The Best Lightweight Trekking Poles of 2025, Picked by 5 Leading AIs

No.1 AI-Picked Product

Calculated Score

We had 5 AI models rank their top 5 products. We tallied the scores. Here's the winner with the highest score.

TOP SCORE

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

out of 25 total points

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z was ranked #1 by 4 out of 5 AIs, earning a perfect average rank of 1 across its appearances and a top score of 20/25. It won for its ultra-lightweight 9.6 oz per pair carbon construction and innovative Z-pole folding design that packs down to 16 inches while offering FlickLock adjustability for versatile terrain. Reviewers praise its durability on rocky trails and ergonomic foam grips that reduce fatigue on long thru-hikes.

View on Amazon → See Full Rankings ↓

What Each AI's Top Pick:

GPT-5 #1

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

"The LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles combine class-leading durability with smooth adjustability and superb Aergon Air grips, delivering an exceptional balance of weight, stability, and comfort. The robust folding FX carbon construction and interchangeable baskets make them reliable from rocky alpine routes to snow-covered trails."

Claude Sonnet 4 #1

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

"At just 9.6 oz per pair, these ultra-lightweight carbon fiber poles feature Z-pole collapsible design with FlickLock Pro adjustability and exceptional durability. Their unique foldable design and comfortable foam grips make them ideal for trail running and fast-packing across all terrain types."

Gemini 2.5 Pro #1

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

"These poles offer an unparalleled combination of incredibly low weight and packability due to their Z-pole folding design. They are the top choice for ultralight backpackers and trail runners who prioritize speed and minimal packed size without significantly compromising strength."

Grok 4 Fast #1

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

"These poles top the list due to their ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction at just 7 ounces per pair, exceptional durability from reinforced segments, and three-section adjustability from 24 to 55 inches for versatile use across varied terrains like rocky trails and steep inclines. Their ergonomic foam grips provide superior comfort during long hikes, and at around $150, they offer outstanding value with a unique Z-Pole flick-lock mechanism that ensures quick setup and stability on uneven ground."

DeepSeek V3 #1

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

"Ranked #1 for their ultralight carbon construction (9.5 oz per pole), exceptional durability, and innovative Z-pole design that offers quick deployment. The ergonomic grips and adjustable wrist straps provide superior comfort for long hikes across varied terrain."

How we calculated this:

Rank #1 = 5 points

Rank #2 = 4 points

Rank #3 = 3 points

Rank #4 = 2 points

Rank #5 = 1 point

We add up all scores from every AI to find the single winner.

The AI Trekking poles lightweight Leaderboard

See the total score and rank each product received from every AI model

Pos

Shop

Product

Points

GPT-5

Claude

Gemini

Grok

DeepSeek

Check Price

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

/ 25

—

Check Price

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

Gossamer Gear LT5

/ 25

Check Price

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

/ 25

—

Check Price

REI Co-op Traverse Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

Komperdell Carbon Pro Trail

/ 25

—

Check Price

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

/ 25

—

Check Price

REI Co-op Flash Carbon - Cork

/ 25

—

Check Price

Fizan Compact 3

/ 25

—

Check Price

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud

/ 25

—

Check Price

MSR DynaLock Ascent

/ 25

—

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

20 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude #1

Gemini #1

Grok #1

DeepSeek #1

Check Price on Amazon →

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

12 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude #2

Gemini —

Grok #2

DeepSeek #2

Check Price on Amazon →

Gossamer Gear LT5

12 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 #2

Claude #4

Gemini #3

Grok #5

DeepSeek #4

Check Price on Amazon →

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

7 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude #3

Gemini #5

Grok —

DeepSeek #3

Check Price on Amazon →

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

5 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 #1

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

4 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude —

Gemini #2

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

3 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 #3

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

REI Co-op Traverse Carbon

3 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok #3

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

Komperdell Carbon Pro Trail

2 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok #4

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

2 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude —

Gemini #4

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

REI Co-op Flash Carbon - Cork

2 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 #4

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

Fizan Compact 3

1 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 #5

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud

1 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude —

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek #5

Check Price on Amazon →

MSR DynaLock Ascent

1 / 25 pts

AI Rankings:

GPT-5 —

Claude #5

Gemini —

Grok —

DeepSeek —

Check Price on Amazon →

How to read this table:

Points: Total score calculated from all AI rankings (Rank #1 = 5pts, #2 = 4pts, #3 = 3pts, #4 = 2pts, #5 = 1pt)

AI Columns: Each AI's ranking for that product (1 = Top Pick, — = Not ranked in top 5)

See Each AI's Full Top 5 Ranking

Here's exactly how each AI ranked the products. Click on each AI to see their complete, unedited reasoning.

❓ The Prompt We Used:

""Explore the current market for lightweight trekking poles, considering both professional and user reviews from 2025. Please provide a ranked list of your top 5 trekking poles. For each of the 5 poles, include: The full product name, a brief justification for its ranking based on criteria such as weight, durability, adjustability, grip comfort, and overall value for money. Highlight any unique features that set them apart and mention their suitability for different types of terrain.""

