Camping & Outdoor · Trekking Poles
Do I really need to spend over $100 on trekking poles?
Reviewer consensus
Not for general hiking. Outdoorgearlab's testing and multiple r/AppalachianTrail and r/CampingGear threads point out that sub-$50 aluminum poles like Cascade Mountain Tech and TrailBuddy have completed thru-hikes. You pay more for ultralight carbon shafts, foldable Z-pole packability (useful for trail runners and ultralight backpackers), and premium grips and locks.