Pair of snowshoe trekking poles

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11 Best Budget Snowshoe Poles under $100


When you’re looking for snowshoe poles, you want to purchase a pair that are inexpensive and won’t break the bank. However, you also don’t want to sacrifice durability, weight, strength, comfort, and functionality for a low price. Fortunately, there are many excellent budget snowshoe poles under $100 out there for you to choose from!

In this article, you’ll learn which are the best budget snowshoe poles under $100 USD. We provide reviews for each of the snowshoe poles, including both pros and cons, to help you pick a good-quality set of walking poles. We’ve done all of the research so that you don’t have to!

In the buyer’s guide, you’ll also learn exactly what to look for when choosing and buying a good quality set of affordable snowshoe poles. With this guide, you’ll be able to pick the best trekking poles for snowshoeing out there!

Want to learn more about snowshoe poles? Check out our comprehensive guide: Snowshoe Poles: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Recommendations

Snowshoes, trekking poles, and a map - Photo: Rupert Essinger
Snowshoes, trekking poles, and a map – Photo: Rupert Essinger

Best Overall Budget-Friendly Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles

Most Lightweight & Best Folding Poles: Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles for Trekking

Best Bang for your Buck: TrailBuddy Collapsible Hiking Poles

Most Durable Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Walking Pole

Least Expensive Walking Poles: TheFitLife Trekking Poles

Best Carbon Fiber Snowshoe Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Most Affordable Folding Trekking Poles: Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles

Best Poles for Women: LEKI Legacy Lite COR-TEC – Women’s

Best Budget Snowshoe Poles under $100

ImageModelWeight Per PoleDesignPole MaterialGrip TypeAdjustableAccessoriesCheck Price
Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles240 g
(8.3 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockAluminumCork or EVA Foam, Foam extended grip66 to 137 cm
(26" to 54")
Snow baskets, mud baskets, boot tips, rubber tips, pole clip, carry bagCheck Price!
Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles for Trekking171 g (6.1 oz) for 100 cm to 201 g (7.1 g) for 130 cmFolding, Twist LockAluminumEVA foam grip & grip extensionFixed lengths: 100, 110, 120 & 130 cm
(39, 43, 47 & 51")
Collapsed: 33 cm (13 in) for 100 cm pole to 43 cm (17 in) for 130 cm pole
Snow baskets, mud basketsCheck Price!
TrailBuddy Collapsible Hiking Poles270 g
(9.7 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockAluminumCork & EVA Foam62 to 137 cm
(24.5" to 54")
Snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, pole clip, carry bagCheck Price!
Black Diamond Trail Walking Poles244 g
(8.6 oz)
Telescoping, Flick LockAluminumEVA Foam grip & extended grip63.5 to 140cm
(25" to 55")
Snow baskets, mud basketsCheck Price!
TheFitLife Trekking Poles270 g
(9.5 oz)
Telescoping, Twist LockAluminumRubber, EVA foam extended grip66 to 135 cm
(26" to 53")
Large and small snow baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, pole clips, carry bagCheck Price!
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles207 g
(7.3 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockCarbon FiberCork or EVA Foam, EVA Foam extended grip66 to 137 cm
(26" to 54")
Snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, pole clip, carry bagCheck Price!
Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles294 g (10.4 oz) for 100-120 cm pole or
306 g (10.8 oz) for 115-135 cm pole
Folding, Lever LockAluminumCork-Like EVA Foam, Foam extended grip100-200 cm or 115-135 cm / 38 cm (15") collapsedSnow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, carry bagCheck Price!
LEKI Legacy Lite COR-TEC - Women's239 g
(8.4 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockAluminumCork, No extended grip90 to 125cm (36" to 50");
64 cm (25") collapsed
Mud baskets, (must buy snow baskets separately)Check Price!
Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles266 g
(9.4 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockAluminumCork, EVA Foam extended grip61 to 140 cm
(24" to 55")
Snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, carry bagCheck Price!
Hiker Hunger Collapsible Hiking Poles269 g
(9.5 oz)
Telescoping with Lever LockAluminumCork, EVA Foam extended grip66 to 137 cm
(26" to 54")
Snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, carry bagCheck Price!
Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles272 g
(9.6 oz)
Telescoping, Lever LockAluminumEVA Foam grip & extended grip61 to 135 cm
(24" to 53")
Mud baskets, rubber tips, pole clips (must buy snow baskets separately)Check Price!

1. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles – Best Overall Budget-Friendly Poles

Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles are a great choice if you’re looking for inexpensive but well-made trekking poles for snowshoeing. This model of snowshoe trekking pole has great value, with a low price and many great features for both snowshoeing and hiking. These qualities have made this model the best overall out of all the top budget snowshoe poles under $100 on this list.

Made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, these poles are very strong and sturdy. You can extend the adjustable trekking poles from 66 to 137 cm (26″ to 54″), locking each section in place with a quick lock lever system. This locking mechanism is quite fast and easy to use, even when wearing gloves. These poles are also one of the lighter aluminum models, weighing in at 240 g (8.3 oz) per pole. That means your arms won’t get as tired when using them on long treks!

Unlike many of the other pole sets, you can choose whether your Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles have a cork or EVA foam grip. The cork grip is great for wicking away sweat, while the EVA foam is quite comfortable to grip. Whichever material you choose though, you’ll still have an extended grip made out of EVA foam. These poles also come with adjustable wrist straps that have a moisture-wicking, padded lining. You’ll be snowshoeing in comfort with these poles!

While the pole shaft is mostly black, you can choose between colorful highlights of orange, green, or light blue to personalize your set. They also come with many useful accessories, including snow baskets, mud baskets, boot tips, rubber tips, pole clips, and a carry bag.

Pros

  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carry bag
  • Lightweight, strong aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Choice between cork or EVA foam grip
  • Moisture-wicking padded wrist straps
  • Inexpensive but durable
  • Great customer service

Cons

  • Collapsed size isn’t as small as folding poles
  • Wrist straps sometimes loosen

Check the Price of Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles!

2. Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles – Most Lightweight & Best Folding Poles

Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles are one of the best lightweight, affordable pairs of budget snowshoe poles under $100. These poles are made by Black Diamond, one of the most popular trekking pole brands out there. For this reason, these poles are durable, sturdy, lightweight, comfortable to use, and made of high-quality material. All that in a budget-friendly trekking pole under $100!

These poles feature breathable wrist straps that wick away sweat, preventing chafing. They have a soft, comfortable EVA foam grip, as well as grip extensions to help with hills. As well, the handles are quite ergonomic, making them pleasant to use over long distances. With rubber tech tips, you’ll be very stable as you walk!

Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles are designed as a folding trekking pole, rather than telescoping. The poles are made of three sections that you can fold down to a length of 33 cm (13 in) to 43 cm (17 in), depending on your pole’s size. This is one of their best features, keeping them very lightweight and portable with a small collapsed length. The Z-Poles have a fixed length of either 100, 110, 120, or 130 cm (39, 43, 47, or 51″). Make sure you pick the right size for your height using the snowshoe pole sizing chart!

With the folding design, these poles are the lightest poles on this list. They weigh between 171 g (6.1 oz) for 100 cm poles to 201 g (7.1 g) for the 130 cm poles. This is pretty impressive for aluminum trekking poles! Plus, Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles are incredibly strong and durable. You won’t be disappointed with these poles!

Pros

  • Most lightweight budget-friendly poles
  • Fold down quite small
  • Made out of sturdy, strong, & durable aluminum
  • Moisture-wicking, breathable strap
  • Ergonomic, comfortable EVA foam grips and extensions

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with many accessories
  • Small powder baskets
  • EVA Foam isn’t moisture-wicking like cork
  • Fixed length poles aren’t as versatile

Check the Price of Black Diamond Distance Z Z Poles!

