Cork vs. EVA foam grip — which is better?
Both grips perform great on the trail — it really comes down to how you hike and how your hands tend to feel.
Cork is the premium choice for long-distance hikers and anyone prone to sweaty palms. Cork naturally wicks moisture and molds to the shape of your hand over time, which means it actually gets more comfortable the more you use it. It also stays cool in warm weather, making it ideal for multi-day backpacking trips and summer hikes.
EVA Foam is softer right out of the box, making it a great fit for casual hikers, cold-weather use, or anyone who wants extra cushion from the start. It doesn't break in like cork does, but it's lightweight, easy to grip with gloves, and holds up well in wet conditions.
Our recommendation: If you hike frequently or plan to put serious miles on these poles, go with cork. If you're newer to hiking, prefer cold-weather adventures, or just want something plush from day one, EVA foam is a solid pick.
How much do these poles weigh and how long are they?
Weight - Each pole weighs just 7.35 oz — making these one of the lightest trekking poles on the market.
Length - The set extends from a minimum of 24" collapsed up to a maximum of 54" extended, covering a wide range of heights. If you disassemble the sections, they can break down to just 21", which is handy for packing into a bag or strapping to a backpack.
Ideal Height - The telescoping flip-lock design makes height adjustment fast — you can dial in your fit in seconds. These poles fit hikers from teens to seniors, and work well whether you're 5'0" or 6'4".
Telescopic poles vs. folding poles — which should I get?
Choose the Carbon Fiber Telescopic Poles if:
You want the lightest pole possible (7.35 oz per pole)
You primarily hike from a trailhead without needing to pack your poles in a bag or carry-on
Choose the Z-Style Folding Poles if:
Portability and compact storage are your top priority
You travel frequently and need poles that fit in a carry-on or your pack
You're a trail runner or fast-packer who stashes poles often and needs quick deployment
The telescopic poles are the go-to for most everyday hikers. The folding poles are purpose-built for travelers and fast-and-light hikers who need a pole that disappears when not in use (folding to just 14–15").
What accessories are included and what are they for?
Every set comes fully equipped with 5 pairs of accessories plus a storage bag — everything you need for year-round hiking right out of the box:
2 Rubber Tips — Snap over the tungsten carbide tip for use on hard surfaces like pavement, rock, or indoor floors where a metal tip would be noisy or damaging. Great for urban walks or rest stops on paved trails.
2 Rubber Feet — Wider and flatter than the tips, these provide extra grip and stability on packed dirt, gravel, or gentle terrain. A good everyday option when you're not in technical conditions.
2 Mud Baskets — Smaller disc-shaped baskets that attach above the tip to prevent the pole from sinking into soft, muddy ground. Ideal for spring trails, wet terrain, and soggy forest floors.
2 Snow Baskets — Larger baskets designed to keep your poles from punching through snow. Essential for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or any snowy summit attempt.
2 Pole Clips / Connectors — Small clips that hold your two poles together for easy carrying when they're collapsed and stored. Keeps things tidy in your pack or carry bag.
1 Carry Bag — A zippered storage bag to keep all your accessories organized and your poles protected during travel or storage.
Swapping accessories takes seconds and lets you adapt to any terrain or season without buying additional gear.
We also have a Premium Carry Bag with a Pocket you can add on. And you can always buy additional accessories as needed.
"The quality is the best! The service is the best! After five previous brands, I found Hiker Hunger which are the best! I’ve purchased and recommended additional pairs for family and friend confidently because they are the best. I’ve logged hundreds of miles including six this morning hiking my local Farmington Creek waterfall trail."
SAVE
There's something powerful about feeling steady on your feet again. Our 100% carbon fiber trekking poles reduce strain on your knees and joints, restore confidence on uneven terrain, and make every step feel more secure — whether you're pushing for a summit or simply getting back outside on your own terms. Ultralight at 7.35 oz per pole. Built for four seasons. Includes 2 poles, 4 pairs of all-terrain accessories, and a carry bag.
30 Day Risk Free Trial - Love It or Get a Refund!
Live Customer Support for Technical Help
1-Year Warranty on All Products
4 Pairs of Accessories Included
Fast and Free Shipping Over $85
Choose Your Grip Style
Choose Your Color
In stock, ready to ship
Complete your kit
Protect your poles on every terrain
Cork vs. EVA foam grip — which is better?
Both grips perform great on the trail — it really comes down to how you hike and how your hands tend to feel.
Cork is the premium choice for long-distance hikers and anyone prone to sweaty palms. Cork naturally wicks moisture and molds to the shape of your hand over time, which means it actually gets more comfortable the more you use it. It also stays cool in warm weather, making it ideal for multi-day backpacking trips and summer hikes.
EVA Foam is softer right out of the box, making it a great fit for casual hikers, cold-weather use, or anyone who wants extra cushion from the start. It doesn't break in like cork does, but it's lightweight, easy to grip with gloves, and holds up well in wet conditions.
