Gear

Trekking poles for shorter hikers: women's and petite picks

By GO! Editorial Team ·October 16, 2026

Most trekking poles are sized for an average man. If you are around 5’4” or shorter, that creates two problems: the pole may not adjust short enough for climbs, and the grip may be too thick to hold comfortably for hours. So for shorter hikers, the first spec to check is not weight but minimum length.

We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications (length range, collapsed length, weight, shaft, lock and grip) and the field notes of long-term testers at Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab. We have not tested these poles ourselves. Lengths and weights are the manufacturer’s figures for a pair, in the shortest size offered, unless noted.

Quick picks

How we compared them

We judged each pair on seven criteria, using the manufacturer’s specifications. Where a figure is not published, the table says so instead of guessing.

• Minimum length: the key spec for shorter hikers. If the pole cannot go short enough, you can’t set it correctly for climbs.
• Maximum length: you only need a few inches above your flat-ground setting for long descents. A long maximum adds nothing if you never use it.
• Collapsed length: folding poles (Z-style) pack to around 13–16 in (34–41 cm) and slip into a pack or carry-on. Telescoping poles stay around 25–26 in (64–66 cm).
• Pair weight: lighter poles are easier to swing for thousands of steps, which matters more for smaller arms.
• Shaft: carbon is lighter and damps vibration; aluminum is heavier but tends to bend rather than snap.
• Lock: lever locks (FlickLock, SpeedLock) are quick to adjust with cold or gloved hands. Treeline Review found lever locks easier and more reliable than twist locks.
• Grip: cork molds to your hand and handles sweat; foam is lighter and cheaper. Treeline Review points out that foam can get slippery when your hands sweat. A foam extension below the grip lets you choke down on short climbs without changing the length.

Two of these poles, the LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Compact and the Black Diamond Trail Vista FLZ, are not sold on Amazon US in their short sizes. You will find them under Worth a look elsewhere.

Cascade Mountain Tech publishes a range of 26 to 54 inches, but 26 inches is its fully collapsed length, not a usable minimum. That is why the table says “Not listed”.

The poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ (95–110 cm): best ultralight adjustable

The Distance Carbon FLZ shares the 95–110 cm size but uses carbon shafts, which brings the pair down to 10.9 oz. Treeline Review named it its best folding pole and liked how compact it packs, but found the foam grip less comfortable on long days.

• Good: very light; very compact; still adjustable for climbs and descents.
• Watch out: foam grip only, which Treeline Review found less comfortable on long days.
• Best for: fast hikers, trail runners and backpackers counting ounces.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (105 cm): lightest pair, fixed length

The Distance Carbon Z does not adjust at all. You buy a fixed length, and the shortest is 105 cm. Black Diamond’s chart suggests 100–105 cm for hikers under 5’1” and 110–115 cm for 5’1” to 5’7”. OutdoorGearLab rated it the best lightweight pole for running.

• Good: the lightest pair here; folds in seconds; nothing to loosen.
• Watch out: you cannot shorten it for climbs or lengthen it for descents; the shortest size may still be long for very petite hikers.
• Best for: hikers who already know their ideal length and want the least weight.

Black Diamond Trail Cork: best durable all-rounder

The Trail Cork is a classic telescoping pole. It adjusts from 100 to 140 cm, so you can share it with a taller partner.

• Good: simple, sturdy design; cork grip; wide adjustment range.
• Watch out: collapses to only about 25.5 in, so it sticks out of a daypack; heavier than carbon.
• Best for: day hikers who want one tough pair that lasts for years.

Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock (Cork Grip): best budget pick

The Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock poles are a low-cost way to find out whether poles help you. They have 6061 aluminum shafts, lever-style quick locks and a cork grip with a foam extension. Treeline Review picked Cascade Mountain Tech as its best poles for beginners. OutdoorGearLab found the brand’s carbon version needed frequent readjustment and saw it as better suited to casual use.