3. TrailBuddy Hiking Poles – Best Bang for your Buck

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are one of the most popular, budget-friendly snowshoe poles out there. These poles are quite functional and should meet your needs as an affordable snowshoe pole. They are telescoping, with easy-to-use lever flip locks that you can operate even with thick gloves on. The poles adjust from 25.5″ to 54″ quickly – perfect for changing pole heights in hilly terrain!

The main body of these adjustable hiking poles is made out of aluminum 7075, a robust and strong material. While carbon fiber poles are lighter, aluminum poles will do better in the snowy conditions experienced while snowshoeing. Despite being aluminum, TrailBuddy Hiking Poles are still fairly lightweight (270 g or 9.7 oz per pole). They won’t feel too heavy, even on longer snowshoeing adventures!

These poles have moisture-wicking cork handles that won’t chafe when you work up a sweat. Plus, they have padded wrist straps that won’t irritate your wrists, even on long snowshoe hikes.

As an added bonus, Trail Buddy Hiking Poles come with lots of accessories and pole tips, including snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, and a carry bag. Also, you can personalize your aluminum hiking poles by choosing from a variety of bright colors: berry pink, aqua sky, beetle red, bumblebee yellow, lake blue, plum purple, raven black, and spring green.

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking cork handle with extended foam grip
  • Padded wrist straps
  • Made of strong aluminum 7075
  • Comes with many basket/tip attachments and a carry bag
  • Come in a variety of colors

Cons

  • Only collapses down to 25.5″
  • Not much of an extended grip

Check the Price of TrailBuddy Hiking Poles!

4. Black Diamond Trail Walking Pole – Most Durable

Black Diamond Trail Walking Poles are an excellent choice for snowshoeing if you don’t mind spending a little more. This pole set is one of the most expensive on this list, but for good reason! These reliable poles are made with high-quality materials. With a strong aluminum body and interchangeable carbide tech tips, these trekking poles are very durable and sturdy. They’re perfect for tough backcountry snowshoeing adventures!

These poles are telescoping, extending from 63.5 cm to 140 cm (25″ to 55″). The FlickLock adjustment system makes the poles easy to collapse or extend. This system also helps to reduce torsional loads, preventing your poles from collapsing during use. Combined with an incredibly comfortable, non-slip extended foam grip, these poles will be perfect for snowshoeing through rolling landscapes and all kinds of other terrains.

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are great multi-season hiking gear, perfect for snowy adventures, multi-day hiking trails, and rough terrain. The poles were also designed for comfortable use, making them a great choice for longer adventures. The 360° padded strap keeps your wrist neutral and prevents soreness, while also improving your grip, stability, and power. Also, the grip is designed ergonomically with a thick non-slip foam that cushions your hand.

With all these awesome features, Black Diamond Trail Walking Poles aren’t even that heavy, with a weight of 244 g per pole. As a bonus, these poles are made by the popular, well-known company, Black Diamond, who have great customer service if something goes wrong. You’ll be very happy with your purchase of these long-lasting, durable hiking poles!

Pros

  • Comfortable 360-degree padded strap
  • Non-slip ergnomic grips with foam extension
  • Strong & durable aluminum body
  • Easy to use FlickLock adjustment system prevents poles collapsing
  • Not too heavy

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with as many accessories
  • Higher price

Check the Price of Black Diamond Trail Walking Poles!

5. TheFitLife Trekking Poles – Least Expensive

TheFitLife Nordic Trekking Poles are the perfect pole set if you’re looking for a really inexpensive pair of walking sticks for snowshoeing. These sturdy poles are some of the most affordable on the market. However, they still have many features and accessories that will help with your snowshoeing experience.

These aluminum poles feature an anti-shock design. However, this shock absorption will be more useful on hikes than when snowshoeing. Each pole has twist locks, so you can easily adjust the height from 26″ to 53″ (65 cm to 135 cm). They only weigh 270 g (9.5 oz) each, so they won’t weigh you down too much!

TheFitLife Hiking Poles have a rubber grip with an extended EVA foam grip for hills. The rubber handle isn’t padded so it’s not as comfortable as other pole models and gets slippery when sweaty. You won’t notice these problems as much when you have gloves on, though.