Our recommendation: If you hike frequently or plan to put serious miles on these poles, go with cork. If you're newer to hiking, prefer cold-weather adventures, or just want something plush from day one, EVA foam is a solid pick.
Poles' weight and length?
Weight - Each pole weighs just 7.35 oz — making these one of the lightest trekking poles on the market.
Length - The set extends from a minimum of 24" collapsed up to a maximum of 54" extended, covering a wide range of heights. If you disassemble the sections, they can break down to just 21", which is handy for packing into a bag or strapping to a backpack.
Ideal Height - The telescoping flip-lock design makes height adjustment fast — you can dial in your fit in seconds. These poles fit hikers from teens to seniors, and work well whether you're 5'0" or 6'4".
Telescopic poles vs. Folding poles?
Choose the Carbon Fiber Telescopic Poles if:
You want the lightest pole possible (7.35 oz per pole)
You primarily hike from a trailhead without needing to pack your poles in a bag or carry-on
Choose the Z-Style Folding Poles if:
Portability and compact storage are your top priority
You travel frequently and need poles that fit in a carry-on or your pack
You're a trail runner or fast-packer who stashes poles often and needs quick deployment
The telescopic poles are the go-to for most everyday hikers. The folding poles are purpose-built for travelers and fast-and-light hikers who need a pole that disappears when not in use (folding to just 14–15").
What accessories are included and what are they for?
Every set comes fully equipped with 5 pairs of accessories plus a storage bag — everything you need for year-round hiking right out of the box:
2 Rubber Tips — Snap over the tungsten carbide tip for use on hard surfaces like pavement, rock, or indoor floors where a metal tip would be noisy or damaging. Great for urban walks or rest stops on paved trails.
2 Rubber Feet — Wider and flatter than the tips, these provide extra grip and stability on packed dirt, gravel, or gentle terrain. A good everyday option when you're not in technical conditions.
2 Mud Baskets — Smaller disc-shaped baskets that attach above the tip to prevent the pole from sinking into soft, muddy ground. Ideal for spring trails, wet terrain, and soggy forest floors.
2 Snow Baskets — Larger baskets designed to keep your poles from punching through snow. Essential for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or any snowy summit attempt.
2 Pole Clips / Connectors — Small clips that hold your two poles together for easy carrying when they're collapsed and stored. Keeps things tidy in your pack or carry bag.
1 Carry Bag — A zippered storage bag to keep all your accessories organized and your poles protected during travel or storage.
Swapping accessories takes seconds and lets you adapt to any terrain or season without buying additional gear.
We also have a Premium Carry Bag with a Pocket you can add on. And you can always buy additional accessories as needed.
FAQs
How do I adjust my trekking poles properly?
Please watch this video for detailed instructions on how to adjust your poles properly so that they hold in place.
How can I wash or clean my cork grips?
You can wash your cork grips in a couple of different ways. We recommend the Mr. Clean eraser pads. You simply need to wet the eraser pad and gently scrub your cork grips. Or you can use a bit of soapy water and a sponge - that's it!
We do recommend cleaning your poles frequently so they last even longer.
Are the tungsten tips replaceable?
The smaller tungsten tip is not replaceable but we do offer replacement sections and accessories for all of our poles. So, if you've put a lot of miles on your hiking sticks or got them stuck between some rocks you can find the replacement you need here
What is our Guarantee?
If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Hiker Hunger gear, you are able to return your product, unused for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Yes, it's that easy! If you reach us after 30 days, we are more than happy to issue store credit. We're a small company made of regular outdoor folks just like you.
So, if you ever have an issue, we'll make sure you feel like you're a part of the Hiker Hunger family and work with you to resolve the problem on a case to case basis! Customer service is our top priority and we want to make sure you continue to have great experiences with our company and products! Don't hesitate to send us an email: hello@hikerhunger.com with your questions.
What does the Warranty cover?
Our products come with a 1-year warranty if anything fails due to manufacturing defects or breaks from normal use. Normal use is defined as using the product for its intended activity under generally accepted as normal conditions. Normal use does not cover unusually rough terrain, unusually cold temperatures or other out of the ordinary circumstances.
If one of our products fails due to a manufacturer's defect within three years, the original purchaser may return it to us for replacement parts or refund of the original purchase price at our discretion. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials. Every product has a useful lifecycle which can vary depending on the maintenance and care the product receives and the type of use the product is subjected to. Make sure to read our maintenance & care guide that will help you keep your products in the best shape for a longer period of time. Damage due to wear and tear, accidents, improper use, negligence, or the natural breakdown of materials over time and regular use are not covered under our warranty policy.
I've had these poles for 5 years and have been very pleased. Made before Hiker Hunger came out with folding poles, these come all the way apart to fit in a carryon bag. One inner grip broke where tge lower pole inserts and the company could not have been more helpful and kept in constant communication to be sure all went well with the replacement segment. Pricey, but worth it!
Hi Susan, we're thrilled to hear you've enjoyed your trekking poles for so many years! It's wonderful to know our customer service met your expectations. Thank you for your support and trust in Hiker Hunger Outfitters!
