Women’s trekking poles are similar if not the same as traditional unisex hiking poles. Most manufacturers do not make women’s trekking poles as most women can comfortably use traditional unisex trekking poles. If a manufacturer does have a women-specific design, these trekking poles are usually lighter weight, shorter and feature a smaller grip than its unisex counterpart.
Trekking poles, also referred to as either hiking poles or walking sticks, are extremely useful and must have equipment for any hiker, whether you’re a novice walker or trekking through the Himalayas. Unlike a makeshift walking stick that you can make/find on a hiking trail, using a pair of trekking poles provides you much more stability and balance, and more importantly is a means of distributing the stress on your knees and ankles to your arms and back. If you’ve never used trekking poles, give it a try – your knees will be much happier the next time you hike.
Trekking poles and hiking staffs will not decrease your overall energy expenditure since you’ll be using your arms more than you would when walking without poles. They do, however, help distribute your energy usage in a way that can help your hiking endurance.
Below we have reviewed the top 5 women’s trekking poles. These poles have been tested by females and males of all ages.
Best Women’s Trekking Poles
| Rank | Brand & Model | Shaft | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles | Aluminum |  | $$ |
| 2 | Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles | Aluminum |  | $$$ |
| 3 | Montem Ultralight Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Carbon Fiber | | $$$ |
| 4 | Leki Corklite Trekking Poles | Aluminum |  | $$$$ |
| 5 | Bearios Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles | Carbon Fiber |  | $$$ |
More Trekking Poles
Top Rated – Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
The top rated and best seller hiking poles are the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles. These lightweight Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are designed for all-season on-trail/off-trail versatility. The three piece, ultralight, narrow diameter aluminum shafts, reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Claimed to be built from the same form of aluminum used in airplanes, we gave it a test, and it definitely holds up with a sturdy weight bearing system capable of supporting roughly 350lbs of weight. Dual FlickLock pole locking mechanisms allow for easy length adjustment. Clamping force is adjustable allowing for customization down to the finest details. The poles also feature extended grips allowing for hand placement adjustments in uneven terrain.
Check on AmazonBlack Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
These lightweight Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles are designed for four-season on-trail versatility. The three piece, ultralight, narrow diameter aluminum shafts, reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Dual FlickLock Pro pole locking mechanisms allow for easy length adjustment and improved strength and clamping force. The poles also feature the patent-pending Control Shock Technology (CST) for progressive four-stage shock absorption.
Check on AmazonMontem Ultralight Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Looks like another great product from Montem Outdoor Gear! These Montem Ultralight Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are perfect for hiking, backpacking, walking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, climbing, and all adventure travel. The three piece, ultralight, narrow diameter carbon fiber shafts, reduce weight without sacrificing strength. They were designed to be the strongest and lightest poles available made with 100% carbon fiber, creating ultralight poles that reduce vibration and retain strength over a wide temperature range.
Leki Corklite Trekking Poles
For the seasoned hiker who wants something beyond the ordinary for all their needs, the Leki Corklite Trekking Poles should be enough to get the job done. Apart from looking more fabulous than its cheaper counterparts, this product brings the reliability of Leki, a company that is dedicated to making the lives of thrill seekers easier. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, this product offers the same remarkable features as the standard version of Corklite but also includes the benefits of SAS-L Antishock for much greater comfort and seamless flexibility in the long run.
Bearios Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
These Bearios Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles feature a “Quick & Easy” lock for easy height adjustment so you can find your ideal pole length more easily than before no matter your height. The poles are made of 100% carbon fiber, making them some of the lightest trekking poles on the market. The main difference between these poles and others is their lower weight. Each pole weighs right under 10oz. and extends from 23” to 53”. Saving a few ounces on each pole may not sound like a lot, until you carry them all day!
Check on AmazonWomen’s Trekking Pole Features
Adjustable: Most women’s trekking poles adjust in length to enhance stability on different terrain. They generally adjust from about 24 to 55 inches long. Typically, you will want to shorten the poles when going uphill and lengthen them when going downhill.
Shock-absorbing poles: These offer internal springs that absorb shock when you walk downhill. With most poles, this feature can be turned off when it’s not needed, like when you’re walking uphill. Shock absorption is recommended if you have weak or damaged ankles, knees or hips. It adds a bit to the cost of the poles.