Each AI received this identical prompt independently.

▶ GPT-5's Top 5 Rankings

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

The LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles combine class-leading durability with smooth adjustability and superb Aergon Air grips, delivering an exceptional balance of weight, stability, and comfort. The robust folding FX carbon construction and interchangeable baskets make them reliable from rocky alpine routes to snow-covered trails.

Gossamer Gear LT5

The Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles are among the lightest adjustable poles available, with natural cork grips and an easy swing that minimizes fatigue over big mileage. Their two-section carbon design with twist locks is best for maintained trails and fastpacking, though they’re less ideal for heavy winter or talus abuse.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles offer ultralight, compact Z-fold packability with FlickLock Pro adjustability for quick fine-tuning on climbs and descents. The EVA foam grips and stiff carbon shafts excel for thru-hikes and trail running on varied terrain, but they’re not the toughest choice for bushwhacking or heavy loads.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon - Cork

REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles - Cork deliver standout value by combining light carbon shafts, comfortable cork grips, and reliable lever locks at a midrange price. They’re versatile for day hikes and multi-day backpacking across mixed terrain, though extreme alpine use may warrant a burlier option.

Fizan Compact 3

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are impressively light for aluminum and highly durable, with simple twist locks and comfortable foam grips at a very accessible price. Their slim, three-section design handles rocky trails and international travel well, but they don’t pack as short or feel as plush as top-tier carbon models.

▶ Claude Sonnet 4's Top 5 Rankings

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

At just 9.6 oz per pair, these ultra-lightweight carbon fiber poles feature Z-pole collapsible design with FlickLock Pro adjustability and exceptional durability. Their unique foldable design and comfortable foam grips make them ideal for trail running and fast-packing across all terrain types.

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

Weighing 17.6 oz per pair, these poles combine carbon fiber construction with Leki's Speed Lock 2 system for quick length adjustment and premium Aergon Thermo grips. The external adjustment mechanism and interchangeable basket system make them versatile for everything from day hikes to technical alpine terrain.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

These budget-friendly carbon poles weigh just 16 oz per pair and offer excellent value with reliable twist-lock adjustment and comfortable cork grips. Their simple design and affordable price point make them perfect for beginners and casual hikers on moderate terrain without sacrificing essential lightweight performance.

Gossamer Gear LT5

At an impressive 6.2 oz per pair, these are among the lightest trekking poles available, featuring a simple three-section carbon design with basic foam grips. While lacking advanced features, their extreme ultralight construction makes them ideal for weight-conscious backpackers on well-maintained trails.

MSR DynaLock Ascent

Weighing 19.4 oz per pair, these aluminum poles feature MSR's bombproof DynaLock adjustment system and ergonomic dual-density grips for maximum durability. Their robust construction and reliable performance make them excellent for rugged terrain and mountaineering, though they sacrifice some weight for exceptional strength.

▶ Gemini 2.5 Pro's Top 5 Rankings

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

These poles offer an unparalleled combination of incredibly low weight and packability due to their Z-pole folding design. They are the top choice for ultralight backpackers and trail runners who prioritize speed and minimal packed size without significantly compromising strength.

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

Offering premium German engineering, these poles feature the innovative Cross Shark grip for maximum power transfer and a highly reliable Speed Lock 2 external lever system for easy length adjustment. They provide exceptional comfort and versatility, making them ideal for varied terrain where adjustability is key.

Gossamer Gear LT5

As one of the absolute lightest trekking poles on the market, the LT5s are a thru-hiker's dream, delivering remarkable performance for their minimal weight. They offer outstanding value for those whose primary concern is shedding every possible gram from their pack.

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

Engineered for four-season, rugged use, these poles boast superior durability and a rock-solid Dynalock adjustment mechanism that is easy to use with gloves. Their robust construction makes them a slightly heavier but exceptionally reliable choice for mountaineering and challenging backcountry terrain.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

These poles strike an excellent balance between weight, features, and affordability, making them a fantastic value proposition from a trusted brand. With comfortable foam grips and easy-to-use external lever locks, they are a great entry point into lightweight carbon poles for a wide range of hikers.

▶ Grok 4 Fast's Top 5 Rankings

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

These poles top the list due to their ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction at just 7 ounces per pair, exceptional durability from reinforced segments, and three-section adjustability from 24 to 55 inches for versatile use across varied terrains like rocky trails and steep inclines. Their ergonomic foam grips provide superior comfort during long hikes, and at around $150, they offer outstanding value with a unique Z-Pole flick-lock mechanism that ensures quick setup and stability on uneven ground.

