Are Trekmates trekking poles any good for beginners?

Yes – Trekmates trekking poles are a good, budget‑friendly choice for beginners looking to try walking with poles without a large financial commitment. They offer decent build quality, comfortable grips, and reliable locking mechanisms at a fraction of the price of premium brands like Leki or Black Diamond. However, they are not without compromises – cheaper materials, limited spare parts availability, and less durability under heavy use. This article provides a balanced review to help you decide if Trekmates is the right starting point for your hiking journey.

Who is Trekmates?

Trekmates is a UK‑based outdoor brand known for affordable, functional gear – gaiters, hats, gloves, and trekking poles. Their poles are aimed at casual walkers, day hikers, and beginners who want reliable support without spending £100+ on a pair. The brand is widely available in retailers like Go Outdoors, Amazon, and outdoor discount stores.

What Trekmates poles offer for beginners

1. Affordable price – Most Trekmates poles cost between £25 and £50, with some models under £30. This is a major advantage for beginners who are unsure whether they will enjoy using poles or how often they will walk.
2. Lightweight aluminium construction – The shafts are typically made from 6061 or 7075 aluminium, offering a good strength‑to‑weight ratio. The Fold Lock and Walker Shock models weigh around 230–270 g per pole – acceptable for day walks and short backpacking trips.
3. Comfortable grips – Many models feature foam or cork grips, which are comfortable for moderate use. Cork handles become tacky when wet, which is helpful in the UK's damp climate.
4. Reliable locks for moderate use – The lever‑lock models (e.g., Fold Lock) provide secure adjustment, though they are not as refined as Leki's SpeedLock or Black Diamond's FlickLock. Twist‑lock models are cheaper but can slip in wet conditions – beginners are better off choosing the lever‑lock versions.
5. Replaceable tips – Some models have tungsten carbide tips that are replaceable, extending the pole's life. However, cheaper models use steel tips, which wear down faster on rocky terrain.

Common criticisms of Trekmates poles

1. Durability concerns – Several user reviews note that the locking mechanisms can wear out after a few seasons of regular use. The plastic components in the locks are not as robust as those on premium poles, and the shafts may bend under heavy load on uneven ground.
2. Spare parts availability – Unlike Leki or Black Diamond, Trekmates does not have a dedicated UK service centre. Replacement tips, baskets, and locks are not widely stocked, and warranty claims must go through the retailer. This can be frustrating if a part fails mid‑season.
3. Non‑replaceable sections – If a shaft bends or a lock breaks beyond simple repair, the entire pole often needs replacing. Premium brands sell individual sections, allowing you to fix rather than replace.
4. Steel tips on budget models – The cheapest models use steel rather than tungsten carbide tips, which wear down noticeably faster on abrasive surfaces like gritstone or tarmac.
5. Less refined ergonomics – While grips are comfortable, they lack the contoured shapes and angle adjustments of premium poles, which can cause hand fatigue on longer walks.

How do Trekmates compare to premium brands?

Who are Trekmates poles best for?

• Occasional walkers – If you walk 2–3 times a month on gentle to moderate terrain, Trekmates poles will serve you well for years.
• Beginners – They are a great way to test whether trekking poles suit your walking style without spending a fortune.
• Day hikers – For walks under 10 miles, the comfort and support are perfectly adequate.
• Budget‑conscious backpackers – If you are starting multi‑day trips but want to keep costs down, they are a viable option – just carry spare tips and be gentle on rocky sections.

Who should look elsewhere?

• Frequent, rugged walkers – If you hike weekly on rocky fells, peat bogs, or long‑distance trails, premium brands offer better durability and repairability.
• Those who value after‑sales support – If you want hassle‑free warranty replacements and easy access to spare parts, Leki or Black Diamond are safer.
• Ultralight enthusiasts – Carbon poles from premium brands are significantly lighter than Trekmates' aluminium models.

Tips for beginners using Trekmates poles

• Choose lever locks over twist locks – The Fold Lock model is more reliable in wet conditions.
• Check tip material – Look for tungsten carbide tips; they last longer.
• Carry a spare pair of tips – They are cheap and easy to replace.
• Adjust length properly – Set poles so your elbows are at 90° when the tip touches the ground.
• Clean after muddy walks – Mud and grit can damage locks; rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly.

Final verdict

Trekmates trekking poles are a good, budget‑friendly entry point for beginners. They offer decent build quality, comfortable grips, and reliable locks for moderate use at a price that is accessible. For occasional walkers, day hikers, and those trying poles for the first time, they represent excellent value.

However, if you plan to walk frequently, tackle rugged terrain, or want poles that will last a decade, investing in a premium brand like Leki or Black Diamond is a wiser long‑term decision. The extra cost buys superior locking mechanisms, steel lower sections, and a UK service network that makes repairs easy.

For most beginners, though, Trekmates poles are a perfectly good starting point – and they may even become your long‑term companion if you treat them with care. Happy walking.