Hi! I’m getting back into hiking and I’m considering buying hiking poles to help with balance. My budget is around £50. As a female about 5’5", what would be some good options? I’d appreciate any specific recommendations based on my needs and budget.
I’ve been using Pacemaker Stix Expedition poles for the past 7 years and find them very sturdy, especially on rocky and hard terrain thanks to their rubber foot accessory. They might be slightly above your budget, but sometimes you can find good deals on them.
@Uma
Thanks for the suggestion! I was also considering some less expensive poles I found online. Do you think these would compare well to the Pacemaker Stix?
Kavi said:
@Uma
Thanks for the suggestion! I was also considering some less expensive poles I found online. Do you think these would compare well to the Pacemaker Stix?
They look similar, though the rubber feet on the Pacemaker Stix might give them an edge in rugged terrain. You could also consider buying separate rubber feet if the poles you’re looking at don’t include them.
If you’re looking for a really budget-friendly option, I’ve had good experiences with basic poles from Decathlon. They’re not the lightest, but they are very durable.
I recommend looking for secondhand high-end poles like Black Diamond. Sometimes people sell them barely used for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Check out Paria Outdoor Products. They offer tri-fold carbon cork trekking poles that are excellent for the price and might just fit within your budget.
In the US, Cascade Mountain Tech poles are a popular budget choice. You might want to see if they are available in the UK or if there’s a similar alternative.
Harley said:
In the US, Cascade Mountain Tech poles are a popular budget choice. You might want to see if they are available in the UK or if there’s a similar alternative.
I’m in the UK, but I’ll check if they’re available here. Thanks for the tip!
For lightweight options, consider Fizan Compact poles. They’re among the lightest aluminum poles on the market and have served me well on several challenging treks.
I recently bought Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 poles for about $50 and they’ve been great. They might be at the top end of your budget but they are worth considering.
Leki poles are on the higher end but they’re extremely durable. Mine have lasted over 25 years of frequent use.
Paria Outdoor Products also makes excellent trekking poles with carbon fiber and cork handles, which are great for reducing vibration. Their tri-fold design makes them compact for travel.