Ask anyone who’s hobbled down a 14er on trashed knees and they’ll tell you: trekking poles are the cheap upgrade that changes everything. Here’s a budget pair and a comfort upgrade, plus how to choose.
Our picks at a glance
The gear we’d actually carry, side by side:
The picks
TrailBuddy aluminum poles — best value
Light, tough 7075 aluminum with quick-flip locks and cushioned grips at a budget price. The easy first pair for day hikes and 14ers, and cheap enough to be a no-brainer.
- BUILT TO LAST: Whether you're hiking on rugged terrain or snowshoeing on fresh powder, you need hiking gear that can keep up! Trailbuddy trekking poles are built tough enough for the long haul.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Crafted from elite aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, each 9.7 ounce trekking pole is designed to be lighter, stronger, and more durable than other aluminum trekking poles for hiking.
- ADJUSTABLE: Set to your desired height in seconds, from the 54" max height down to just 24.5" when fully collapsed. They even double as hiking poles for kids!
- EASY TO USE: Our lever locks can be easily operated with just one hand, which is much easier than the 2-handed twist locks on other walking sticks for hiking.
- SECURE HOLD: The padded straps and moisture-wicking cork handles will mold to the shape of your hand for a comfortable grip on each walking stick. Our threaded pole tips keep the included accessories attached, even in snow or mud.
Cascade Mountain Tech cork-grip poles — the comfort upgrade
A step up in grip and comfort: natural cork handles that wick sweat and mold to your hands on long days, with reliable quick locks. Worth it if you hike a lot.
- Exceptional Quality and Comfort - Crafted from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, each 10.5-ounce trekking pole is durable even in blazing heat or frigid cold.
- Quick Lock Mechanism - Designed with rugged terrain in mind. Easily adjust your trekking poles from 45”- 54” without breaking your stride.
- Cork Grip with Extended EVA Down Grip - Ergonomic cork grip helps reduce vibration from uneven terrain. Extended EVA down grip offers multiple hand positions on steep trails, and adjustable wrist straps provide a secure hold in various conditions.
- All-Terrain Accessories - Includes tungsten carbide tips for year-round hiking, plus rubber snow and mud baskets, boots, and tip covers for use on varied terrain and trail conditions.
- Folds for Compact Storage - Poles fold down to 16.75" for easy transport and fit into the included travel bag, making them convenient for day hikes, backpacking trips, and long-distance treks.
How to choose hiking poles
- Aluminum vs. carbon. Aluminum is tougher and cheaper — it bends rather than snaps under a hard load, which is why it’s our default. Carbon is lighter but pricier and more brittle.
- Lock type. External lever (“flick”) locks are fast, secure, and easy to adjust with gloves — preferable to twist locks, which can slip.
- Grip. Cork molds to your hand and wicks sweat (best for long days); foam is soft and cheap; rubber is fine for casual use.
- Use two, and size them right. Set the length so your elbow is at ~90° on flat ground; shorten for climbs, lengthen for descents. Two poles beat one for balance and knee savings.
FAQ
Do I need trekking poles for hiking in Colorado?
You don’t need them, but they help a lot — they save your knees on long descents, add stability on scree and stream crossings, and take strain off your legs on climbs. On a 14er they’re close to essential for the way down.
Are aluminum or carbon trekking poles better?
Aluminum for most hikers — it’s tougher, cheaper, and bends rather than snapping under a hard load. Carbon is lighter but more expensive and more brittle; it shines for fast-and-light missions where every ounce counts.
Cork or foam grips?
Cork is the pick for long days — it wicks sweat and molds to your hand over time. Foam is softer and cheaper and works fine; rubber grips suit cold-weather or casual use.
How do I size and adjust hiking poles?
Set the length so your elbow sits at about 90 degrees when the tip is on flat ground. Shorten them a bit for steep climbs and lengthen them for descents — flick locks make this quick, even with gloves.
Are trekking poles worth it for 14ers?
Yes — the long, rocky descents on Colorado’s 14ers are exactly where poles pay off, sparing your knees and steadying you on loose talus. They’re on our 14er gear list.
Should I use one pole or two?
Two. A matched pair gives you far better balance and shares the load evenly, which is the whole point on rough Colorado terrain. A single pole is better than none but noticeably less stable.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.