As mentioned in the introduction, PBF-LB, then referred to as SLS, was one of the first AM technologies tested for hardmetals. The tests conducted at UT Austin used agglomerated hardmetal powder (presumably thermal spray powders) with a composition of WC-12 wt.% Co and showed that the principle of fabrication of hardmetal parts is possible [2]. However, these parts were nowhere near dense, reaching approximately 60% TD. Further work by Kruth at the KU Leuven, Belgium, between 1996 to 2003, showed that, even with an increase of metallic Co to 30 wt.%, no dense parts could be made by PBF directly [8, 9]. Work in 1999 by Fraunhofer IKTS and IWS in Dresden, in cooperation with the University of Mittweida, all in Germany [10], showed that, with optimised granulated and pre-sintered granules, samples with densities above 60% of theoretical density can be achieved, which can be increased to nearly full density by a subsequent step combining sintering and Hot Isostatic Pressing (SinterHIP).

Each season we think the ceiling of trekking pole innovation has surely been hit — and each year we’re proven wrong. How much better can collapsible sticks really get? Well, apparently much better. As leaders in the charge, Black Diamond continues to craft durable, reliable models with novel technology that consistently stay true to a pole’s foundational purpose — and they rolled out the red carpet for their newly minted Pursuit Trekking Poles ($150).

Since, in MEX, layers and volumes are produced by a layer-wise deposition of filaments, the production of 100% dense parts (after sintering) is complicated due to the anticipated presence of cavities resulting from the potential gap between deposited filament layers. Examples of such problems, in the case of hardmetals, were shown by Lengauer et al. in 2019 [22].

[8] Laoui T, Bonse J, Kruth J-P, Froyen L. Influence of Powder Parameters on Selective Laser Sintering of Tungsten-Carbide Cobalt. In: Campbell (Hg.) 1998 – Proceedings of the 8th European; 1998, 271–280.

At an incredible 4.9 ounces per pole, the latest iteration of the Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195) is stripped bare to the necessities, but still manages elite performance on the trail.

The spring-loaded, anti-shock system of the Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro ($80) helps absorb ground impact and can make long days on the trail feel a bit easier.

The FlickLock Pro adjustment points are secure and easy to use, making it simple to adjust the length throughout a long trek. With a packed size of 25 inches, they don’t pack down enough for stashing in smaller packs. But for most users, we wouldn’t expect the size to be a problem.

Trekking poles generally come with “mud baskets.” They not only prevent splashing and give support in mud, but can also help when traveling over soft dirt or sand. They are especially beneficial for thru-hikers who will encounter snow on high-elevation passes.

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

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If you do end up destroying any section of this pole, one of the largest repositories of replacement parts we’ve seen from a brand awaits you. Bent lower section? Cracked middle? Marmot-chomped cork handle? No problem. This saves you from having to scope out a new pair of sticks each time a small component fails mid-adventure — something our reviewer has begrudgingly done many times.

At 10.4 ounces per pole, they’re certainly not the lightest option out there, but they aren’t excessively heavy either. On the trail, they get the job done. And for casual outings, these poles will help support your weight and keep you balanced, all without breaking the bank.

[11] Uhlmann E, Bergmann A, Gridin W. Investigation on Additive Manufacturing of Tungsten Carbide-cobalt by Selective Laser Melting. Procedia CIRP 2015;35:8–15.

In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100cm pole. Those up to 5’7″ will use a 110-115cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” need a 120cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130cm option.

Some companies offer a combination of the styles, like our best overall trekking pole of 2024. These poles combine aspects from both styles, blending the speedy setup, compact storage, and some adjustability — the primary compromise is the smaller range of adjustment this design type offers.

Additional heat treatment by SinterHIPing of the PBF + preheating resulted in parts with further improved properties. However, abnormal grain growth as well as Co evaporation and the local decomposition of the WC phase still resulted in significantly inferior properties in comparison with conventionally shaped and sintered hardmetal parts [15].

If you want trekking poles with all the bells and whistles, then the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Poles ($269) fit the bill. The company calls them the “Cadillac” of poles, and they come with the German engineering that LEKI fans have come to expect.

[26] Scheithauer U, Pötschke J, Weingarten S, Schwarzer E, Vornberger A, Moritz T et al. Droplet-Based Additive Manufacturing of Hard Metal Components by Thermoplastic 3D Printing (T3DP). Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology 2017;8(1):155–60.

Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2024.

Now more than ever, thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers are demanding impeccable durability in mega-light packages for long 2,000+ mile journeys. Often, they depend on their trekking poles not only for reliable stability over technical terrain, but as the structure for their ultralight tents. Get caught 3 days from town with a broken pole, and you’ll be holding your shelter up with sticks. A thru-hiker’s trekking pole is something of a lifeline.

For hardmetals parts with sizes of up to several centimetres and hardness values of up to 1400 HV, BJT is a fast and suitable process. However, for smaller parts with higher hardness values up to 1800 HV, MEX and, for delicate parts with hardness values of up to 1900 HV, MJT, appear most suitable.

Fixed poles are not collapsible, but they are the lightest out there. When deciding to purchase a pair, you’ll need to make sure you find the size that works for you. Check out our Comparison chart for a breakdown of the specific size ranges, price points, and weight per pair for our favorite poles of the year.

Scoping out a pair of budget poles but also need a lightweight, durable design? These could be the ones. For $80, it’s hard to beat the value and simple effectiveness of the REI Co-op’s Trailmade poles. You aren’t going to get any fancy locking mechanisms or bleeding-edge carbon fiber technology, but if you just need to get the job done without any bells and whistles, look no further.

These properties are similar to conventionally manufactured parts with the same grain size and metallic binder content. PBF-produced hardmetal parts currently show significantly inferior properties due to the formation of cracks, unwanted phases and inhomogeneous microstructures.

