TrailBuddy Original review

The TrailBuddy Original is the cheapest way onto this list at $44.95 for a pair. The poles use 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum shafts, lever flip-locks and cork grips with EVA foam extensions, so you get the same basic setup as poles costing three times as much: adjustable length for descents and a lower grip for climbs. TrailBuddy says the poles adjust up to 54 inches and fit hikers from 4 ft to 6 ft 4 in. The box includes a carry bag, 2 mud baskets, 4 rubber tips and 2 snow baskets, and TrailBuddy uses threaded foot covers that it says will not slip off. The trade-offs are weight and bulk: each pole weighs 9.7 oz, the most here, and it collapses to 24.5 inches. There is no antishock system, so hikers buying mainly for knee relief may prefer the Montem anti-shock pair for $30 more.

Who it is for

First-time pole buyers on a tight budget

Price

$44.95 for a pair at the TrailBuddy store.

TRAILBUDDY ORIGINAL - ULTRASTRONG ALUMINUM TREKKING POLES Regular price $44.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum shafts
• Lever flip-locks, adjustable up to 54 inches
• Cork grips with EVA foam extensions
• Each pole weighs 9.7 oz
• Carry bag, 2 mud baskets, 4 rubber tips and 2 snow baskets included

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest pair on this list at $44.95
• Strength: Includes both mud and snow baskets plus rubber tips
• Strength: TrailBuddy lists it for hikers from 4 ft to 6 ft 4 in
• Weakness: No antishock system
• Weakness: Heaviest pole here at 9.7 oz each
• Weakness: Collapsed length of 24.5 inches is longer than the folding poles

Key facts

• Price: $44.95 per pair
• Shaft: 7075 aluminum
• Max length: 54 in
• Weight: 9.7 oz per pole
• Collapsed: 24.5 in

Where it ranks

TrailBuddy Original is No. 7 in our Best Trekking Poles verdict.