On a typical day along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, the majority of cars, motorcycles and matatu minibuses burn fossil fuels. There are a few electric motorcycles, tuk-tuks and buses, they electric vehicles (EVs) still represent less than 1 percent of the nation’s fleet. Registrations of EVs in Kenya are surging, however.
Kenya has been ranked 7th among the top 10 African countries adopting EVs, according to data from the International Energy Agency, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
Rising urban populations and fuel prices are pushing many African nations to invest in EVs as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel transport. National policies—expected in over a dozen countries by 2025—are accelerating this shift through tax incentives, public transport pilots, and local manufacturing support.
According to the International Energy Agency, the top five countries leading EV adoption on the continent are Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Ghana tops the list with an estimated 17,000 EVs, driven largely by duty waivers and widespread use of electric two- and three-wheelers. Morocco follows with 10,000 EVs and over 400 charging stations, bolstered by a growing export market. South Africa has around 6,000 EVs and has eliminated import duties, while Tanzania and Ethiopia each count between 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles, driven by electric bikes and tuk-tuks and hydropower-backed incentives, respectively.
Kenya earned its placement in the top 10 thanks to programs such as the launch of an electric bus pilot in Nairobi, and the country is one of several in Africa positioning themselves to become EV assembly hubs.
Electric cars charging from solar photovoltaic panels in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo: World Economic Forum (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
In March 2024, Kenya launched the National E-Mobility Policy meant to create an enabling environment for the growth and adoption of EVs across the country. The policy provides a framework for the transition from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The country went ahead and introduced several tax incentives including a reduction in the excise duty on electric vehicles from 20 percent to 10 percent and the exemption of fully electric cars from value-added tax. By lowering the tax burden, the government wanted to ensure that EVs are more competitive than their petrol and diesel counterparts.
“Electric vehicles represent a high-tech industry with strong value potential—owners of EVs or e-motorbikes can earn profit margins of up to $700,” noted Mr. Latiff Cherono, Chief Operations Officer, Gearbox Europlacer. “Kenya can enhance its role in the EV space by increasing investment in research and development, rather than relying solely on imported knockdown kits for assembly.”
He added that the country should focus on developing its intellectual property, enhancing features such as payment systems and battery charging stations, and building local technical capacity. “To fully benefit, Africa must prioritize innovation to avoid dependency on foreign IP.”
The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy set an ambitious target that by 2025, all the newly registered vehicles in Kenya should be EVs. But this has not been the case, as the adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya has been slow.
A slow pace has characterized the EV transition throughout the continent, and one of the roadblocks has been the technology, rather than the policy.
“Our results show that fleets will have to contain a mix of electric and combustion-based engines if countries want to continue to transport the same amount of goods and people they are currently transporting. This is because electric vehicles charge slowly,” MJ Booysen and Joubert Van Eeden at Stellenbosch University in South Africa write. “While a diesel minibus taxi takes only one minute to fill up with enough diesel to travel 750 kilometres, the fastest currently available electric minibus recharges at a mere 2km per minute with DC and 0.3km per minute with AC. The electric taxi’s range is also only 21 percent of the diesel equivalent.”
More charging stations can help and more are on the way. Kenya Power announced a plan to install 45 EV chargers in six counties in the next year. During the opening of the 3rd Annual E‑mobility Conference in Nairobi last month, Kenya Power Managing Director & CEO, Dr . Joseph Siror stated: “Part of our plan is to create an enabling environment for players within the e‑mobility ecosystem through the provision of adequate power supply and the requisite infrastructure, such as charging stations, that will enable motorists to travel with ease.”
It is clear that African Countries are gearing up for EV adoption. What is required is adequate infrastructure, an enabling policy environment and capacity building, technology transfer, and investment mobilization to achieve the goal.
About the Author
Mercy Nduati is the Engineering for Change Editorial Fellow for 2025. She also works on the editorial staff of the Vennomax Media Network that publishes the Industrial Journal magazine. And she has written for the magazine Kenya Engineer, published by the Institution of Engineers in Kenya. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and media from Egerton University.
Development organizations have long struggled to measure evidence of systems change, especially when contributions are incremental and contexts vary. In today’s world, where we face the converging crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, ensuring access to safe and high-quality water and sanitation services is more challenging than ever. That’s why the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector has embraced system strengthening to build resilient service delivery models that consider all relevant actors, institutions, incentives, and dynamics.
No single organization will solve the global water crisis or achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on its own. It will take innovation, collaboration and new ways of working. That’s the idea behind the One For All alliance, comprised of Water For People, IRC, and Water for Good, which developed a shared Destination 2030 (D30) strategy. This strategy is grounded in six outcomes for strong WASH systems:
High level political will accelerates progress
Key actors have adequate capacity
Sector finance is secured
Citizens demand higher levels of service
Collective action drives transformative change
Organizational change supports Destination 2030
If we can advance these outcomes, we believe we will contribute meaningfully to achieving sustainable water and sanitation services for all, including the over 2 billion people currently left behind.
To understand where we’re making progress, we recently used a participatory evaluation approach called Outcome Harvesting. Outcome Harvesting is more inclusive, system complexity-literate, and applicable to everyday work than evaluation approaches of the past. Measuring infrastructure is straightforward, but measuring how we have influenced policy, practice, and behavior change is much harder! In this type of evaluation, participants look backwards to reflect on pathways to change, unintended outcomes, and types of approaches and contributions that matter the most.
Findings
In our asynchronous Outcome Harvesting workshop, participants set out to gather examples of system strengthening to harvest with colleagues, then we came together to peer review, finalize, and interpret. The resulting 23 outcome statements harvested are by no means a complete picture of all contributions made by Alliance members last year, but all are tangible examples of systems change and adequately represent the different actors, approaches, and building blocks affected.
What we’ve learned
Political will grows where it is cultivated
Policy and practice changes at government levels was the most common type of outcome, demonstrating that political will responds best to technical assistance provided alongside advocacy. For example, in 2024, heads of state in Indonesia, South Sudan, and Ghana launched national compacts on WASH—demonstrating that well-timed advocacy and coalition-building can lead to landmark commitments. Similarly, Uganda’s first-ever Presidential Dialogue on WASH, co-organized by One For All partners, marked a major milestone in aligning political leadership with sector goals.
Offering technical assistance has taught us a lot about where capacity gaps may be, but the most impacted outcome category was high-level political will, not actor capacity. This surprising result highlights how one high-level report, guidance document, or strategy can have far-reaching influence when done in response to a government request for technical assistance and expertise. One example is how IRC and Water For People contributed to several recent National WASH financing strategies released in Africa which have subsequently influenced planned World Bank projects and the African Union strategy. Based on the November 2024 outcome harvest, the three building blocks most strengthened by technical assistance were finance, monitoring, and planning.
Local action builds credibility, while national policy drives scale
It’s something we’ve been saying for a while, but many changes at the global and national levels have roots in local demonstrations of systems approaches. Locally, NGOs can sometimes fill the gap temporarily where good national policy and regulation should be, but this should never be a permanent solution. An advantage seen in many of the outcomes harvested that describe the results of district-focused system strengthening work is that while we may have “less” power when working at smaller scales, the relationship building aspect leads to a stronger understanding of the dynamics of the system, and therefore it is easier to build alliances that can scale nationally.
In Ethiopia, IRC supported the development of the country’s first National WASH Finance Strategy, drawing on district master plan data built up since 2018. In Burkina Faso, strategic planning in the Commune of Tenkodogo, supported by IRC, helped local authorities launch consultation frameworks and budgeted WASH action plans that are now being used to influence regional and national priorities. This interplay is also visible in Guatemala, where Water For People and partners secured official endorsement of SIVASA—a national WASH monitoring system—after years of localized sector-building and advocacy. These stories affirm the reinforcing loop between strengthening local systems and national-level breakthrough.