The pole set comes with lots of add-ons, including sets of large and small snow baskets, rubber tips, and walking tips. Additionally, TheFitLife Trekking Poles come with a waterproof carrying bag and a pair of pole clips. Also, the pole body can be personalized with different fun colors: blue, purple, red, white, or black.

Pros

  • Most affordable poles
  • Anti-shock feature
  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carrying bag
  • 5 colors to choose from
  • Made out of strong aluminum
  • Twist locks are easy to use

Cons

  • Rubber handle is hard & slippery if sweaty
  • No smooth transition between rubber handle and extended foam grips
  • Twist locks sometimes don’t tighten enough
  • Wrist straps loosen easily

Check the Price of TheFitLife Nordic Trekking Poles!

6. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles – Best Carbon Fiber Poles

If you prefer carbon fiber poles, Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are a great set of lightweight, affordable trekking poles. While carbon fiber hiking poles tend to be more expensive, Cascade Mountain Tech has managed to create a budget-friendly, functional pole out of this lightweight material. They didn’t even skimp on the accessories! With the poles, you’ll also get snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, and a carry bag.

Carbon fiber is much more lightweight than aluminum so these are one of the lighter budget-friendly walking poles, coming in at 207 g (7.3 oz) per pole! However, keep in mind that carbon fiber can become more brittle in cold conditions, leading to a higher chance of your pole snapping. That being said, Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles seem to perform well in all conditions. They are perfect if you’re looking for something that’s lighter for longer treks. Just be a bit more careful when using them in the cold!

These affordable carbon fiber poles are telescoping with lever quick locks and extend from 66 to 137 cm (26″ to 54″). You can choose from either a cork or EVA Foam grip, which both feel great. They also have a comfortable EVA foam extended grip that’s perfect for hilly terrain. These poles really help with your balance and stability with snowshoeing!

Pros

  • Lightweight budget-friendly poles
  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carrying bag
  • Choose between cork or EVA foam grips
  • Comfy EVA foam grip extension

Cons

  • Carbon fiber may be more brittle in the cold
  • Baskets sometimes loosen easily

Check the Price of Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles!

7. Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles – Most Affordable Folding Poles

Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles are great aluminum, folding-style snowshoe poles that are quite budget-friendly. One of the best features of these foldable trekking poles is their portability. These poles fold down to a small 38 cm (15 inches). You’ll be able to stuff them in your backpack with no problems! They don’t fold down quite as small as the Black Diamond Z-Poles. However, Trekology poles are almost half the price, making them the best budget folding snowshoe trekking poles under $100 on this list.

Made out of 100% aerospace-grade aluminum, Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles were designed to be strong. These poles aren’t the lightest set on the list (294 g for a 100-120 cm pole or 306 g for a 115-135 cm pole). However, they were engineered to last through all kinds of rough terrain. You’ll love bringing them on all kinds of backcountry adventures!

Unlike some folding poles, these snowshoe poles don’t have a fixed length. They can be adjusted by 20 cm. You’ll still need to pick a size that’s appropriate for your height. However, the adjustability will give you a lot more flexibility when hiking through changing terrain. Their durable metal flip lock mechanism allows for quick pole adjustments. Plus, the flip locks are easy to manage when you’re wearing winter gloves.

Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles were designed to be comfortable on your hands and wrists while snowshoeing. The EVA Foam grips and extensions feel great and were designed to wick away sweat. Also, the adjustable wrist straps are very soft, comfy, and provide great support while trekking.

Pros

  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carrying bag
  • Very portable when folded down
  • Adjustable lengths
  • Comfortable foam grips and extensions
  • Most affordable folding pole

Cons

  • Handle is only cork-like foam
  • On the heavier side
  • EVA foam not as sweat-resistant as cork

Check the Price of Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles!

8. LEKI Women’s Legacy Lite COR-TEC Trekking Poles – Best Women’s Poles

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, women’s-specific set of poles, try the LEKI Women’s Legacy Lite COR-TEC Trekking Poles. These affordable poles were designed with women in mind, with a lighter weight and comfortable grips for smaller hands.

