Whether you’re finally planning to tick the Inca trail off your bucket list, or are a seasoned hiker seeking a new pair of trekking poles, finding the best collapsible products can be a challenge. With so many options to choose from, how do you pick between brands, price brackets, and aluminum or carbon fiber construction? What is the best collapsible hiking poles for Peru or other treks worldwide?
This guide to choosing between collapsible walking poles will help you find the right product to suit your needs. Featured here are several options from the best brands in the business – Black Diamond and Leki. We’ve also included a couple of products from other makes, which between them offer a budget buy, and a pole made from reinforced carbon.
You can compare hiking poles quickly and easily by using the following comparison table, or find out all you need to know about the pluses and minuses of using hiking poles below that. Our recommended products are then listed, before moving on to what to look for when buying. We then wrap up by answering some frequently asked questions.
Read on to discover the best hiking poles for the Inca Trail, a Rainbow Mountain trek, or any hiking adventure you choose to tackle around the globe. If you are considering a trek in Peru, be sure to check out our guide on the 25 best hikes in Peru. Plus, we’ve got plenty of info on Inca Trail alternatives to help you find the perfect route for your journey!
This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Best Collapsible Hiking Poles Comparison Chart
| Name | Material | Weight | Length | Key Features | Price |
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | Carbon fiber | 140 grams per pole | 110, 115, 120, 125 or 130 cm | Top brand, ultra lightweight, comfortable to use | Click here |
| Black Diamond Distance Z | Aluminum | 345 grams per pole | 100, 110, 120 or 130 cm | 4 sizes, affordable, rubber & carbide tips included | Click here |
| Black Diamond Trail | Aluminum | 330 grams per pole | Up to 130 cm | Budget price, robust aluminum, carbide tips included | Click here |
| Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 | Aluminum | 340 grams per pole | Up to 135 cm | Low price, strong aluminum, FlickLock adjustability | Click here |
| Leki Cressida FX | Carbon fiber | 245 grams per pole | 100 – 120 cm | Long cork grips, easy to adjust, folds down into 3 sections | Click here |
| Leki Malaku FX | Carbon fiber | 255 grams per pole | 110 to 130 cm | Ergonomic, extra long grips, easy to lock or unlock | Click here |
| Leki Black Series Carbon | Carbon and aluminum | 235 grams per pole | 100 – 135 cm | Slick looks, tougher alloy upper, moldable cork grips | Click here |
| Leki Legacy Lite | Aluminum | 255 grams per pole | 100 – 135 cm | Soft strap, large length range, comfortable Cor-TecGrip | Click here |
| MSR DynaLock Ascent | Reinforced carbon | 330 grams per pole | 110 to 130 cm | Kevlar reinforced, winter & summer baskets, longer grips | Click here |
| Trekology | Aluminum | 330 grams per pole | 110 to 130 cm | Budget buy, adjustable length, comfortable grips | Click here |
Pros and Cons of Hiking Poles
If you’re not quite sure whether hiking poles are for you, here are some of the arguments for and against their use. This will help you understand the features of the best collapsible hiking poles that we suggest.
Pros of Hiking Poles
Stability
There’s no doubt that using hiking poles makes many people feel more stable – and therefore more confident – when tackling the trails. This particularly applies if you’re hiking in slippery conditions, such as during the wet season in Peru, or even over ice.
The improved balance offered by using trekking poles is also very reassuring when you’re walking on uneven terrain, or where there are lots of stones underfoot.
Endurance
Using hiking poles can help to spread the demand throughout your body, rather than putting all the strain on your legs. If you tend to tire quickly, and/or are facing a challenging hike, then using poles could have a big effect on how you feel.
If you’re daunted by a long-distance trek, try a pair of poles during shorter hikes first to see if they could be a game-changer for you.
Shock Absorption
A pair of trekking poles can act like shock absorbers. They can thus be a godsend for anyone with joint, spinal, or muscular issues, reducing pain while lessening the impact.
If you suffer from painful hips, knees, or other joints – or a bad back – then hiking poles can make all the difference. Not least when you’re tackling major ascents or descents, such as when trekking in the Andes.
Ascents and Descents
As you’ll be doing a lot of uphill or downhill walking in Peru, then using a pair of hiking poles could make life so much easier. They’ll give you extra support while ascending and descending.