Material Extrusion (MEX), widely known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) when using a filament-based feedstock, is, like Binder Jetting, a two-step sinter-based AM technology. However, in contrast to BJT or PBF, it is not powder bed based but is a ‘free form’ AM process. Here, particle-filled thermoplastic filaments are produced by mixing, kneading and extrusion. These can then be used in standard MEX machines. Within these filaments, the volume percentage of particles (solid content) can easily be in the range of 50 to 60%, resulting, for hardmetals, in shrinkage ratios comparable to conventional powder injection moulded or even pressed parts.

[15] Schwanekamp T, Marginean G, Reuber M. Thermal Post-Treatment of Additively Manufactured WC-Co Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. In: Euro PM2019 Congress & Exhibition Euro PM2019 proceedings 13-16 October 2019, Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre (MECC), Maastricht, Netherlands. Shrewsbury, United Kingdom: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA); 2019, 1–6.

[3] Kurlov AS, Gusev AI. Tungsten Carbides: Structure, Properties and Application in Hardmetals. 184th ed.: Springer; 2013.

[25] Pötschke J, Weingarten S, Scheithauer U, Mayer M, Moritz T. Thermoplastic 3D Printing of Hardmetals. In: Euro PM2019 Congress & Exhibition Euro PM2019 proceedings 13-16 October 2019, Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre (MECC), Maastricht, Netherlands. Shrewsbury, United Kingdom: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA); 2019, 1–6.

The lightweight clasp locks are adequately solid and can be hand-tightened, which is a nice touch for on-trail adjustability. The clasps are made of plastic, so they need to be babied a little more than other lock designs.

As stated above, hardmetals are composites, consisting of the hard phase tungsten carbide and the metallic binder cobalt. Properties such as high hardness (up to 20 GPa), high bending strength (up to 5000 MPa) and high fracture toughness values (up to 20 MPa*m1/2) are only achieved if the three elements (tungsten, carbon and cobalt) are present in the two phase state of tungsten carbide and cobalt alloy (WC+Co). To achieve this, the carbon content must be within a small compositional window, to avoid free carbon (C) or the formation of complex eta phases (M6C or M12C) when too low amounts of carbon are present, as shown in the phase diagram of W, C and Co (Fig. 1).

Another powder bed-based AM technology is Binder Jetting (BJT). When it was first developed in 1990 by Prof. Sachs at MIT it was simply called ‘three-dimensional printing,’ or 3DP [16]. In contrast to PBF processes, BJT is a two-step sinter-based AM technology in which the built green part must undergo a subsequent densification process achieved through sintering.

Fixed-length poles don’t offer as much fine-tuning but can handle more weight. Generally, fixed-length poles are ideal for trail running and other fast-paced endeavors where adjustments will only slow you down.

[23] Berger C, Abel J, Pötschke J, Moritz T. Properties of Additive Manufactured Hardmetal Components Produced by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). In: Euro PM2018 Congress & Exhibition Euro PM2018 proceedings 14-18 October 2018, Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), Bilbao, Spain. Shrewsbury, United Kingdom: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA); 2018.

Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that, due to the comparatively low green density of BJT green parts, shrinkage is greater than with conventional pressed parts, resulting in more problems with distortion after sintering. The reason why the use of lower Co levels is difficult is because of an insufficient amount of liquid phase during sintering, which in turn is needed for the greater shrinkage of BJT parts.

Sintering of hardmetals takes place slightly above the eutectic temperature within the W-C-Co system of 1,310°C, as so-called liquid phase sintering. With a further increase of sintering temperature, more and more W and C can be dissolved within Co, increasing the amount of the liquid phase. However, if the temperature is too high, the metallic binder can evaporate.

Only slightly heavier than the FX version, these poles performed as expected on the trail. The Speedlock 2+ adjustability is a breeze, and the stiff, high-modulus carbon shafts felt sturdy under a very heavy load.

In a few seconds, hikers can adjust the poles from 43-51 inches, down to just 16. LEKI also put the locking mechanism inside the poles to protect them from the elements. Pole handles have LEKI’s “award-winning trekking grip.” The grips have a hollow core and wide surface area, with cork to help wick away moisture.

PBF-LB processes, also known as Selective Laser Melting, Direct Metal Laser Sintering, Selective Laser Sintering, Laser Beam Melting etc., belong to the powder bed-based group of AM technologies and were among the first AM technologies evaluated for the production of hardmetal parts. In contrast to Binder Jetting or filament-based Material Extrusion processes, the PBF-LB process ideally creates a fully dense part in a single-step.

One of our testers trusted the Zpacks Carbon Fiber poles ($100) for a recent 5,000-mile thru-hike of the CDT and AT, and he only needed two pairs for the entire trip. He pitched his tent every night with these poles, and dragged them through endless miles of brutal terrain. They kept on going.

In both these cases, mechanical properties will drop off drastically and a product’s use in tooling would be impractical. Furthermore, to achieve the required properties, the material has to be 100% dense, with only a very small amount of pores (< 0.2 vol.%) in the range of up to 25 µm being allowed. As for microstructural requirements, the tungsten carbide grains, as well as the metallic binder phase, must be distributed within the tool materials as homogenously as possible to guarantee the aforementioned properties, as can be seen in Fig. 2.

These are fixed-length poles that don’t fold down for easy packing, but a mid-shaft ring does make for a well-balanced horizontal carry. Anyone looking to log big miles in a single outing running on the trail should check out the Black Diamond Distance Carbon pole.

In this guide, we’ve broken this list into categories to help you find the best trekking poles for the adventures you’re embarking on in 2024. If you need help deciding, refer to our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and FAQ below for more tips on choosing the best trekking poles for your unique needs.

The Leki Makalu Lite ($150) earns high marks for being thin, light, and surprisingly stable for the weight. Updated in 2022, they have a new Aergon Air grip that sheds a bit of weight while adding durability and a more comfortable, ergonomic feel.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Trekking Pole guide on March 20, 2024, to add the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Poles, a set of folding sticks that bring an undeniable value to the table.

If you’re traveling over snowy terrain without baskets, you’ll find out the snow depth pretty quickly, and unless you can lengthen the poles to match that depth, they’ll be rendered useless.

So far, each of the potential technologies that have been highlighted appear to have strengths and weaknesses, depending on the material composition, production speed, accuracy and part size achievable.