Standard poles: These do not have a shock-absorbing feature and are lighter and less expensive as a result. While they don’t absorb as much impact when going downhill, they do provide a similar level of balance and support as shock-absorbing poles.
Ultralight: Ultralight poles offer the advantage of less swing weight, which makes them easier and quicker to move. Over the course of a long hike, this means less fatigue. Ultralight poles are also easier to pack. The pole shaft’s material is a key determinant of the pole’s overall weight. We classify ultralight poles as those that weigh less than 1 pound per pair.
Accessory mounts: Some trekking poles and hiking staffs include built-in accessory mounts such as a camera mount under the handle, enabling the pole to be used as a monopod.
Women’s Trekking Pole Locking Mechanisms
Women’s hiking poles are identified by their two or three interlocking sections that allow for adjustment in length. This adjustability (which typically ranges from 24 to 55 inches) lets you adapt the poles to your height and the terrain. Locking mechanisms are used to secure the poles at your desired length and keep them from slipping while in use.
Most poles use one of these four types of locking mechanisms.
External lever lock: A lever-based, clamplike mechanism that is quick and easy to adjust, even when wearing gloves.
Push-button lock: Poles with this locking mechanism snap into place and lock with a single pull. Press the push button to release the lock and collapse the poles.
Twist lock: Uses an expander and screw setup that is consistently strong and durable.
Combination lock: Some hiking poles use a combination of the other locking mechanisms to achieve a balance of strength, light weight and ease of use. For example, a pole might use an external lever lock on the upper shaft and a twist lock on the lower shaft.
Women’s Trekking Pole Shaft Materials
The pole’s shaft makeup is a key determinant of the pole’s overall weight.
Aluminum: The more durable and economical choice, aluminum poles usually weigh between 18 and 22 ounces per pair. The actual weight (and price) can vary a bit based on the gauge of the pole, which ranges from 12 to 16mm. Under high stress, aluminum can bend, but is unlikely to break.
Carbon fiber: The lighter and more expensive option, these poles average between 13 and 18 ounces per pair. They are good at reducing vibration, but under high stress, carbon-fiber poles are more vulnerable to breakage or splintering than aluminum poles. If you hike in rugged, remote areas, this is something to keep in mind.
Women’s Trekking Pole Grip Material
Cork: This resists moisture from sweaty hands, decreases vibration and best conforms to the shape of your hands.
Foam: This absorbs moisture from sweaty hands and is the softest to the touch.
Rubber: This insulates hands from cold, shock and vibration, so it’s best for cold-weather activities. However, it’s more likely to chafe or blister sweaty hands, so it’s less suitable for warm-weather hiking.
Other Women’s Trekking Pole Considerations
Wrist straps: Most poles allow you to adjust the length of each strap in order to get a comfortable fit. Models with padded or lined straps can prevent chafing.
Baskets: Trekking poles usually include a small, removable trekking basket at the tip end. Larger baskets can be substituted for use in snowy or muddy ground.
Pole tips: Carbide or steel tips are commonly used to provide traction, even on ice. Rubber tip protectors extend the life of the tips and protect your gear when poles are stowed in your pack. They are also good for use in sensitive areas to reduce impact to the ground. Angled rubber walking tips (usually sold separately) are for use on asphalt or other hard surfaces.
There has been several studies in regard to the benefits of trekking poles. According to a 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine, trekking poles can reduce the compressive force on the knees by up to 25%. This translates into literally tons of weight that your body will not have to support during the course of a regular hike. In another study by Northumbria University released in 2010 tested hikers in the true outdoors. According to Dr Glyn Howatson, “The results present strong evidence that trekking poles reduce, almost to the point of complete disappearance, the extent of muscle damage during a day’s mountain trek. Preventing muscle damage and soreness is likely to improve motivation and so keep people enjoying the benefits of exercise for longer. Perhaps even more advantageously, the combined benefits of using trekking poles in reducing the load to the lower limbs, increasing stability and reducing muscle damage could also help avoid injury on subsequent days trekking. It is often the reduced reaction time and position sense, associated with damaged muscles that cause the falls and trips that can lead to further injury in mountainous or uneven terrain.”