If you’ve had knee or hip pain in the past, or suffer from intermittent spinal trouble, then hiking poles could be just what you need to ensure you make it through.
Posture
Using poles can even encourage a more upright posture. Not only can this reduce back pain, but it can also help you breathe more easily by opening up your chest.
This is particularly important when hiking at altitude, such as during the trek to Machu Picchu.
Cons of Trekking Poles
Weight
The key here is to work out, before you leave home, whether you’ll use the poles or not. As well as how much.
All the time you’re not using them, carrying the poles is going to add to the weight you’re supporting. Even the most lightweight, compact poles will increase your load, and over time this can lead to fatigue.
Cost
Taking hiking poles along will also cost you money, as you need to buy them in the first place. Again, it’s worth working out how much you’ll use them before you depart for Peru, or any other destination.
Even an expensive pair can work out very cheap per hike if you use them a lot. But if you do prefer hiking without poles, then the purchase could turn out to be a waste of money.
10 Best Collapsible Walking Poles for Hiking
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 140 grams per pole
- Length: Fixed length: 110, 115, 120, 125 or 130 cm
If you want to find the best trekking poles for hiking but are worried about weight, take a look at the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z. The carbon fiber shaft ensures they’re tough, yet ultra lightweight. They’re fixed length, and available in five sizes.
A comfortable grip and breathable strap makes them pleasant to use. As they fold down into a compact package, they’re also really easy to carry – both on the trails and into your carry-on or hold luggage on the plane. These are some of the best collapsible hiking poles you will find on the market.
Pros:
- Top brand
- Ultra lightweight carbon
- Ergonomic grip and breathable strap
Cons:
- Not the cheapest
- Other materials can be more robust
Click here to view the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles
Black Diamond Distance Z
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 345 grams per pole
- Length: Fixed length: 100, 110, 120 or 130 cm
The Black Diamond Distance Z is the aluminum version of the Distance Carbon Z. It’s therefore a more budget-friendly alternative, made from aluminum to cut costs. These come in four sizes, in 10-centimeter increments between 100 and 130 cm.
You get both rubber and carbide tips included, so you can see which suits you best. The strap is breathable and moisture-wicking, and there’s a comfortable EVA foam grip. It’s a reliable product from a leading brand at an average price, and suitable for various heights.
Pros:
- Choice of 4 sizes
- Good value aluminum
- Carbide and rubber tips included
Cons:
- Not the lightest in weight
- Sizes in 10 not 5 cm increments
Click here to view the Black Diamond Distance Z hiking poles
Black Diamond Trail
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 330 grams per pole
- Length: Up to 130 cm
When you want to find the best budget hiking poles, the Black Diamond Trail is one of the top options. Though not as lightweight as carbon, these aluminum poles are extra strong. They also fold down for travel.
The Black Diamond Trail is designed with user comfort in mind, with an ergonomic grip and comfort strap. They’re easy to adjust on the go, too, and carbide tips are included with the package.
Pros:
- Strong aluminum
- Pocket-friendly price
- Carbide tips provided
Cons:
- Not as light as carbon
- Price may vary by color
Click here to view the Black Diamond Trail trekking poles
Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 340 grams per pole
- Length: Up to 135 cm
The Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 is ideal when you want to buy hiking poles from a top brand, without the eye-watering price tag. This one also comes in three sections, making it easier to carry, and you can choose between three colors.
It’s simple to adjust these poles on the go to suit the terrain, thanks to FlickLock adjustability. They also feel sturdy and durable, being made from tough aluminum. Though not as lightweight and compact as others, they offer incredible quality and performance for the price.
Pros:
- Budget buy
- Tough aluminum
- Simple FlickLock adjustability
Cons:
- Heavier than some
- Not the most compact product
Click here to view the Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 hiking poles
Leki Cressida FX Carbon
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 245 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 100 to 120 cm
If you’d prefer an adjustable hiking pole, then the Cressida FX Carbon from Leki has to be a contender. It’s constructed from ultra lightweight carbon, and folds down into three pieces for carrying and storage.
The grip on these poles is extra long, to provide extra cushioning on firm ground, while the strap is soft and breathable. Easy to adjust, comfortable to use, and offering good balance, the Leki Cressida FX Carbon is ideal for long treks. Leki makes some of the best collapsible hiking poles on the market today.
