April 7

Best Walking Sticks and Hiking Poles for Seniors

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Are you thinking of becoming a hiker in your retirement years? If so, you'll need the right gear, and that includes a good pair of walking sticks or hiking poles. Not only do they make hiking easier and more comfortable, but they can also help protect you against injury.

So what makes a good hiking pole or walking stick for seniors? Well, it depends on your needs.

For example, if you're looking for something lightweight and easy to carry around, then a collapsible pole might be right for you. But if you're looking for more stability and support on rougher terrain, then a sturdy fixed-length pole might be better.

But with all the different types and brands on the market, which ones are best for seniors?

Here's our guide to the top walking sticks and hiking poles for seniors. We've got all sorts of options here, so take your time and choose the one that's perfect for you.

Difference Between Hiking Staff And Trekking Poles

Hiking staffs and trekking poles are both long, thin poles that can be used to help hike up a trail. However, there are some key differences between the two. 

  1. Hiking staffs are usually made of wood, while trekking poles are typically made of aluminum or some other type of metal. 
  2. Hiking staffs are usually straight, while trekking poles often have adjustable sections that can be bent into different shapes. 
  3. Hiking staffs are typically used as a single pole, while trekking poles are often used in pairs. 
  4. A hiking staff is primarily a walking stick, used for balance and stability on uneven terrain. It is usually made of wood or metal, and is usually taller than a trekking pole. A trekking pole, on the other hand, is designed to help lighten the load on your legs and knees when hiking uphill or over long distances. 
  5. They can be helpful for balance and stability on uneven terrain, and can also be used as a makeshift walking stick if needed. Trekking poles, on the other hand, are designed to be lighter and more compact. They usually have shock absorbers and locks as well.

While both types of poles can be helpful when hiking up a trail, trekking poles tend to offer more support and stability.


Best Walking Sticks and Hiking Poles for Seniors


When you’re a senior, every activity becomes more important and more fun. So hiking is obviously a great way to spend your time, but it can be tough if you don’t have the right equipment.

You need something to help you keep your balance, especially on tricky terrain, and that’s where walking sticks or hiking poles come in.

Not all of them are created equal, though – so which one should you choose? Here’s our list of the best walking sticks and hiking poles for seniors!

1. BV Outdoor Z-Pole Trekking Poles

walking poles for seniors

These trekking poles made of aluminum are extremely lightweight and fold down to a very compact size for easy carrying or storage. They are designed for hiking, trekking, backpacking, and mountaineering.

The EVA foam grip and grip extension with a breathable, moisture-wicking strap offer a comfortable grip as well as keep your hand from sweating in hotter climates.

The tips of the poles are made of carbide steel which can be replaced if they become worn or damaged. SlideLock technology simplifies the process of collapsing poles to smaller lengths.

This smart technology makes the easy to assemble and break down while on the go. Most importantly, it is one of the most budget-friendly choice in the market that offers quality without compromising affordability.

View Price On Amazon: BV Outdoor Z-Pole Trekking Poles

2. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Walking Stick

walking stick for elderly

The Leki Micro Vario Adjustable Walking Stick is one of the most popular walking sticks among seniors because it's so lightweight yet sturdy enough to support even heavy people up to 250 pounds (113kg).

It's very stable because it has an aluminum shaft which is much lighter than carbon fiber but still strong enough to support heavy people as well as hikers who want more stability on uneven terrains such as rocky paths or hilly trails. 

This walking stick has an adjustable length from 37" all the way up to 53" long making it suitable for people who range in height from 5 feet 2 inches tall up to 6 feet 3 inches tall (1m60cm - 1m90cm).

The handle is ergonomically designed with a soft rubberized grip that makes it comfortable to hold even after extended use. It has a strong tip made of carbide steel which can be replaced if necessary. 

View Price On Amazon: Leki Micro Vario Carbon Walking Stick

3. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Pole

walking poles for seniors

The Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles from Black Diamond have ergonomic cork handles that make them comfortable to hold even after extended periods of time out on the trail.

The adjustable length makes them suitable for people who are between 4 feet 10 inches tall and 6 feet 2 inches tall (1m75cm - 1m88cm). 

They come with rubberized grips that make them slip-resistant and also reduce vibrations when used on hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks and trails with gravel or dirt paths.

The tips are made of carbide steel which can be replaced when they become worn or damaged. 

View Price On Amazon: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Pole

4. Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

best walking sticks for seniors

If you're in the market for a sturdy, lightweight and reliable pair of trekking poles, look no further than Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles.

Made with high-quality carbon fiber, these poles are strong yet lightweight, making them perfect for long hikes or backpacking trips.

The ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip, and the carbide tips provide solid traction on any surface. Plus, the adjustable length makes them perfect for people of all heights.

They're extremely sturdy and can handle even the most challenging terrain. Plus, they're really lightweight which makes them easy to carry with you on your hikes. Overall, these poles are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality trekking pole.

Moreover, these sticks come with a 3 years warranty so you can be sure that you're getting a quality product. If you're looking for a good set of trekking poles, then I would highly recommend these.

View Price On Amazon: Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

5. Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

walking poles for seniors

The trekking poles are incredibly lightweight and easy to use. They collapse down to 26 inches, which makes them perfect for taking on hikes or sticking in your backpack.

"The carbon fiber construction makes them incredibly strong and sturdy."

If you are worried that they would be too flimsy given their lightweight but that is not the case at all. The poles can withstand everything you will throw at them as they are made of carbon fiber.

The cork handles are also a nice touch. The flip locks are ideal for making length adjustments on the fly. The trekking poles also come with a mesh carrying case for easy transport.

Overall, we have been incredibly impressed with these trekking poles and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a lightweight and sturdy option.

View Price On Amazon: Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

6. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

walking sticks for seniors

The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are some of the best on the market. They are made with high-quality materials and construction, making them durable and long-lasting.

The trekking poles are also adjustable, allowing for a perfect fit regardless of your height.

The poles feature comfortable hand grips and wrist straps, making them easy to use even for long hikes. Additionally, the trekking poles come with a handy carrying case, making them easy to transport and store when not in use.

  • Carbon Fiber: These poles are made with 100% Carbon Fiber which is known for its lightweight. It's the best material for a hiking pole and will support you during all your adventures.
  • Quick Lock & Extendable: The length of the pole can be adjusted to anywhere between 26”- 54”.
  • Light Weight & Compact Poles: With a weight of 7. 8 oz. These carbon fiber poles provide hikers, walkers, backpackers, campers, and more the best option for a lightweight strong pole that is compactable enough to easily fit anywhere.
  • Bonus Tip Kit: Includes snow baskets, sand/ mud baskets, rubber boot tips, rubber tips, trekking pole clip, and a carry bag.
  • EVA Grips: In addition to providing a more comfortable and secure grip for the user, these foam grips also keep your hands warm in colder climates due to heat insulation.

View Price On Amazon: Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Why You Need A Hiking Stick

The benefits of hiking poles for seniors are many. Hiking poles provide stability and balance, which is essential as we age. With our reflexes slowing down, it’s important to have something to help us maintain our balance, especially when traversing difficult terrain.

Additionally, using hiking poles takes some of the pressure off our knees, hips, and ankles. This is especially important as we get older and these joints begin to wear down.

best walking poles for seniors

By using hiking poles, we can extend our hiking time and adventures by keeping our bodies in better condition.

Finally, using hiking poles gives us a sense of security and confidence when exploring the great outdoors – knowing that we have that extra bit of support can make all the difference on a challenging hike.

A hiking stick is an important piece of gear for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors. Not only does a hiking stick provide stability and balance on uneven terrain, but it can also be used as a tool for probing ahead for obstacles or assessing depth when crossing a stream.

In addition, a hiking stick can help to relieve pressure on your knees when going downhill, which is especially beneficial if you’re carrying a heavy pack. As you can see, there are many reasons why you should consider using a hiking stick on your next hike.

So don’t wait any longer – get yourself a good quality hiking stick today and start enjoying nature at its finest!

Benefits Of Using A Hiking Pole

Here are some benefits of using a hiking stick:

1. Protection From Injury

A hiking stick is a great protective tool for your knees, ankles, and hips. If you have weak joints or have had joint injuries in the past, using a hiking stick can help to take some of the pressure off your joints when going up and down hills.

2. Help With Balance

Using a hiking stick can also help you with your balance. As you walk down the trail, the hiking stick can help to keep you upright if you slip or trip on an uneven surface.

Using a hiking stick while crossing streams and other bodies of water can also be helpful as it provides stability in slippery conditions. 

The added weight of the hiking stick will also give more weight to your steps which will help to keep you upright if you’re walking on wet ground or up steep inclines.

First, the pole provides a point of contact with the ground that is farther out from your body than your foot. This increases your base of support and makes it less likely that you will lose your balance.

Moreover, the hiking pole acts as a counterbalance. As you lean forward to hike up a hill, for example, the hiking pole moves backward and pulls against your body weight, helping to keep you upright.

Additionally, the use of a hiking pole shifts some of your body weight from your legs to your arms, which can be helpful on steep or long hikes.

