for hiking gear, portability is always an important factor to consider. Trekking poles should be able to be folded and packed up easily in a bag. Look for poles that are easy to fold, and that fold to a compact size. You want to look for a set of trekking poles that don’t take up much room in a backpack. This leaves room for all your other important gear and ensures you don’t have to carry or struggle with anything.
Adjustability
It is absolutely necessary that the best trekking poles for hunting have the ability to be adjusted. First of all, the poles need to be adjusted in the beginning to match your specific height. This is for regular and generally flat hikes. There are times, however, that poles need to be adjusted during your hike for times of long climbs or descents. For these times, you want poles that can be adjusted on-the-go, mid-hike, without a struggle.
Material
Another feature to consider is the material that your trekking poles are made of. As previously discussed, you want your poles to be as lightweight as possible. This means that the material needs to be lightweight. Not only do you want a material that is lightweight, but you want something that is strong and durable as well. Look for materials like aluminum and tungsten carbide for your trekking poles.
Comfort
Whether you use trekking poles on short or long hikes, you want them to be comfortable. When considering comfort, you want to look at the grips and wrist straps of your poles. Make sure the hand grips are made of a soft yet sturdy material, like EVA foam or cork. Wrist straps should be made of soft fabric as well so that they do not make your wrists uncomfortable. Bonus points for any material used that wicks sweat.
Cost
Cost is always something to consider when trying to find the best trekking poles for hunting. If hiking is one of your primary hobbies, then you may want to splurge and make an investment in trekking poles that are more expensive. A pair of more expensive and better quality poles are more likely to last you for a longer period of time. If hiking is a new or casual hobby for you, you may want to consider purchasing trekking poles that are not as costly. There are many types of trekking poles that are cheaper and still high quality. Then, when you decide if hiking will be a more frequent hobby, you can invest in something a little nicer. Either way, it is important to have a budget in mind before shopping. Decide what you’d like to spend on trekking poles and stick to it. There are great options in any price range.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best trekking poles for hunting, you want to make sure you get it right. We’re confident no matter what your style of hunting is, or the terrain you hunt in you’ll find a top-notch set of hiking poles for all your hunting adventures within this article!
