Best Budget Trekking Pole Options
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Top 3 Best Budget Trekking Poles
Outdoor activities are a great way to stay in shape and really get in touch with nature. With so many sights and sounds to see it can be truly daunting to plan which destination to tackle next. Between backpacking, hiking, and trekking, even some of the most out of the way spots are just begging for a visit. Today, we’re taking at look at some of the best budget trekking pole options on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, this list is likely to have something for you. Read on to find out how you can get your feet wet in the world of trekking without breaking the bank.
What is Trekking?
If you found your way to this page, it’s likely you already know what trekking is. With that said, if you’re new to the subject at hand, let’s get you caught up. So, what is trekking? If you were to look it up in the dictionary, you would find that trekking means “to go on a long arduous journey, typically on foot”. Sounds a lot like hiking, right? Well, if that’s what you were thinking, then you wouldn’t be too far off the mark.
While there are many varying opinions as to what truly differentiates hiking from trekking, we here at BackpackingNut feel that the word “arduous” is the key. When someone goes trekking, they’re usually making use of trekking poles (hence the article subject) to balance and stabilize themselves over the course of a long journey. Their usage can help ease the wear and tear on our bodies, allowing for longer and more adventurous voyages. Hopefully the next time someone asks you what trekking is, you’ll have a better idea of how to explain things.
How to Use Trekking Poles
When it comes to usage, your first priority should be choosing a trekking pole of a proper length (see below). Once you have those basics down, a solid understanding of the remaining pole features should be next up. Most trekking poles come with convenient straps attached to the handles, making for an easy failsafe so that your pole doesn’t fall on the ground, or worse.
Next up are the pole grips, or handles. These are commonly sculpted with curvatures to aid in use and comfort. They should be grabbed firmly, but don’t white knuckle them. Understand that trekking poles are used for stability, not for supporting your full weight, and adjust your grip accordingly.
During use, elbows should be close to your sides, and with each step move the pole opposite to your back foot forward. With each step, be sure that the tip of the front pole is lightly touching the ground. With these rules in mind, you should have a firm grasp on how to use trekking poles effectively!
Choosing a Proper Trekking Pole Length
As mentioned above, the primary purpose of trekking poles is stability, and ideally you would look for a trekking pole length that allows your elbow to be bent at a 90 degree angle. Luckily, most trekking poles are adjustable, making this a simple task. The position at which you want to check for proper angling is when the tip of the pole is touching the ground near your foot. Please keep in mind that this can change depending on the situation. If you’re confused, let me explain.
For example, when going downhill the pole will need to be a tad longer to maintain that 90 degree point. On the other hand, when trekking uphill you would require a slightly shorter setting. The ability to adjust trekking pole length on the fly makes them very versatile tools to have in your arsenal.
Best Cheap Budget Trekking Poles
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Starting off our list of best cheap budget trekking pole options, we have the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles. Constructed of “aircraft grade” aluminum, these walking sticks are expandable from 26, all the way up to 54 inches in length. Available in three colors – green, light blue, and orange, these poles are extremely light weight, coming in at 10.4oz, or less than one pound! Moving on, the grips are made from cork, providing vibration dampening and moisture wicking.
Not only that, but they include a bonus accessory kit comprised of snow and mud baskets, rubber feet, boot tips, and carrying clips. Best of all, these are the cheapest poles on our list, making them the perfect starting point for someone looking to get into trekking on a budget!
TrailBuddy Lightweight Trekking Poles
Next up on our list is a crowd favorite – the TrailBuddy Lightweight Trekking Poles. With almost 30,000 votes on Amazon and maintaining a 4.7 star rating, it’s easy to see the popularity here. Available in 6 colors – Aqua Sky, Beetle Red, Berry Pink, Lake Blue, Raven Black, and Spring Green, there’s certainly something here for everyone. TrailBuddy touts that these poles are tougher than carbon fiber with their patented aluminum construction. These also adjust up to 54” in length like the Cascade Mountain option, but boast an impressive 113 gram lighter weight than other competitors, making them ideal for an ultralight setup.
I’ve personally used these poles, and can say without a doubt that those 30,000 people aren’t wrong. Easily one of the best budget trekking pole options available today.
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Last up on our list is an all season / all terrain carbon fiber option from Foxelli. Coming in at only 7.6oz, these Nordic walking poles are made from 100% carbon fiber. These poles also feature the longest extension of all the options on this list, at a whopping 55 inches! Not only that, but they shrink down to as small as 24”, making them perfect for the younger ones to make their trekking debut! But don’t fret, the features don’t end there. The anti-slip grips come with extra-padded, fully adjustable wrist straps, and I can’t stress enough how important wrist strap comfort is during a long trek! Finally, Foxelli offers a 120-day, no questions asked money-back guarantee paired with a 3-year defect warranty! They’re definitely a company that cares about their customers.
Best Budget Trekking Pole - Conclusion
As you can see, trekking can be an enjoyable activity for a wide variety of people. Starting off with shorter length treks is a good way to find your bearings and ease your way into the activity. We hope that with the help of these best budget trekking pole options that the price of entry is attainable for just about everyone. Finally, make sure before heading out on any outdoor journey that you always carry methods of applying first aid. We suggest checking out our article “DIY Mini First Aid Kit Guide for Safety”. Safe adventures and happy travels!
