So you're ready to jaunt into the rugged terrain of the backcountry, eh? Well, you and me both, but before you do, make sure you're equipped to make the most of nature's treasures. Contrary to what some purists believe, good outdoors gear isn't something that offers the outdoorsman an unnatural advantage; after all, mankind has invented and created this gear out of the earth's very materials. What's more natural than that? If you're looking to conquer nature, or even just to spend some time hiking its marvelous landscapes, a good pair of trekking poles can help improve your stability, balance, and trail speed. They can also serve other purposes, like doubling as tent poles. Here you'll find our five favorite trekking poles, ranked based on their quality, cost value, and comfort. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork If you’ve done a bit of research before landing here, you’ll likely have already encountered Black Diamond’s trekking poles, whether this pair or another. The Alpine Carbon Cork pair is one of their most popular pairs, as it strikes the ideal balance of quality, comfort, and cost value for most customers. Though we’d advise ultralight hikers to look elsewhere, for mostly anyone else, these are a sure pick. They’re great in any weather or terrain; in fact, their reliability is mostly to thank for their popularity. But long-distance hikers also appreciate their cork grips, which are more comfortable and irritate the skin less than other, plastic-based hand grips. Pros: Hybrid aluminum and carbon fibre shafts Cork grips wick sweat away Simple FlickLock adjustability Interchangeable carbide tech-tips Cons: Can’t secure them when fully collapsed FlickLock covers can easily break Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Poley Moly!Affordable, reliable, and comfy in the hand. What else could you ask for?Best ValueFind on Amazon Look, we get it. You don’t have to refinance the house to go on a hike. And we agree that it can be a little silly the way we justify our love for shopping by purchasing outdoors gear we don’t need. But it’s also true that good gear can greatly heighten our enjoyment of the outdoors, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It’s possible to reject needless consumerism and still buy things that have a practical use. This pair by Cascade Mountain Tech demonstrates this deftly. It compares to more expensive brands like Black Diamond while costing half (or more) of the price. Sure, these poles certainly aren’t as rugged, but they’re pretty darn tough. Pros: Great for beginner hikers Pair weighs less than a pound Adjustable wrist straps Cons: Not as dependable as aluminum poles Black Diamond Distance FLZ Z-Poles Only Opt for Z BestIf you're passionate enough to go down the ultralight route, chances are you already know it might cost a pretty penny. This 9-ounce pair of Z-poles is costly, but excellent in durability and practicality.Best Ultralight PolesFind on Amazon Weighing in at a mere nine ounces, this carbon fiber pair has developed notoriety amongst those in the ultralight community. While you might think that the words ultralight and trekking poles create an oxymoron, this isn’t the case. Yes, trekking poles are usually unnecessary, and the ultralight credo is to only take what you really need, but for some (including those with injuries) poles are a necessity. So if you’re attempting the AT or merely trying to cut weight, these are worth a look. A feature we particularly like is its Z-design, which allows the poles to be folded up for easy storage. Historically, the Z-poles have been nonadjustable, so you’d be stuck with a fixed length, which is a nightmare for those who plan on using their trekking poles as tent poles, too. However, this pair offers FlickLock adjustability, so you’re in the clear. Pros: Great for travelers Sleek, attractive design Can fit in a carry-on bag Cons: Length can only be adjusted so much Not ideal for truly extreme conditions Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Put a Cork In ItWhile some have bashed the Trail Ergo Cork for its bulkiness, the truth is that it isn't that heavy, and its attributes more than justify its value – especially for campers.Best for CampingFind on Amazon Fine, we’ll admit it: these are a bit clunky, and they’re not exactly cheap, but here’s why we’re recommending the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork. As far as quality goes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable pair of aluminum poles for this price range. Especially one that’s adjustable. And because they’re adjustable (and very much so) you can set them to the exact height you need them to be at when it’s time to use them as your tent poles. When you’re in the wild, roughing it, there’s nothing more satisfying than a piece of gear that serves multiple, unrelated purposes with great efficiency. This is that piece of gear. Pros: Length adjusts from 29-55 inches Incredibly comfortable grip Great value for the cost Good for seniors High-quality, authentic cork Cons: Hard to pack in luggage Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum It's A Bird! It's A Plane! No, It's A Super Deal!If owning a pair of trekking poles with aircraft-grade aluminum shafts, cork grips, and quick-lock mechanisms for less than $20 doesn't make excite you, check your pulse.Best Budget PickFind on Amazon Speaking of frugality, what’s better than learning that you should expect to spend $100 (or more!) on trekking poles, only to find this nifty pair for $20? There’s simply no beating this price, especially considering that an array of attachments are included, the handles are comfortable, and the snap locks are reliable enough to trust on serious hikes. You can expect them to perform admirably with very little slippage, and though they’re not the best, you can redirect all that money you save towards some other gear to improve your performance, if you’d like. Pros: Includes mud baskets and snow baskets Also comes with boot tips Adjustments can be made quickly Cons: Straps may not accommodate tiny hands Could bend under a lot of weight Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using trekking poles? The advantages depend on what type of hiking you’re doing. If you’re climbing in elevation, having poles helps you ascend with less effort thanks to the increased leverage. For declines, they help provide stabilization and balance, as three or four points of contact is almost always going to be more stable than two. They also helps relieve pressure on certain joints, like the knees. Further, in inclement weather, they help you grip the terrain (although some slippery poles can actually make it more dangerous than going without). Finally, some people feel they can hike faster and longer since trekking poles help distribute one’s body weight more evenly, resulting in less fatigue over the course of a trek. What features are most important when it comes to trekking poles? Here are the essential features you’ll want to consider: Height: Is it adjustable? If not, don’t plan on using them for tent poles. Make sure the height suits you properly, otherwise it’ll totally defeat the purpose of using trekking poles. Grip: Is it comfortable enough for you to hold it for long periods of time? Keep in mind that it’ll be rubbing against the surface of your skin constantly as you grip it, and that friction will, in time, create some irritation. Choosing the grips’ material is important. Typically, cork is thought to be superior to EVA and other plastic-composite grips because it wicks sweat, it’s comfortable, and it’s smooth against the skin. Locking mechanisms: Are they easy to adjust on the trail? Do you need tools? The last thing you want on a long trek is to get stuck holding poles that are too short or too long for you because you don’t have the proper tools with you. Misc: Other factors are also important, like the material of the poles’ shafts (aluminum vs. carbon fibre), the type of grips used, and the length of the hand straps.