How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

Take on hikes and long-haul backpacking trips more confidently with the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles. They adjust easily to fit you and the terrain, and feature comfortable, ergonomic cork grips.




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Imported.
View the REI Co-op Traverse Product LineView all REI Co-op Trekking Poles| Best Use | Backpacking Hiking |
|---|---|
| Shaft Construction | 7001 aluminum |
| Grip Material | Cork |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Maximum Length (in.) | 95-120 CM: 47 inches 105-140 CM: 55 inches |
| Minimum Length (in.) | 95-120 CM: 37 inches 105-140 CM: 41 inches |
| Collapsed Length (in.) | 95-120 CM: 23.5 inches 105-140 CM: 25 inches |
| Maximum Length (cm) | 95-120 CM: 120 centimeters 105-140 CM: 140 centimeters |
| Minimum Length (cm) | 95-120 CM: 95 centimeters 105-140 CM: 105 centimeters |
| Collapsed Length (cm) | 95-120 CM: 59.7 centimeters 105-140 CM: 63.5 centimeters |
| Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
| Basket Type | Trekking |
| Weight (Pair) | 95-120 CM: 1 lb. 2.5 oz. 105-140 CM: 1 lb. 3.5 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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I just finished a five day backpacking and scrambling trip in the Canadian Rockies and these poles worked great! Adjusting with the lever locks was easy and they were very secure and never slipped, despite putting a lot of weight on them while ascending and descending steep mountain scrambling slopes. The wrist straps are easy to adjust and very comfortable. The extended thin foam grip below the cork handle was very nice when alternating grip positions on switchbacks. The poles are very compact when stowed. They seem to be very durable, but also slightly lighter than my old poles.
These are a heavy pair of poles, which may be good for some people, but for an older woman using them for balance and light hiking, they feel a bit cumbersome. But the main problem for me was the long grip. Since they are unisex, the nice cork grip was too large for my (medium size) hand. I ended up exchanging these for the light weight Black Diamond poles in the small/medium size which fit just like my old Lekis and, even better, has a soft, lightly padded inner wrist strap.
Love these poles! I needed to replace an old pair I had for years that were the screw/unscrew type and they eventually wore out after too many stream crossings. These are relatively lightweight, easy to clip/unclip and adjust on the go, and the cork is comfortable to grip. No complaints.
If you are a warrior I am sure there are better poles for 5X the price. But I am just a normal person hiking when I get the chance. I got these during the fall sale, so 30% off. The main reason that I chose these over less expensive models like the Trailmade came down to the locking mechanism. Cheaper models have plastic levers these poles levers are metal. Call me old fashioned, but for something that important and that is regularly put under stress I trust metal. Second, the locks have a knob to adjust how tightly they secure. The cheaper models that I saw have rivets. If they get loose your poles are not going to be secure. With these a couple of turns of the knob and you are in business. When you include the cork handles and rubber tips I think these are hard to beat at this price.
I just bought the sticks, did not use them.
These REI Traverse trekking poles are very well made. The locking mechanism makes them easy to adjust and the cork handles are very comfortable.
We needed trekking poles, that would fit inside our small suitcases for a trip to Peru. These are a perfect size, have cork handles, which I prefer. and are easily adjustable.
Great, lightweight poles. Easy to extend and collapse. Comfortable cork handles and padded straps.
The best walking sticks that I have had in years. Easy to adjust and store. Great for hiking on uneven surfaces
A small hike yesterday and they constantly slipped after tightening them. Will be returning and upgrading I believe.