I really like these hiking poles. I Have tried a few different pairs but the other ones have hurt my hands. These are perfect!
Hi Katherine, we're thrilled to hear you love the trekking poles! It's great to know they fit comfortably and suit your needs. Happy hiking!
I’m very happy with both product & great customer service!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback, James! We're so glad we could provide great customer service and excellent gear for your adventures. See you out on the trails!
I feel I have an extra set of legs. I especially noticed I could be more upright, while going up hill. And on my first outing, I needed to stomp down some vegetation around a corner marker on a very steep, rocky hillside, and "I could," because I could use the poles to help balance on one foot. Loved them, and so pretty. Level - zoom, down hill - secure, up hill, not so leaned over and crawling, just "GO!" I think they will work great on clearing my way with my walking partners, pack goats. The poles kinda vibrate, when I tap the side of the goat, to get it to move out of my way.
Thank you so much for this incredible review, Gail! We're thrilled that our carbon fiber poles are giving you that perfect uphill balance- and that they're getting the seal of approval from your pack goats, too! Safe and happy hiking out there!
The quality is the best! The service is the best!
After five previous brands, I found Hiker Hunger which are the best! I’ve purchased and recommended additional pairs for family and friend confidently because they are the best.
I’ve logged hundreds of miles including six this morning hiking my local Farmington Creek waterfall trail.
Hi Tim,
Wow, thank you so much for this incredible review! Hearing that we've earned the title of 'the best' after you've tried five other brands truly means the world to us. We’re so grateful for your confidence in recommending us to your friends and family, too!
Logging hundreds of miles is no joke—that waterfall photo from Farmington Creek is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for taking us along for the adventure, and here’s to many more miles on the trails!
On-trail versatility, durability and comfort.
On-trail versatility, durability and comfort.
Why Hiker Hunger?
100,000+ Happy Customers
YOU are our top priority. Whether you're looking to get outside more, improve mobility, tackle big miles or are in need of extra comfort outside, we take pride in creating outdoor gear made for movement...whatever that looks like to you.
Family Owned & Inspired By Nature
We're a Montanan based outdoor gear brand, founded by hikers. At the core of our brand is a commitment to creating high quality gear at an affordable price, designed to help you take your adventures further.
Designed to Last & Backed By Warranty
Our products are designed to last and built for you. As a valued member of our community we always make sure you have nothing but positive experiences with our products. We offer a 1-year warranty and a full refund on returns within 30 days of purchase.
Fast & Free US Shipping Over $75+
We offer shipping options within the US, AU, EU and CA and free shipping on US orders $75+. We're dedicated to getting your gear in your hands quickly, so you can get outside! Our return & exchange process is hassle free, so you can buy with absolutely zero risk.
Why Use Trekking Poles When You Hike?
Stability and Confidence on Tough Terrain
Designed for durability, trekking poles allow for two additional points of contact with the ground providing you with more balance, stability and traction.
Less Impact on Legs and Joints
Long descents and more miles can be hard on your knees and ankles. Trekking poles shift some of that weight to your arms, so you can carry a larger pack and go the extra mile.
Improve Pace to Go the Extra Mile
Establish and maintain a consistent rhythm while incorporating your arms and shoulders. This way you're able to use more muscle to propel yourself forward and increase speed.
Built to Last
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT - 7.35 OZ PER POLE
3K CARBON FIBER, DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY
COLLAPSIBLE (24") & EXTENDABLE (54")
ALL TERRAIN POLES, BUILT FOR COMFORT
3 YEAR WARRANTY, RISK-FREE PURCHASE
Hike Light
Set to your desired height in seconds with our simple telescoping flip-lock design. These poles will extend to the maximum height of 54" and collapse down to just 24" or 21" if disassembled. That range makes these poles great for teens, women, men, and seniors.
All Terrain Accessories
From climbing snowy mountains to an easy urban walk, you can go anywhere with interchangeable, heavy duty 4 season accessories. Rubber tips, snow baskets, mud baskets and feet, plus a carrying case, are all included with each set!
Easy to Adjust
Thanks to the quick-lock technology, our collapsible hiking poles are incredibly easy to use and adjust. Set to your desired height in seconds with our simple telescoping flip-lock design. These poles will extend to the maximum height of 54" and collapse down to just 24" or 21" if disassembled. That range makes these poles great for kids, women, men, and seniors.
Ultimate Comfort
The natural cork grips absorb sweat and moisture to keep your hands cool and dry during walks and long-distance hikes. Your hands have never felt more comfortable hiking in our extra-padded, fully adjustable, breathable wrist straps. And the extended foam sleeves will allow you to adjust your grip during switchbacks and changes in terrain.
Poles For Your Next Adventure
If you have used trekking poles before or are currently shopping around for them, you've likely realized they are made of two main materials: aluminum and carbon fiber. We offer both types at Hiker Hunger Outfitters and are happy to help you decide which material is best for your needs. If you're looking for more details on this topic, make sure to checkout our write-up here on the difference between aluminum and carbon fiber.