Capacity building is a strength – but we need to measure outcomes instead of outputs
Training and technical assistance are scaling, and their effects are real. The WASH Systems Academy, now offered in 126 countries, has influenced how sector professionals plan and budget WASH programs. As of November 2024, 94% of users reported improved professional practice six months after completing a course. Additionally, IRC’s partnerships with UNICEF have resulted in over 580 systems strengthening certificates awarded and new courses tailored for large agencies like UNICEF and WFP. These widespread efforts to grow actor capacity are promising—but they also point to a need for better tracking of outcomes from training, coaching, and peer exchange to understand what’s changing in behavior and decision-making. More frequent evaluation and reflection using Outcome Harvesting will help learn more about who we are reaching how, and what behavior and practice changes build sustained capacity improvements.
Advocacy and collective action are gaining momentum
Advocacy and influencing refer to meetings, workshops, exchanges, evidence-sharing, and campaigns designed to push for specific policy or practice changes from stakeholders, mostly government and donors. These initiatives contributed to a growing drive towards collective action co-led by One For All Alliance members.
Globally, IRC’s advocacy contributed to the launch of FCDO’s WASH Systems for Health program which Water For People implements in Malawi and the Netherlands’ renewed systems-strengthening commitments through UNICEF’s ASWA3. These investments are rooted in the idea that fragmented, siloed approaches won’t solve systemic challenges—an insight echoed in WHO’s 2024 guidance and sector dialogues. It’s a reminder for donors and implementers to see ourselves as part of the system, with incentives that need to be aligned with others in a collective action process.
Don’t forget the innovations from five years ago
While attention has recently shifted to high-profile innovations like Presidential Compacts, earlier tools like District-Based Master Plans remain essential for local progress. They are our most direct instruments to improve service levels locally, by funding professional service providers, and are key to increasing citizen demand for those services. Additional work is needed to investigate accountability, inclusion, and ownership as district master plans mature and some of the excitement wears off, and to keep innovating approaches to technical assistance for planning.
Finance commitments are promising – but delivery lags
While financing remains a top priority, few outcomes from the harvest directly linked to closing the finance gap. This may reflect how new many of the commitments discussed still are, such as Ethiopia’s WASH Finance Strategy or high-level pledges from multilaterals. OFA-supported national finance strategies have influenced World Bank project design and the African Union’s $30B/year WASH financing strategy, launched in 2023. But fulfilling some of those pledges has been a challenge due to low resources and awareness at the local level. Presidential compacts and national strategies carry enormous promise but often require multi-year commitment and reinforcement. As one evaluation participant put it, “It’s a marathon – which continues and becomes a triathlon after signing the compact and supporting the government to make it happen.”
Learning and adaptation are first in importance and last in execution
Adaptive learning was the most activated building block in our outcome harvest. From the WASH FIT rollout in health care facilities in Niger to systems-oriented course development by IRC, UNICEF, and WFP, learning tools have been used not just to build capacity, but to influence practice and accelerate uptake. Events like the All Systems Connect Symposium and All Systems Go Africa conference continue to serve as catalysts for peer influence and uptake of systems thinking at scale.
Over the past year, we learned together with communities, governments, donors, healthcare workers, and the whole WASH sector. We note the advantages especially of “just in time learning” where responsive influencing campaigns relied on learning publications to encourage evidence-based decision-making and adaptation. Learning exchanges and trips were also inspirations, as in the case of Mr. Alassan Tsahirou, a mayor in Niger who launched a solid waste management plan after a site visit to a solid and liquid waste collection, management and processing site in Accra, Ghana as part of the All Systems Go Africa conference.
There are more than these seven pathways through the forest of systems change, and we’re only beginning to map them. Harvesting and reflecting deeply on what intended and unintended outcomes, large and small, in One for All partner areas have been achieved so far provided us with many insights to take home. Hopefully these serve as a guide for what you might uncover if you focus on seeing the forest through the trees too.
“The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien
In “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first book of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings saga (from whence my birth name was derived!), ...
Astronomers have discovered a galaxy that has been "frozen in time" for billions of years. Like a celestial dinosaur fossil, this galaxy could reveal the secrets of cosmic evolution.
Too often when people think about preserving family legacy, they consider two things: preserving financial assets and preparing estate documents that provide for estate tax savings. While those are important elements, they are only true if we determine that family legacy consists only of financial wealth.
If we define wealth more broadly to include all forms of wealth—values, work ethic, integrity, joy, generosity, gratitude, and the stories that make up the fabric of the family—then it will take more than financial assets and estate documents.
To the contrary the two keys to preserving your family’s legacy won’t show up on very many lists. They are as follows:
Building a family of trust. Trust is about reliability. It’s about predictability. Think about it. What are the things the destroy predictability? It’s things like affairs, addictions, lying, stealing, entitlement, unspoken expectations, communication failures, and the list might go on. The successful families have ongoing rituals. They have predictability in who they are and what they value. It can be said of them that you always know where they are going to stand. They are marked by a clear vision, mission and set of values.
Building a family of transparency. Transparency is a hallmark of trust. In great families, there are no secrets, no hidden agendas, no past hurts that remain unresolved. We don’t tiptoe around what the estate is worth, how it may be distributed and what it takes to be a responsible adult. Simply stated, enduring families talk about everything.
I’ve seen it time and time again that too many families start with the technical while neglecting the underlying bedrock issues. Dig down and get there. If you need help, which many families do, consider reaching out to the growing body of legacy planners.
Maybe you’ve heard about them on the news. Or you’ve read stories of people like Karungu, Nadiwa, and Mahasen. Perhaps you’ve even met them in your own community — refugees forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution and violence.
However you got here, you feel compelled to respond. You want to find ways you can help refugees. And we want to help you do just that.
For over 45 years, we’ve been connecting people like you with opportunities to walk alongside refugees and displaced people around the world. With recent cuts to federal funding for U.S., your help is needed now more than ever. Here are seven ways you can help refugees today.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP REFUGEES
1. Pray for Refugees
As followers of Christ, we believe prayer is an essential part of our response to suffering and a powerful act of solidarity. Join us in praying for refugees and those forced to flee their homes around the world. Pray also for leaders as they make critical decisions that impact the lives of millions of people. And pray that the church, in the spirit of Matthew 25, would rise up and respond with love and generosity towards those in need.
To help you pray for refugees and other immigrants experiencing vulnerability, we’ve created a free prayer guide.
2. Give Monthly to Organizations Like World Relief Western Washington
Consistent, monthly giving is one of the most impactful ways to help refugees. At World Relief Western Washington, monthly donors — members of The Path — provide the steady support needed to respond during crises and walk alongside refugees in the U.S. and abroad long after the headlines fade. Your generosity helps families access housing, food, education, job training, legal services and more.
June is World Refugee Awareness Month — the perfect time to speak up, share stories and spotlight the real experiences of refugees around the world. Yet, our support for refugees shouldn’t stop here. Whether on social media, at your church or among family and friends, you can amplify refugee voices and build awareness that leads to action.
One easy way to share the latest stories and updates is by following us on social media. You can find us on: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
4. Volunteer Your Time and Talents
In communities across Western Washington, we rely on volunteers to welcome and walk alongside refugees and other immigrants. Volunteers help their immigrant neighbors by tutoring them in English, providing transportation, assisting with job training and more. Perhaps most importantly, volunteers can become trusted friends as they invest in mutually transformative relationships.
At a time when support for refugee resettlement is at risk, the need for advocacy is urgent. And your voice really can make a difference. We also know contacting your representatives can feel intimidating, so we’ve created easy tools to help you speak up on important issues impacting refugees and other communities experiencing vulnerability around the world.
Check out our latest petitions and sign-on letters, including our call-to-action tool that makes it easy for you to call your decision-makers — one of the most effective ways to advocate!
6. Mobilize Your Local Church
On the pathway to belonging, local churches can play a crucial role in the lives of their refugee neighbors. We partner with faith communities by providing training, consultations and support as they discern how to best love and serve refugees and other immigrants.
For more ways to help refugees and others experiencing vulnerability around the world, join our mailing list! We’ll send updates on the latest opportunities and stories from our community right to your inbox.
Together, we can ensure refugee families receive the care and support they need in this critical time.
