Hiking gear that actually fits – because one size does not fit all
If you’ve ever borrowed a pair of trekking poles from a taller friend or used a generic “unisex” model, you know the struggle. The grips feel too chunky. The poles feel a little too long, even at their shortest. And after a few hours on the trail, your hands are more tired than your legs.
That’s because most trekking poles are designed with the “average male hiker” in mind. Women often have smaller hands, lighter builds, and a slightly different balance point – which means the best trekking poles for women aren’t just pink versions of the men’s models. They’re built to fit better, feel more natural, and make long days on the trail easier.
In this guide, we’ve picked three of the best women-specific trekking poles for 2025. These aren’t just scaled-down versions – they have smart design tweaks like narrower grips, shorter collapsed lengths, and lighter weights that actually make a difference.
How to Choose Women’s Trekking Poles
Before we jump into the list, here are the main features to look for when shopping for trekking poles made for women:
- Grip size & shape – Smaller diameter handles and shorter grips mean less hand fatigue. Cork grips are great for wicking sweat; foam is lighter and soft.
- Pole length – Women-specific models often collapse down shorter, making them easier to pack and carry.
- Weight – Lighter poles reduce arm strain, especially on long climbs.
- Adjustability – Telescoping or folding designs give flexibility for different terrain and packability.
- Durability – Aluminum for toughness, carbon for ultralight performance (but be gentle with it).
1. Leki Jannu
Best for: All-around hiking comfort
The Leki Jannu is designed from the ground up for women who want comfort, durability, and adjustability in a single package. The grip is noticeably slimmer than standard Leki poles, which means you don’t have to overgrip to keep control – a small change that makes a big difference after hours of hiking.
It uses a telescoping aluminum shaft that adjusts easily with SpeedLock+ levers. The height range (90–125 cm) is ideal for shorter hikers, and the poles collapse down to 61 cm, which makes them pack-friendly. The EVA foam grip has an ergonomic angle that reduces wrist strain, and the padded wrist straps are soft enough to wear all day without rubbing.
Quick specs:
- Weight (pair): ~17 oz (480 g)
- Material: Aluminum
- Grip: EVA foam
- Collapsed length: 61 cm
- Price: Around $120
Pros:
- Women-specific grip and sizing
- Padded straps for comfort
- Reliable, quick-adjust locking system
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than carbon options
2. Komperdell Borea Carbon Pro
Best for: Ultralight performance without losing strength
If you want a trekking pole that’s light enough for fast-paced hiking but still tough enough for rugged trails, the Komperdell Borea Carbon Pro is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for women, it combines carbon fiber upper sections with aluminum lower sections for the perfect balance of weight and durability.
The cork grips are soft, moisture-wicking, and mold to your hand over time. A compact folding design means it packs down to just 57 cm, making it easy to stash inside a backpack or carry-on bag. The tension-adjustable locking system keeps everything solid on steep climbs or rocky descents.
Quick specs:
- Weight (pair): ~15 oz (425 g)
- Material: Carbon (upper), Aluminum (lower)
- Grip: Natural cork
- Collapsed length: 57 cm
- Price: Around $200
Pros:
- Ultralight yet sturdy
- Comfortable cork handles
- Packs small for travel
Cons:
- Higher price point
3. Leki Cressida Cork Lite
Best for: Long-distance comfort
The Leki Cressida Cork Lite is one of the most popular women’s trekking poles for good reason – it’s light, comfortable, and built to handle everything from weekend hikes to multi-day treks.
The natural cork grip feels great in all weather and helps manage sweat on hot days. The Aergon Compact grip is shorter and slimmer, designed to fit smaller hands perfectly. With a length range of 90–125 cm and a collapsed size of 64 cm, it’s ideal for women who want something easy to pack but still fully adjustable.
The aluminum shaft is tough enough for rocky trails and heavier loads, while the weight stays low enough to avoid arm fatigue.
Quick specs:
- Weight (pair): ~16.2 oz (460 g)
- Material: Aluminum
- Grip: Cork
- Collapsed length: 64 cm
- Price: Around $170
Pros:
- Excellent grip comfort
- Lightweight yet durable
- Women-specific design
Cons:
- Slightly longer collapsed length than some competitors
Comparison Table – Best Trekking Poles for Women
| Model | Weight (pair) | Material | Collapsed Length | Grip | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leki Jannu | 17 oz | Aluminum | 61 cm | EVA Foam | $120 | All-around hiking |
| Komperdell Borea Carbon Pro | 15 oz | Carbon/Aluminum | 57 cm | Cork | $200 | Ultralight performance |
| Leki Cressida Cork Lite | 16.2 oz | Aluminum | 64 cm | Cork | $170 | Long-distance comfort |
Final Tips for Women Choosing Trekking Poles
- Test the grip – If it feels too big in your hand in the store, it will feel worse after a few hours on the trail.
- Think about packability – Shorter collapsed lengths are easier to stow for travel.
- Don’t obsess over a few ounces – Comfort and fit matter more than shaving off minimal weight.
For more buying advice, check out our guides:
