Ever stood at the trailhead, poles in hand, wondering if you made the right choice? You’re not alone. The debate between folding and telescopic trekking poles has hikers and backpackers divided, with passionate advocates on both sides.
Trekking poles have come a remarkably long way since their humble beginnings. What started as simple wooden staffs used by shepherds and mountaineers has evolved into sophisticated hiking tools engineered with aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fiber. The first commercial telescopic poles emerged in the 1970s, pioneered by companies like LEKI, while folding designs didn’t gain significant traction until Komperdell and Black Diamond revolutionized the market in the early 2010s.
Folding poles collapse like tent poles, using a internal cord system that allows them to break down into sections. They’re incredibly packable, often shrinking to just 14-16 inches. Telescopic poles, meanwhile, operate like old-school radio antennas, with sections that slide into each other and lock with various mechanisms.
When deciding between these two designs, hikers typically weigh several factors:
“The right trekking pole isn’t just about weight or price—it’s about how it performs on your adventures.”
Three key considerations should guide your choice:
- Packability: How small do they need to collapse?
- Durability: What terrain will you tackle?
- Adjustability: Do you need precise length customization?
The perfect pole ultimately depends on your specific hiking style, terrain preferences, and storage needs.
The Ultimate Showdown: Folding vs Telescopic Trekking Poles
When you’re miles from civilization with burning quads and a heavy pack, your trekking poles become your best friends. But which design deserves a spot on your next adventure? The debate between folding and telescopic trekking poles has hikers and backpackers divided, with passionate advocates on both sides.
Let’s cut through the marketing hype and get down to what really matters on the trail. Folding vs telescopic trekking poles: which is better depends entirely on your specific needs, terrain challenges, and personal preferences. Each design offers distinct advantages that might make it the perfect match for your hiking style.
Weight Warriors and Pack Masters
When it comes to sheer packability, folding poles take the crown. Most folding models, like the Black Diamond Z-Poles, collapse down to about 15 inches—nearly half the packed size of traditional telescopic poles. This compact form factor makes them disappear into or onto your pack.
The weight difference is often substantial too:
| Pole Type | Average Weight | Typical Packed Length |
|---|---|---|
| Folding | 12-16 oz/pair | 13-17 inches |
| Telescopic | 16-22 oz/pair | 24-27 inches |
For ultralight backpackers counting every ounce, those savings add up. The Gossamer Gear LT5 folding carbon poles weigh a mere 10.6 ounces per pair—practically weightless compared to budget telescopic aluminum models that can exceed 20 ounces.
Durability Under Pressure
Telescopic poles have traditionally dominated the durability conversation. Their overlapping sections create inherent structural integrity that’s hard to beat. The absence of internal cords (which can wear out in folding poles) gives them an edge for heavy-duty use.
Stress points tell the real story:
- Folding poles: Vulnerable at connection points and internal tension cords
- Telescopic poles: Susceptible to locking mechanism failures and shaft bending
For those who regularly use poles for river crossings or to support a shelter, telescopic designs from brands like Leki typically offer superior load-bearing capacity. However, premium folding poles with reinforced connection points have significantly narrowed this gap in recent years.
Setup Speed and Adjustment Flexibility
Nothing beats the deployment speed of folding poles—pull them from your pack, and they practically assemble themselves in seconds. The satisfying snap as sections lock into place means you’re ready to move while your hiking partner is still fiddling with twist locks.
Telescopic poles counter with unmatched adjustability:
The ability to fine-tune your pole length on varied terrain—shortening for uphill pushes and extending for steep descents—remains the telescopic pole’s greatest advantage.
Most folding poles offer limited or no length adjustment, though hybrid models are emerging that combine folding sections with one adjustable segment. The MSR DynaLock Ascent represents this best-of-both-worlds approach.
Price Point and Value Proposition
Your wallet might have the final say in this debate. Entry-level telescopic aluminum poles start around $60, while comparable folding designs rarely dip below $100. The price gap widens further with premium materials:
- Budget telescopic aluminum: $60-90
- Mid-range telescopic: $100-150
- Entry folding carbon: $150-180
- Premium folding carbon: $180-250
The value equation isn’t just about initial cost—replacement parts availability and repair options favor telescopic designs. When a locking mechanism fails on the trail, field repairs are typically simpler with telescopic poles.
For weekend warriors, the durability-to-dollar ratio might point toward telescopic options. For dedicated through-hikers where every ounce and cubic inch matters, the premium for folding designs often justifies itself over thousands of miles.
Making the Right Choice: Folding vs Telescopic Poles
Where Folding Poles Shine
Folding trekking poles have revolutionized the ultralight backpacking scene. Their multi-section design—typically featuring 3-5 segments connected by internal cord—allows them to break down to remarkably compact sizes, often under 15 inches. This makes them perfect companions for minimalist adventurers who count every ounce.
Trail runners particularly benefit from folding poles’ quick deployment. When tackling technical descents or steep climbs, the ability to unfold and lock your poles in seconds can be game-changing. The lightweight construction (many premium models weigh under 14 ounces per pair) means you’ll barely notice them strapped to your pack until needed.
Folding poles excel when packability trumps all other considerations—think airplane travel, fastpacking adventures, or situations where your poles spend significant time attached to your pack.
When Telescopic Poles Dominate
Telescopic poles—with their sliding, overlapping sections—have earned their reputation as the workhorses of the trekking world. Their robust construction makes them ideal for winter expeditions where reliability in harsh conditions is non-negotiable.
Heavy backpacking trips benefit tremendously from telescopic poles’ superior stability and load-bearing capacity. When you’re carrying 40+ pounds over challenging terrain, the extra ounce or two in pole weight pays dividends in durability and support. The ability to precisely adjust length on-the-fly makes telescopic poles versatile for traversing varied terrain or sharing between hikers of different heights.
For multi-day adventures in unpredictable conditions, the field-serviceable nature of telescopic poles provides peace of mind that folding models can’t match.
Top Performers in Each Category
Premium Folding Poles
| Model | Weight (pair) | Packed Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | 10.4 oz | 13 inches | Non-adjustable carbon fiber construction |
| Leki Micro Vario Carbon | 16.9 oz | 15.5 inches | Adjustable length with SpeedLock 2 system |
| REI Co-op Flash Carbon | 13.6 oz | 14 inches | Affordable carbon construction with foam grips |
Superior Telescopic Poles
| Model | Weight (pair) | Collapsed Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork | 17 oz | 24 inches | Four-season reliability with cork grips |
| Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec | 19 oz | 26 inches | Cor-Tec grips blend cork and rubber |
| MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon | 17 oz | 24.5 inches | Dynalock adjustment system for secure locking |
The Verdict: Matching Poles to Your Adventure
The folding vs telescopic debate ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Choose folding poles if:
- Minimizing packed size and weight is your priority
- You frequently travel with your gear
- You need rapid deployment for technical terrain
Opt for telescopic poles when:
- Durability in harsh conditions matters most
- You’re carrying substantial loads
- You need precise length adjustments
- You share equipment with others
Many serious outdoor enthusiasts eventually invest in both styles, using lightweight folding poles for fast-and-light missions and reserving telescopic models for expeditions where reliability trumps all else.
The best trekking pole is ultimately the one that disappears from your awareness on the trail—supporting your journey without demanding attention.