Kelly Hill is a Content Manager at World Relief. She previously served as Volunteer Services Manager at World Relief Triad in North Carolina. With a background in International and Intercultural Communication, she is passionate about the power of story to connect people of diverse experiences.
The hand-painted façade of the cliff’s edge Phajoding Monastery catches my eye as I tramp down a steep, dusty trail overlooking Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It’s a welcome sight after three days of backcountry trekking through the Himalayan foothills, dragging my body and backpack up and down a series of uncompromising steeps speckled with blue pine and rhododendron forests. But the moment I spot the temple, my eyes spill open and tears unexpectedly stream down my face. Not happy tears: I don’t want to be here. Even though the appearance of this auspicious religious site should bring me joy, all I can do to keep shuffling my feet forward, as loneliness grips the very core of my being, is cry.
As an only child and an independent-to-a-fault personality, solo travel is one of the things I’ve always been inherently good at. I’ve hiked the John Muir Trail, road tripped across America, and traveled to all seven continents, all primarily alone. I’ve always found it thrilling to strike out into the great unknown with nothing but my wits and hiking boots in tow, gleaning a deep satisfaction from the chance meetings and unpredictables I encounter on my solo trips. But my perspective was forever changed after a slog through the mountainous kingdom of Bhutan.
Campsites on night three of the Druk Path Trek. (Photo: Emily Pennington)
The 34-mile Druk Path Trek is considered one of the easier backpacking adventures in the country, able to fit into a compact four- or five-day itinerary with plenty of time left over for exploring the vibrant cultural sites and centuries-old farms that make the country so unique. However, given its ultra-remote perch in the high Himalayas, Bhutan goes hard when it comes to trekking, as I soon learned when I met my guide and porters that first day.
The trip started out innocently enough. Our team of adorable, petite pack horses ran up the forested trail as morning light glistened against mossy stupas lining our ascent. Though the trail starts at a dizzying 9,500 feet, I was feeling strong as I steadily climbed toward Jela Dzong, a 500-year-old temple perched on a high hilltop over 11,000 feet that overlooks the Paro Valley.
A grizzled older monk with laugh lines up to his ears meandered over to my group and asked if we’d like a tour of the temple’s inner sanctum, and I quickly accepted. No photographs are allowed inside Bhutan’s ornate monasteries, keeping their customs and rituals shrouded in secrecy. Unlike the streamlined, minimalistic zen centers in the States, many Himalayan countries practice an intensely ceremonial sect known as Vajrayana Buddhism. It’s famous for its portrayals of wrathful gods and intensely detailed paintings of both Buddha and the Wheel of Samsara. I quietly strolled around the centuries-old artworks inside Jela Dzong, kneeling at the center of this precious space to ask the deities for safe passage.
Hundreds of streamers of multicolored prayer flags burst outward from the temple, making my final ascent a lively one as I huffed and puffed to a final elevation of 12,400 feet and set up camp. Happy to read on my own for a while, I watched the sunset across what felt like a never-ending tapestry of peaks and valleys. Dinner was a hearty display of white rice, sautéed greens and delicately sauced chicken thighs, made only slightly weird by the fact that my porters stashed me in a drafty tent to eat it alone. Then, night set in.
To be honest, I wasn’t terribly surprised when a gnarly headache started creeping across my scalp. Our ascent of over 3,000 feet had been an ambitious first day, even for a seasoned backpacker like me. On top of the altitude, the cold temperatures knocked me down several pegs. I had done my best to research daytime highs and lows in every locale I’d be visiting, but evening temperatures in the rural mountains of Bhutan were so difficult to predict that even my trekking company had not adequately prepared me for the frigid nights. I tossed and turned for hours in the subfreezing air, wishing that my partner was there to help keep me warm, or, at least laugh off the discomfort.
The author and some pack horses along the Druk Path Trek. (Photo: Emily Pennington)
Groggy and exhausted from a night of poor sleep, I inhaled a breakfast of fried eggs and muesli before asking my guide about the logistics of our remaining days. “I only brought a 20-degree sleeping bag, and I don’t think it’s going to be enough as we keep ascending,” I explained. Compelled by a rough night in an ice-cold tent, I formulated a plan with my trekking guide: We’d bust our butts on day two, hiking nearly double the planned distance so that I could cut the trip short and complete the journey in three days, rather than four. The thought of spilling this wild tale to my boyfriend the moment I returned to town bolstered my eagerness to hike quickly.
Even so, the route was perilous and slow-going. Wearing every layer of clothing I’d brought, I had only my spiraling thoughts to contend with as we climbed to the top of a steep ridgeline with a sweeping view of 24,035-foot Jomolhari, the second-tallest summit in Bhutan. My guide chose to walk a full 100 feet ahead of me all day, staying largely silent as we strolled. “Why am I spending my precious vacation time hiking alone in the freezing cold?” I thought to myself as my lungs heaved on the intense uphill.
I dodged piles of yak dung on the arid path down to Jimilangtsho, a shimmering alpine lake bordered by jagged, frozen waterfalls that typically serves as night two’s campsite for most trekkers. For us, it was a brief lunch stop as clouds rolled in and temperatures plummeted. Because my guide still wasn’t talking much, I wrestled with my thoughts all alone. It didn’t take long for the tears to come.
Playing in the mountains is a funny pastime. When the weather’s good and you’re with your crew, there’s nothing better in the world. Twelve-hour days fly by in a blur of candy bars and Backpacker’s Pantry meals, and you find yourself laughing uncontrollably at the dumbest stuff, like a fat marmot trying to cross a log bridge. But alone in inclement weather? You’ll quickly feel your smallness and mortality as wind and cold pummel your tired body.
A fog enveloped the valley, turning the air milky white and chilling me to the bone, as we made our final ascent to Simkota Tsho. This sapphire tarn sits at a lofty height of 13,500 feet, and by the time we arrived, I could barely see my hand in front of my face or make out my tent in the rapidly darkening night. I stomached a few bites of dinner before making a beeline for my sleeping bag to journal and read. Bhutan had been at the top of my “must see” list for over a decade. In the moment, I felt guilty for not enjoying myself more.
“I’m 37 years old. Maybe I shouldn’t have to push myself to the absolute brink to have a good time,” I mused the following morning, eager to push past the trail’s final high point at Labana Pass, 13,894 feet above sea level.
Tiger’s Nest Temple along the Druk Path Trek. (Photo: Emily Pennington)
In the distance, I could just barely make out the furry, hulking figures of a trio of yaks calmly grazing as I heaved my weight forward to the pass. At the top, I burst into tears as a gentle drizzle began to wet my pack and shell. It was beautiful, sure, but I had no one to share the accomplishment with. Feeling lonely, I quietly looked around at other travelers happily hiking with their families.
My guide practically raced down the knee-busting 5,900-foot descent. I did everything I could to keep up with him as we reentered the treeline, passing historic monasteries and gold-painted prayer wheels along the way. By the end of the day, my quads were toast. I showered and flopped face-first onto my hotel mattress, struggling to untangle the physical and emotional intensity I had just endured.
“Do I even like solo backpacking anymore?” I wondered as I stared out the window at the foothills surrounding Thimphu. It felt like I had traveled over 7,000 miles just to suffer without anyone to commiserate with.
I made a point to spend the remainder of my trip doing the exact opposite of the Druk Path, chatting with locals, visiting contemporary art galleries and setting aside time to phone friends back home. I didn’t need to suffer in silence just to prove that I was strong enough to do a hard thing on my own. Maybe Christopher McCandless, the famous wanderer whose death in Alaska prompted the book Into the Wild, had it right after all. Maybe happiness is only real when it’s shared.
We’re officially a week and a half into summer—how are you spending yours? The Backpacker editors have used the season’s first and longest days to dayhike Arches National Park and Colorado’s Hanging Lake, backpack our way through New England and Catalina Island, and beat the heat at Washington’s Colchuck Lake. This month, we’re celebrating the gear that helped us send it. From a caffeine spray that fits a week’s worth of morning pick-me-ups into a shorts pocket to a lightweight power bank to two very different trail shoes, this is our favorite gear of June 2025.