Pros:
- Extra long cork grips
- Easily adjustable length
- Folds down into 3 sections
Cons:
- Not the longest option
- Heavier than some carbon poles
Click here to view the Leki Cressida FX Carbon hiking poles
Leki Malaku FX
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 250 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 110 to 130 cm
Another carbon fiber option from Leki is the Malaku FX. This features a long grip for superior comfort and cushioning, and the shaping is carefully designed with ergonomics in mind. You can pack these poles down into three sections for carrying.
The external locking device is also very user-friendly, releasing the tension instantly. They feel very robust and reliable, yet are light in weight, thanks to the carbon fiber construction.
Pros:
- Extra long grips
- Ergonomic shaping
- User-friendly external locking device
Cons:
- More expensive than aluminum
- Not as long as some
Click here to view the Leki Malaku FX trekking poles
Leki Black Series Carbon
- Material: Carbon and aluminum
- Weight: 235 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 100 to 135 cm
The Leki Black Series Carbon hiking pole is a little more affordable than the Cressida FX, but still offers an impressive performance. To improve strength, the upper half is made from alloy, with lower shafts made from carbon to decrease weight.
Again the grips are cork, and these adjust to the shape of your hand over time to increase comfort. The slick black design looks really good, while the Dual Speed Lock 2 Plus system makes them quick and easy to adjust.
Pros:
- Sleek black design
- Alloy upper for strength
- Cork grips adjust to your hands
Cons:
- Longer than some when folded
- Not as cheap as aluminum
Click here to view the Leki Black Series Carbon hiking poles
Leki Legacy Lite
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 255 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 100 to 135 cm
When you’re happy to spend around a hundred dollars on a pair of trekking poles for Peru (or elsewhere), check out the Leki Legacy Lite. They’re adjustable between 100 and 135 cm, so suit all heights and types of terrain.
A clever feature is the cork Cor-TecGrip, which gradually molds to the shape of your hand. The soft security strap is also adjustable for a perfect fit. Even if you’re wearing gloves, it’s simple to adjust these while on the move.
Pros:
- Soft security strap
- Large height range
- Cor-TecGrip molds to fit you
Cons:
- Just one size
- Only one color option
Click here to view the Leki Legacy Lite trekking poles
MSR DynaLock Ascent
- Material: Reinforced carbon fiber
- Weight: 330 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 110 to 130 cm
If you want the best hiking poles for women or men tackling longer trails, MSR is another reliable brand. Their DynaLock Ascent feels light whether you’re using it or carrying it, and packs down easily to take up less space. A unique feature is the Kevlar reinforcement: this is a very robust yet lightweight material.
These come with both winter and summer baskets for seasonal use, and there’s 20 centimeters of adjustment via the DynaLock mechanism. The EVA foam grips are comfortable, and extend lower down to suit wherever you like to place your hand.
Pros:
- Kevlar reinforced carbon fiber
- Winter and summer baskets
- Extra long EVA foam grips
Cons:
- Heavier than other carbon poles
- Locking mechanism can take some getting used to
Click here to view the MSR DynaLock Ascent hiking poles
Trekology trekking poles
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 330 grams per pole
- Length: Adjustable: 110 to 130 cm
Whether you want to buy a pair of trekking poles for just one trip – like doing the Inca Trail – or don’t want to spend too much before finding out if they suit you, then this pair from Trekology are unbeatable when it comes to value for money.
OK, so they might not last a lifetime like some, or look as sleek as others. But for this price, you do get a lot of bang for your buck, and they’re highly rated. Features usually found on more expensive products include cork grips, a tri-fold system, and easy adjustability.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Adjustable length
- Comfortable cork and foam grips
Cons:
- Budget looks
- Less robust than others
Click here to view these Trekology hiking poles
What to Look for in Carry On Hiking Poles
So you read our list of the best collapsible hikings poles, now what? If you think you’re ready to invest in a pair of hiking poles, here are some features to consider.
Type
You can buy fixed, telescoping or folding poles. If you want to travel by plane with your poles, then fixed ones are best avoided. Folding trekking poles will pack down into several sections – often three.
Another drawback with fixed poles is the fact that you cannot pack them down for carrying, when you don’t want to use them for a while. So you’d either have to continue using them, or attach them to the outside of your backpack.
Portability
Weight and how compact the poles are when folded down can be critical. Even a few extra grams can make all the difference during multi-day treks.
