Carbon vs aluminum trekking poles — which is better?

Carbon fiber poles (Gossamer Gear LT5, Black Diamond Distance FLZ) are lighter (4-5oz each vs 8-10oz for aluminum) and dampen vibration better on rocky terrain. Aluminum poles (Gossamer Gear LT3) are more durable — they bend instead of snap under sudden impact. For ultralight backpacking on trails, carbon is better. For mountaineering or scrambling where poles take abuse, aluminum is safer.

What length trekking poles should I use?

A general rule: stand upright, hold the pole, and your elbow should be at 90 degrees with the tip on the ground. Most hikers find 105-115cm comfortable. Go shorter (90-100cm) for steep uphill sections. Gossamer Gear LT5 comes in small, medium, and large fixed sizes (S=105cm, M=110cm, L=115cm). When in doubt, start with medium — you can always shorten adjustable poles.

Best Trekking Poles (2026) — Reviewed & Ranked

At a Glance: All 4 Options Compared

Rank	Product	Score	Price	Why It Made the List
1	Gossamer LT5 Carbon	9.5/10	$210	Gossamer Gear's LT5 Carbon Poles weigh 4.5oz per pole. Among the lightest fixed-length c...	Read Review
2	BD Distance FLZ Carbon	9.1/10	$170	Black Diamond's Distance FLZ folds into three sections to 13 inches. The pole of choice ...	Read Review
3	Gossamer LT3 Aluminum	8.8/10	$130	Gossamer Gear's aluminum pole line gives hikers who prioritize durability over ultraligh...	Read Review
4	LEKI Micro Vario Carbon	8.7/10	$200	LEKI has made trekking and ski poles in Germany since 1948. The Micro Vario Carbon featu...	Read Review

Full Reviews

#1 — Best Ultralight Carbon Poles

Gossamer LT5 Carbon

Gossamer Gear's LT5 Carbon Poles weigh 4.5oz per pole. Among the lightest fixed-length carbon poles from a brand with a real lifetime warranty and US operation.

9.5/10

$210

#2 — Best Collapsible Carbon

BD Distance FLZ Carbon

Black Diamond's Distance FLZ folds into three sections to 13 inches. The pole of choice for trail runners and fast hikers who only deploy poles when they need them.

9.1/10

$170

#3 — Best Budget Option

Gossamer LT3 Aluminum

Gossamer Gear's aluminum pole line gives hikers who prioritize durability over ultralight weight a strong option at $130 with the same lifetime warranty as the LT5 Carbon.

8.8/10

$130

#4 — Best Traditional Adjustable

LEKI Micro Vario Carbon

LEKI has made trekking and ski poles in Germany since 1948. The Micro Vario Carbon features their SpeedLock 2 twist mechanism, which in testing holds better under load than any lever-lock alternative.

8.7/10

$200

How to Pick Trekking Poles

I resisted trekking poles for years. Then I did a 12-mile day with 3,500 feet of descent and my knees were destroyed. Now I use them every time I go over 8 miles or expect significant elevation change.

Carbon vs. aluminum

Carbon fiber is lighter and absorbs trail vibration better but can snap under sudden lateral force. Aluminum is heavier but bends rather than breaking catastrophically — better for rocky scrambling or anyone who is hard on gear. For normal trail hiking, carbon is the right call.

Fixed vs. adjustable

Adjustable poles let you shorten on climbs and lengthen on descents. Fixed-length poles are lighter and stiffer but require knowing your correct length upfront. Most hikers are better served by adjustable poles unless they are serious ultralight hikers with a specific length dialed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best trekking poles for hiking?

The Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon (9.3/10, $210) are the best ultralight trekking poles on TrailCraft, weighing 4.5oz each. The Black Diamond Distance FLZ Carbon (9.1/10, $180) are the best collapsible option for travel. The Gossamer Gear LT3 Aluminum (8.8/10, $120) are the best value. For adjustable poles, the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon (8.7/10, $200) are the most trusted traditional option.

What is the difference between fixed and adjustable trekking poles?

Fixed-length poles (Gossamer Gear LT5) are lighter and stiffer — ideal for ultralight hikers who know their preferred length. Adjustable poles (LEKI Micro Vario, Black Diamond FLZ) can be shortened for uphills, lengthened for descents, and collapse small for travel. Collapsible/folding poles (Black Diamond Distance FLZ) fold into thirds for airline carry-on and pack lids.