Best trekking poles for men and women

When searching for the perfect trekking poles, many hikers wonder if they need gender-specific models. The truth is, while men and women may have different average heights and hand sizes, the best trekking poles focus on proper fit, adjustability, and personal preference rather than gender-specific designs. The key to finding your ideal poles lies in understanding how to match the pole's features to your body mechanics, hiking style, and the terrain you'll be exploring.

The Myth of Gender-Specific Design

Most premium trekking pole manufacturers create unisex designs that work equally well for men and women. The notion that women necessarily need "softer" or "more flexible" poles is largely a marketing misconception. What truly matters is selecting poles with the right combination of length range, grip size, and weight distribution that matches your individual physiology. A 5'2" woman and a 6'2" man will indeed need different pole lengths, but this is easily addressed through adjustable models available in most quality pole designs.

Key Considerations for All Hikers

Regardless of gender, these factors should guide your trekking pole selection:

1. Proper Length Adjustment: This is the most critical factor for both men and women. When holding the pole with your tip on the ground, your elbow should form approximately a 90-degree angle. Most adults will find their ideal length falls between 110-135cm. Telescoping poles with at least two adjustable sections provide the flexibility needed for different terrains - shorter for uphill, longer for downhill.
2. Grip Design and Comfort: Hand size varies significantly among both men and women, making grip design more important than gender classification. Look for:Cork grips that naturally mold to your hand shape over timeFoam grips that offer excellent cushioning and moisture absorptionContoured designs that fit the natural curvature of your palmSome manufacturers offer different grip sizes, which can benefit people with particularly small or large hands
3. Weight and Packability: While weight sensitivity varies by individual, many hakers prefer lighter poles for long distances. Carbon fiber models typically weigh 12-16 ounces per pair, while aluminum poles range from 16-24 ounces. Foldable Z-poles offer the most compact storage, while telescoping poles provide greater length adjustability.

Top Recommendations for All Hikers

Based on extensive testing and user feedback, these models perform exceptionally well for both men and women:

• Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z: Outstanding for fastpacking and ultralight hiking, these foldable poles feature a precision carbon construction that provides excellent vibration damping. Their compact folded size makes them easy to stow when not in use.
• LEKI Micro Vario Carbon: A versatile favorite that combines lightweight carbon construction with LEKI's reliable SpeedLock adjustment system. The ergonomic grip suits a wide range of hand sizes, and the optional Trigger Shark system provides secure attachment without traditional straps.
• REI Co-op Flash Carbon: Delivering premium features at an accessible price point, these poles feature comfortable cork grips that adapt to your hands and reliable lever locks that maintain their position in various conditions.

Special Considerations for Smaller Hands

While gender-specific designs are largely unnecessary, hakers with smaller hands (which includes many women and some men) may find these features particularly beneficial:

• Look for poles with slimmer grip diameters
• Consider models with shorter length ranges if you're under 5'3"
• Test poles with different strap designs to ensure they don't gap or create pressure points

The Final Word on Fit

The best trekking pole for you isn't determined by gender marketing but by how well it fits your body and hiking style. Visit a reputable outdoor retailer where you can extend different models and grip them with your hiking gloves on. Pay attention to how the straps feel against your wrists, how naturally your hands find the grip, and whether the locking mechanism feels intuitive to operate.

Remember that your perfect poles should feel like natural extensions of your arms, providing stability without adding significant weight or complexity to your hike. Whether you're male or female, the right poles will reduce fatigue, improve your balance, and help you hike longer with greater comfort and confidence.