Trekking poles tested around the world

Sarah is a writer and radio journalist who travels the world for her assignments. She previously worked as a reporter and producer in Minnesota, and as a clinical researcher in Philadelphia and Atlanta. Cerebral palsy affects her mobility, so she values practical solutions that help her carry supplies, navigate crowded airports, cross icy sidewalks, or trek through sand.

* As always, Day Undefined encourages you to find the products and mobility devices that work best for you. We don’t offer medical advice—we share our personal insights and experiences! *

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I started using trekking poles as a daily mobility aid during my first Minnesota winter. It had been years since I attended regular physical therapy sessions, and it showed. I struggled to move from one place to another without falling, and winter made things even worse—I was falling more and more as ice and snow covered the sidewalks.

A friend suggested I try trekking poles. I chose the Ultra Z Folding Trekking Poles and loved them at first. I walked faster, fell less, and could safely walk by a frozen lake or climb up the hill near my house at sunset. I could change the tips, adjust the height, and collapse them for travel. But they wore out quickly. When the first pole broke, the company sent a replacement pair. Over the course of a year, two more poles broke, and out of four, only one remains.

Next, I tried a hand-me-down pair of Trail Trekking Poles in excellent condition—almost new. I used them consistently for four months, mostly for walks in the desert. I took them into the water, and they held up well. The ends made them a bit slippery on hard surfaces, and they weren’t foldable. Still, they felt very durable and sturdy as I used them to stand in the water or walk in the desert.

Now, I use my favorite poles: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles. I've been using them for eight months across the US, Europe, and Africa. I have three poles: one pair of matching Distance Z Trekking Poles, and one extra pole—a slightly altered, newer model of the same brand—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, using her trekking poles on a hike through trees in Spain.
Image: Sarah using her trekking poles on a hike in Spain.

 

When I’m walking along the sand-covered paths in Ouakam, Senegal, or heading to the market for mangoes, I usually use my one Distance Women’s Carbon Z Foldable Pole as a cane. It’s so light, weighing just 240 grams, it’s easy to travel with and pick up. It folds up quickly and easily.

When I feel tired or less balanced, or when I’m at the airport carrying a heavy pack, going for a hike, or standing in the water at the beach, I bring my two Distance Z Folding Trekking Poles. They are heavier, at 330 grams, but their thicker grip makes them feel solid and secure. These are my go-to pair—they give me the confidence I need to stay steady.

[Watch: Sarah's demo of these poles on a walk in Senegal]

Both models are great. I’ve never had to adjust the tips myself—they were applied at REI and have stayed firmly in place. Both are easy to collapse, and they come in different lengths. I chose the shortest length, which works perfectly for me.

They may not be right for everyone if the length options don’t match your height—they aren’t adjustable. If you’re unsure about the right size, I recommend trying them out at REI before buying.

One of my favorite features is the simple folding mechanism. I can press a small silver button on the side of the poles to release them, fold them up, and slide them into my backpack before a meeting or keep them safe by my side during a long flight. Here's a demo:

 

Here are a few key takeaways for each type of trekking pole:

  1. Ultra Z Folding Trekking Poles are the most affordable at $85.99, with changeable tips included. They are adjustable and collapsible, but not the most durable for long-term use.
  2. The Trail Trekking Poles are adjustable, but not foldable. They felt especially sturdy while in the water or crossing challenging desert terrain. A new pair is $119.95.
  3. The Distance Women’s Carbon Z Foldable Poles are remarkably lightweight and easy to fold. Different sizes are available, but the height isn’t adjustable. They are the most expensive, at $189.95.
  4. The Distance Z Folding Trekking Poles are $139.95 and come in different sizes. The height isn’t adjustable, but they are my favorite pair—solid, durable, comfortable to hold, and easy to fold and transport.
Three trekking poles in a row leaned against a wall.
Image: Three trekking poles in a row, leaning against a wall.

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Have you used trekking poles? What are the features that are most important to you?

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