Folding Trekking Poles UK: Top 8 Picks for Hiking (2025)

You need folding trekking poles that pack down small but won't let you down on the trail. Finding quality poles with UK delivery can feel overwhelming when you're faced with dozens of options from budget Amazon picks to premium carbon models. You want something that fits in your bag, supports your knees on descents, and actually arrives without hassle.

This guide breaks down 8 solid folding trekking poles you can buy in the UK right now. You'll see what makes each pole worth considering, from ultra light carbon numbers to dependable budget options. We cover the key features, who each pole suits best, and where to grab them without the usual faff.

1. Take a Hike UK folding trekking poles

Take a Hike UK offers folding trekking poles designed specifically for hikers who need reliable gear without the premium price tag. These poles fold down to compact sections that slip into your backpack side pocket, making them practical for mixed terrain walks and multi-day treks across Britain. The aluminium construction strikes a balance between durability and weight, giving you poles that won't bend on rocky descents but won't exhaust you on long hauls either.

Key features and performance

Your poles come with tungsten carbide tips that bite into wet Lake District paths and Scottish trails without slipping. The three-section folding design uses internal cord tensioning to keep everything secure when deployed, though you'll want to check the tension after your first few outings. Foam grips reduce hand fatigue on steep climbs, and the adjustable wrist straps let you fine-tune the fit before you set off.

"Poles that actually pack down properly make the difference between carrying them all day or leaving them behind."

Fit, comfort and packability

These poles collapse to roughly 40cm in length, which fits inside most 40-litre hiking packs without sticking out. The foam handles provide decent cushioning during extended use, though your hands might get warm on summer walks. You can adjust the strap tension with one hand once you've got the knack, and the folding mechanism deploys in about ten seconds flat.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Weekend walkers tackling Pennine routes or coastal paths will get solid value from these poles. They suit hikers who want folding trekking poles UK-wide delivery without waiting weeks, and who prioritise packability over featherweight performance. Day hikers and overnight trekkers find these poles handle varied British terrain well, from boggy moorland to stony mountain tracks.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Take a Hike UK sells these poles directly through their website, typically priced in the mid-range bracket around £40-60. You'll get free delivery on orders over £50 and their 14-day return policy if the poles don't suit your stride. Orders placed before 2pm usually ship the same working day to UK addresses.

2. Leki Cressida FX TA

Leki builds the Cressida FX TA specifically for female hikers who demand premium performance from their folding trekking poles. This pole uses carbon fibre construction to shed grams without sacrificing stability on challenging terrain. The folding design breaks down into three sections that pack efficiently, and the Trigger Shark Active system lets you click in and out of the pole without removing your gloves on cold British hilltops.

Key features and performance

The TA grip system allows you to detach from the pole instantly when you need both hands free for scrambling or photography. Your poles come with interchangeable basket options that adapt from summer trails to winter conditions, giving you year-round versatility. The carbon construction absorbs vibration on rocky descents better than aluminium alternatives, and the tungsten carbide tips handle Lake District slate and Scottish granite without losing bite.

"Women-specific poles aren't just shorter versions. The grip diameter and strap angle actually match smaller hands properly."

Fit, comfort and packability

Leki shapes the Aergon TA grips to fit smaller hand sizes with a 15-degree forward angle that reduces wrist strain during long approaches. The adjustable straps use a quick-release buckle that works even with wet or gloved hands. These poles fold to approximately 38cm, slipping into your pack's side compression straps without protruding above the top closure.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Female trekkers tackling multi-day routes across Britain find these poles worth the investment, particularly on technical terrain where precise pole placement matters. You'll appreciate the reduced weight on long days covering twenty-plus kilometres. The premium features suit experienced hikers who recognise how proper equipment improves both safety and enjoyment on demanding routes.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Leki UK lists the Cressida FX TA at £170, positioning it firmly in the premium category for folding trekking poles UK market. You can order directly through leki.co.uk with standard UK delivery options. Selected outdoor retailers including specialist hiking shops stock Leki poles, though availability varies by location and season.

3. Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

Black Diamond's Distance Carbon FLZ poles deliver ultra light performance for runners and fast hikers who push pace on British mountain routes. These poles use three-section Z-fold design that deploys in seconds without twisting or locking mechanisms to fiddle with. The carbon fibre shafts keep the weight below 300 grams per pair, making them popular with trail runners tackling Lakeland fells or Welsh peaks where every gram counts.

Key features and performance

Your poles deploy through pull-cord tension that snaps the sections into place automatically when you unfold them. The FlickLock Pro adjusters at the top section let you dial in precise length changes without tools or excessive force. Black Diamond fits these poles with interchangeable carbide tech tips that grip wet rock and muddy trails equally well, plus trekking baskets for varying terrain.

"Ultra runners and fast packers need poles that deploy without breaking stride. Z-fold design makes that happen."