These telescoping, aluminum poles adjust from 90 to 125cm (36″ to 50″). They also collapse down quite small to 64 cm (25″) for carrying in your backpack. Plus, the poles use LEKI’s SpeedLock Plus lever locking mechanism. This mechanism allows for extremely fast adjustment of pole height. If you need extra holding power, you can use their raised speed dials to help tighten your poles more. These features are perfect for keeping you stable and in control on backcountry treks through quickly changing terrains!

LEKI Women’s Legacy Lite COR-TEC Trekking Poles use a positive angle grip which allows your wrist to stay in a neutral, comfortable position. This 8-degree angle also improves the power for each of your pole plants. The 2-component grips are made out of Evocon Cor-Tec with 80% natural cork and mold to the shape of your hand. The poles also have a breathable, fast-drying wrist strap that is comfortable to use, wicks away sweat and increases your movement efficiency.

These poles do use an interchangeable basket system, but you’ll have to buy LEKI snow baskets and other accessories separately. This makes LEKI Women’s Legacy Lite COR-TEC Trekking Poles more expensive than the other poles on this list. However, their high-quality design and durable materials make the extra money worthwhile.

Pros

  • Lightweight poles
  • Designed for women
  • Positive angle grip aids movement efficiency, power, and wrist comfort
  • Collapses down quite small
  • Raised speed dials keep poles tight and sturdy

Cons

  • More expensive than other poles
  • Must buy snow baskets separately
  • Doesn’t come with as many accessories
  • No extended grip

Check the Price of LEKI Legacy Lite COR-TEC Trekking Poles!

9. Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles

Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles are a great budget-friendly pole that’ll help you snowshoe through all kinds of backcountry trails. These affordable trekking poles are made out of aircraft-grade aluminum 7075, giving them a lot of strength. They are telescoping and feature easy-to-use lever locks. Highly adjustable, you can extend these snowshoe poles from 61 to 140 cm (24″ to 55″). They’re perfect for snowshoeing through the mountains!

You’ll be comfortable using Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles for long snowshoeing adventures. The poles are not too heavy, coming in around 266 g (9.4 oz) per pole. They also have a moisture-wicking, anti-slip cork grip. For hills, you can use their EVA foam extended grips.

Even their wrist straps are incredibly comfortable to use. The straps have a thick cushioning that is breathable and won’t cause chafing. They do a great job of supporting your wrist and improving your balance and support as you plant your poles.

As a bonus, Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles come with lots of basket and tip accessories. You’ll get snowshoe baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, and a carrying case. The tip of the poles is made out of tungsten carbide, but the accessories are very interchangeable if you’re on different terrains. Also, the poles come in four colors: black, blue, khaki, or neon green.

Pros

  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carrying bag
  • Durable, strong aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Anti-Slip cork grips with comfortable foam extension
  • Very cushioned wrist strap

Cons

  • Lever locks need tightening regularly
  • Doesn’t collapse down too small

Check the Price of Foxelli Aluminum Trekking Poles!

10. Hiker Hunger Collapsible Hiking Poles

Hiker Hunger Collapsible Hiking Poles are a good mid-range, budget-friendly snowshoe pole that’ll support you through all your backcountry adventures. These aluminum telescoping poles are strong and easy to use. The poles extend from 66 to 137 cm (26″ to 54″), with fast lever locks that keep the pole extended while supporting you. Their adjustability makes them very useful when hiking over hills or mountains. They also aren’t too heavy, weighing in at 269 g (9.5 oz) per pole.

These poles feature a lot of accessories, including snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, pole clips, and a Hiker Hunger carry bag. You’ll be ready to use these poles in all conditions and seasons with all of this gear!

With a moisture-wicking ergonomic cork handle that molds to your hand’s shape, you’ll be very happy using these poles for long snowshoeing trips. Additionally, the EVA foam grip extension under the handles is non-slip and soft to the touch.