Another technology investigated for the Additive Manufacturing of hardmetals is the thermoplastic 3D printing (T3DP) process developed by Fraunhofer IKTS [24]. Because of its jetting-like process, it belongs to the MJT category of AM processes. Like MEX, thermoplastic 3D-Printing is based on the selective deposition of molten, particle-filled thermoplastics. However, in T3DP, droplets rather than filaments are deposited. The thermoplastic binder system used consists of different waxes and additives. This results in low viscosities at relatively low temperatures and solidification by cooling. Work done at IKTS, starting in 2016, showed that T3DP can be used for hardmetals with low Co contents and small tungsten carbide grain sizes [25, 26]. Work done for the manufacture of cutting inserts and test structures showed that, with nanoscaled WC powders and Co contents of just 10 wt.%, fully dense parts with a perfect microstructure (Fig. 8) and hardness values of above 1900 HV can be achieved (Table 3).

Packing down to 23.5 inches, the Gossamer Gear LT5 is compact enough to be used for overseas travel, and you’ll probably think you forgot them at home when you pick up your luggage. Previous iterations of this pole have been staples on the trail for years, and we’d expect the futuristic LT5 to cover even more miles.

While there are various ways to have them bear weight when moving through technical terrain, the above technique (alternating opposite pole from leg) has proven to be the simplest, most efficient technique for walking along flat, moderate, and steady uphill terrain.

Even though hardmetals have not yet been successfully commercialised by the AM industry, they are a promising material for a number of AM processes. Sinter-based AM technologies, such as Binder Jetting, Material Extrusion and Material Jetting, seem to be the AM technologies with the highest potential for industrial use, as they appear to be the only ones capable of delivering the specific requirements for hardmetal tooling, namely full density, microstructures with a homogeneous distribution of WC and Co and the maximum possible ratio of hardness and fracture toughness combined with high bending strength values above 3000 MPa.

At just 8 ounces per pole, trekkers will hardly notice the Black Series FX Carbon poles when stowed away in their pack. The poles use LEKI’s SpeedLock 2+, which the company claims is the world’s strongest external pole-locking system.

Apart from its obvious utilitarian function, these poles look really cool as well. The carbon fiber shafts are brushed in matte black, and the simple, white lettering makes them look about as minimal as they feel in your hands.

We pride ourselves on a testing process that exposes flaws and highlights strengths while observing a range of equipment options. Good gear should last a long time, and to do that, it needs to exhibit durability. When evaluating the best trekking poles, we test the features that commonly break down, including the locking mechanisms, grips, and straps, to ensure that only the most reliable poles make it on our list.

Aergon Air grips with genuine cork provide comfort and elite ergonomics, and the rubber tops are ideal for navigating steep downhill terrain. Redesigned by Leki for this year, we really can’t say enough about how comfortable these grips are.

Dr.-Ing. Johannes PötschkeGroup Leader, Hardmetals and CermetsFraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTSWinterbergstrasse 2801277 DresdenGermanyTel: +49 351 2553-7641[email protected]www.ikts.fraunhofer.de

However, carbide tips can inflict some damage on the environment, so some prefer rubber tips when traversing delicate landscapes. They can also be noisy over rocky terrain. Gossamer Gear includes some very handy rubber boots with their ultralight LT5 poles, which are easy to place and remove.

Trekking poles aren’t required, but they can certainly be helpful. For long treks with a heavy pack, they help distribute your weight and decrease the impact on descents. They’re also great for stabilization on rocky treks, hiking along an exposed trail, or when river crossings might get a bit techy.

[5] Kurlov AS, Gusev A-I. Tungsten Carbides and W-C Phase Diagram. Inorganic Materials 2006;42(2):121–7.

We especially liked how easy they were to adjust and were impressed we didn’t experience any slippage, even when applying significant weight. The foam handles are comfortable and moisture-absorbing, and the adjustable wrist strap allows you to maintain a custom fit. They collapse to a reasonable length, allowing for stowage in larger packs, and cross-strapping to lighter loads.

[10] Mattiza D. Untersuchungen zum Selektiven Laser-Sintern von Hartmetallen und hochschmelzenden Nichteisen-Metallen: Diplomarbeit. 1st ed; 1999.

The EVA foam grips were comfortable while testing and the adjustable wrist straps added an extra layer of security. The pole’s carbide tip offers great traction on most terrain you will encounter while the additional tip covers provide plenty of options for varying surfaces and weather conditions.

When first picking these poles up, they feel like they could snap in half — they’re that light. We were eager to utilize them under a heavy load, and regardless of the pressure and tweaking we applied, they performed great.

Trekking pole grips come in three primary materials: cork, foam, and rubber. Ideal grips will wick moisture well, be comfortable on your skin, and work as shock absorbers. Cork and foam are the most common materials used for trekking pole grips, and for most, the preference simply comes down to feeling.

Anyone looking for carbon poles on a budget should check out Cascade Mountain Tech’s carbon trekking poles. They clock in at $65 and weigh 7.8 ounces per pole.

The kit comes with two baskets and a trail pad: a 3-inch snow basket, a 2-inch basket, and a more trail-friendly rubber tip that prevents chewing up dried-up trails. The “Push and Pull” basket mechanism can be a little finicky. Coupling around a ball on the pole’s tip, you need to hold the pole-side receptor snug around the balljoint when pushing on the baskets. The rubber trail tip simply pushes over the carbide spike.

Pro Gear Tester Mallory Paige is always up for adventure. Whether motorcycle camping across North America (with her dog in a sidecar!), paddling whitewater in a tiny packraft, or traveling in a van she’s always ready to pivot and turn a challenge into an opportunity. When not busy obsessing about gear, she can be found building an off-grid homestead in the remote mountains of Colorado.

Each issue is available as an easy-to-navigate digital edition and a high-quality print publication.

Chris Carter, one of the lead authors of this guide, has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He knows the value of a reliable trekking pole for absorbing impact on the body, helping with stability over tricky terrain, and pitching a shelter at night. He’s pretty particular about the poles he depends on in the backcountry.