Caffeine is the only chemical habit I have left, and on trail days where I’m rising with (or before) the sun, I take a lot of comfort in it. I’ve tried every option for getting it from instant coffee to stuffing Red Bulls in my trail-running vests, but Allday’s lipstick-size energy spray bottles may be the lightest and most convenient I’ve found so far. Two spritzes of the sour candy-flavored concoction packs in 64 mg of caffeine, about the same as a shot of espresso. The 0.1 ounce bottle contains about 12 sprays in total (and carries roughly the maximum recommended daily dose of go juice for a healthy adult). It’s not necessarily going to replace my morning coffee or energy drink, but for a lightweight, on-trail pick-me-up, it’s taken up residence in my pack. —Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve always been partial to Saucony trail shoes for how they fit my feet, and their confidence-inspiring grip on loose trails. (The Peregrine 13 ST was my favorite pick in January of last year.) The latest addition to the Xodus lineup, the Xodus Ultra 4, has immediately become my go-to shoe for hikes and trail runs thanks to its soft and springy cushion and unmatched comfort. After battling a bout of shin splints this spring, I needed a higher-cushion shoe to reduce impact on my lower legs while running and hiking. The Xodus Ultra 4 provides just that, with a thick layer of the brand’s PWRRUN PB foam that feels super cush underfoot and has aided in my recovery. The 4 mm lugs are slightly shallower than others in Saucony’s trail running lineup; I find that the Xodus Ultra 4s offer a tad less grip than the Peregrines in loose terrain, but are more confidence-inspiring on rock. On a recent hike in Arches National Park’s Fiery Furnace, I was able to scramble up and down steep slickrock with ease. —Zoe Gates, Senior Editor
I’d had Blundstones saved on my Pinterest board for several years before I finally gave in and snagged a pair, and while these may not take the place of my dedicated hikers, they’re proving to be a perfect crossover for sneaking in a hike while I’m traveling. So far, they’ve joined me on my everyday adventures from the local coffee shop to walks around my neighborhood, but this past month showed me the true versatility and durability of my beloved boots.
My boots first came with me to Denver on a work trip for Outside Festival. Since I was capturing photos and video at the festival, I put many miles on these boots, maxing out at 9 on one of the days. They transitioned handily with me from day to night as I headed from work to afterparty. However, it wasn’t until late June that I truly understood the durability of my city boot. On a last-minute hiking trip to Leavenworth, Washington, we decided to hike Colchuck Lake. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t have any of my hiking gear. Without the proper supplies and shoes, I was hesitant to make the trek at all. Luckily, these durable boots withstood 6 hours of hiking, 2,000-plus feet of elevation gain, and many muddy sections on the trail. It’s safe to say these will be my go-to shoes on any adventure that requires me to be out in the city and hit the trail. —Teaghan Skulszki, Social Media
I’m not exactly gentle on my backpacking gear. In fact, I positively obliterated the last power bank I owned after setting my pack down on a large boulder, rendering it useless on a two-week-long backpacking trip in New Hampshire. The Carbo 10000, thankfully, has a unibody shell made from carbon fiber, making it less prone to cracking or crushing. So far, so good: I unceremoniously dropped my pack onto some more boulders with the power bank sitting at the bottom without so much as a scuff. (Thank the rounded edges on the battery case.) On top of its durability, the newest Carbo 10000 is also incredibly lightweight relative to other power banks: it weighs in at 5.6 ounces on my scale, and is just slightly larger than those nifty iPod Nanos from the late 2000s. USB-A and C ports mean you can charge two electronic devices at once, and it allows for pass-through charging—a big plus for long distance hikers trying to shorten their pitstops in town. —Benjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor
As the days are getting sunnier, I’ve been on the hunt for some short-sleeve shirts that are, well, a little more long-sleeved. A lot of women’s cut shirts are closer to a cap sleeve, which leaves plenty of real estate for missed sunscreen spots or an inevitable farmer’s tan. A simple solution was to wear men’s cut shirts; those arm sleeves cover the entire bicep, which is what I’m hoping for, but the torso is so long that it fits me like a dress. I found my answer in the form of the Janji Endurance Trail Tee. The fit is close-cropped, but not tight, which left plenty of room for my skin to breathe this month during an exposed, sweaty hike of the Trans Catalina Trail. Janji had backpackers in mind when designing this tee: On the back and sides of the shirt, there are panels of durable fabric built to withstand the friction of a heavy pack. The Endurance is UPF 50+ too, so I can feel good about taking care of my skin while wearing something light and wicking on trail, too. The best part? Right now, it’s 25% off. —Emma Veidt, Associate Editor
We’ve been putting the best hiking poles to the test for nearly a decade and have narrowed down to poles that are comfortable, light, durable, and packable. Our top choices have supported us on hikes around the world.
Factors like strength-to-weight, packability, seasonal application, and grip style combine to create unique offerings for the ever-evolving specializations in the outdoors. From day hikes in the mountains of Colorado to trips across Europe, we’ve put these poles through the wringer.
From premium options like the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon to thrifty-hiker-approved Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, we’ve broken this list into categories to help you find the best trekking poles for the adventures you’re embarking on in 2025.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Trekking Pole guide on June 30, 2025, to add the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles. These carbon poles are some of the best collapsible sticks we’ve used so far, and do so without sacrificing strength.
If you want the best trekking poles, the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Poles ($269) are our top recommendation. The company calls them the “Cadillac” of poles, and they fit the description with all the bells and whistles.
We tested these poles for over 2 years and hiked iconic trails — including the Tour du Mont Blanc and Colorado’s Four Pass Loop — using them. They still look as good as new, except for some dirt on the natural cork handles.
Notably, these are the most comfortable handles of any of the dozens of poles we’ve tested. The cork is non-staining when wet and pleasant in the hand. Better, the tops of these poles have a perfect design for descending steep terrain. They allow the user to press downward on the pole with their palm and control the pole placement with their fingertips. It works incredibly well and makes descents much more pleasant on really technical terrain.
At 8 ounces per pole, trekkers will hardly notice the Black Series FX Carbon poles when stowed away in their pack. While far from the lightest trekking poles, they hit a wonderful compromise of weight, comfort, and durability.
The poles use LEKI’s SpeedLock 2+, which the company claims is the world’s strongest external pole-locking system. We found it to secure the poles extremely well and allow easy adjustment between 43 and 51 inches. Collapsed, they fold to just 16 inches.
The Black Series has a light but comfortable strap, which is nice on ascents or flats when you might drop your pole during inattentive moments. The Black Series FX doesn’t come cheap, though. At $270, they’re among the most expensive trekking poles on the market
For the budget-minded among us, the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 ($44) is a reliably comfortable trekking pole that checks all of the appropriate boxes. With two sizes to choose from, the 100-120cm option weighs in at 19 ounces, while the 115-135cm version weighs 22 ounces. Both sizes fold to a compact 15 inches for easy storage.
The EVA foam grips were comfortable while testing, and the adjustable wrist straps added an extra layer of security. The pole’s carbide tip offers great traction on most terrain, while the additional tip covers provide plenty of options for varying surfaces and weather conditions.
We tested these poles on a mixed-surface hike this spring and came away satisfied with their quality and adjustability. After a brisk uphill start, the foam grips felt good in the hands, and the poles were stiff yet responsive to movement. Being able to fold and stow these poles quickly in our packs was quite nice when we opted for a rock scramble to better views.
The only downside to these poles is their weight. While this won’t be a deal-breaker to some, those of us who watch every ounce and gram we carry will notice the overbuilt nature of these poles. For those who may want the next best from budget option, spending an extra $100 gets you a good bit in the Black Diamond Pursuit: cork grips, a nicer flick lock, and almost half a pound lighter (which adds up in the hands). If longevity is your bag, you could go through three Trek-Zs for the same money, however.