Carbon poles are generally the most lightweight. As for size, check when buying what each section measures when folded down – and make sure this will fit into your luggage and/or your daypack.
Material
Most trekking poles are made from aluminum, or carbon fiber. The former is stronger, while the latter is prized because it’s lighter in weight.
If you buy carbon poles, you will be paying more for a material that isn’t as tough or robust. But it can reduce your load considerably. It’s like buying a down-filled jacket or sleeping bag versus a synthetic one. It’s really a question of what matters more to you – cost, robustness, or performance.
Adjustability
Some folding poles have a fixed length, and others are adjustable. It’s not only about your height, though, as adjustable ones can also be adapted to suit the terrain.
Fixed length poles, however, may give you confidence as they might feel more stable. So it can simply be a matter of personal preference.
Grips
The grips on hiking poles can vary quite dramatically from one product to another. Ergonomic grips are always a good idea, as they’re designed for user comfort over prolonged periods of time.
The main options are foam, cork, or rubber. Foam is lightweight and comfortable, while cork can mold to the shape of your hand. Rubber is heavier, but is also more long-lasting.
Collapsible Walking Poles FAQs
Do You Need Hiking Poles for the Inca Trail?
For many people, poles are essential for the Inca Trail. It’s a long, uphill (and downhill!) slog, and the unstable ground can also be challenging.
Unless you’re a very experienced hiker used to trekking in the mountains without poles, a pair is a must for providing stability, shock absorption, and support on the Inca Trail. They can also improve your endurance, and even your posture. This will, in turn, help with breathing at altitude.
Can You Bring Hiking Poles on a Plane?
According to the US government’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can only carry hiking poles in checked luggage, rather than a carry-on.
The rules are different when people need walking sticks or canes for mobility reasons. But if they’re only to be used for trekking, then hiking poles should be packed into your checked luggage.
Are Folding Walking Poles Good?
When portability is your priority, foldable walking poles are ideal. These lightweight trekking poles can be carried inside a daypack or packed into your hold luggage when flying. They typically fold into three sections, and are easy to put together, or take apart, as required.
Many top brands make folding trekking and walking poles, due to high demand. Whether you want to fly with a pair of poles in your hold luggage or carry them in your daypack when not in use, folding hiking poles are so much more versatile than fixed ones.
Is Walking with Walking Poles Good for You?
Walking poles can help with stability and balance, especially when hiking uphill, downhill, or on uneven terrain. They can also transfer some of the weight to your upper body. This reduces fatigue in the legs, while giving your upper body a workout, too.
Using trekking poles can also improve your posture, as you’re more likely to walk upright. This can, in turn, reduce the risk of the back, joint, and muscular pains which can be caused by hunching over.
Are Walking Poles Worth the Money?
Walking poles are definitely worth the money if you’re undertaking long-distance, multi-day, or intensive hikes. Using them really helps with challenging ascents and descents and reduces the pressure on your knees. They can be a godsend for anyone with spinal, joint, or muscular pain.
Hiking poles also ensure you make use of your arms. This avoids leg fatigue, while giving you a full body workout. We know that some of the best collapsible hiking poles can be expensive. However, they can really make a difference in the ease and comfort of your trek.
Conclusion – Best Collapsible Hiking Poles for Peru and Worldwide
Whether you want trekking poles for South America, Asia, Europe, or anywhere else on earth, many people consider them a very worthwhile investment indeed. For a bucket list trek like the Inca Trail, they’re often seen as a necessity.
Do you want to know more about the Inca Trail? Check out our Inca Trail Expert Guide with more recommendations and things you should know before booking.
A good pair of hiking poles can ensure you stay stable, supported, and safe during your treks. They can also give you more of a full body workout, while reducing strain on your joints, spine, and lower limbs. Trekking poles can even help you breathe more easily, as they improve posture. Which can make all the difference when hiking at high altitudes.
From Machu Picchu in Peru to the Appalachian Trail in the US, the Everest Base Camp Trail in Nepal, or Camino de Santiago in Spain, a good pair of hiking poles could make an epic journey so much more comfortable – and therefore enjoyable. We hope our list of the best collapsible hiking poles has been helpful.
Want to be fully prepared for your hike in Peru? Check out our guides on what to pack for a hike, what to wear for Machu Picchu, what to pack for Peru, and the best hiking boots.