[24] Scheithauer U, Schwarzer E, Poitzsch C, Richter H-J, Moritz T, Stelter M. Method for producing ceramic and/or metal components (WO-Patent 2015/177128 A1).

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a rapidly expanding international audience.

Generally, women’s-specific trekking poles have a smaller grip diameter (which offers increased comfort for smaller hands) and a shorter maximum length.

[9] Kruth J-P, van der Schueren B, Bonse JE, Morren B. Basic Powder Metallurgical Aspects in Selective Metal Powder Sintering. CIRP Annals 1996;45(1):183–6.

That said, twist-lock poles are not our favorite. This system tends to wear out over time, giving them a shorter life expectancy with heavy use. However, as light, ergonomic poles with a comfortable price point, these can be ideal for the right user.

Further work done at Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden, Germany, with pre-sintered WC-Co granules in 2015 to 2016 [19, 20] showed, for the first time, that hardmetal compositions with typical Co contents in the range of 12 to 20 wt.% could also be successfully processed by BJT (Fig. 6). As seen in Table 1, different compositions can be processed and different properties achieved.

We tested these poles in a wide range of environments and weather over different types of terrain. As avid users, we know the features that can elevate one pole above the rest. To find the best, we analyzed what makes each pole unique and tested them in unique environments doing the activities these poles are more likely to be used in.

It is also noteworthy that, in contrast to many ceramics, hardmetals are not transparent to light. Light-based lithography AM technologies could therefore only be used with indirect crosslinking approaches, limiting resolution and speed.

Telescoping poles offer a more extensive range of usable lengths than all the others. While they take a little longer to set up than folding poles, these poles are more durable and customizable to the terrain you’re hiking or running on.

At 7.2 ounces per pole (with foam handles), these aren’t the lightest on the market, but many trekkers strip ’em down further by removing the wrist strap and basket, bringing them to a competitively low weight. These poles pack down to 24.5 inches, which attaches fine to the outside of an ultralight pack. But there are definitely smaller options out there if this is a primary concern.

[2] Zong G, Wu Y, Tran N, Lee I, Bourell DL, Beaman JJ et al. Direct Selective Laser Sintering of High Temperature Materials. Center for Materials Science & Engineering 1992:72–85.

[6] Konyashin I, Hinners H, Ries B, Kirchner A, Klöden B, Kieback B et al. Additive manufacturing of WC-13%Co by selective electron beam melting: Achievements and challenges. Hardmetals – raw materials, technologies and applications 2019;84:105028.

While the ultralight minimalism of these poles is an obvious benefit to thru-hikers, Gossamer Gear also offers add-ons that are geared toward individuals who are huffing it for the long haul (bungee straps, rubber boots). They’re also compatible with the brand’s highly rated, ultralight shelters, the aptly named One and Two.

The author thanks Markus Mayer, Uwe Scheithauer, Steven Weingarten, Hans-Jürgen Richter, Christian Berger and Tassilo Moritz (all Fraunhofer IKTS) as well as Tobias Schwanenkamp (University of Applied Sciences Cologne) for their input and additional material for this article.

In the first work in the area of hardmetals Sachs and colleagues between 1995 and 1998 used spray granulated WC-10 wt.% Co powders and produced simple bars with a green density of around 25% TD. However, due to this low green density (conventional pressed parts have ca. 55% TD), sintering at conventional temperatures (1,440°C) led only to sintered part densities of 60.9% TD [1, 17].

This version also packs down smaller (an inch shorter than the BD Trail Ergo), and they weigh less. At $150, these are also a great value for such a versatile pole. They’re light enough for thru-hiking, and sturdy enough to brace you if you carry climbing gear into the alpine.

Anyone looking for a reliable backcountry pole will appreciate these durable Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ($200). These poles served us well and exceeded expectations while exploring the Grand Tetons through variable terrain. The cork grips are comfortable and tacky, and we like the extended foam, which allows for easy hand position changes.

In principle, the whole range of AM technologies is available for hardmetals and quite a few have been tried already. However, due to the peculiarities of hardmetals, the following aspects limit the choice:

On the business side, the baskets couple around a balljoint. This “swing system” gives the basket up to 20 degrees of mobility, matching variable terrain.

A pole with a wide range of adjustability will work for almost everyone. Once you’ve measured your size, you can explore fixed-length options.

We did find them a little annoying to adjust on the fly, as the locks will flap around freely when you unclasp them, and you have to line them up again before locking them back in place. This made it difficult to change the length while actively hiking, which our tester likes to do between steep descents and climbs.

[1] Caradonna MA. The fabrication of high packing density ceramic powder beds for the three dimensional printing process. Thesis (Master of Science). Boston, MA; 1997.

[21] Carreño-Morelli E, Alveen P, Moseley S, Rodriguez-Arbaizar M, Cardoso K. Three-dimensional printing of hard materials. Hardmetals – raw materials, technologies and applications 2020;87:105110.

Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

With many ultralight shelter models accommodating hikers over 6 feet, traditional trekking poles won’t extend the required distance to hit the tent’s peak. Tents like the Altaplex demand at least 56 inches from a pole, and tall hikers must either buy a separate carbon fiber staff or use a trekking pole jack to meet the requirements. Soaring past these metrics, Diorite’s poles provide the solution many a thru-hiker has sought out.

Created in collaboration with ultrarunner Joe Grant, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon ($170) is built for fast and light adventures. Weighing in at just 3.15 ounces per pole (120cm length) these are the lightest poles Black Diamond makes.

Considering the above, Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) has to be excluded because of its intensive energy input, resulting in the decomposition of WC and the evaporation of Co. Also, VAT Photopolymerisation (VPP), also known as Stereolithography (SLA), is excluded because of the non-transparency of WC. Even though there are a few publications concerning both the PBF-EB [6] and VPP [7] of hardmetals, these processes are excluded from this report for the previously mentioned reasons and the results that can be anticipated.

Another bonus of women’s-specific trekking poles is that the minimum length is shorter, which increases packability. Due to their smaller size, the women’s options also shed a bit of weight.