3. Additional Support For Backpacking Trips

Hiking sticks are not just for day hikes! They are great tools for backpackers as well! When carrying heavy packs over long distances, having additional support can go a long way in helping you keep your balance and stay comfortable throughout the trip.

A hiking stick can provide additional support for your lower back when climbing steep inclines and it can also be used as an aid for lifting heavy packs onto your shoulders when putting them on or taking them off.

The extra stability that comes with using a hiking stick will make all the difference when carrying heavy loads over long distances.

4. Aids In Navigation

Using a hiking stick to help you navigate your way through the woods can be extremely helpful! If you’re hiking in an area where there are no trails, it can be difficult to know which direction to head in.

Using a hiking stick to help you mark trees as you walk by them can go a long way in helping you keep your bearings when walking off the trail.

You could also use the tip of your hiking stick to mark rocks and other natural landmarks as well. This will help you stay on track when navigating through unfamiliar territory!

5. Additional Protection From Wildlife

Wildlife is one of the most common hazards that hikers face while out on the trail!

Having something with which to defend yourself can make all the difference between getting away unscathed or being injured by a bear, moose, or other large animals that may get too close for comfort!

A hiking stick is not only useful for climbing hills and crossing streams, but it can also protect you from dangerous wildlife if need be!

What Makes A Hiking Stick Ideal For Seniors

So now that you are aware of all the ways a hiking stick can make the journey easier for you, let’s now talk about things to look for while buying one.

When you're out on a hike, having a good hiking pole makes all the difference. Not only does it help keep you steady as you walk, but it can also provide support on steep climbs and descents.

So, when choosing a hiking pole, it's important to keep these features in mind:

Length

A hiking stick should be long enough to provide support for your full body weight. If you’re only going to use the hiking stick for balance and not as a walking aid, then a shorter one will do.

But if you are going to use it as a walking aid, then you’ll need a longer one that is at least 40 inches.

A hiking pole that is too short won't be able to provide the necessary support, while a hiking pole that is too long will be cumbersome to carry and difficult to use.

Ideally, you want a hiking pole that is between your chin and nose in height. This will give you the perfect balance of stability and ease of use.

Weight

The weight of the hiking stick is important because it will determine how much effort you have to put in when using it. A lightweight hiking stick will be easier to use than a heavier one.

The material used in making the hiking stick also determines its weight, with carbon fiber being lighter than other materials such as aluminum or steel.

It also depends on your preference whether you want an aluminum or carbon fiber hiking stick, both are great options, but they feel different when holding them.

Grip

The grip of the hiking stick is important because it affects how comfortable you feel when using it and whether your hand slips off easily while walking with it. The grip can be made from rubber, cork, or foam which all provide different levels of comfort depending on the texture and size of their grip surface area.

Cork provides excellent traction but may wear out quickly if used often, foam provides good traction but may get slippery after some time, and rubber provides excellent traction but can cause blisters on your hands if not properly padded or covered by gloves or grips that are made for this purpose (such as neoprene).

You can also choose between two-handed grips (that wrap around both hands) and single-handed grips (that wrap around just one hand).

  • Single-handed grips are usually more comfortable since they don’t interfere with each other when gripping them together; however, they are less stable so make sure that you hold them properly so that they don’t slip off easily while walking with them. 
  • Two-handed grips are more stable but aren’t quite as comfortable due to their interference with each other when gripping them together; however, this can be overcome by using gloves or wraps made specifically for this purpose (such as neoprene).

Some hikers prefer to use two single-handed grips rather than one two-handed grip since this allows them more freedom of movement while walking without having to worry about keeping their hands together; however, this makes the hikers more unstable so make sure that you hold onto both sticks firmly so that they don’t slip off easily while walking with them.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism of the hiking stick is important because it will determine how easy it is to collapse and lock the hiking stick when not in use, as well as how easy it is to unlock and extend when needed.

The locking mechanism can be made from threading (which uses a simple screw-on knob) or a twist-lock mechanism (which uses a lever that you twist to lock or unlock).

Trekking Pole Locking Mechanisms

Both are good options since they are both easy to use; however, we suggest the twist-lock mechanism because it is easier to use than threading and doesn’t require tools for adjustment or repair.

Some hikers also prefer twist-locks over threading because they are less likely to get stuck on something during their hike due to the fact that there are no moving parts that could get stuck on branches, bushes, etc.

Moreover, some hiking sticks have a flip-lock which is a mechanism on a hiking stick that locks the pole in place when extended. This prevents the pole from collapsing suddenly while in use, which can cause injury.

The flip-lock is opened and closed by flipping a small lever on the side of the pole.