The Trek-Z 2.0 poles are affordable and comfortable trekking poles with lots of preferred features. The ability to fold these poles to a mere 15 inches makes traveling with them a breeze. While these poles are ready for adventure, the aluminum construction comes with significant weight penalties. If you are an average user who spends their time on trail but would like a pole for the occasional off-route scramble mission, these poles offer great value in that respect.
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
Best Balance of Performance and Price Trekking Poles
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tip, with trekking and snow baskets
Pros
Cozy cork grips with Bloom foam extensions
Sleek, confidence-inspiring locking system
Durable but lightweight
1.5 mm hex bit tool built into pole shaft for quick maintenance
Cons
Left flick locks are on inside of pole and sometimes catch
Packed length is a bit long
Chris Carter
Aside from one key downside, the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles ($170) are danged close to our favorite sticks for just about any backpacking venture you could drum up — and at a not-bad price. At $100 less than our top pick, it incorporates a lot of what we loved about the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon, but is much more wallet-friendly.
A silky smooth FlickLock+ system, bombproof aluminum construction, balanced design, and cushy cork grips combine to deliver a stable, cruisy hiking experience like none other. Throw in thoughtful touches like Bloom foam grip extensions, soft recycled wrist straps, and two size options with variable handle girths, and you have one heck of a premium pole.
Now for our grumble. It’s a nearly perfect pole, but the FlickLocks are on the same side of both poles, meaning one pole has them affixed toward your body if holding the grips correctly. In most cases, this isn’t an issue. But, we found they could sometimes snag on our pants’ pockets and pop open, collapsing mid-stride. This is a unique issue that we haven’t had with other poles, and though it rarely occurs, it gives us pause at times when bombing down steep hills.
That gripe aside, these give us a swifter ride than most poles we’ve clacked around with — and we’ve tested many poles. They seem to absorb each step’s energy better than most and pop forward into the next step without feeling unwieldy or overly heavy. The sturdy carbide tips also fend off serious impacts and have shown minimal signs of wear after abuse in the wild.
Compared to the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, these poles look downright nice. Sure, it’s a $100 jump up for the budget pole, but that gets you a lot for that: the cork grips are nicer than the EVA foam that most poles in this price range use, the FlickLock+ adjusters are well-refined and field-tunable, and you get both trail and snow baskets.
Trot across the country or explore your local state park over the weekend with about as much comfort and performance as you could ask for — the Pursuit Trekking Poles should be on any backpacker’s shortlist.
At an incredible 4.9 ounces per pole, the latest iteration of the Gossamer GearLT5Trekking Poles ($195) is stripped bare to the necessities, but still manages elite performance on the trail. Thru-hikers, this is your trekking pole.
When first picking these poles up, they feel like they could snap in half — they’re that light. We were eager to utilize them under a heavy load, and regardless of the pressure and tweaking we applied, they performed great.
While most simple, twist-locking mechanisms can show weakness, we were able to tighten and loosen them with ease and never experienced any slippage. Due to the lockers’ smooth nature, however, we’d recommend being careful not to overtighten them. You’ll also want to keep the mechanism clean, as it can gum up and stop working.
The EVA foam grip mimics the look of a classic cork grip, and on a hot day, they managed to wick moisture just as well. Like every feature on these poles, the straps are minimal, but proved comfortable and were easy to adjust with a quick pull of the tab.
Apart from its obvious utilitarian function, these poles look really cool as well. The carbon fiber shafts are brushed in matte black, and the simple, white lettering makes them look about as minimal as they feel in your hands.
While the LT5 has been the de facto UL pole for some years, anyone considering this option should also seriously consider the new Durston Iceline — a carbon stick with a real lever lock, thicker tubes, and $26 cheaper. It’s also, for those counting (and we measured in-house), technically 0.1 ounces lighter per pair. That is, however, without wrist straps, which aren’t yet available. Until then, we still rock with our LT5s.
Packing down to 23.5 inches, the LT5 poles are compact enough to be used for overseas travel (we recently made it to Iceland with a set — no issues), and you’ll probably think you forgot them at home when you pick up your luggage. Previous iterations of this pole have been staples on the trail for years, and we’d expect the futuristic LT5 to cover even more miles.
We recently tested the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles ($200) while training for the Leadville 100 this spring, and they easily made the grade to become our race poles. They are crazy lightweight, pack small enough for strapping to a vest, and have a fast deploy action, which sealed the deal.
Incredibly, for all the added joint supports and tether bits, these poles weigh the same as the Gossamer Gear LT5s at 9.8 ounces per pair. That’s likely thanks to the fact that these poles are fixed length — a compromise many are willing to make to keep their running poles light. The Distance Carbon Zs are available in five different lengths for both men and women, however, and we never wanted more or less than the 125s we tested.
The deployment on these poles is simple, and anyone familiar with avalanche probes will recognize the parallels. Just toss, slide the end of the handle section down, and your pole clacks into place until the pushbutton locks it into place. We couldn’t get these poles to skitter, and that includes leaning on them hard while slipping around on early spring ice in Colorado.
The wrist straps might even seem a bit primitive compared to some of the wild glove/pole interfaces that are now popping up in race poles, but we appreciate the familiarity and don’t have any trouble slipping and and out of them when we change grade. Stashing the poles on our vest straps or in our packs was easy, too, and the 13″ collapsed length is the shortest we’ve tested.
The rugged sidehillers among us wanted an extended grip to choke up on when in off-camber terrain (like those on the Black Diamond Pursuits), but the most you get here is the slightly raised collar where the pushbutton rests against — not the most comfortable to grip. Pro Tip: Wrap your blister tape around the section below the grips, and it works as an impromptu grip extension.
If the wrist straps on the Distance Carbon Z Poles could be stripped, they’d be near-perfect. For mountain or ultra runners, these poles are our go-to suggestion.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tips and 100 mm snow baskets
Pros
Large diameter aluminum shafts are tough
Extended foam grips for steep side hilling
Wrist straps can be easily stripped
Hook on pole ends can be used for flipping risers on snowshoes or skis
Cons
Important to break down and store poles dry, as aluminum oxide can build up
Flick locks are fairly basic with plastic bails
Doesn't pack down very short
Chris Carter
Landing somewhere in between a ski pole and walking stick (we’ve used them for both), the Black Diamond Expedition 3($135) is a four-season trekking pole that we’ve carried on everything from splitboard traverses to deep backcountry approaches to alpine rock, and they’ve held up excellently.
These sticks excel where you need a tough pole, and we’ve owned the same set of Expedition 3s for nearly five years now. In that time, they’ve certainly accumulated a number of scratches and had the foam grips chewed a fair bit, but they’re every bit as functional as they started. An all-aluminum thick tube design and the choice to go with simple locking mechanisms that don’t wear out are to thank here.
The extended foam grips open up different hand positions (such as sidehilling on steep snow) and are topped with a tough plastic head with an exaggerated hook end for flipping up riser bars on skis and snowshoes. Some among us lean on our trekking poles frequently when setting up shelters, and the Expedition 3s work well in this regard as well, with no slip from the FlickLock lever mechanisms or bending in strong winds.
The Expedition 3s come with Black Diamond’s 100mm powder baskets as standard, but they will also host smaller trail baskets. The pole straps are fairly basic, but we did appreciate that Black Diamond left the securing pin exposed. This way, we can strip the straps entirely when we don’t need them (such as backcountry skiing).
As aluminum poles that will often be used during wet activities, it’s important to remember to separate the shafts of the Expedition 3s when they’re being stored. Damp aluminum likes to oxidize, and the powdery white dust will begin to jam up your poles if you aren’t diligent enough.
These poles are offered in two size ranges: 85-125 cm and 100-140 cm. We find that around 5’10” tall is where folks switch to the larger set. If you’re looking for a solid pole to use while mountaineering (and might sneak in a little skiing), the Expedition 3s are a great choice.
The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles ($190) survived the stress test we subjected them to by ski touring all over Alaska, and they just keep kicking. These collapsible carbon poles are just about the shortest folding poles we could find (only the smallest Black Diamond Carbon Distance Zs get smaller), and they do so without being fragile.
