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I’ve been wondering about buying some walking poles for a while, but don’t really know anyone who uses them. So I’ve had no-one to ask about them in person and as such had to do my own research.
If I get some, they will be something of an experiment – I really am not sure if I will use them much or not – and as such I didn’t want to spend too much money on them. And so I am looking at the budget range of walking poles.
If you’re an avid hiker or just starting your outdoor adventures, having the right equipment can significantly enhance your experience. Among the essential tools for hikers are walking and trekking poles. These trusty companions offer numerous benefits, such as improved support and balance, reduced strain on joints, and enhanced propulsion, making your journeys more enjoyable and comfortable.
In this comprehensive guide, we aim to assist you in making an informed decision by providing detailed insights into the best budget walking and trekking poles available in 2023. Our goal is to help you find the perfect poles that fit both your budget and requirements. Let’s dive into the reasons for using walking poles and explore our top five picks for the year.
Go straight to Amazon to see the choices
Reasons for using walking poles
There are various reasons for using walking poles, which I have gone into more detail here. But for a short version:
- Support and balance – as well as good for older walkers who may struggle without, particularly helpful for all walkers on uneven ground or going up, and more importantly, down hills.
- Make walking easier – walking poles help spread the distribution of weight, particularly helpful if carrying a large rucksack. They also assist people by reducing the burden on knees and hip joints. This will help people with joint issues, but may also prolong those issues from occurring.
- Propulsion – using hiking poles helps to cover longer distances easier by providing forward propulsion. They also help you to build upper body strength.
It’s these last two points that I have been interested in. As I get older I am enjoying my walks, and see my future years exploring different parts of Britain on foot. But I am also conscious that whilst I was fairly active in my teens, I have become far more sedentary over the years since, and so I want to make walking a thing I am physically able to do for longer.
I’ve also never been blessed with much upper body strength. I have joined gyms over the years, but find them a bit cliquey and soon get discouraged. There’s nothing worse than going several times a week and working out for 60-90 minutes alone, whilst all these muscle bound guys and fit girls are all congratulating each other on their perfect bodies! So any help that walking poles can give in stronger arms and chest would be an added benefit.
Selecting the Best Budget Walking Poles
When it comes to budget walking poles, the key is to strike a balance between affordability and quality. After thorough research and analysis, we have handpicked five exceptional budget walking poles that offer great value for your money. Our selection is based on factors such as affordability, positive customer reviews, and popularity on reputable platforms like Amazon.
Let’s take an in-depth look at each of our top five budget walking poles for 2023:
Our choice of 5 budget poles
So here we go, here are our 5 sets of walking poles under £50 that we’ve chosen to recommend.
Andes Pair Of Telescopic Extending Adjustable Antishock Hiking/Walking Poles
The Andes Antishock Hiking/Walking Poles stand out as one of the most affordable options in our list, priced at approximately £15 at the time of writing. This makes them an attractive choice for those looking to experiment with walking poles without breaking the bank.
The poles feature a screw action to adjust their length. It’s crucial to avoid overextending them, as several users have noted that it’s easy to do so with these poles. In case of any difficulty, reaching out to the supplier for assistance is recommended.
These poles are made of lightweight aluminum, making them durable yet easy to carry. The ergonomic grip ensures comfortable handling, and the anti-shock feature further enhances your walking experience. Additionally, they come with removable ferrules and snow baskets.
While the Andes Antishock Walking Poles can reduce down to just over 2 feet in length, making them suitable for most large suitcases, they may not fit in smaller holdalls or backpacks. It’s essential to set the bottom two sections at the same height to avoid undue pressure on one of the sections.
Features of Andes Antishock Hiking/Walking Poles
- Size: Length: 65cm (25.5″) – 135cm (53″)
- Material: Lightweight aluminium
- Weight 662g
- Colours – black, green, red, silver
- Antishock feature
- Removable ferrules and snow baskets
- Handy mini compass on the top
- Lightweight but extremely strong
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
Buy on Amazon by clicking here
Pair of Trekrite Women’s Telescopic Antishock Hiking Sticks/Walking Poles
Designed specifically for women by women, the Trekrite Women’s Telescopic Antishock Walking Poles are a popular choice for general everyday use, whether it’s in the countryside or around your local area. Priced at approximately £22, they strike a good balance between affordability and quality.
These poles come with an easy-to-use antishock feature that provides protection for your wrists and knees, making them ideal for users seeking joint support. The telescopic design with three sections allows you to adjust the height according to your preference, and they can be easily collapsed for storage.
A noteworthy feature of the Trekrite Women’s Poles is the inclusion of rubber caps and snow baskets, which offer added stability on soft ground and in snowy conditions. The poles also come with a handy bag for convenient storage when not in use.
Features of Trekrite Women’s Telescopic Antishock Walking/Hiking Poles
- Lightweight aluminium – 258g per pole (without accessories)
- Three Section telescopic extension – 65cm to 135cm (26″ to 53″)
- Antishock feature – can be turned on or off
- Removable Ferrules and mud baskets
- Comfortable EVA foam handles and adjustable padded wrist straps.
