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 - These are some of the lightest aluminum folding poles on the market!
Our short version weights at 9.95 oz
And our long version weighs in at 10.7 oz
Extended & Collapsed Lengths
The short version extends to 120 cm / 47.24 inches - ideal for anyone 5'8" or shorter. And it folds down to a compact size of only 14" inches!
The long version extends to 135 cm / 53.14 inches - ideal for anyone 5'9" or taller. And it folds down to a compact size of only 15" inches!
Telescopic poles vs. folding poles — which should I get?
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
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
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 Velcro Straps — Our velcro straps will wrap around your folded poles to keep them compact and closed when not in use for easy storage.
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.
And you can always buy additional accessories as needed.
"These are easy to travel with, easy to use, and importantly a life saver. I got them for a South America trip — on our first stop in the Galápagos we had a super challenging hike over lava rocks. I would definitely have fallen several times without these poles!"
SAVE
Folds to 15" — fits in carry-on luggage, backpacks, and trekking pole tents. TSA-approved and trail-ready.
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Choose Your Grip Style
Size
Short (100 – 120cm) - Under 5'9"
Long (115 – 135cm) - 5'9" & Taller
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.
What's the poles' weight and length?
Weight - These are some of the lightest aluminum folding poles on the market!
Our short version weights at 9.95 oz
And our long version weighs in at 10.7 oz
Extended & Collapsed Lengths
The short version extends to 120 cm / 47.24 inches - ideal for anyone 5'8" or shorter. And it folds down to a compact size of only 14" inches!
The long version extends to 135 cm / 53.14 inches - ideal for anyone 5'9" or taller. And it folds down to a compact size of only 15" inches!
Telescopic poles vs. Folding poles?
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
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
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 Velcro Straps — Our velcro straps will wrap around your folded poles to keep them compact and closed when not in use for easy storage.
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.
And you can always buy additional accessories as needed.
Technical Specs And Sizing
Extended Length
Short Version - 100cm to 120cm
Long Version - 115cm to 135 cm
Folded Length
Short Version - 14"
Long Version - 15"
Recommended For
Short Version - 5'9" or shorter
Long Version - 5'10" or taller
Weight
Short Version - 9.95oz per pole
Long Version - 10.7oz per pole
Materials
Shaft - aircraft grade aluminum
Handle - 100% cork and grip extension or EVA foam
Advanced Locking System - metal
Included in Set
One set includes two trekking poles, a velcrocable tie, 2 rubber feet, 2 rubber tips, 2 mud baskets, 2 snow baskets and a carry bag for storage.
FAQs
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.
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 or call us directly at 877-700-7227
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
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.
How do I assemble my new trekking poles?
Please watch this video for detailed assembly instructions.
If you have additional questions after watching the video, feel free to email us at hello@hikerhunger.com or call us directly at (877) 700-7227.
How do I know which length or height is right for me?
We recommend adjusting and using the trekking poles so that your elbow is at a 90 degree angle when standing on level ground.
You can stand with your elbow at a 90 degree angle and measure the distance from the ground to the top of your hand. This will be the ideal trekking pole length for you on flat ground.
Our z-style folding trekking pole comes in two sizes. The short version is for those 5'8" and shorter, while the longer version is for those 5'9" and taller.
Can I pack my trekking poles in my carry-on?
We have had many customers successfully bring trekking poles in a carry-on. However, we cannot guarantee that you wno't have any issues because every TSA agent is different and can follow different policies.
I mistaknely got these poles,I like the carbon pole better. I would like to return them,and trede for carbon poles
I purchased these for recovery from lower back surgery. I am very pleased with the quality, style and usefulness of these trekking poles. I did a lot of shopping and found a perfect item. Thank you!
Hi there! We're so happy to hear the trekking poles are working well for your recovery. Wishing you the best on your healing journey, and thank you for choosing Hiker Hunger Outfitters!
After 50 miles of trying out my new Z-Style sticks at Yellowstone and Grand Teton last week, I'm impressed. I push hard and there was no slippage on the height over time. I was uncertain about the 3 pieces being connected but it's a great design and a quicker setup than other types of poles I've used as you only need to adjust one section to get going. The fact that they fit in my carry-on is a nice bonus.
Hi Andy, we're so glad to hear you enjoyed the trekking poles and had a great adventure in Yellowstone and Grand Teton! Thanks for sharing your experience and for choosing Hiker Hunger Outfitters. Happy hiking!
My folding poles have made travel and exercise easier. Rather than needing to have a large enough suitcase to get my poles in I can use any size suitcase. And it take little effort and time to put my New poles together so I can use them more often like when I am awaiting flights in airports. These poles have been a practical and fun invention for me. Thankyou! Duane Westing
Hi Duane, we're thrilled to hear our trekking poles make your travels and exercise routines easier! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Happy hiking!
I needed the collapsing poles in a short amount of time and the smallest poles worked the best for me. I love them! This company is supportive, reliable and super customer-friendly. I love these guys!
Hi Linda, we're thrilled to hear you love the poles and our service! Thank you for your kind words and support. Happy hiking!
On-trail versatility, durability and comfort.
Don't just take our word for it, here's what our customers have to say.
Compact
A compact pole is important for portability, which is why the z-style folding pole uses 4 sections to achieve a short 15” or less packed length. Assembly is easy and just takes a few seconds.
Adjustable
The poles can be easily adjusted with a single flip-lock, allowing them to quickly be set at your ideal length.
Durable & Reliable
With our advanced locking system and reinforced metal fliplocks, you can hike confidently knowing these poles are secure and indestructible.
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.
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!
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.
Why Trek With Hiker Hunger?
90,000+ 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 New England 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 3-year warranty and a full refund on returns within 30 days of purchase.
Fast & Free US Shipping Over $100+
We offer shipping options within the US, AU, EU and CA and free shipping on US orders $100+. 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.