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Pole length is one of the most significant factors for a good trekking pole fit. To estimate the ideal length, stand up straight (preferably wearing the hiking shoes you’ll hike in) and bend your arm to a 90-degree angle. Measure from the floor to your elbow to calculate your length.

Some fixed-length poles, like the trail-running-specific Black Diamond Distance Carbon Poles, don’t fold up. Others are a fixed length when deployed but break down for packing.

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

[12] Gläser T. Untersuchungen zum Lasersintern von Wolframkarbid-Kobalt. 1st ed. Aachen: Apprimus Verlag; 2010.

The cork grips extend down the shaft, giving you a comfy grip as you adjust your hands further down during uphill plods. While we gravitate to cork handles, the regular EVA foam handle option is significantly lighter, albeit not quite as cozy.

If you plan to regularly hike long distances and rough trails, we highly recommend investing in a higher-quality pair of poles. As with all bargain options on the market, these poles tend to wear out faster than other more thoughtfully designed options on the list.

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At 16.5 inches, there’s no excuse not to pack these. We brought these with us on a mountaineering trip to Europe this fall and loved how they disappeared in our luggage. The downside is — with so many accessories — you need to keep a tidy kit. Fortunately, the poles come with a travel bag.

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Luckily, we just so happen to be trail runners, hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers, and have been putting trekking poles to the test for close to a decade now. Factors like strength-to-weight ratio, packability, seasonal application, and grip style combine to create unique offerings for the ever-evolving specializations in the outdoors, and we’ve compared the best for our line-up here.

There are viable reasons to consider each option. Adjustable poles will allow you to quickly change their length to fine-tune them on the trail to your personalized needs. If you’re exhausted, you can adjust them to transfer more weight to your upper body.

[20] Pötschke J, Berger C, Richter H-J, Scheithauer U, Weingarten S. ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF HARDMETALS. In: EPMA – European Powder Metallurgy Association, editor. Euro PM2017 Proceedings; 2017.

For the budget-minded among us, the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 ($44) is a reliably comfortable trekking pole that checks all of the appropriate boxes. With two sizes to choose from, the 100-120 cm option weighs in at 19 oz., while the 115-135 cm version weighs 22 oz. Both sizes fold to a compact 15 inches for easy storage.

If packability isn’t one of your primary concerns, the Black Series Carbon might be your avenue to Leki’s top-tier poles. Available at a friendlier price point than its foldable cousin ($70 less), the Black Series Carbon is easily one of the best trekking poles on the market.

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Placement: Placing poles as you walk on mellow terrain is simple (see paragraph above). Over rock or talus, however, it can become a bit more complicated. It’s never good to have the pole wedged in between or just behind a rock as you step, as it may stick in the ground and break/bend under the force. Otherwise, you want to place them in a secure position that helps keep you balanced.

Traditionally, hardmetal parts are produced by a standard Powder Metallurgy shaping process to create green parts that have densities in the range of 55% theoretical density (TD). These green parts are then sintered in vacuum and protective gas atmospheres to 100% TD. While traditionally parts such as cutting inserts or dies are produced by uniaxial pressing, cylindrical parts are often produced by extrusion and more complex parts by Powder Injection Moulding (PIM). Even though this already allows the production of cooling channels for drills or milling cutters, more complex internal shapes and outer tool geometry are currently only possible with a high level of green machining and finishing – if possible at all.

Currently, the vertical resolution of T3DP is around 80 to 100 µm and the horizontal resolution is 250 to 350 µm, bringing it in the range of standard BJT produced parts. In T3DP, a quite high solid loading in the range of 50 to 60% ensures low shrinkage and subsequent distortions. However, as with MEX, debinding has to be addressed, limiting the parts sizes in the case of larger bulk parts.

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[7] Rieger T, Schubert T, Schurr J, Kolb D, Riegel H, Bernthaler T et al. Cemented Carbide Development for Additive Manufacturing (AM). In: Euro PM2019 Congress & Exhibition Euro PM2019 proceedings 13-16 October 2019, Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre (MECC), Maastricht, Netherlands. Shrewsbury, United Kingdom: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA); 2019, 1–6.

Tall trekkers — and those who own a Zpacks Altaplex — look no further. Your saving grace is here, with a sprawling 62 inches of premium carbon fiber, cozy cork handles, and a sleek matte finish, cruise your trails with style and confidence, then pitch a perfect lofty palace at night with the Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Poles ($180).

In recent years, a slightly modified process called ‘Solvent on Granule 3D-Printing’ was also successfully used to produce similar complex parts with Co-contents of 17.7 wt.% Co [21].

In addition, the evaporated Co can deposit within the PBF-LB machine and is a risk regarding CMR issues. Nevertheless, nearly dense samples (98.5% TD) were achieved by researchers from Fraunhofer IPT, Aachen, between 2007 and 2009 [12, 13] with Co contents as low as 25 wt.%. However, in addition to unwanted phases, thermal stress induced cracks and pores within the more or less dense microstructure now appeared due to the high laser power used. Similar results in 2015 at Fraunhofer IPK, Berlin, showed (Figs. 3–4) that interesting geometries are possible, but that the microstructure and the mechanical properties were significantly inferior to conventionally produced parts [11].

If you’re looking for the best hiking boots, look no further. We’ve tested dozens of hiking boots over hundreds of miles to help you stay happy and comfortable on the trail.

[18] Gläser T, Arntz K, Schlüter M, John T, Bechmann F, Döhler R et al. Gemeinsamer Ergebnisbericht zum BMBF – Verbundprojekt: Generative Fertigung von Extrusions-werkzeugen aus Hartmetall – GENIAL. Bericht Lasersintern HM; Förderkennzeichen 02PU2220. Aachen; 2009.

They still support your weight going downhill, but the spring-loaded system provides just enough give to reduce jarring on your joints. The cork and foam handle is quite comfortable, and we liked how easy it was to adjust the length.

Unique to the Connect Carbon 5, the removable straps magnetically snap into place. It’s bomber secure and only releases when you press down on the top button. Our testers especially appreciated this. You don’t always need a leash, and falling on leashed poles can potentially cause thumb injuries.

