Last updated on October 24th, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Outdoor enthusiasts choose snowshoeing for the breathtaking views, refreshingly crisp air, and extensive workout. But snowshoeing requires substantial energy, and you can fatigue quickly without the necessary equipment. Snowshoeing poles help reduce fatigue drastically, provide stability, reinforce balance, and support the back and knees. So, in this post, we outline the best snowshoeing poles to bring you one step closer to a day of comfortable trekking through the peace of winter.
The Best Snowshoeing Poles Are...
First, we weighed the pros and cons of just about every snowshoeing pole out there. Furthermore, we compared their quality, weight, price, and how they would ultimately benefit the snowshoeing experience.
As a result, three poles rose above the rest. And we felt these few deserved special mention.
The best snowshoeing poles: Trail Buddy Trekking Poles
Second best: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Trekking Poles
Third place: Hiker Hunger Lightweight Trekking Poles
While all three options above are fantastic poles, each comes with their own set of pros and cons which we cover in more detail below.
Comparison Table of 5 Best Snowshoeing Poles
First, we pulled all our finalists together into this table. Here, you can see a comparative visual of all the top poles that can be used for your snowshoeing journey.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Trail Buddy Trekking Poles | $ |
|
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Trekking Poles | $$$ |
 
|
Hiker Hunger Lightweight Trekking Poles | $$ |
 
|
Yukon Charlies Advanced Float Trekking Poles | $ |
Now, as you can see there are many similarities and some glaring differences. However, you’ll find our in depth reviews of our top three below.
Specs On Our Winning Poles: Trail Buddy Trekking Poles
Firstly, the Trail Buddy Trekking Poles are our favorite overall. And, they’re of high quality. For instance, this set is made with sleek aluminum stems and a user-friendly lever lock which are a year round advantage.
In addition these poles are also VERY affordable.
Basic Stats for 'The Best Snowshoeing Poles'
- Weight: 9.7 oz per pole.
- Pack size: These poles could slip into your pack at 21” fully disassembled, or 24.5” when collapsed.
- Powder basket tips included: Yes. The set includes one pair of mud baskets, one of snow baskets, and two pairs of rubber tips.
- Locking mechanism: Finally, the Trail Buddy boasts an exceptionally user-friendly lever lock, a simple flipping lock that makes breaking down and assembling the poles a breeze.
Great Quality for Value
First, don’t let the lower price of these snowshoeing poles distract you from their impressively high-quality design.
The cork grip is moisture-wicking and can mold to your hand for a more comfortable experience overall.
Additionally, the Trail Buddy features an easily locking shaft that works with a simple lever lock.
And an easy locking mechanism is essential for snowshoeing since you will likely be wearing snowshoeing gloves that make dexterity based tasks difficult.
Furthermore, the Trail Buddy features a strong aluminum 7075 shaft. In fact, this strong material is essential for finding hidden obstacles and carrying your weight. Moreover, you’ll want poles that can handle angled rocks, ice, dense snow, and other unseen obstacles.
Additionally, if you’re new to snowshoeing you might want to check out our post on the best snowshoes for beginners.
The Trail Buddy trekking poles would be a perfect combination for some of the snowshoe options we outline in that post.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Additionally, the Trail Buddy is made of lightweight aluminum.
In fact, the Trail Buddy weighs only 9.7 oz per pole.
And, while it is true that some of the other options are a little lighter, for the price of these poles they are still plenty light.
In fact, these poles are lighter than many other options out there. The benefit of a lightweight pole is that it will feel comfortable for anyone. So, a snowshoeing novice could hold and use these poles just as easily as a snowshoeing expert.
More Color Options Than Competitors
Finally, are you a moss green kind of a person, or do you rock plum purple? Or maybe you have a weakness for canary yellow.
Whatever your preference, the Trail Buddy offers its snowshoeing poles in all of these colors and more.
Thanks to the affordable price, those whose favorite color varies by the day can get a full collection.
Trail Buddy PROS
- Locking mechanisms are easy to use
- Extremely lightweight in comparison to other products
- Price includes fill set of baskets and tips
Trail Buddy CONS
- Tips wear down comparatively fast
- Cork grips are difficult to clean
Who Would These Poles be Perfect For?
With the Trail Buddy Trekking Poles you are getting a quality product for a steal of a price. Plus, many competitors charge extra for the tips and baskets that Trail Buddy includes.
So, if you’re looking for an easy to use pole that adds to the snowshoeing experience without breaking the bank, Trail Buddy is an ideal choice.
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Trail Buddy Trekking Poles.
Our Second Favorite Snowshoeing Poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Trekking Poles
Some consider the Black Diamond Trail Ergo poles to be the best snowshoeing poles on the market. For instance, their sleek design, cork grips, and being produced by a trusted brand put them on our shortlist of favorites.
Basic Stats for These Snowshoeing Poles
- Weight: 10 oz per pole.
- Pack size: You may be in trouble if your pack is on the smaller side, because Black Diamond’s poles can only collapse down to 29”.
- Powder basket tips included: Yes.
