

The Trailmade hiking pole is the brand’s cheapest offering and has nearly all the features that beginning and occasional hikers need. REI Co-op’s new Trailmade collection targets the budget end of the market and includes everything from sleeping pads and bags to backpacks, tents, and apparel.

What we don’t: No-frills design isn’t ideal for serious hikers or tough terrain. It’s also available in a shock-absorbing version ($190) and collapsible FLZ model ($180) that packs down to a compact 16.1 inches (for the S/M size).īest Budget Trekking Pole 2. In the end, we still consider it a great value for what you get, earning the Pursuit the top spot on our list just like its predecessor. The Pursuit is also a little pricey for an aluminum design (and $30 more than the outgoing Trail Ergo Cork), although you do get snow baskets and a new integrated hex bit tool for on-trail repairs, which helps bridge the gap. It shouldn’t get in the way when strapped to the outside of a pack, but it is a couple inches longer than many other three-section designs (and it can’t come close to a true collapsible pole). What are the downsides of the new Pursuit? For travelers, climbers, or those who prioritize collapsibility, the 26.5-inch minimum length (for the S/M size) may be an issue. A final bonus: The Pursuit is one of the most sustainably built designs on the market with algae-infused grip extensions and wrist straps made from recycled fibers.
#Black diamond flick stick upgrade
It also has Black Diamond's comfortable, ergonomically shaped cork grips and trusty FlickLock+ levers (a nice upgrade over the Trail Ergo’s standard FlickLock design). Similar to the outgoing model, the Pursuit’s all-aluminum construction is only a few ounces heavier than most of the carbon options below but still plenty sturdy for most dirt, rock, and snow travel. What we don’t: Long collapsed length and pricier than the outgoing Trail Ergo Cork.īlack Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork was our favorite trekking pole for years, and the new Pursuit is a very strong successor. What we like: Solid construction, comfortable feel, and premium feature set. Best Four-Season Trekking Pole: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corkīest Overall Trekking Pole 1.Best Ultralight Collapsible Pole: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z.Best Budget Trekking Pole: REI Co-op Trailmade.