The use of straps comes down to personal preference, but there are some real benefits to utilizing this feature. Straps increase stability and allow more power transfer into the poles on steeper gradients. It’s also much harder to drop your poles off the side of a mountain or exposed terrain if they are attached to your body.

[14] Schwanekamp T, Reuber M. Parameter study on laser beam melting of WC-Co at 800°C pre-heating temperature. In: Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Additive Technologies: Interesansa – zavod, Ljubljana; 2018, 78–84.

These days, almost all poles available come with standard-size mud baskets, and many even come with some extra powder baskets for all-season use. If you want to utilize your poles for winter sports, check to see if they come with powder baskets, and be sure to check compatibility if you order them from a third-party manufacturer.

Length: For setup, you’ll want your arms to be at a 90-degree angle when the tips are weighted on the ground before you. Adjustable poles offer the benefit of micro-adjustments, whereas fixed poles don’t. This is especially important to consider which pole style you want to purchase. If you are hiking with adjustable poles, it’s a good idea to adjust the length of the poles as you climb or descend a hill, keeping that 90-degree angle as constant as possible.

In the future, adjusted materials for BJT and optimised process parameters for MEX and MJT will most likely overcome the current limitations of the Additive Manufacturing of hardmetals and will open the field to even more challenging possibilities, such as the multi-material printing of tools with different hardmetal compositions, resulting in specific tailored properties in different parts of a tool.

The only downside to these poles is their weight. While this won’t be a deal-breaker to some, those of us who watch every ounce and gram we carry will notice the overbuilt nature of these poles. At more than twice the weight of some lightweight poles on the market, experienced users will certainly notice the added weight, and those whose mission it is to move quickly and light, such as alpinists or trail runners, will want to look elsewhere.

We tested these poles on a mixed surface hike this spring and came away feeling satisfied with the quality and adjustability. After a brisk uphill start, the foam grips felt good in the hands and the poles were stiff yet responsive to movement. Being able to fold and stow these poles quickly in our packs was quite nice when we opted for a rock scramble to better views.

Aside from one key downside, these are hands down our favorite sticks for just about any backpacking venture you could drum up. A silky smooth Soft-touch FlickLock system, bomb-proof construction, lightweight balanced design, and cushy cork grips join forces to deliver a stable, cruisy hiking experience like none other. Throw in some thoughtful touches like Bloom foam grip extensions, soft recycled wrist straps, and two size options with variable handle girths, and you have one heck of a premium pole.

Wrist straps: The wrist straps should comfortably wrap around your wrists (not so tight that they’re squeezing, but not so loose that they’ll slip off your wrists if dropped). With your hands vertical on the grips, the top of the strap should rest where your wrist hinges if you lift your thumb from that position.

The EVA foam grip mimics the look of a classic cork grip, and on a hot day, they managed to wick moisture just as well. Like every feature on these poles, the straps are minimal, but proved comfortable and were easy to adjust with a quick pull of the tab.

Pro Gear Tester Mallory Paige is always up for adventure. Whether motorcycle camping across North America (with her dog in a sidecar!), paddling whitewater in a tiny packraft, or traveling in a van she’s always ready to pivot and turn a challenge into an opportunity. When not busy obsessing about gear, she can be found building an off-grid homestead in the remote mountains of Colorado.

Overall, REI’s Trailmades are lightweight, dependable poles that will get you comfortably from point A to point B at an approachable price point. They don’t stand out in any one category, but are more general workhorses for taxing backpacking trips.

For the price, the Trailmade delivers solid performance and reliability, with each pole tipping the scales at a relatively scant 8.5 ounces. They don’t pack down quite as small as others on the list (25 inches), but they aren’t the bulkiest either.

[22] Lengauer W, Duretek I, Fürst M, Schwarz V, Gonzalez-Gutierrez J, Schuschnigg S et al. Fabrication and properties of extrusion-based 3D-printed hardmetal and cermet components. Int. J. Refract. Met. H. 2019;82:141–9.

This carbon five-section pole telescopes from a compact 16.5 inches, extending up to 51 inches (130 cm). Pull the lower three sections, snap them into place, release the orange lever and you can fine-tune your ideal length from 110 to 130 cm.

The future of Additive Manufacturing lies in part production at scale. Innovation must, therefore, focus on how to reduce part cost and improve per...»

Just remember that even though carbon delivers excellent weight savings, it tends to be more brittle than aluminum. For long-term durability, aluminum is an excellent choice.

[16] Sachs EM, Cima M, Cornie J. Three-Dimensional Printing: Rapid Tooling and Prototypes Directly from a CAD Model. CIRP Annals 1990;39(1):201–4.

That gripe aside, these give us a swifter ride than most poles we’ve clacked around with — and we’ve tested many poles. They seem to absorb each step’s energy better than most and pop forward into the next step without feeling unwieldy or overly heavy. The sturdy carbide tech tips also fend off serious repeat impacts and have shown minimal signs of wear after significant abuse in the wild. It’s a joy to churn down technical trails with these in tow.

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If you’re buying trekking poles for the first time, or have simply never thought about the best way to use them, it can be helpful to understand the most efficient way for them to complement your stride.

Packable options allow you to stow a pole away when both don’t seem necessary, or if you need one hand free for snapping photos.

At $100 ($60 if you just buy one) the Zpacks Carbon Fiber poles are great for the ultralighter on a budget, or someone who needs a reliable pair of poles that barely register in your pack.

[4] ECHA. Substance information on: Information on, https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.028.325.

As for processing, it is important to keep in mind that tungsten is a quite heavy element and that tungsten carbide based hardmetals, therefore, have densities in the range of 13 to 15 g/cm³. Even small green parts therefore have a high weight, which can influence the green part stability or shrinkage during sintering.

And while some poles will only collapse into themselves, others like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 have independent segments that fold up when collapsed, making them smaller than most collapsible poles. These poles do use more section joints than other poles, which should be a consideration for long-term use. In our testing, however, we’ve yet to see fold-up poles expire prematurely.