Hiker Hunger Collapsible Hiking Poles also have an amazingly long three-year manufacturer warranty (most of the others are only 1 year). You can buy these poles worry-free!

Pros

  • Comes with many baskets/tips and a carrying bag
  • Moisture-wicking ergonomic handle
  • Non-slip, soft EVA foam grip extensions
  • 3-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • Don’t collapse down too small
  • Mid-range weight

Check the Price of Hiker Hunger Collapsible Hiking Poles!

11. Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles

Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles are the last model of budget snowshoe poles under $100 on this list. However, don’t discount these trekking poles from their position on this list! They are still a good-quality, affordable set of walking poles that will meet your needs in a variety of conditions and seasons.

One of the best things about Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles is their free lifetime replacement promise. You don’t have to worry about your poles breaking ever again! They may be one of the more expensive budget snowshoe poles, but this guarantee and their quality make up for it!

With a telescoping design, these strong trekking poles extend from 61 to 135 cm (24″ to 53″). Their lever locks make pole length adjustments quick and easy. The poles have a mid-range weight of around 272 g (9.6 oz), so they aren’t too heavy. Plus, you’ll be comfortable using these poles with their soft, adjustable straps and thick EVA foam handles and grip extensions.

You can choose between several colors: green, black, blue, and yellow. Also, Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles come with mud baskets, rubber tip protectors, and pole connectors. Unfortunately, you’ll need to buy Montem snow baskets separately.

Pros

  • Comes with several accessories
  • Free lifetime replacement promise
  • Soft, adjustable straps
  • Thick, comfy EVA foam handles and grip extensions

Cons

  • Must buy snow baskets separately
  • EVA Foam isn’t moisture-wicking like cork

Check the Price of Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles!

Considerations for Picking Affordable Snowshoe Poles

Using snowshoes and poles to climb to Iago Peak - Photo: Tim Gage (CC)
Using snowshoes and poles to climb to Iago Peak – Photo: Tim Gage (CC)

There are many features that you can consider when you’re trying to pick the best budget snowshoe poles under $100. We’ve discussed some of these considerations below. This buyer’s guide will help you pick the best poles for snowshoeing. Click here if you want a more detailed discussion on snowshoe pole features and how they work.

Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber Poles

The body of a snowshoe pole is typically made out of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The shaft material that the pole is made out of impacts its price, weight, and durability.

Carbon fiber poles typically cost more than their aluminum counterparts. This is because carbon fiber is much lighter than aluminum. Carbon poles are perfect for long-distance snowshoers and trekkers who need to carry as little weight as possible. Carbon fiber poles typically weigh between 340 to 453 g (12 to 16 oz) per set.

However, carbon fiber poles are also less durable than aluminum poles. They are more likely to break if bent. Additionally, carbon fiber doesn’t handle temperature extremes as well as aluminum. Often, these poles become more brittle in the cold. This makes them a less ideal choice for snowshoeing in colder conditions than aluminum poles.

Best budget-friendly carbon fiber snowshoe pole: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Aluminum poles are heavier, typically weighing about 510 to 624 g (18 to 22 oz) per pair. However, aluminum poles are cheaper and much more durable than carbon fiber. If bent, you can usually bend them back into place without the pole breaking. In comparison, carbon fiber would snap if you tried bending it. Also, aluminum poles are also more tolerant to temperature extremes. Due to their cold tolerance and durability, aluminum poles are often the better choice for snowshoeing.

Most lightweight & affordable aluminum snowshoe pole: Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles

Fixed Length vs Telescoping vs Folding

Fixed length snowshoe poles aren't the best choice if you're looking for budget snowshoe poles under $100
Fixed length snowshoe poles – Photo: Joel Tasche

When purchasing snowshoe poles, you have the choice between a telescoping, folding, or fixed-length design.

Fixed-length poles are the least commonly used trekking pole. These poles are not adjustable. You need to pick a length that is appropriate for your height. They usually come in increments of 10 cm, often ranging from 100 to 130 cm. Fixed-length poles cannot easily collapse for carrying on a backpack. Also, they aren’t as functional in hilly terrains unless they have an extended grip. Usually, fixed-length poles are actually ski poles.