Fit, comfort and packability

The EVA foam grips provide comfortable contact without adding bulk, though they don't wick moisture as effectively as cork alternatives on sweaty summer ascents. These poles collapse to 33cm length, slipping into running vests or small packs more easily than telescoping models. You'll notice the narrow grip diameter suits smaller hands better than standard trekking pole designs.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Trail runners covering technical mountain routes find these poles transform steep climbs and tricky descents without slowing transitions. Fast hikers who mix running and walking on longer routes benefit from the quick deployment and packability. The lightweight carbon construction suits multi-day trips where you're counting grams, though heavy packers might prefer more robust aluminium options.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Black Diamond retailers like Elite Mountain Supplies stock the Distance Carbon FLZ around £135-150, placing them in the premium segment for folding trekking poles UK market. You can order through specialist outdoor shops nationwide or direct from UK distributors with standard delivery times of 3-5 working days to most addresses.

4. Harrier Helvellyn Carbon Z poles

Harrier produces the Helvellyn Carbon Z poles for runners and hikers who cover serious mileage on British mountain terrain. These poles use award-winning carbon construction that keeps the weight minimal while maintaining the stiffness you need for technical descents. The Z-fold mechanism deploys without faffing about with twist locks, and the compact pack size means you can stash them in a running vest or small pack when terrain mellows out.

Key features and performance

Your poles feature fixed-length design that eliminates adjustment mechanisms and their associated weight penalty. Harrier fits these with tungsten carbide tips that penetrate hard-packed trails and rocky surfaces without dulling. The carbon shafts absorb trail vibration effectively, reducing hand and wrist fatigue during extended use across rough ground.

"Fixed-length poles might seem limiting, but they're bomber reliable when you need them on steep technical ground."

Fit, comfort and packability

The EVA foam handles provide secure grip without excess bulk, though you'll want to size these poles correctly before purchase since they don't adjust. These poles collapse to roughly 35cm, fitting neatly into side pockets or compression straps on trail running vests. Harrier designs the strap system to work with gloved hands during winter mountain outings.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Trail runners and fast packers tackling British hill routes get maximum benefit from these lightweight carbon poles. You'll appreciate the quick deployment when scrambling sections require hands-free movement. Mountain marathons and multi-day fast-packing trips suit these poles particularly well, where reliability matters more than adjustability.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Harrier sells the Helvellyn Carbon Z through harrierrunfree.co.uk around £120-140, competing directly with other premium folding trekking poles UK specialists offer. Orders ship to UK addresses within standard timeframes, and their customer service handles sizing questions before purchase.

5. Decathlon Forclaz MT500 poles

Decathlon's Forclaz MT500 poles deliver reliable performance at a price point that makes sense for hikers starting out or replacing worn kit. These poles use three-section folding design with aluminium construction that balances durability against weight for typical British hiking conditions. You get solid build quality without the premium price tag attached to carbon alternatives, making them sensible choices for regular use on Peak District routes or Scottish lowland trails.

Key features and performance

Your poles feature quick-release folding mechanisms that lock sections together securely when deployed. Decathlon fits these with tungsten tips that grip varied terrain from muddy forest paths to rocky mountain approaches. The aluminium shafts handle regular use without bending, though they won't match carbon poles for vibration damping on extended rocky descents.

"Value poles work brilliantly when you're building experience before investing in premium kit."

Fit, comfort and packability

The cork handles provide comfortable grip that wicks moisture better than foam alternatives during warm weather walks. These poles collapse to approximately 40cm length, fitting standard hiking packs without excessive bulk. Decathlon designs the wrist straps with adjustable loops that accommodate different hand sizes and glove thicknesses throughout seasons.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Weekend walkers exploring Yorkshire Dales paths or Welsh coastal routes find these poles provide excellent value without compromising essential features. You'll benefit from the folding design when travelling or storing gear between outings. New hikers testing whether poles suit their walking style can invest sensibly before upgrading to specialist models.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Decathlon prices the Forclaz MT500 around £35-45, positioning them as budget-friendly folding trekking poles UK hikers can access easily. You can order through decathlon.co.uk with standard delivery or collect from their UK stores nationwide for immediate availability.

6. Silva trekking poles aluminium z fold

Silva produces aluminium z-fold poles that deliver dependable performance for hikers who prioritise simplicity over ultra light specifications. These poles use three-section folding design that deploys quickly through internal cord tension, making them practical for varied British walking conditions. The aluminium construction provides durability at a reasonable weight, suiting hikers who tackle regular outings without needing carbon fibre refinement.

Key features and performance

Your poles feature z-fold mechanism that locks sections into place automatically when you unfold them fully. Silva fits these with carbide tips that grip wet paths and rocky surfaces across typical UK terrain. The aluminium shafts handle regular use on Pennine trails and Scottish lowland routes without bending, though they transfer more vibration than carbon alternatives on extended rocky sections.

"Aluminium poles give you reliable performance season after season without the carbon price premium."