Many hikers find this feature helpful, as it allows for easy adjustment of the height of the stick depending on the terrain. However, some people find it difficult to open and close the flip lock with one hand, especially when wearing gloves.

Support

One of the most important things to consider when buying a hiking stick is how comfortable the support is. Many people don’t think about this when they purchase their first hiking stick, but it’s crucial to have good ergonomic support in order to avoid injury while hiking.

Hiking can be a strenuous activity, and without proper support, you could end up with a nasty injury. That’s why it’s important to find a hiking stick that fits well and provides good ergonomic support.

Material

The material used in construction of the hiking stick affects its durability and weight; however, this may not be an issue if you plan on using your hiking stick only for special occasions such as hiking or camping trips and then storing it away until the next time you need it.

If you plan on using your hiking stick regularly then you should make sure that the material used in making the hiking stick won’t wear out quickly so that you can enjoy using it for many years without having to worry about buying another one anytime soon.

The most common materials used for constructing hiking sticks include aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass, wood, and cane. Each of these materials has its pros and cons which I will discuss below:

  • Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight but heavy enough for support up to 350 pounds; however, aluminum is prone to rust if exposed frequently to moisture such as rainwater so make sure that you store your aluminum hiking stick indoors when not in use so that it doesn’t rust prematurely.
  • Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is very lightweight yet strong enough for support up to 500 pounds; however, carbon fiber tends to break down faster than other materials due to its lightness so make sure that you buy high quality carbon fiber hiking sticks from reputable manufacturers who know what they are doing if you want them last long without breaking down too soon after purchasing them. 
  • Plastic: Plastic isn’t very durable but lightweight enough to support up to 250 pounds; however, plastic tends not to hold up well in extreme weather conditions such as rain and snow so make sure that you store your plastic hiking stick indoors when not in use so that it doesn’t get damaged by the elements. 
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a good option if you want something durable yet lightweight enough for support up to 250 pounds; however, fiberglass is heavier than other materials and can be difficult to repair if broken due to its complex construction (such as carbon fiber). 
  • Wood: Wood is a good option if you want something durable yet lightweight enough for support up to 250 pounds; however, wood tends to crack or break more easily than other materials which means that you will have to buy another one sooner than you would with other materials. 

Price

The price of the hiking stick depends on the material used in making it, its length and weight, the features it has, etc.

However, there are many affordable hiking sticks out there that are high quality but don’t cost a lot of money like those made by REI and Leki.

One of the most important things to consider before buying a hiking stick is the price. Hiking sticks can range in price from $10 to $200, so it's important to find one that fits your budget.

Additionally, you'll want to make sure the hiking stick is made of quality materials and will last long enough for your hikes.

So be sure to buy something that can stand the test of time, which means it can cost you a little more upfront but will save you both time and money in the long run.

Shock-Absorbing Poles

These hiking poles come with internal springs that help to reduce the impact on your body with every step, especially when walking downhill, making them ideal for anyone with joint pain or other mobility issues.

This is a highly recommended feature to avoid any injury to the hips, knees, and joints. Poles that absorb shock are important for two reasons. First, they help to prevent injuries by absorbing some of the impacts when you walk.

Second, they make it easier to walk because they reduce the amount of energy that is transferred to your arms and shoulders. This makes it easier to walk uphill or downhill, and can also help you conserve energy so that you can hike further.

Therefore, if you are planning on hiking any distance, it is important to invest in a good set of shock-absorbing hiking poles.

Portability

Foldable poles can be easily collapsed down to a smaller size for easy transport, which is perfect for seniors who are traveling or have limited storage space. So while buying a hiking pole, be sure to keep an eye for this smart feature.

While climbing mountains, you want the hiking poles to provide you comfort and support instead of being a nuisance. When you purchase something that is heavy to carry and not compact, you will end up spending a lot of energy carrying it.

Additionally, the quick-release straps also make it easy to attach and detach your hiking poles from your pack or waistband, which is perfect for seniors who are constantly on the go.

Conclusion

If you are a senior citizen who loves spending time outdoors, then it is important to have the right equipment.

In this blog post, we have talked about some of the best walking sticks and hiking poles for seniors as well as the features that make a stick ideal for hiking.

We hope that this blog post has helped you in some way to choose the best walking stick or hiking pole for your needs. Remember, it is important to find something that feels comfortable and fits your height and weight.

Be sure to test out a few different options before making your final decision so that you can be confident in your purchase. Happy hiking!

About the Author

Author

Hussain is a passionate hiker and traveler that love the outdoor and enjoys what nature has to give, whenever he can he love to write and give tips & honest reviews to help others get out there and just seek more unforgettable experiences.

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