#1 on this list
Pursuit Trekking Poles
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Pursuit is built for hikers who want a dependable, do-it-all pole that excels from casual day hikes to demanding mountain terrain. Black Diamond focused heavily on ergonomics here, outfitting the pole with a sculpted natural cork grip that fits naturally in the hand, paired with an EVA foam under-grip extension for quick choke-ups on steep switchbacks. It provides a solid, confidence-inspiring plant on every strike without transmitting harsh trail vibrations. Underneath the grip, the Pursuit features sturdy aluminum shafts paired with Black Diamond’s redesigned FlickLock+ levers. These levers are low-profile, easy to flip with gloved fingers, and provide plenty of clamping power to prevent slippage under heavy pack loads. A thoughtful addition is the 1.5 mm hex tool integrated directly into the shaft, letting you tighten loose lever-lock hardware or swap baskets without digging through your repair kit. The trade-off comes down to weight and packability. Because Black Diamond opted for thick aluminum and dense cork rather than ultralight carbon fiber, the Pursuit is heavier than minimalist options and retains the longer packed length inherent to three-section telescoping poles. For hikers who value sheer durability, field serviceability, and all-day hand comfort over chasing the lowest base weight, this is our top pick. **Highlights** - Natural cork grip molds comfortably to the palm and manages sweat on hot days - Ergonomic EVA foam grip extension makes quick hand shifts painless on steep climbs - Redesigned FlickLock+ adjustment levers operate smoothly with gloved hands - Integrated shaft tool lets you adjust lock tension and swap baskets in the field - Durable aluminum construction stands up to heavy side-loading and rocky terrain **Watch-outs** - Noticeably heavier in hand than dedicated carbon-fiber options - Telescoping three-section design does not collapse small enough for internal pack storage
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#2 on this list
Khumbu
Leki
The Leki Khumbu is a traditional aluminum workhorse engineered for rough trails and heavy backpack loads. It targets backpackers and trekkers who want the peace of mind that comes with aluminum durability and Leki's proven hardware. If you frequently navigate scree fields, boulder piles, or carry a loaded multi-day pack, the Khumbu’s sturdy shafts are built to bend slightly under high lateral loads rather than snapping cleanly like carbon fiber. At the top of the pole sits Leki’s Aergon CorTec grip, an engineered blend of natural cork and rubber composite. While it does not feel quite as supple as pure cork, it is exceptionally durable and resists the flaking that can plague softer materials over seasons of abuse. The grip features an edgeless, rounded head that sits comfortably in your palm during steep descents, supported by an easy-to-adjust security strap that reduces pressure points on your wrists. Length adjustments are managed by Leki’s external Speed Lock+ clamps. These levers are among the easiest in the industry to engage, holding their tension consistently across swinging temperature swings. However, the Khumbu lacks a secondary lower grip extension, meaning you must shorten the pole physically when traversing hillsides rather than simply choking down on the shaft. It is slightly heavy, but it is built to survive years of hard knocks. **Highlights** - Robust aluminum shaft tubing withstands rough scree and heavy downward loads - Aergon CorTec composite grip combines cork sweat management with rubber durability - Rounded grip head provides a comfortable, wide platform for palming on steep downhills - Speed Lock+ external levers are exceptionally fast and simple to dial in - Replaceable carbide flex tips bite hard into granite and hardpack dirt **Watch-outs** - No lower grip extension for choking down on steep traverses - CorTec material is stiffer and less compliant than natural cork
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Pursuit Trekking Poles | Khumbu |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Material | 7000-series aluminum | HTS 6.5 Aluminum |
| Grip Material | Natural cork with EVA foam extension | Aergon CorTec composite |
| Lock System | FlickLock+ external cam levers | — |
| Adjustment Range | 100–125 cm (S/M) and 110–140 cm (M/L) | 110 to 145 cm (43 to 57 in) |
| Collapsed Length | 62 cm (S/M) / 66 cm (M/L) | 71 cm (28 in) |
| Weight Per Pair | 500 g (S/M) / 520 g (M/L) | 554 g (19.5 oz) |
| Locking Mechanism | — | Speed Lock+ external levers |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Pursuit Trekking Poles
- Dense natural cork grip manages sweat exceptionally well and molds to the hand over time
- Sturdy aluminum construction bends under heavy strain rather than snapping like carbon
- Integrated 1.5mm hex tool allows instantaneous field adjustment of cam-lock tension
- FlickLock+ levers offer smooth, low-profile clamping with zero pole slippage under load
- Heavier swing weight compared to dedicated ultralight carbon-fiber trekking poles
- Collapsed length of 62 to 66 cm makes internal pack storage impossible on most bags
Khumbu
- High-strength aluminum tubing bends under high stress rather than snapping
- Speed Lock+ clamps are easy to operate with gloved hands and hold tension
- CorTec composite grip resists crumbling and manages sweat well over seasons
- Broad, rounded grip head provides comfortable palm support on steep descents
- Lacks a lower grip extension for quick hand repositioning on steep traverses
- Heavier swing weight than comparable carbon fiber trekking poles
- CorTec composite material feels noticeably firmer than pure natural cork
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