Fit, comfort and packability

These poles collapse to approximately 42cm length, fitting inside standard hiking packs without excessive bulk. Silva designs the foam grips to provide comfortable contact during extended use, though cork would wick moisture better on warm summer walks. The adjustable wrist straps work with gloved hands during winter outings, and the lightweight construction keeps fatigue minimal on longer days.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Regular walkers covering Lake District paths or Yorkshire routes find these poles deliver solid value for frequent use. You'll benefit from the folding design when travelling to walking destinations or storing gear between trips. Day hikers and occasional overnight trekkers get dependable performance without investing in premium carbon models.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Silva prices these folding trekking poles UK market around £70-75, placing them in the mid-range category between budget and premium options. You can order through silvasweden.uk with standard UK delivery times, and selected outdoor retailers stock Silva poles with varying availability across locations.

7. Alpkit CarbonLite compact poles

Alpkit builds the CarbonLite compact poles for British hikers who want premium carbon performance without paying premium outdoor brand prices. These poles use three-section folding mechanism that packs down efficiently while maintaining the stiffness you need on technical ground. The carbon construction sheds weight compared to aluminium alternatives, making them practical for lightweight backpacking trips across Scotland or multi-day walks along Offa's Dyke.

Key features and performance

Your poles feature internal tensioning cord that holds the folded sections together and deploys them quickly when you're ready to walk. Alpkit fits these with tungsten carbide tips that penetrate muddy trails and grip rocky surfaces across typical British conditions. The carbon shafts reduce vibration transmission during long descents, though they won't match the bombproof durability of aluminium if you're particularly hard on gear.

"Alpkit proves you don't need to spend premium brand money for proper carbon pole performance."

Fit, comfort and packability

The EVA foam grips provide secure contact during use, though cork would wick moisture more effectively on warm weather walks. These poles collapse to approximately 37cm length, fitting neatly into pack side pockets or compression straps without protruding above your pack lid. Alpkit designs the wrist straps with simple adjustment that works with bare hands or gloves depending on season.

Best use cases and types of hiker

Backpackers covering long-distance routes like the Pennine Way or West Highland Way benefit from the reduced weight without sacrificing essential features. You'll appreciate the carbon construction when covering high mileage days where pole weight accumulates over hours of use. Budget-conscious hikers seeking quality folding trekking poles UK suppliers offer find Alpkit delivers excellent value.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Alpkit prices the CarbonLite compact poles around £80-95, undercutting mainstream outdoor brands significantly while maintaining solid build quality. You can order through alpkit.com with standard UK delivery, and their Sheffield store offers hands-on assessment before purchase if you're in the area.

8. Amazon budget folding trekking poles

Amazon stocks numerous budget folding trekking poles from various manufacturers that deliver basic functionality without breaking your bank account. These poles typically use aluminium construction with three-section folding designs that work adequately for occasional use. You'll find options from brands like TheFitLife and similar suppliers offering adjustable length poles with anti-shock systems and basic grip materials at entry-level prices.

Key features and performance

Budget Amazon poles feature twist-lock mechanisms or flip-lock adjusters that let you set your preferred length before walks. Most include tungsten carbide tips and interchangeable baskets for different terrain types. The aluminium shafts handle light to moderate use reasonably well, though they won't match the durability or vibration damping of premium brands during extended outings.

Fit, comfort and packability

These poles collapse to approximately 40-45cm length, fitting standard hiking packs without excessive bulk. Amazon budget options typically come with foam grips rather than cork, which works fine for shorter walks but may feel less comfortable during all-day treks. The adjustable wrist straps accommodate different hand sizes, though strap quality varies between manufacturers.

"Budget poles get you started without massive investment while you figure out what features matter most."

Best use cases and types of hiker

Beginners testing whether poles suit their walking style can experiment with budget folding trekking poles UK suppliers offer through Amazon without substantial financial commitment. You'll find these adequate for local park walks, canal towpaths, or gentle countryside rambles where technical performance matters less than basic support.

Price range and where to buy in the UK

Amazon lists budget folding poles between £15-30, making them accessible entry points for new walkers. You can order through amazon.co.uk with Prime delivery options, and customer reviews help identify which budget models perform better than others at similar price points.

Final thoughts

You've got eight solid options for folding trekking poles uk hikers can actually buy without delivery hassles. Premium carbon models like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ and Leki Cressida FX TA deliver ultra light performance for serious mountain days, while mid-range choices from Alpkit and Silva provide dependable aluminium construction without the premium price tag. Budget Amazon poles work fine for testing whether poles suit your walking style before investing substantially more.

Pick poles that match your typical walking conditions and pack weight priorities. Day walkers covering local trails get excellent value from budget to mid-range options, while long-distance backpackers benefit from carbon's reduced weight over multiple days. Browse our complete outdoor gear range for more hiking essentials that actually perform on British trails, from waterproof layers to navigation tools.