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

Ranked second for their featherlight 9-ounce weight and foldable three-section design that collapses to 15 inches for easy packing, combined with high durability from carbon and aluminum components and lever-lock adjustability up to 49 inches, making them ideal for backpacking on diverse terrains from forests to mountains. The comfortable cork grips with extended wrist straps enhance handling, and their $200 price delivers excellent value through integrated rubber tips for multi-surface traction.

REI Co-op Traverse Carbon

These earn third place with a lightweight 10-ounce carbon shaft that balances weight and strength, robust construction for daily trail abuse, and four-section telescoping adjustability from 22 to 55 inches, suiting them well for mixed terrains like muddy paths and snowy slopes. Ergonomic EVA foam grips ensure all-day comfort, and at $129, they provide strong value with unique interchangeable tips for snow and dirt adaptability.

Komperdell Carbon Pro Trail

Fourth for their 8.5-ounce ultralight carbon build offering great durability against impacts, smooth twist-lock adjustability spanning 24 to 55 inches, and contoured rubber grips that excel in comfort on extended treks across alpine and desert terrains. Priced at $180, they represent solid value with a standout lightweight Powerlock system for secure extensions and carbide tips for reliable grip on hardpack and loose soil.

Gossamer Gear LT5

These round out the top five with an impressive 6-ounce minimal weight for ultralight enthusiasts, solid aluminum-carbon hybrid durability for bushwhacking, and two-section adjustability from 27 to 60 inches, fitting them for rugged terrains like off-trail scrambles and coastal hikes. The simple cork grips prioritize comfort and breathability, and at $140, they offer good value through minimalist design and replaceable tips for versatile terrain handling.

▶ DeepSeek V3's Top 5 Rankings

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Ranked #1 for their ultralight carbon construction (9.5 oz per pole), exceptional durability, and innovative Z-pole design that offers quick deployment. The ergonomic grips and adjustable wrist straps provide superior comfort for long hikes across varied terrain.

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

These poles feature a unique Speed Lock 2.0 system for precise adjustability and weigh just 10.2 oz each. The carbon construction ensures durability, while the ergonomic grip and shock absorption make them ideal for rugged trails.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

A budget-friendly option with high-end features, weighing only 11 oz per pole. The carbon fiber construction and adjustable length make them versatile, while the cork grips provide excellent comfort for all-day use on moderate terrain.

Gossamer Gear LT5

Weighing a mere 8.8 oz per pole, these are among the lightest on the market. The minimalist design sacrifices some adjustability but excels in weight savings and packability for ultralight backpackers on well-maintained trails.

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud

These poles offer a great balance of weight (10.6 oz) and durability with their carbon construction. The Aircomfort grip system and adjustable length make them comfortable for varied terrain, though they lack some premium features of higher-ranked options.

How We Calculated the Winner

Our 100% data-driven, transparent process

Ask Each AI for Their Top 5

We ask GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Grok 4 Fast, and DeepSeek V3 to independently rank their top 5 products.

Apply Point System

Rank #1 = 5 points • #2 = 4 points • #3 = 3 points • #4 = 2 points • #5 = 1 point

Calculate Total Score

We add up the points from all 5 AIs. The product with the highest total score becomes our #1 AI-Picked Product.

You Decide

We show you the data. You make the choice based on your priorities and needs. This is a 100% data-driven process—we don't change the results.

Our Process

🤖

Independent Analysis

We ask ChatGPT-4, Claude 3.5, Gemini, and Perplexity the same question separately. No AI sees another's answer.

🔍

Full Transparency

You see everything: their reasoning, sources, pros, cons. We don't hide disagreements or cherry-pick answers.

⚖️

You Decide

We present the data. You make the choice based on your priorities, budget, and needs. Because you're absolutely right.

🔄

Updated Monthly

Product markets change. We re-run AI debates monthly to keep recommendations current.

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associate links. This helps us maintain this free service. Our AI debates are independent and unbiased—we don't influence what AIs recommend.

The Best Lightweight Trekking Poles of 2025, Picked by 5 Leading AIs

No.1 AI-Picked Product

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

What Each AI's Top Pick:

The AI Trekking poles lightweight Leaderboard

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

Gossamer Gear LT5

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

REI Co-op Traverse Carbon

Komperdell Carbon Pro Trail

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

REI Co-op Flash Carbon - Cork

Fizan Compact 3

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud

MSR DynaLock Ascent

See Each AI's Full Top 5 Ranking

Leki Black Series FX Carbon

Gossamer Gear LT5

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

REI Co-op Flash Carbon - Cork

Fizan Compact 3

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

Gossamer Gear LT5

MSR DynaLock Ascent

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon

Gossamer Gear LT5

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

REI Co-op Traverse Carbon

Komperdell Carbon Pro Trail

Gossamer Gear LT5

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Leki Micro Vario Carbon

REI Co-op Flash Carbon

Gossamer Gear LT5

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud

How We Calculated the Winner

Ask Each AI for Their Top 5

Apply Point System

Calculate Total Score

You Decide

Our Process

Independent Analysis

Full Transparency

You Decide

Updated Monthly

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