- Locking mechanism: Black Diamond uses a dual flick-to-lock approach to its pole segments, which promise easy length adjustment.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Grips Are Awesome
In addition, the Trail Ergo’s grips are widely deemed second to none, with a 15-degree corrective angle to optimize your grip position.
Plus, soft touch natural cork with moisture-wicking capabilities is a luxury you can feel.
Furthermore, the Black Diamond Trail line boasts over ten pole varieties to accommodate a wide range of hikers.
Lightwewight and High Quality
Additionally, these poles also feature a high quality aluminum shaft.
However, the Trail Ergo weighs 9 ounces per pole for a total of 1 lb 2 oz per pair.
We found these poles to be a quality option for all of your outdoor activities. The only difficulty will be getting pass the price point.
Finally, these poles will bend before they will break, and can often be bent back into shape.
Trail Ergo PROS
- Caters to hikers over 6’4”
- Lightweight at 10 oz per pole
- Ergonomic grips
- Comfortable wrist straps
- Moisture wicking grips
- Strong aluminum
- Adjustable height
- Powder basket and trekking tip included
Trail Ergo CONS
- Price
- Doesn’t come with rubber tips or mud baskets
- Collapse down to 29″
Finally, the Trail Ergo snowshoeing poles are ideal for those looking for a comfortable hand grip and prefer the flexible nature of aluminum poles. Furthermore, these would be suitable for advanced snowshoers.
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Black Diamond Trail Ergo
Honorable Mention Snowshoeing Poles: Hiker Hunger Lightweight Trekking Poles
Finally, Hiker Hunger Poles have some different features than our gold- and silver-medal winners.
In fact, the Hiker Hunger poles feature a very reasonable pack down size and are very lightweight
First, they sit comfortably in the middle of the price gap between Trail Buddy and Black Diamond. So, they’re a reasonable expense for most hiker budgets.
Basic Stats for the Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles
- Weight: 7.6 oz per pole.
- Pack size: These poles collapse down to a pack-friendly 24”.
- Powder basket tips included: These poles’ price includes powder baskets, mud baskets, rubber feet, and rubber tips.
- Locking mechanism: Hiker Hunger uses a flip lock mechanism similar to Black Diamond’s, with added security from metal screws to ensure the locks don’t buckle under pressure.
Pros and Cons of the Hiker Hunger
Hiker Hunger Poles PROS
- Sturdy carbon fiber
- Very secure locking mechanism
- Includes full range of tips and baskets
- Lightweight at 7.6 oz per pole
- Comfortable grip
- Padded and anti-chafe straps
- Packs down small
- Snow baskets included
Hiking Hunger Poles CONS
- Carbon fiber can sometimes struggle handling sudden pressure
Who is the Hiker Hunger Pole Perfect For?
Finally, if you’re generally a tame snowshoeing trekker, who doesn’t wander off common trails and doesn’t tackle high-impact slopes or mountainous terrains, these poles would work great for you. Furthermore, the Hiker Hunger’s feather-light carbon fiber poles are also suitable for elderly hikers or those with compromised body strength. However, you may want to stick to the more load-bearing aluminum option if you tend to venture off the beaten path.
View more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Hiker Hunger Poles
What Makes a Good Snowshoeing Pole
When you’re shopping for new snowshoeing poles, especially as a beginner, all of the different features and brands can get overwhelming. In addition, it’s important to remember that all great snowshoeing poles should have similar functions and characteristics.
For instance, they’ll need:
- Features designed specifically for snow. Firstly, the manufacturer should be reputable for high quality powder baskets. Furthermore, it’s important that they aren’t known to crack or break after barely a hundred miles of use.
- To have an adjustable height. Your snowshoeing poles shouldn’t be straight shafts with fixed lengths, which rules out most ski poles. Ski poles may look similar to snowshoeing poles, but you’ll eventually need to shorten or lengthen your poles depending on your terrain.
- To be lightweight. Generally, snowshoeing experts agree that the lighter the poles are, the better.
- To be Easy to Use. Additionally, your poles should have a relatively simple locking mechanism on the telescoping shaft. You don’t want to find yourself fumbling with complex locks or difficult to manage pole parts when your hands are wet and cold from the snow and wind.
To pack down to a reasonable pack size. A smaller pack size makes traveling with poles while not in use less of a hassle.
Good Snowshoeing Poles Will Keep You on The Trail Longer
Snowshoeing often comes with a tricky and unpredictable terrain. Plus, snow can mask slick ice, large rocks, and other hazards. Furthermore, trekkers can quickly lose their footing and find themselves in a situation where their balance is compromised.
For that reason, finding the right snowshoeing poles is important. So, if you’re looking to improve your experience in the snowshoeing world, review the product specifications of our top three poles carefully.
In fact, the best snowshoeing pole for you will improve your balance, lessen the effort of snowshoeing, and give you added stability in the event of a fall.
Whether 20 bucks or over 100, all poles have different things to offer. Moreover, match the right snowshoeing pole to your hiking needs, and you’ll greatly improve your snow trekking experience. And regardless of your choice, always remember to tell someone where you and your group are headed.
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Image Credit: Jennifer C. | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size and cropped
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