Top 10 Hiking Pole Brands for 2025

Navigating the world of hiking pole brands can be as tricky as a rocky downhill trail. For 2025, innovation continues to focus on lighter weight, smarter materials, and enhanced user-specific designs. Whether you're a casual day hiker or a dedicated thru-hiker, choosing a trusted brand ensures reliability, performance, and value. Here is a curated list of the top 10 brands leading the market in 2025.

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The Pioneers & Performance Leaders

1. LEKI: The German powerhouse remains the gold standard for engineering and innovation. Renowned for their proprietary SpeedLock system (one of the most secure adjustments on the market), superior vibration dampening, and exceptional durability, Leki is the top choice for serious mountaineers and long-distance hikers who prioritize performance and are willing to invest.
2. Black Diamond: A favorite among alpine enthusiasts and backpackers, Black Diamond offers a perfect blend of lightweight design, reliable FlickLock adjustments, and rugged construction. Their poles, like the iconic Distance Carbon series, are known for intuitive features, innovative grips, and a commitment to technical performance.
3. MSR: Synonymous with bombproof durability, MSR’s poles, such as the DynaLock Ascent series, are built for the most demanding conditions. They excel in strength-to-weight ratio, often using tough but light 7075 aluminum. MSR is the go-to for expedition-style backpacking and off-trail adventures where failure is not an option.

The Premium Value Contenders

1. Komperdell: This Austrian brand offers exceptional European craftsmanship at a slightly more accessible price point than Leki. They are famous for their Powerlock system, comfortable grips, and robust construction. Komperdell provides excellent quality across a wide range, from adjustable trekking poles to specialized ski mountaineering models.
2. Salomon: Leveraging their deep expertise in trail running, Salomon makes poles that are incredibly light, responsive, and designed for speed. Their S/Lab series is a marvel for ultralight fastpacking and racing. Salomon focuses on seamless integration of strap, grip, and shaft for a natural, agile feel.
3. Gossamer Gear: A darling of the ultralight community, Gossamer Gear focuses on minimizing weight without sacrificing essential functionality. Their LT5 carbon poles are a benchmark for thru-hikers counting every ounce. The design philosophy is pure simplicity and maximum efficiency.

The Best in Class for Beginners & Value

1. Cascade Mountain Tech: Universally praised as offering the best value in the industry. For a remarkably low price, you get durable aluminum or true carbon fiber shafts with reliable flip locks and cork grips. This brand is the ideal, no-regret entry point for beginners and a trusted backup for veterans.
2. REI Co-op: The strength of the REI Co-op brand lies in its quality control, generous return policy, and real-world testing. Their poles, like the Trailmade and Flash Carbon lines, are designed based on extensive member feedback, offering user-friendly features, dependable performance, and great value for money, especially during sales.
3. TrailBuddy: Another standout in the budget-friendly category, TrailBuddy poles are known for being feature-complete right out of the box. With robust 7075 aluminum, easy lever locks, and a full accessory kit, they deliver exceptional durability and ease of use for the casual to regular hiker.
4. Fizan: An Italian brand celebrated for making some of the lightest adjustable poles on the market. Fizan models, like the Compact series, use high-grade aluminum to achieve a featherweight feel without a carbon fiber price tag. They are perfect for weight-conscious hikers who prioritize adjustability for travel and varied terrain.

How to Choose Your 2025 Brand

Your choice should be guided by your primary activity:

• Alpine/Expedition Hiking: Lean towards LEKI, Black Diamond, or MSR.
• Ultralight & Thru-Hiking: Prioritize Gossamer Gear, Salomon, or Fizan.
• General Hiking & Backpacking: Komperdell, REI Co-op, or Black Diamond offer versatile excellence.
• Getting Started / Maximizing Value: Cascade Mountain Tech and TrailBuddy are unbeatable starting points.

For 2025, the trend continues towards specialized poles. The "best" brand is the one that best aligns with your typical terrain, budget, and personal priorities for weight, adjustability, and grip comfort. Investing in a pole from any of these established brands is a solid step towards more miles with more confidence.