Folding poles have two or three sections connected by a tension cord in the center of the pole. You can usually fold them down quite small, so they are easy to carry on your back. Also, they tend to be lighter than telescoping poles. However, they are sometimes less secure than telescoping poles, although the tension is usually adjustable. Also, these poles usually only adjust 10-20 cm or have a fixed length. You’ll need to pick a pole that is appropriate to your height if the length isn’t very adjustable.

Best budget folding snowshoe pole under $100: Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Poles

Telescoping poles collapse into themselves, similar to a telescope. They are very adjustable, making them perfect for snowshoeing through hills. They collapse down small, but usually not quite as short as folding poles. However, you can still easily carry them on your back. Plus, if one section breaks, you can easily get replacement parts.

Best affordable telescoping snowshoeing pole: Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles

Grip Material

Foam grips are a great choice if you're looking for budget snowshoe poles under $100
Foam grips are a great choice if you’re looking for budget snowshoe poles under $100

The material that your pole grips are made out of can affect their price, comfort, and durability. Pole grips are usually made out of cork, rubber, and EVA foam.

Cork grips are great for wicking away moisture so your grip doesn’t become slippery when you sweat. They also help with shock absorption and mold to your hand shape. They are very comfortable and durable. However, cork grips are often more expensive.

Foam grips are soft and comfortable to grip. However, they absorb the moisture from your sweat and can be slippery when you’re sweating a lot. This may not be a problem if you only use them when you’re wearing gloves. Foam grips tend to have a mid-range price.

Rubber grips typically are harder and less comfortable to use. However, they work well in the cold and can help with shock absorption. If you have sweaty hands, they are more likely to cause chafing and blistering though. If you’re using the poles for snowshoeing, this won’t matter if you’re always wearing gloves. Rubber grips tend to be the cheapest, but also the most uncomfortable.

Many trekking poles also have an extended grip, typically made out of EVA foam. This is useful if you’re snowshoeing through hilly terrain. Cheaper poles may not come with this extended grip.

Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex Trekking Poles

Trekking poles may be marketed for women or men. Weight, length, price, and grip may vary between gender-specific trekking poles. Color choices can also differ.

Most hiking poles are designed to be unisex. You can use them regardless of which gender the trekking poles are marketed towards. Pick a trekking pole that fits you and feels comfortable!

Pole Brand

Budget snowshoe poles under $100 will get you out on all kinds of exciting snowshoe adventures!
Snowshoes poles standing in the snow – Photo: Emma Larocque

The brand of your snowshoe poles will affect the price, quality, reliability, and customer service. Some popular trekking pole brands that are well-known for their quality are Black Diamond and LEKI. However, these hiking pole brands are on the pricier side. You won’t find as many budget snowshoe poles under $100 for these brands!

More affordable trekking pole brands include Cascade Mountain Tech, TrailBuddy, TheFitLife, Trekology, Foxelli, Hiker Hunger, and Montem. These brands produce functional hiking poles that can work just as well as the more expensive brands. Keep in mind that with some lower-priced poles, however, you may be compromising on quality for a lower cost.

Accessories

Your snowshoe pole’s price can be affected by the accessories it comes with. Trekking poles can come with snow baskets, mud baskets, rubber tips, boot tips, pole clips, and carrying bags. They may even come with other equipment, like snowshoes!

If your set doesn’t come with these accessories, you can typically buy them separately. Pole attachments are often brand-specific, so make sure you buy accessories that fit your poles.

Final Thoughts

A good set of snowshoeing poles doesn’t need to break the bank. With this buying guide, you’ll be able to find the best pair of budget snowshoe poles under $100. These trekking poles for snowshoeing will serve you well on your outdoor adventures. You’ll be able to keep snowshoeing and hiking on a budget!

If you’re looking for more affordable winter outdoor gear or gear guides, check out these articles:

Top Travel Tips & Resources

  • Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
  • Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com. They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
  • Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
  • Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
  • Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

About the author

Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

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