Stride: As an extra set of legs, the most efficient way to use trekking poles is to extend the opposite pole to hit the ground just before your opposite foot (i.e., the left pole should extend as you lift your right foot to step). This allows the pole to absorb some of each step’s impact and takes some of the weight off your legs. On very steep descents, many people prefer moving their hand to the top portion of the grip or increasing the pole’s length and placing both poles at once for balance.

Our audience includes component manufacturers, end-users, materials and equipment suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

[13] Gläser T, Arntz K, Schlüter M, John T, Bechmann F, Döhler R et al. Generative Fertigung von Extrusionswerkzeugen aus Hartmetall – GENIAL. Aachen; 2009.

The packed-down length isn’t of vital importance to most hikers and backpackers. But, for those who plan to travel with their poles, it’s best to look for a pole that packs down small enough to fit in your luggage.

Trekking poles for under $30? Yes, you read that right. The Cascade Mountain Tech ($30) trekking poles are a fan favorite and a budget lover’s dream.

Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

An ergonomic foam grip runs the length of the upper section. On casual terrain, the grips are soft and comfortable. Choke up on the pole to assist in climbing steep terrain.

Most tools used in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, as well as in the metal machining or forming industries, are made from hardmetals. This material class, also known as cemented carbides or sometimes just carbides, can be categorised as composite materials. Hardmetals possess the necessary properties for their intended use, namely high hardness, strength and toughness. As implied by the name cemented carbide, hardmetals primarily consist of very hard carbide grains which are ‘cemented’ together by a comparatively low amount of a ductile metallic binder. The most used hard phase material is tungsten carbide (WC) and the binder metal is mainly cobalt (Co), with typical binder compositions in the range of 10 to 30 vol.% (equivalent to 6 to 18 wt.% Co).

The Leki Black Series Carbon ($200) is basically a telescoping version of the FX Carbon. The two are nearly identical, but this pole features two-point Speedlock 2+ adjustability.

Any tip will wear down after prolonged use and should be replaced when the metal wears up to or near the plastic.

Adjustable poles allow you to extend or retract steep ascents or descents. The downside is an increased possibility of failure or slippage at the locking points, especially with twist locks.

Trekking poles decrease your chances of injury and increase speed, all while lightening your load. There are a wide variety of trekking poles on the market, and trail runners, hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers all have unique needs for their respective sports and activities.

While most simple, twist-locking mechanisms can show weakness, we were able to tighten and loosen them with ease, and never experienced any slippage. Due to the smooth nature of the lockers, however, we’d recommend being careful not to overtighten them.

The REI Co-op Flash Carbon ($169) manages to strike a difficult balance between light and strong. The collapsible three-section design keeps them light, and the sturdy lever locks keep them at the desired length, even when weighted through downhill trudging with heavy loads.

When spending money on outdoor gear the product’s pricepoint, durability, and reliability come into play. The trekking poles on this list range in price from $44 (Trekology Trek-Z 2.0) to $260 (LEKI Black Series FX Carbon). As the price increases, the poles exhibit more features while shedding weight.

On the trail, it’s common to see a wide range of trekking pole techniques. Some people sling them along and place them in random increments, whereas others really lean into the poles and transfer weight with each step.

The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 poles are affordable and comfortable trekking poles with lots of preferred features. The ability to fold these poles to a mere 15 inches makes traveling with them a breeze. While these poles are ready for adventure, the aluminum construction comes with significant weight penalties. If you are an average user who spends their time on trail but would like a pole for the occasional off-route scramble mission, these poles offer great value in that respect.

For weight, you can’t beat the Gossamer Gear LT5. At 4.9 ounces each, you’ll hardly notice these sleek poles, and you can keep them handy for just-in-case scenarios.

The durable foam grip offers up just enough comfort for grip in technical terrain and doesn’t slip when you’re moving fast and breaking a sweat. Adjustable wrist straps provide additional security in the event of a fall, and the sleek carbon tips are ideal for technical placements on rock.

In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100 cm pole. Those from 5’1″ up to 5’7″ will use a 110 cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” will need a 120 cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130 cm option.

The Speedlock+ locking system was easy to use, even with gloves on. And the interchangeable snow baskets (sold separately) make these a year-round, one-quiver pole for all-season use. The new Leki Makalu Lite is definitely one of the best trekking poles you can buy for the price.

While the Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Poles aren’t the lightest on the market (or the cheapest), they are some of the tallest out there, allowing you to pitch any backpacking shelter with ease — and without add-ons. Their reliable durability and comfort-oriented design make them phenomenal picks for anyone staring down the barrel of demanding backcountry objectives.

Folding poles are often lighter and much more compact in their collapsed position; however, they have a significantly smaller range of adjustability. But for runners and fast-packers, their quick setup or breakdown on the move is unmatched.

You could use a single pole or a hiking staff, but, in general, we recommend a pair of hiking poles. They provide a more balanced, ergonomic gait and increased stability.

With an even further increase of sintering temperature (ca. > 2,800°C), the hard phase tungsten carbide can disintegrate due to decomposition of WC into W2C and C [3]. For handling and safety reasons it has to be further noted that cobalt is classified as a Cancerogenic Mutagen Reprotoxic (CMR) material, for which special care has be taken during processing [4].

They certainly wouldn’t be the best option if you’re carrying a lot of weight, but these poles are ideal for fast-moving endeavors where speed is essential.

Whilst hardmetals are interesting as new materials for Additive Manufacturing, it should be noted that they were one of the first materials studied, as shown by early tests done in the US by Sachs at MIT in 1995 [1] using Binder Jetting (BJT) or by Zong at UT Austin in 1992 by means of Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) [2]. These early studies showed that the successful processing of hardmetals by AM is by no means an easy task.

So far, however, dense hardmetal parts with mechanical properties comparable to conventionally produced parts have only been achieved by Binder Jetting for hardmetal compositions with ≥ 12 wt.% Co. Results for the widely used hardmetals compositions with 6 to 10 wt.% Co have, to date, not been published.

