Which is the Best Trekking Poles: Aluminum or Carbon Fiber?

Hiking expeditions are way too tricky without tools like trekking poles. In simple words, trekking poles are sticks with handle and wrist strap that ease an explorer's climbing expedition.

Why do you need Trekking Poles?

Trekking poles are of immense use to hikers. Trekking poles

• Assist climbers in moving forward with the support of their arms and increasing balance
• Support trekkers to increase speed uphill and flat surfaces
• Help in controlling downward trail
• Help decrease pressure on the lower body, knees, ankles, legs, and ankles while moving downward.
• Aid to tone upper body
• Have adjustable length
• Help burn additional calories of up to 45 percent.

When buying hiking tools, it is necessary to choose the best one for yourself. Trekking poles are majorly made up of either aluminum or carbon fiber.

Aluminum Trekking Poles

Aluminum poles are known for their sturdiness and are heavy. The good ones, made of 7075 alloys or an alloy of any other 7-series, have high endurance power.

Weight: 18 to 22 ounces per pair

Pros

• It is made up of metal and hence stronger.
• It is less sensitive to temperature changes and works efficiently in extreme cold and heat.
• It has a longer lifespan in comparison to others.
• It can be straightened and used even after bent (though it is more susceptible to break when bent).
• It is cheaper than a carbon fiber one.

Cons

• It is heavier due to more massive shafts.
• It tends to vibrate as it is a metal.
• The cheaper ones can break on extreme treks.

Aluminum trekking poles are perfect for climbers who need strong trekking poles allowing heavy load or rock hopping. Also, the sticks come at an affordable price with high durability.

Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber trekking poles are famous due to their lightweight and perform well. The easily packable trekking poles are made of carbonized fiber or carbon atoms.

Weight: 12 to 18 ounces per pair

Pros

• It is lightweight.
• It provides good support as it has less flex.
• The expensive ones are very comfortable.
• Its' shaft is sturdy as well as light.
• It has the advantage of being vastly customizable.
• It is stiff and hence does not vibrate as in the case of aluminum one.

Cons

• It is more expensive.
• It is less durable compared to aluminum ones.
• The carbon fiber trekking poles are perfect for climbers going on long treks as it is lightweight.

Comparison of features of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Here is a summary of the difference between carbon Fiber and Aluminum trekking poles based on their features:

Strength

The Aluminum ones are more durable, especially those made of 7075 alloys, while the carbon fiber ones tend to be more delicate. However, the latest models of expensive carbon fiber ones are durable.

Weight

The carbon fiber ones are lightweight, whereas the aluminum ones are heavy owing to the metal shaft.

Reliability

The advanced and expensive models of carbon fiber poles tend to be more reliable than their other models. However, in the case of aluminum poles, all models are quite reliable due to their sturdiness.

Comfort

Carbon fiber trekking poles are more comfortable than aluminum ones.

Cost

Carbon fiber poles are generally expensive, while aluminum ones are easily affordable.

Use

The aluminum trekking poles are more useful when you are

• Carrying heavy loads
• Trekking on a rough and rocky area
• Using trekking poles to support your tent

The carbon fiber trekking poles are more appropriate for

• Smooth and more or less even terrain
• Ultralight travel
• Carrying poles inside your backpack

AYAMAYA Quick Lock Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

The AYAMAYA Quick-lock Carbon fiber trekking poles are super light, easy to assemble, and easy to use for fast-paced hikers. The trekking poles display high performance due to its shock resistance and efficient design. The AYAMAYA Quick-lock Carbon fiber trekking poles are loved as they pack in numerous features along with easy use and less weight.

Height Range: 25 to 53 inches

Weight: 7.4 ounces per pole

Accessories: 1 pair connectors, two pairs of rubber tips, one pair of snow baskets, one pair mud baskets, carry bag

Features:

• Made of good quality carbon fiber
• Ultralight
• Anti-shock or shock absorbent
• Cork handles with functional design.
• Eva foam grips
• Quick-lock method
• Tungsten tip

Advantages:

• The shock absorbent feature enables hikers to deal with the opposite forces' impact, easing pressure on your limbs and joints.
• The Carbon-fiber aids the climber to move faster with ease.
• Cork handles easily mold into your hands' shape to enable a comfortable grip and soak in sweat.
• The EVA foam sleeves, along with adjustable wrist straps, add comfort, and save the poles from falling off.
• The quick lock system aids in providing a firm grip even when wearing gloves and during wet weather.
• The poles can be easily packed inside the backpack.
• The adjustable height and ultralightweight makes it suitable for all, even kids.
• The sturdy tungsten tip along with useful accessories make your hiking trip hassle-free.

