Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a rhythm and significantly reduce load and impact on hips, knees, and ankles when going downhill. As with most hiking and backpacking gear, balancing weight and durability is the most common consideration. Below are our top trekking pole picks of 2022, which cover the gamut from ultralight and folding models to sturdy designs for high-mountain adventures. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.