These Cheap Hiking Poles From Amazon Are Way Better Than the Expensive Ones

I don’t normally use hiking poles when I hike, but this year I tackled Washington’s infamous Mailbox Peak Trail on Labor Day weekend and for that trail you have to use poles. Hiking poles are a godsend when you're navigating super rocky trails, but don't let an associate at a big outdoor sports store tell you you need the $200 poles. You don't.

I’ve tested numerous brands of hiking poles from the super expensive to the cheap, and these top-rated poles from Amazon are less than $25 and way sturdier than name-brand expensive poles I’ve tried. Plus, if you’re a Prime member, you can get them with free two-day shipping.

Mailbox Peak is a rite of passage in the PNW because of the relentless, infinite climb. The trail is like a merciless Stairmaster if a Stairmaster were made from gnarly tree root systems. The final push is up through a waste of boulders that feels like you’re in Mordor from Lord of the Rings. I stumbled and slid three times and would have definitely twisted an ankle if I didn’t have hiking poles. I took these poles I bought from Amazon, and they were amazing, lightweight and adjustable even for super-short me, and they stayed in place. I can’t tell you how infuriating it is to buy really expensive hiking poles or snowshoeing poles only to keep adjusting the height on them because they slide down. The whole point of using poles while you hike is so you can put your weight on them if you need to, so you need poles that are sturdy and secure.

These poles — as opposed to more pricey sets — are great for kids, too. They have an adjustable wrist bracelet, so the poles stay with you, plus they come with rubber caps to easily travel or throw in the car without accidentally poking something ... or someone. If you’re gearing up for 2020 adventures on the trails, I highly recommend these poles for the whole family.