What are the best budget trekking poles under £40 in the UK?

Finding a decent pair of trekking poles for under £40 is possible, but you have to be careful. At this price point, many poles use unreliable twist‑locks and cheap materials that can fail on the trail. However, there is one standout option that offers genuine quality for the price: the Decathlon Forclaz MT500. This article reviews the best budget poles available in the UK for under £40 and explains what features to look for – and which to avoid.

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The top pick: Decathlon Forclaz MT500 (~£35)

Decathlon’s in‑house brand, Forclaz, has earned a reputation for producing surprisingly good budget outdoor gear. The Forclaz MT500 trekking poles are a prime example.

• Price: £35 per pair (sometimes on sale for £30).
• Material: 7075 aluminium – strong, lightweight (approx. 260g per pole).
• Locking: External flick‑lock (similar to Leki’s SpeedLock) – reliable, easy to adjust, and works well in mud or rain.
• Grip: Cork/foam hybrid – comfortable, sweat‑absorbent, and provides a secure hold.
• Tip: Carbide, replaceable – essential for long life. Decathlon sells spare tips.
• Baskets: Small trekking baskets included; powder baskets available separately.
• Adjustability: Telescoping, 100‑135 cm – fits most heights.

Why it’s the best: The MT500 gives you flick‑locks – not twist‑locks – at a sub‑£40 price. This is rare. The 7075 aluminium shaft is durable, and the cork grip is comfortable for day hikes. Many users report these poles lasting for years of weekend walking.

Runner‑up: TrailBuddy Trekking Poles (via Amazon, ~£30‑35)

The TrailBuddy poles are a popular Amazon choice. They are slightly heavier (about 280g per pole) and use a twist‑lock mechanism. While they have thousands of positive reviews, twist‑locks are inherently less reliable than flick‑locks – they can slip, freeze, or clog with mud. For very light, occasional use on flat ground, they may suffice, but for any serious or wet terrain, the Decathlon MT500 is far superior.

• Pros: Very cheap, come with multiple tips and a carry bag.
• Cons: Twist‑locks, heavier, non‑replaceable tips (some versions).

What to avoid at this price

• Twist‑locks: Unless you only walk on clean, dry paths in perfect weather, twist‑locks will eventually frustrate you.
• Non‑replaceable tips: Once the carbide wears down (which happens quickly on UK trails), the poles become useless.
• Very heavy steel or aluminium poles (over 300g each): They will tire your arms.
• No‑name brands with no spare parts: If a lock breaks, you cannot fix it.

Where to buy in the UK

• Decathlon – The Forclaz MT500 is available in Decathlon stores nationwide and online. Stock levels can vary, but it’s a core product.
• Amazon UK – Look for the TrailBuddy or other flick‑lock options, but beware of fakes. Stick to Decathlon for guaranteed quality.
• Go Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse – Their own‑brand poles at this price almost always use twist‑locks. Test before buying.

Are there any other flick‑lock poles under £40?

Very few. The Decathlon MT500 is unique in offering external flick‑locks at this price. Some generic poles on eBay claim to have “cam locks”, but they are often poorly made and may fail. For peace of mind, the extra few pounds for the Decathlon is well worth it.

Final verdict

For hikers on a tight budget in the UK, the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 at £35 is the best trekking pole under £40. It offers reliable flick‑locks, a comfortable cork grip, a durable 7075 aluminium shaft, and replaceable tips – features usually found on poles costing twice as much. Avoid twist‑lock poles at this price, as they will likely let you down on wet or uneven terrain. Spend a little more for the MT500, and you will have a pair of poles that can handle day walks, gentle hills, and even light backpacking. Your knees will thank you.