Collapsing down to 14.25″, these poles get small enough to stash inside your pack and quickly deploy when you’re ready for a little added traction. The carbon pole design is reinforced with Kevlar to produce a stronger-than-usual stick with added durability against nicks and chipping. Tester Seiji Ishii noticed this strength immediately: “[they had] a secure and confident feeling when heavily loading the pole during risky maneuvers, like crossing Alaskan creeks on skis or navigating around boulders.”
The ‘DynaLock’ adjustment section is a short sleeve that allows these otherwise fixed-length poles to move up to 20 cm, which is perfect for dialing in different lengths for the uphill versus the downhill. A simple metal push button secures the section in place, and the length adjustment is clamped firmly with a metal flick lock. This mechanism is smarter than most and builds in an adjustment dial for getting the clamping pressure just right.
Rounding out these poles are EVA grips with an extension down the shaft for support while sidehilling and two different types of baskets. The snow baskets, in particular, impressed us, as they host a small lip for flicking up risers on ski bindings or snowshoes. These small features make the difference in rugged conditions, and we greatly appreciated them.
The MSR DynaLocks make a compelling alternative pole to the Black Diamond Expedition 3s. They are solid four-season poles that excel at transitioning from snowshoeing and mountaineering to sunny summer hikes. The metal adjusting mechs are notably tougher for cold-weather use, and the collapsed size means they’ll fit inside alpine packs, if need be. You’ll obviously pay for the privilege, so weigh your needs wisely.
(Photo/Seiji Ishii)
(Photo/Seiji Ishii)
Other Trekking Poles to Get Down the Trail With
The seven trekking poles above are our favorites for pretty much anything we like to do outdoors, whether that’s a quick day hike or rucking deep into the backcountry. That said, we’ve tested plenty of other winners in our day, and you should consider the alternates below before deciding which pole is right for you.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide Flex Tip and trekking baskets
Pros
Quick-deploying mechanism is simple and smooth
Compact packed length
Solid lever lock system doesn't budge
Extended grips work well on off-camber trails
Cons
Not quite as light as the Black Series FX Carbon poles
EVA foam grips are nicer for colder hikes, as they can hold sweat
Still pricey
Chris Carter
If the second best is good enough for you, look no further than the LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles ($230). The pole’s carbon construction and Aergon Air grips ensure a lightweight build without compromising on material quality, and these ranked just below the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon in all of our testing.
We first tested these poles on a winter hike in Tennessee along the Appalachian Trail. With deep snow covering a layer of ice, we leaned heavily on our trekking poles to maintain traction.
During our testing, temperatures hovered below freezing, and we discovered that the Makalu’s grips felt right at home in our gloved hands. The dense foam-wrapped grip is crucially durable and shaped for comfort in multiple hand positions. Likewise, LEKI’s Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 feels light yet secure across your wrist and is adjusted with a simple click mechanism.
Folding-style trekking poles are not always intuitive and require you to pay closer attention while extending. These poles use LEKI’s ELD (External Locking Device), and after a few tries, it’s quicker to set up than most folding poles. Simply let the sections fall, then guide the sections together and pull the middle shaft into place until you hear it click. Press the metal switch to unlock the sections and fold them back together.
At 18 ounces a pair, the Makalu FX Carbons would not be considered ultralight. However, due to the Aergon Air grips, these poles feel like they want to spring forward with every step. Speaking of the carbon poles, they gave great support while climbing and descending the icy trails around Roan Mountain and held our weight without wobbling or feeling fragile. Unfortunately, the standard basket the poles ship with feels unremarkable in the snow — at this price point, we would like to see a snow basket and rubber walking tip included.
It’s clear that the Makalu FX Carbons are carefully built and thoughtfully designed. No material you touch feels cheap or out of place, and your hands will thank you for the Aergon Air grips after a long day on the trail. While these poles come close to eclipsing the Black Series FX Carbon, they fall short due to their weight (2 ounces heavier per pair) and the lack of cork grips.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide and rubber tips, with trekking baskets
Pros
Tough carbon build
4-season ready build will accommodate 100 mm powder baskets
FlickLock Pro adjusters are excellent metal design
Comfortable straps
Cons
On the pricier side
Not as light as a full carbon pole can be
Packed length is up there
Chris Carter
Anyone looking for a reliable backcountry pole will appreciate these durableBlack Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ($230). These poles exceeded expectations while exploring the Grand Tetons through variable terrain. The cork grips are comfortable and tacky, and we like the extended foam, which allows for easy hand position changes.
These are fairly popular poles, and for good reason: they’ve got all the bells and whistles we’re looking for in a premium option. The full carbon design keeps things light — though not as light as carbon can get — with the tradeoff being nicer trim and features. The FlickLock Pro adjusters, in particular, are an absolute upgrade over the FlickLock+ versions you get on the Pursuit poles. These are full aluminum and clamp much tighter.
Black Diamond slates these poles as a true four-season option, putting them smack dab between lighter trail options and burly ski/mountaineering poles like the Expedition 3. The ability to run 100mm powder baskets on them certainly stretches their usefulness, and we also appreciated the tech tips that can be swapped to a rubber tip. These can be great for ambling on walking paths (or soft slickrock).
With a packed size of 25 inches, they don’t pack down enough for stashing in smaller packs. But for most users, we wouldn’t expect the size to be a problem. The next step up from a pole like this is a quick-deploy option like the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon, but at a significant expense. Though, they will pack down almost 10″ shorter.
The buckleless straps, utilizing a comfortable climbing webbing, proved very comfortable even after several days of continuous use. While the Alpine Carbon Cork Poles are a bit more expensive than other similar options, they can be worth the investment if you plan to use them regularly and are looking for a lightweight option that’s also quite durable.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide Flex Tip and trekking baskets
Pros
Great trekking poles for the moderate price
Lifetime guarantee against shaft breakage
Nicer cork grip than most poles at this price point
Wrist straps stay put all day
Cons
Packed length is pretty long
No extended grip for awkward sidehills
We wished for additional baskets for varied trail conditions
Chris Carter
Those looking for a reliable and price-conscious trekking pole will appreciate the LEKI Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles ($120), with their three-piece adjustable design, standout cork and rubber grip, and impressive durability backed by LEKI’s lifetime shaft breakage guarantee.
The real star of the show here? Those sweet, ergonomic grips — angled at a forward 8 degrees of pure wrist-relieving bliss. Made from a cozy cork-and-plastic combo, they’re just the right amount of narrow, making them a dream for hikers with smaller hands (looking at you, ladies!).
While putting these poles to the test on a chilly trek through the winter forests of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, we couldn’t stop raving about how perfectly they fit in our hands, even with gloves on.
These grips lean forward at 8 degrees, giving your wrists relief for those all-day missions. The lightweight aluminum poles offer strong durability with the added benefit of weighing only 8.6 ounces each. And thanks to the Speed Lock Plus system, adjusting the height is faster than deciding to take “just one more trail” before heading back.
Compared to the Black Diamond Pursuits, which are other value-heavy trekkers we’ve tested, these poles act and feel like a much pricer pair of sticks. At $30 less and 3 ounces lighter than the Pursuits, we’re not sure you could do much better for your money.
For those long days on the trail where every creature comfort should be recognized and exploited, the Khumbu Lite trekking poles answer the call. These poles might not have your back, but they’ve certainly got your hands.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tip, and optional Komperdell baskets available (but not included)
Pros
Impressively lightweight (without feeling flimsy)
Flick lock adjustability in an ultralight pole design
Comes with a Dyneema Composite Fabric stuff sack
Friction-fit pole connection is tightly machined
Long enough to pitch many trekking pole shelter
Cons
Lack of wrist straps will be a no-go for some, but they are now available
Specialized Komperdell baskets are a bit tough to find
Chris Carter
These ultralight poles came out of nowhere, but they came correct: The Durston Iceline Trekking Poles ($169) take aim directly at the lightest trekking poles on the market and give the classic Gossamer Gear LT5s a strong run for their money. In many respects, these are better than our favorites, too, with a true lever lock adjustment and thicker tubing.
