Best Trekking Poles for Hiking in 2025 and How to Select the Right Ones

For hikers across Canada, having the right gear can make or break an outdoor adventure. One essential item that often gets overlooked is a dependable pair of trekking poles. These simple tools do more than help with balance, they reduce strain on your knees, increase endurance, and provide stability on uneven terrain.

As hiking continues to grow in popularity in 2025, more adventurers are realizing the importance of choosing the right hiking poles. In this guide, we’ll cover the most important factors to consider when shopping and highlight some of the best trekking poles available in 2025.

Why Trekking Poles Are Worth It

Whether you’re hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, exploring Banff National Park, or enjoying weekend trails in Ontario and Quebec, trekking poles can significantly improve your experience.

1. Support on Tough Terrain – Poles provide stability on rocky paths, river crossings, and steep descents.

2. Reduced Joint Stress – They help distribute weight, easing the impact on knees and ankles.

3. Improved Posture & Endurance – By engaging your arms, poles help you maintain balance and conserve energy on long hikes.

4. Versatility – Many collapsible trekking poles pack down small, making them easy to store or use as shelter supports on lightweight trips.

How to Choose Hiking Poles

If you’re wondering how to choose hiking poles, here are the key features to look for:

1. Adjustability – Look for poles that can be lengthened or shortened to suit your height and the terrain.

2. Grip Material – Cork grips reduce sweat, foam grips add comfort, and rubber grips work best in cold weather.

3. Weight – Lightweight poles are easier to carry on long treks, while sturdier poles offer more stability for rugged trails.

4. Locking Mechanism – A strong, reliable lock ensures your poles stay secure at the desired length.

5. Durability – Choose materials like aluminum or carbon fiber depending on whether you prioritize toughness or lightness.

6. Packability – Collapsible hiking poles are great if you want them to fit easily in a backpack.

Best Trekking Poles for Hiking in 2025

Here are some of the top options for Canadian hikers this year:

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork remains one of the most trusted poles for Canadian hikers. Built with durable aluminum shafts, it features angled cork grips that reduce wrist strain and provide comfort on long hikes. The flick-lock adjustability makes length changes quick and reliable, even with gloves on.

Highlights:

-Angled cork grips for ergonomic comfort

-Durable aluminum build

-Flick-lock system for secure adjustments

-Sturdy design for long-term use

Yatta Life Adventure Pro Trekking Poles

The Yatta Life Adventure Pro Trekking Poles are designed to deliver comfort, durability, and performance on Canadian trails. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these collapsible hiking poles are lightweight yet tough, perfect for day hikes or multi-day adventures. The ergonomic cork grips mold to your hands, reducing sweat and increasing comfort.

With a quick-lock adjustability system and interchangeable tips, they adapt seamlessly to different terrains from rocky alpine paths in the Rockies to snowy winter trails in Quebec. They’re built to handle a variety of Canadian conditions while remaining easy to pack and carry.

Highlights:

-Collapsible and adjustable for versatile use

-Ergonomic cork handles for reduced sweat and better grip

-Lightweight yet strong aluminum construction

-Quick-lock system for easy adjustments

-Includes interchangeable tips and baskets for all-season hiking

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon is a favorite among ultralight hikers and thru-hikers. Its carbon fiber construction makes it exceptionally light, while the foldable design allows it to pack down small, ideal for backpackers who want to save space. Despite being lightweight, it provides solid stability on most trails.

Highlights:

-Ultralight carbon fiber construction

-Foldable design for compact storage

-Comfortable grips for long treks

-Excellent option for long-distance hikers

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

For budget-conscious hikers, the REI Co-op Flash Carbon poles are an excellent balance of performance and value. These lightweight poles feature carbon shafts with reliable locking mechanisms. While not as rugged as premium models, they’re perfect for casual hikers and weekend adventurers.

Highlights:

-Affordable yet lightweight design

-Carbon shafts for reduced weight

-Comfortable grips for day hikes

-Great value option for new hikers

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hiking in the Canadian Rockies, the Laurentians, or local conservation areas, a solid pair of trekking poles can transform your hiking experience. The key is knowing how to choose hiking poles based on adjustability, grip, durability, and comfort.

While there are several excellent choices on the market, the Yatta Life Adventure Pro Trekking Poles stand out in 2025 for their balance of durability, ergonomic design, and versatility. As a pair of collapsible trekking poles built for Canadian conditions, they’re a reliable option for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

Before your next adventure, consider upgrading your gear. The right pair of hiking poles will not only make your journey easier but also more enjoyable, kilometre after kilometre.