Updated on October 8, 2020

When winter arrives, would you still like to get outside and hit the trails? If your answer is “yes”, you’ll need a pair of great snowshoes and snowshoe poles. With snowshoes, poles and some warm clothing, you’ll be all set for some memorable winter adventures. So, how do you find the best snowshoe poles?

That’s why we’re here! In this article, we have selected the best poles for snowshoeing on the market right now. We’ll also give you some useful tips on what to look for when buying your next pair of snowshoe poles.

For more of our top snowshoeing gear recommendations, check out the Best Snowshoes.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Snowshoe Poles

  1. Atlas Lockjaw 3-Piece Adjustable
  2. Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon Fiber
  3. Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock
  4. Atlas 2-Piece
  5. Foxelli 4 Season
  6. Pacemaker Stix Expedition

 

Comparison Table - The Best Snowshoe Poles

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameMaterialShock AbsorbentNumber of PiecesPriceRatingReview
Atlas Lockjaw 3-Piece AdjustableAluminumNo3$$5.0Read Review
Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon FiberCarbonNo3$$$4.7Read Review
Cascade Mountain Tech Quick LockAluminumNo3$4.8Read Review
Atlas 2-PieceAluminumNo2$4.7Read Review
Foxelli 4 SeasonCarbonYes3$$$4.9Read Review
Pacemaker Stix ExpeditionAluminumYes3$$4.4Read Review
NameMaterialShock AbsorbentNumber of PiecesPriceRatingReview

 

Reviews - Snowshoe Poles

Atlas Lockjaw 3-Piece Adjustable

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shock Absorbent: No
  • Number of Pieces: 3
Features
  • Lockjaw adjustment mechanism
  • Flexible tungsten carbide tips
  • Ergonomic grips
  • Nylon webbing wrist straps
  • Removable snow baskets

PROS: Sturdy, made for winter sports, easy locking mechanism

CONS: Pricey

Hiker Hunger 100% Carbon Fiber

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Shock Absorbent: No
  • Number of Pieces: 3
Features
  • 100% carbon
  • Quick-lock feature
  • Carbide tungsten tips
  • Comes with interchangeable tips
  • Extended non-slip EVA foam grip

PROS: Very lightweight, strong, comfortable grip

CONS: Expensive

Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shock Absorbent: No
  • Number of Pieces: 3
Features
  • Non-slip EVA grips with grip extension
  • Quick lock mechanism
  • Interchangeable tungsten carbide tips
  • Snow baskets

PROS: Good locking system, cheap, durable

CONS: Not the lightest poles available

Atlas 2-Piece

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shock Absorbent: No
  • Number of Pieces: 2
Features
  • Steel tips
  • Removable snow baskets
  • Lockjaw adjustment mechanism
  • Gender-specific grips
  • Ergonomic rubber grips
  • Adjustable nylon webbing wrist bands

PROS: Affordable

CONS: Longer when collapsed

Foxelli 4 Season

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Shock Absorbent: Yes
  • Number of Pieces: 3
Features
  • 100% carbon fiber
  • Shock absorbent
  • Quick lock technology
  • Anti-slip cork grips
  • Extra padded adjustable EVA foam wrist bands with extended foam sleeves
  • Heavy duty 4 season accessories

PROS: Comes with carrying case, very light, lots of accessories, strong

CONS: Expensive

Pacemaker Stix Expedition

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Shock Absorbent: Yes
  • Number of Pieces: 3
Features
  • Aluminum
  • Shock-absorbent
  • Patented locking mechanism
  • Tungsten tips
  • Removable vulcanized rubber feet
  • Sweat-absorbing cork grips

PROS: Comfortable grip, affordable, durable, lightweight

CONS: None that we could find

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SNOWSHOE POLES

Snowshoes are of course the most important piece of equipment you need to hit the trails in winter. They are, however, difficult to use without something to help you keep your balance. This is especially true when heading into more mountainous country. This is why you need snowshoe poles.

Snowshoe poles help to distribute your weight through your arms, shoulders and back. They offer an extra push when climbing a hill—similar to using a handrail on a stairway—and stability when descending.

When searching for the best snowshoe poles, these are the four most important things to consider.

 

ADJUSTABILITY

Adjustability is an important feature of any pair of snowshoe poles. You’ll want some that are easily adjusted and that are collapsible.

Snowshoe poles have either two or three telescoping pieces. Those with two pieces are longer when collapsed and require more space to store them. Three-piece poles are much smaller when collapsed and can be stowed in a very small space (like a backpack). Two-piece poles might be a tiny bit lighter, though.

The length of three-piece poles is also much more customizable than that of two-piece poles. This could be useful, particularly when snowshoeing in the mountains. For example, ascending steep slopes is easier with shortened poles. During a descent, on the other hand, you might want to extend the poles so they can reach the ground in front of you.

 

GRIPS

There’s a wide variety in grip materials and shapes. Many of them are ergonomically designed while others are simpler. Some are made with sweat-absorbent cork, others with foam or rubber.

The only way to find out which one suits you best is to try them out. In the store, grab them, try them and you’ll quickly feel if a pole is comfortable or not. The best hand grips are those that have extended foam grips below the actual grip. This allows you to shift your hand position up and down on the trail without having to adjust your poles’ length.

 

BASKETS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

Many snowshoe poles are simply trekking poles with snow baskets. There really isn’t a big difference between the two types of poles. Just make sure that your poles come with snow baskets.

Just like your snowshoes prevent you from sinking into the snow, snow baskets limit how deep your poles sink below the snow’s surface. A diameter of two inches is the absolute minimum for snow baskets. Bigger is better. You’ll also notice that the best snowshoe poles come with more than one basket size.

 

MATERIAL

Although no snowshoe poles are particularly heavy, minimalistic hikers might consider this an important feature. If you’re trying to minimize weight, you’re advised to go for carbon poles. Carbon is lighter than aluminum, but know that it’s more prone to breaking, too.

That’s not to say that aluminum is heavy, though. It’s pretty light as well. Carbon is simply even lighter.

READ MORE

For more of our top skiing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Downhill Skis

Ski Boots

Ski Bindings

Ski Poles

Ski Pants

Ski Jackets

Ski Goggles

Ski Helmets

About The Author

Hiking, Kayaking & MTB Expert

Born in Belgium, Bram Reusen is a travel writer, photographer, craft beer lover and hiking expert based in Charlottesville, Virginia. From morning hiking trips to multi-month cycling adventures, he has plenty of experience venturing into the wilds of the world. He’s explored 28 national parks and visited 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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