For the average user, balancing quality and price can ensure you get the trekking poles you need without breaking the bank. At only $80, the Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro provides a lightweight carbon build for users looking to shed weight, and it exhibited more than adequate durability for our testers, especially for the price.

Rubber tip protectors come with or are available for most trekking poles. They’re not only useful if you find yourself on shelves of rock or pavement, but can extend the life of your tips in storage (and keep them from snagging clothing in your pack).

To address these issues, researchers at the University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany, came up with the idea of preheating the powder bed to avoid thermal cracks and lowering the required energy input [14]. As shown in Fig. 5, preheating of the WC-12Co powder bed resulted in crack- and pore-free parts with five times higher bending strength values (~1000 MPa instead of ~200 MPa) as compared with parts produced with the standard PBF process.

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The trekking pole grip should rest comfortably in your palm when your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle.

Most manufacturers of trekking poles offer the industry standard – carbide tips. They’re incredibly durable and offer grip and pinpoint precision over various terrain, performing equally as well over rock, ice, and softer, variable surfaces.

In reality, it’s less about the gender of the given user and more about the size. Anyone looking for a smaller grip and a shorter pole should consider buying a women’s-specific trekking pole.

Further work was done in a national project at Fraunhofer IPT with partners from the tooling industry from 2007 to 2009 [18]. They used a granulated and pre-sintered WC-25 wt.% Co powder and a R2 BJT machine from Prometal RTC, Augsburg, Germany, now part of ExOne. After sintering (presumably gas pressure assisted SinterHIP sintering), crack free microstructures with densities above 99% TD and hardness values of around 1020 HV0.5 could be achieved.

Thus, and in contrast with PBF and BJT, MEX can achieve dense parts with low cobalt contents and high hardness values. However, due to the high amount of organic thermoplastic backbone binder, debinding has to be calibrated to the thickest dimension of the as-built part, thus limiting the manufacture of larger parts without inner channels because of the very long debinding time needed to remove the binder components. Furthermore, MEX using filaments is, in standard machines, a single process, meaning one part is created at a time, making it significantly slower than PBF – even more so when compared with BJT.

Work done on FFF of hardmetals at Fraunhofer IKTS shows that cavity- and pore-free parts can be produced (Fig. 7) and that, due to the low shrinkage, hardmetal compositions with Co contents as low as 8 wt.% and with nickel as a binder element can also be produced (Table 2), resulting in hardness values of up to 1700 HV [23].

Like any trekking pole you don’t want to lose, the Black Series has a security strap to make sure the poles don’t slip off and fall down the mountain. And you don’t want to lose these, because — like a Cadillac — the Black Series FX don’t come cheap. At over $270 after shipping and handling, they might be the most expensive trekking poles on the market.

Compact, lightweight, and with a stack of baskets, the TSL Outdoors Carbon 5 ($180) has impressive flexibility for four-season use.

In the pursuit of trail happiness, the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles set a new standard for stability and comfort in the backcountry. At $150 they aren’t as hard on the wallet as other premium models on this list (including BD’s standard bearer, the Alpine Carbon Corks), but punch well above their weight. Trot across the country, or explore your local state park over the weekend with about as much comfort and performance as you could ask for — these should be on any backpacker’s shortlist.

As with the aluminum Mountain Tech, don’t expect durability with extended use. But these poles could certainly get you through a backpacking trip or be a reliable backup if you need to lend out a pair of poles.

However, as also shown by other studies, the required energy input (laser power) to achieve sufficiently dense samples resulted in defects such as abnormal grain growth and local decomposition of WC into W2C and carbon, as well as the unwanted formation of eta phases. Furthermore, the evaporation of Co, reducing the residual Co content of the hardmetal, led to the fact that often the composition of the produced part did not match that of the starting powders used [11].

The nylon wrist straps are quite soft, and didn’t rub us uncomfortably over long miles, and we found the ergonomic EVA foam grips to be cozy and breathable. The poles offer solid adjustability, and the locks are quick to use and strong.

In addition to providing extensive industry news coverage, Metal AM magazine is known for exclusive, in-depth articles and technical reports.

The buckleless straps, utilizing a comfortable climbing webbing, proved very comfortable even after several days of continuous use. While the Alpine Carbon Cork Poles are a bit more expensive than other similar options, they’re worth the investment if you plan to use them regularly and are looking for a lightweight option that’s also quite durable.

The new Aergon Air strap was soft on the skin and seemed to aid with wicking sweat away on hot days. They’re easy to adjust with a pull of the tab, and the lack of buckles around the hands was an added plus.

The short answer is yes, but it depends. Some hikers prefer to use them all the time; others rarely use them and might even remove them from the pole entirely to cut additional weight, especially if they tend to hike on easy-going trails.

The LEKI Black Series FX is a perfect example of extreme packability. It packs down to a mere 16 inches, easily fitting into most daypacks alongside other supplies.

But the allure doesn’t stop at its height. With so much extra carbon reinforcing these poles, it stands out as one of the toughest all-carbon constructed poles we tested, and instills some serious confidence when charging over technical, rocky trails. These poles earned our respect after a week-long section hike of the Appalachian Trail through Georgia’s undulating rollercoaster. They passed the test with flying colors, showing minimal signs of abuse.

Now for our grumble. It’s a nearly perfect pole, but the FlickLocks are on the same side of both poles, meaning one pole has them affixed towards your body if holding the grips correctly. In most cases, this isn’t an issue. But, we found they could sometimes snag on our pants’ pockets and pop open, collapsing mid-stride. This is a unique issue that we haven’t had with other poles, and though it rarely occurs, gives us pause at times when bombing down steep hills.

We’ve spent months researching and testing the best trekking poles to fit a variety of uses and budgets. From day hikes in the mountains of Colorado to thru-hikes across the country, we’ve put these poles through the wringer, evaluating them based on comfort, packed size, durability, versatility, adjustability, and overall value.

The most promising results, however, have so far been achieved with Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), Binder Jetting (BJT), Material Extrusion (MEX) and Material Jetting (MJT). In the following subsections, results for each of these AM technologies will be summarised and discussed accordingly.