• Good: inexpensive; cork grip; easy to adjust on the trail.
• Watch out: the heaviest pair here; no usable minimum length published, so check the shortest setting when they arrive.
• Best for: beginners and occasional hikers.

How to size trekking poles

1. Stand on flat ground in your hiking shoes. Hold the pole by the grip with the tip next to your foot.
2. Set your elbow at about 90 degrees. Your forearm should be roughly parallel to the ground. That length is your flat-trail setting.
3. Check it against the chart. Black Diamond suggests poles around 95–110 cm for hikers under 5’1” and 110–125 cm for hikers between 5’1” and 5’7”. OutdoorGearLab suggests 100 cm poles for hikers under 5’1”.
4. Make sure you can go shorter. On climbs you will want the pole a few inches shorter than your flat setting. If your flat setting is already at the pole’s minimum, choose a shorter model.

If you are between sizes on a fixed-length pole, Black Diamond suggests sizing down.

How to use them on climbs and descents

• Climbs: shorten each pole a few inches, or simply hold the foam extension below the grip. Plant the poles beside or slightly behind your feet and push.
• Descents: lengthen the poles a few inches so you can plant them ahead of you and take weight off your knees.
• Straps: slide your hand up through the strap from below, then grip. You can push down on the strap rather than squeezing the grip all day.

FAQ

Do I really need women’s trekking poles? Not always. What matters is the minimum length and the grip size. A unisex pole with a short size, like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ 95–110, can fit just as well. Women’s or compact models make the most sense if you have small hands.

Folding or telescoping? Folding poles pack much smaller and are easier to stash on easy sections or carry when flying. Telescoping poles are simpler and adjust over a wider range, which helps if you share them.

What length trekking poles do I need at 5 feet? Use the 90-degree elbow test. Based on Black Diamond’s chart, most hikers under 5’1” need poles around 95–110 cm, so look for a minimum length of 100 cm or less.

Worth a look elsewhere

These poles are not sold on Amazon US in the short sizes this guide recommends. Buy them from the brand or an outdoor retailer. We do not earn a commission on these links.

LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Compact: best fit for small hands

LEKI sold this pole for years as the women’s Cressida FX Carbon. It now sells it as the compact 100–120 cm version of the Makalu FX Carbon, with a smaller foam grip made for smaller hands. Retailers may still list it under the old name. Both Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab chose the Cressida as their best women’s pole. OutdoorGearLab liked the lever locks and noted that hikers with large hands may find the grip a bit small.

• Good: a grip sized for smaller hands; a length range that starts where shorter hikers need it; folds to about 16 in.
• Watch out: one of the more expensive pairs here. Treeline Review found it heavy for a carbon pole, and OutdoorGearLab rated it less durable than aluminum.
• Best for: hikers around 5’0” to 5’6” who want one premium pair for day hikes, backpacking and travel.

Black Diamond Trail Vista FLZ (95–110 cm): best for hikers under 5’1”

The Trail Vista FLZ comes in three sizes, and the shortest goes down to 95 cm. Black Diamond recommends that size for hikers under 5’1” (155 cm). It folds like a Z-pole but still has a FlickLock for fine adjustment, and it pairs a cork grip with a foam extension.

• Good: the lowest minimum length here; cork grip; folds small; aluminum is forgiving.
• Watch out: heavier than the carbon folding poles.
• Best for: petite hikers who want an adjustable, packable pole without paying for carbon.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact

The REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact is a short, light carbon pole sold only at REI. Treeline Review lists it at 12.9 oz per pair with a maximum length of 120 cm and lever locks.

While you plan your hike, see our guides to hiking boots for women and female urination devices.

Our verdict

If you are under 5’1”, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ 95–110 goes as short as any pole here and is very light. For one tough pair that lasts, choose the Black Diamond Trail Cork. On a budget, start with Cascade Mountain Tech. If you have small hands, look at the LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Compact in the section above. Whatever you buy, check the minimum length before you check anything else.