Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

The safest first pair for most walkers. Three telescopic aluminum sections, quick FlickLock levers for changing length between climb and descent, and a natural cork grip with an extension below it for choking down on steep traverses. The padded wrist straps are among the most cushioned around, which matters when you lean on the poles all the way down a long descent. They have a reputation for staying dependable on rough ground and for walkers who put real weight through their poles. The trade-off is pack length: telescopic poles stay long when collapsed, so if they will spend much of the day strapped to a small daypack, look at a folding model instead.