Why Hiking Poles Belong in Every Hiker's Kit
If you've never hiked with poles before, it's easy to underestimate the difference they make. A good set of hiking poles takes pressure off your knees on descents, improves stability on loose or uneven terrain, and helps you settle into a steady rhythm on long days. At PAST Outdoors, we stock a wide range of hiking poles for hiking every kind of trip, from casual day walks to multi-day treks.
Choosing the best hiking poles for your next trek
Collapsible walking poles for hiking, made for travel
Collapsible walking poles for hiking are our most popular option for anyone who travels for their adventures. They pack down small enough to strap to a daypack or slide into checked luggage, so you're never without support once you hit the trail. We recommend collapsible poles for hikers who move between multiple trips throughout the year and want gear that packs light.
Hiking poles Black Diamond hikers trust on rough terrain
When it comes to durability, hiking poles Black Diamond makes are some of the most trusted on the market. Built with lightweight aluminium or carbon shafts and reliable locking mechanisms, they're designed to handle everything from steep alpine terrain to long, flat fire trails without missing a beat. We stock a range of Black Diamond poles suited to different budgets and trip types.
Hiking poles folding vs telescopic: which is right for you?
Choosing between hiking poles folding designs and traditional telescopic poles comes down to how you like to pack and adjust. Folding poles collapse into short, compact sections and are ideal for travel and ultralight setups, while telescopic poles offer more adjustability for varied terrain and different users sharing the same pair.
| Pole | Brand | Style | Price* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leki Eagle Trekking Poles | Leki | Telescopic, aluminium | $119.90 | Entry-level budget poles |
| Leki Trail Hiking Poles | Leki | Telescopic, aluminium | $169.90 | Everyday trail use |
| Helinox Passport TL Series Walking Poles | Helinox | Telescopic | $175.90 | Lightweight, everyday hiking |
| Helinox Passport Series Poles FL120 | Helinox | Folding | $159.90 | Compact travel setup |
| Black Diamond Explorer 3 Trekking Poles | Black Diamond | Telescopic | $139.90 | Reliable everyday poles |
| Leki Legacy Lite Hiking Poles | Leki | Telescopic | $199.90 | Lightweight step-up option |
| Leki Legacy Lite Anti Shock Hiking Poles | Leki | Telescopic, anti-shock | $229.90 | Hard descents & knee support |
| Helinox Passport TL120 Walking Poles | Helinox | Telescopic, shorter max length | $219.90 | Shorter hikers |
| Helinox Passport TL130 Walking Poles | Helinox | Telescopic, taller max length | $219.90 | Taller hikers |
| Helinox Ridgeline Series Trekking Poles | Helinox | Telescopic | $231.90 | All-round hiking, customer favourite |
| Black Diamond Trail Vista FLZ Trekking Poles | Black Diamond | Folding, aluminium | $259.90 | Compact folding all-rounder |
| Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles | Black Diamond | Folding, carbon | $339.90 | Lighter carbon step-up |
| Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles | Black Diamond | Telescopic, carbon, cork grip | $349.90 | Alpine & mountaineering |
| Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trail Running Poles | Leki | Folding, carbon | $399.90 | Trail running |
| Leki Skysolo FX Carbon Compact Poles | Leki | Folding, carbon | $479.90 | Premium ultralight & travel |
*Price correct as of August 14th 2026. Price may vary from this list. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our team can help you weigh up which style suits your hiking style best. For more on building out your kit, our piece on why walking poles matter more than you think is well worth a read, along with our winter hiking accessories guide.
Why shop your hiking poles with us
We're a family-owned Australian business based in Helensburgh, NSW, and every piece of gear we stock has been tried, tested and genuinely used by our own team out on the trail.
With over 2,000 five-star reviews, our customers know we only recommend gear we'd take ourselves, whether that's a quick weekend walk or a multi-day trek through the New Zealand alps. Whatever kind of hiking you have planned next, our team is on hand to help you find the right poles for the terrain ahead. Shop our full range of hiking poles today.
Do I actually need hiking poles?
While not essential, hiking poles significantly reduce the impact on your knees and joints, especially on steep descents, and improve balance when you're carrying a loaded pack.
What's the difference between folding and telescopic hiking poles?
Folding poles collapse into short sections for compact storage and travel, while telescopic poles slide and lock to different lengths, offering more flexibility for varied terrain and multiple users.
How do I choose the right height for my hiking poles?
As a general rule, your elbow should sit at roughly a 90-degree angle when holding the pole with the tip on the ground. Our team can help you find the right size in-store or over the phone.
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