- Purple or Teal
Buy on Amazon by clicking here
Pair of Trekrite 3 Section Telescopic Antishock Trekking/Hiking/Walking Poles
Similar to the women’s version, the Trekrite 3 Section Telescopic Walking Poles are suitable for both men and women. They come in a variety of colours, including black, midnight blue, red, or silver, and are priced competitively, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious hikers.
The antishock system of these poles can be turned on or off by twisting the middle section when locked, providing flexibility based on your needs and preferences. The EVA foam handles are sweat-resistant, ensuring a comfortable grip during long hikes.
Featuring lightweight aluminum construction, these poles are both sturdy and easy to carry. They come with removable mud baskets and rubber ferrules, making them versatile for various terrains. The poles are designed to be durable and reliable, making them an excellent choice for casual hikers.
Features of Trekrite 3 Section Telescopic Antishock Walking/Hiking Poles
- Lightweight Aluminium – 245g per pole.
- EVA foam handles and integrated adjustable wrist straps.
- Fully extended from 65 to 135cm.
- Extra anti-shock facility, which can be turned on or off.
- Removable mud baskets and removable rubber ferrules.
- Hard tungsten alloy trekking tips.
- Black, red, blue or silver.
Buy on Amazon by clicking here
TheFitLife Hiking Walking Trekking Poles
Priced at approximately £25, TheFitLife Hiking Poles offer a few extra features for just a slightly higher cost than some other budget options. They are designed with comfort and versatility in mind, making them a compelling choice for hikers seeking an upgraded experience.
The poles come with two types of grips – a primary rubber grip and an EVA foam grip underneath, allowing you to switch grips comfortably when walking on different terrains. The twist quick lock ensures easy and secure height adjustment, and a STOP sign on the shaft indicates the proper stopping point during adjustment.
Notably, TheFitLife Hiking Poles include a range of accessories such as rubber ferrules, mud baskets, wider snow baskets, and feet for walking on gravel. This versatility allows you to adapt to various conditions and terrains during your hikes. Additionally, a durable bag is included for hassle-free storage and transport.
Features of TheFitLife Hiking/Walking/Trekking Poles
- Antishock absorbing poles.
- Extra long EVA foam handles with straps.
- Lightweight aviation aluminium construction – 270g.
- Extendable from 26″ (65 cm) to 53″ (135 cm).
- Black, blue or silver.
Buy on Amazon by clicking here
TREKOLOGY TREK-Z Collapsible Tri-fold Trekking Pole/Hiking Poles
The TREKOLOGY TREK-Z Collapsible Trekking Poles are the most expensive in our selection, priced at approximately £32. However, they offer significant improvements in terms of design and build quality, making them an attractive option for hikers who prioritize long-term durability and performance.
These collapsible poles are easy to assemble, making them highly portable and ideal for travel. They are available in two sizes, catering to hikers of different heights. The height-adjustment process is straightforward, and a suggested height setting is provided based on your height, offering a starting point for customization.
| < 5′ 1″ | 100cm |
| 5′ 1″ – 5′ 7″ | 110cm |
| 5′ 8″ – 5′ 11″ | 120cm |
| 6′ + | 130cm |
Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles are both lightweight and strong, absorbing pressure and impact effectively during your hikes. They collapse into three sections to a length of just 15 inches, making them suitable for fitting into most backpacks.
In addition to the improved metal locking pin, the poles come with foam grips to avoid sweat build-up on handles and mud stops for enhanced grip in extreme conditions. The TREKOLOGY TREK-Z Collapsible Trekking Poles are a top-tier choice for hikers seeking superior quality and performance.
Editor’s Choice!
Features of the Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Trekking/Hiking Pole
- Improved features on metal locking pin.
- Foam grips to avoid sweat building up on handles.
- Mud stops to aid grip in extreme conditions.
- Built with aircraft grade aluminium – both lightweight and strong, they absorb pressure and impact better than carbon fibre poles.
- They collapse into three sections down to just 15 inches, thus fitting into backpacks easily.
- Available in 2 sizes – 100-125cm (suitable for up to 5′ 8″) or 115-135 cm (5′ 9″ and taller). Length can be adjusted quickly.
- Lightweight – only 270g for the shorter poles, 290g for the longer poles, due to the aircraft aluminium.
Buy on Amazon by clicking here
Conclusion – Best Budget Walking Poles 2023
After thorough research and analysis, we have provided you with an in-depth guide to selecting the best budget walking and trekking poles in 2023. Our top five picks, the Andes Antishock Hiking/Walking Poles, Trekrite Women’s Telescopic Antishock Walking Poles, Trekrite 3 Section Telescopic Walking Poles, TheFitLife Hiking Poles, and TREKOLOGY TREK-Z Collapsible Trekking Poles, offer great value for your money and cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just beginning your journey into the world of hiking, investing in a reliable pair of walking poles can significantly enhance your experience and provide you with the support and stability you need during your outdoor adventures. Make your selection wisely and enjoy your hikes to the fullest!
[Editor’s Note: Remember to choose poles that best suit your individual needs and requirements. Always prioritize safety and comfort while hiking, and consider factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and the length of your hikes when selecting your walking poles.]
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is based on research and analysis conducted as of 2023. Prices and availability of products may vary over time. Please ensure to check the most up-to-date information before making a purchase.
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