Disadvantages

• The AYAMAYA Quick-lock Carbon fiber trekking poles are expensive when compared to aluminum ones.

AYAMAYA Combination Lock 7075 Aluminum Trekking Poles

Manufactured with T6 heat treatment technology with a smooth molecular structure, AYAMAYA Combination lock 7075 Aluminum trekking poles are robust and affordable for extreme hikers. AYAMAYA Combination lock 7075 Aluminum trekking poles is an excellent buy due to its superb quality, sturdiness, and efficiency.

Height Range: 25 to 53 inches

Weight: 9.5 ounces per pole

Accessories: 1 pair connectors, two pairs of rubber tips, one pair of snow baskets, one pair mud baskets, carry bag

Features:

• Made of aluminum 7075 alloy
• Strong and lightweight
• Cork handles with easy-grip design.
• EVA foam grip and adjustable wrist strap
• Shock-resistant spring
• Combination lock method
• Tungsten tip
• Low price

Advantages

• It is a stylish and robust trekking pole.
• Its material, Aluminum 7075 alloy, is sturdy and does not wear down quickly.
• The built-in shock absorber spring makes trekking easy.
• The trekking poles function efficiently, even in wet weather.
• The poles are available at low prices, making it economical as it lasts long.
• The AYAMAYA Combination lock 7075 Aluminum trekking poles are comparatively lightweight as other cheap aluminum ones.
• The poles provide an excellent grip with cork handles, EVA extended grip, and adjustable wristband.

Disadvantages

• The AYAMAYA Combination lock 7075 Aluminum trekking poles are not as light as carbon fiber ones.

Which trekking poles are the best for you?

There is no single best trekking pole that you can buy with your eyes closed. The choice of the most suitable trekking poles for your hiking expedition depends on several factors like:

Trail Conditions

The terrain you are headed to is a significant factor in helping you pick the right trekking poles for you. You could choose a carbon fiber one when you are directed to well-groomed trails. If you are headed to the rough and challenging terrain, aluminum trekking poles are the best for you. Aluminum ones are more suited to boulder hopping and supporting more load.

Your Height and Weight

Your height, weight, and your trekking style are important parameters while picking the right trekking poles for yourself. The durability of the aluminum trekking poles makes it a good option for tall hikers with heavy backpacks. The shorter climbers who travel ultralight could choose carbon fiber ones. Also, if you pressure the poles, aluminum ones are the right trekking poles for you.

In your hand or your bag

How do you carry your trekking poles while traveling? If you plan to put it inside your backpack mostly, you should choose carbon fiber trekking poles due to their lightweight. But, if your trekking poles are used intensively, primarily in your hands, pick the strong aluminum trekking poles.

Shelter

The trekking poles are often doubled as support sticks for a temporary shelter or tarp. Aluminum trekking poles are the better choice if you plan to use the trekking poles for supporting your cover due to their sturdiness and reliability.

Budget

If your budget for trekking poles is low, then aluminum ones are the perfect trekking poles for you. However, if the price is not a concern, you could buy the carbon fiber ones, which are comparatively more expensive. Avoid buying cheap carbon fiber trekking poles when going on extreme treks.

So, the bottom line is that the best trekking poles' decision depends on numerous factors that you want in your hiking tool. Carbon Fiber trekking poles are ideal for long hikes where you plan to move faster with less weight. So, if you do not mind spending more, carbon fiber trekking poles are the best one for your trek. Whereas, Aluminum trekking poles are budget-friendly and sturdy trekking poles ideal for heavy loads and frigid temperatures. In other words, if you are not worried about the speed or weight of the poles, then aluminum trekking poles are the best ones for you. Depending on your hiking need and nature, you can choose the most suitable one for yourself – a durable and economic one or a weight-saving and high-performance one.