The race to the bottom typically means sacrifices, but these poles didn’t seem to get the memo. The real-deal metal lever lock is a much nicer alternative to the friction locks used in the LT5s, and tromping around on some 20-mile overnights recently, we couldn’t get these poles to loosen up. Topping these poles is a fairly standard EVA foam grip, which, while not as nice as cork, stays comfy in the long run.
In order to keep the tubing diameter thicker on the lower sections of these poles, Durston incorporated a quick-connect mechanism that joins the two major halves of the poles together. We initially thought this would be an entry point for slop, but we were pleased to find the surfaces finely machined and the friction fit snug. Kudos to Komperdell (who manufactures the poles for Durston).
Now, the great divider: these poles launched without wrist straps, which will be a deal-breaker for some. Considering the target audience, however, we’re not sold on that conclusion, and neither is Dan Durston, who says he prefers the ability to quickly release the poles over any weight transfer. We’ve actually snapped an LT5 when it caught in some gnarled roots while wearing the straps, so the issue is valid.
We like to think that this is actually the upshot to buying from small manufacturers: Durston was quick to heed the call for straps, and they are now available for an extra $10 (at a ~10-12g ding — we think we’ll live).
If you’re a thru-hiker (or just an ultralight enthusiast), the new Iceline Trekking Poles are a serious option to consider. We found they set up our trekking pole shelters with ease, were light in the hand on marathon days, and trusted them a bit more while navigating blocky scree fields.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tip, with trekking basket
Pros
Comfortable cork grip
Simple, effective locking mechanism
Ergonomic grip shape with 8 degree forward angle
LEKI straps are among the nicest to use
Cons
Comparatively long collapsed length
Not immune from vibrations while hiking
Chris Carter
The LEKI Makalu LiteTrekking Poles ($150) earn high marks for being comfortable, light, and surprisingly stable for their weight. These are the non-collapsible and non-carbon versions of the Makalu FX Carbons we’ve also reviewed, and for $80 less, you get a very similar trekking pole.
When it comes to trekking poles, we think most folks are best served by paying around $150, and these met our expectations in our testing. The aluminum construction is well-proven and helps to avoid the price creep associated with carbon. The grips, too, are well done and are LEKI’s Aergon Air construction, which lightens up the swing weight at the end of the pole.
Cork provides all-day sweat relief, and foam grip extensions give you a place to choke up on the pole when really traversing some steep terrain. The new Aergon Air strap was soft on the skin and seemed to aid with wicking sweat away on hot days. They’re easy to adjust with a pull of the tab, and the lack of buckles around the hands was an added plus.
While we greatly appreciated the Makalu Lite in testing, there are a few reasons we think that the Khumbu Lite poles are a better value option. For one, they pack smaller (by ~1.2 inches, which can make a difference), and are also a smidge lighter by 2 ounces. You’ll save $30 with the Khumbu Lite and have essentially the same poles.
The Black Diamond Pursuit poles are a better direct comparison to the Makalu Lites, and if you want a slightly more all-around pole with a bit more value (the Pursuits also come with snow baskets, which the Makalu Lites don’t), then go Black Diamond. However, if you want a more refined pole that incorporates some more ergonomics into the grip, the LEKIs are where its at.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tips, and small trail baskets
Pros
Budget price
Lever lock adjusters are tool-free
Lifetime warranty on aluminum pole shafts
Cork grips on a budget pole
Cons
Grips aren't quite as forward-leaning as other LEKI poles
Better value poles out there
Packed length is long
Chris Carter
We recently tested theLEKI Legacy Lite Trekking Poles ($100) while on a winter hike through the Roan Highlands of North Carolina. While these poles are not the lightest or cheapest on the market, they offer unparalleled durability and dependability.
LEKI is so confident in its trekking poles that it offers a lifetime warranty covering its aluminum poles for shaft breakage. We took every opportunity during testing to throw these on the ground, against rocks, and on the icy trails with little to no effect. The poles are firm under your weight during descents and feel agile enough on a steep incline.
We have all been there on the side of the trail with a trekking pole that keeps slipping under load. Unlike other trekking poles that require you to carry a screwdriver or Allen wrench to adjust the pole’s tightness, LEKI has designed a very intuitive hand screw that is easily adjustable while on the move. Paired with the smart design of LEKI’s Speed Lock, these poles collapse and engage with a fluid motion.
The COR-TEC grip does its job with little or no style. The top of the grip is flat, making hand placement at certain angles difficult and uncomfortable. We would have liked to see a more forward-leaning grip, like the one on the LEKI Khumbu Lite.
Overall, we were pleased with the durability and ease of use of the Legacy Lites. These poles can take a beating, and you won’t have to worry about where you throw them or who you lend them to. For those looking to upgrade the touch and feel of these poles, we would suggest the LEKI Khumbu Lites. They have better ergonomics on the grips, are 7 ounces lighter, and have the same great on-the-fly adjustability — all for an extra $20.
If you are the occasional hiker who wants a pair of trekking poles that will last years and many outings, you could do a lot worse than the Legacy Lite.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tips, with trekking and snow baskets, and rubber boot tips
Pros
Super cheap
Well-made design for the price
Comes with plenty of different baskets and feet
Cork grip in a budget pole
Cons
Not super durable
Quite heavy
Chris Carter
Trekking poles for under $30? Yes, you read that right. The Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles ($30) are a fan favorite and a budget lover’s dream.
At 10.4 ounces per pole, they’re certainly not the lightest option out there, but they aren’t excessively heavy either. On the trail, they get the job done. And for casual outings, these poles will help support your weight and keep you balanced, all without breaking the bank.
If you plan to regularly hike long distances and rough trails, we highly recommend investing in a higher-quality pair of poles like the Black Diamond Pursuits or LEKI Makalu Lite Corks. As with all bargain options on the market, these poles tend to wear out faster than other more thoughtfully designed options on the list.
At $30, why aren’t these our budget pick? Easy — collapsed size. The z-pole nature of the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0s makes them well worth the extra $14 you’ll scrounge up to get them, and otherwise, they are quite similar to the Cascade Mountain Tech poles. These poles do, however, have real cork grips.
While there are other budget options out there to consider, we still think there’s a good place for the Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles. If the fiddly nature of a fully collapsible pole doesn’t appeal to you, these are a great pivot to make.
Tips and Baskets:
Carbide tip, with trekking baskets
Pros
Durable but not overly heavy
Carbon shafts dampens shock well
Large lever locks are easy to close
Lightweight trekking basket keeps swing weight down
Cons
Large collapsed size
Locking mechanisms sometimes loosen
Foam grips deteriorate quicker than some
Chris Carter
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon ($169) manages to strike a difficult balance between light and strong. The collapsible three-section design keeps them light, and the metal lever locks keep them at the desired length, even when weighted through downhill trudging with heavy loads.
Hiking with one of these and a comparable aluminum pole, we were surprised by the difference in shock dampening. This is certainly one of the biggest reasons to go with a carbon pole, in our opinion, and these poles do it well. The foam handles are comfortable and moisture-absorbing, and the adjustable wrist strap allows you to maintain a custom fit.
The Flash Carbon poles collapse to a reasonable length, allowing for stowage in larger packs and cross-strapping to lighter loads. However, these poles share the same adjuster as the brand’s Trailmade poles, along with the same fiddliness and difficulty of adjusting on the fly.
At the price point, we still think there are better options out there for most folks. The LEKI Makalu Lite ($150) is a bit heavier, but it uses lever locks that we trust more and incorporates cork handles that’ll be nicer in the long run. The Durston Iceline poles are a bit more specialized, but for the same price, they’re just about the lightest thing going currently.
If you’ve got a co-op dividend burning a hole in your pocket, though, the Flash Carbon poles are still great poles for the money. Those who want a lightweight pole for all-day use will be well served by them.
Testing trekking poles in Colorado; (photo/Eric Phillips)
How We Tested the Best Trekking Poles
We pride ourselves on a testing process that exposes flaws and highlights strengths while observing a range of equipment options. Good gear should last a long time, and to do that, it needs to exhibit durability. When evaluating the best trekking poles, we test the features that commonly break down, including the locking mechanisms, grips, and straps, to ensure that only the most reliable poles make it on our list.
Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds
We field-tested these poles in a wide range of environments and weather over different types of terrain. As avid users, we know the features that can elevate one pole above the rest. To find the best, we analyzed what makes each pole unique and tested them in unique environments doing the activities these poles are more likely to be used in.
We’ve been pretty far and wide doing it, too. The testing team has collectively crossed the United States in a north-to-south fashion at least six times, and we’ve taken some further afield trips as well. From weeks-long traverses in Iceland to nosing into the Himalayas, having stable footing and easing our knees was a constant requirement.
Finally, once we’ve formed an opinion, we cycle these poles out to different members of the testing team so that our coverage is well-balanced.
Testing running poles on Red Cloud Peak in Colorado; (photo/Ian Atkinson)
Weight from pole to pole typically doesn’t vary much, but it’s surprising how a few ounces can build up over an entire day. That’s why we weigh each pole in-house to verify it for ourselves. We also break out the ruler for collapsed and extended lengths, and even the micrometer to measure pole thickness.
The ease at which each of these poles could be serviced at home was also tested, and we compared notes on tightening or cleaning different adjusters, as well as putting on new baskets or replacing carbide tips.
Our Expert Testers
Chris Carter, one of the lead authors of this guide, has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He knows the value of a reliable trekking pole for absorbing impact on the body, helping with stability over tricky terrain, and pitching a shelter at night. He’s pretty particular about the poles he depends on in the backcountry.
Jackson Sims-Myers and Samuel Martin also both contribute to the testing team, and are both thru-hikers as well. That brings the trail mile cred for this guide to well north of 20,000 and climbing. Sims-Myers is a multi-sport guide located in southern Utah, while Martin is a commercial photographer who covers the Eastern Seaboard from Charlotte, North Carolina. Both have bent a trekking pole or two in their days.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Trekking Pole
Solid trekking poles help you reach the summit with more ease and joy in your heart; (photo/Chris Carter)
Weight & Packed Size
The packed-down length isn’t of vital importance to most hikers and backpackers. But, for those who plan to travel with their poles, it’s best to look for a pole that packs down small enough to fit in your luggage.
The LEKI Black Series FX is a perfect example of extreme packability. Its collapsible z-pole design separates the segments completely, allowing it to pack down to a mere 16 inches, easily fitting into most daypacks alongside other supplies.
For weight, you can’t beat the Gossamer Gear LT5. At 4.9 ounces each, you’ll hardly notice these sleek poles, and you can keep them handy for just-in-case scenarios.
And while some poles will only collapse into themselves, others, like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0, have independent segments that fold up when collapsed, making them smaller than most collapsible poles. These poles do use more section joints than other poles, which should be a consideration for long-term use. In our testing, however, we’ve yet to see fold-up poles expire prematurely.
The collapsible nature of the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Poles makes them much easier to stash in a pack; (photo/Samuel Martin)
Pole Length
Pole length is one of the most significant factors for a good trekking pole fit. To estimate the ideal length, stand up straight (preferably wearing the hiking shoes you’ll hike in) and bend your arm to a 90-degree angle. Measure from the floor to your elbow to calculate your length.
In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100 cm pole. Those from 5’1″ up to 5’7″ will use a 110 cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” will need a 120 cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130 cm option.
A pole with a wide range of adjustability will work for almost everyone. Once you’ve measured your size, you can explore fixed-length options.
Testing the adjustable Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles in wet winter conditions on the Appalachian Trail; (photo/Jackson Sims-Myers)
Fixed Length vs. Adjustable
There are viable reasons to consider each option. Adjustable poles will allow you to quickly change their length to fine-tune them on the trail to your personalized needs. If you’re exhausted, you can adjust them to transfer more weight to your upper body.
Adjustable poles allow you to extend or retract steep ascents or descents. The downside is an increased possibility of failure or slippage at the locking points, especially with twist locks.
Fixed-length poles offer less fine-tuning but can handle more weight. Generally, fixed-length poles are ideal for trail running and other fast-paced endeavors where adjustments will only slow you down.
Some fixed-length poles, like the trail-running-specific Black Diamond Distance Carbon Poles, don’t fold up. Others are a fixed length when deployed but break down for packing.
Senior Editor Chris Carter putting the durable and adjustable Zpacks Carbon Fiber Poles through their paces on a CDT thru-hike; (photo/Chris Carter)
Women’s-Specific Trekking Poles
Generally, women’s-specific trekking poles have a smaller grip diameter (which offers increased comfort for smaller hands) and a shorter maximum length.
Another bonus of women’s-specific trekking poles is that the minimum length is shorter, which increases packability. Due to their smaller size, the women’s options also shed a bit of weight.
In reality, it’s less about the gender of the given user and more about the size. Anyone looking for a smaller grip and a shorter pole should consider buying a women’s-specific trekking pole.
Some women find female-specific poles to be game-changers on trail; (photo/Daniel Deemer)
Grips
Trekking pole grips come in three primary materials: cork, foam, and rubber. Ideal grips will wick moisture well, be comfortable on your skin, and work as shock absorbers. Cork and foam are the most common materials used for trekking pole grips, and for most, the preference simply comes down to feeling.
Cork is exceptionally light, wicks moisture well, and is also very environmentally friendly. Cork grips are the best at absorbing shock, and also form to your hand over time. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork offers an ergonomic cork grip.
Foam grips are also very light, but rather than wicking moisture, they tend to absorb it. The tradeoff would be for grip, as EVA foam is quite tacky. Higher-quality foam, like on the LEKI Makalu Lite, performs well across all categories. Between foam and cork, the weight difference is negligible.
Rubber grips are rarely used in modern trekking poles, and tend to be utilized strictly for snowsports.
The type of grip on your pole significantly impacts your pole’s level of comfort; (photo/Andrew Potter)
Tips
Most manufacturers of trekking poles offer the industry standard: carbide tips. They’re incredibly durable and offer grip and pinpoint precision over various terrain, performing equally as well over rock, ice, and softer, variable surfaces.
However, carbide tips can inflict some damage on the environment, so some prefer rubber tips when traversing delicate landscapes. They can also be noisy over rocky terrain. Gossamer Gear includes some very handy rubber boots with their ultralight LT5 poles, which are easy to place and remove.
Any tip will wear down after prolonged use and should be replaced when the metal wears up to or near the plastic.
Rubber tip protectors come with or are available for most trekking poles. They’re not only useful if you find yourself on shelves of rock or pavement, but can extend the life of your tips in storage (and keep them from snagging clothing in your pack).
Trekking poles make you more efficient when traveling long distances; (photo/Chris Carter)
Baskets
Trekking poles generally come with “mud baskets.” They not only prevent splashing and give support in mud, but can also help when traveling over soft dirt or sand. They are especially beneficial for thru-hikers who will encounter snow on high-elevation passes.
If you’re traveling over snowy terrain without baskets, you’ll find out the snow depth pretty quickly, and unless you can lengthen the poles to match that depth, they’ll be rendered useless.
These days, almost all poles available come with standard-size mud baskets, and many even come with some extra powder baskets for all-season use. If you want to utilize your poles for winter sports, check to see if they come with powder baskets, and be sure to check compatibility if you order them from a third-party manufacturer.
Do You Need Trekking Poles?
While not everyone needs trekking poles while hiking, they can often boost efficiency and comfort; (photo/Honey McNaughton)
Advantages of Trekking Poles
Distribute some of the work and weight distribution to your upper body. Although using your arms can increase your overall energy use (see cons below), trekking poles are an effective and valuable leg-saver, especially on longer or more strenuous outings.
Save your knees and joints on descents. Studies show that using poles significantly reduces the impact on your knees while hiking downhill. When more weight gets factored into the equation, trekking poles can be essential for long-term health.
Improve your balance on uneven terrain. That’s especially true over river crossings where slippery rocks can ruin your day.
Help you maintain a consistent gait. Trekking poles can lead to a faster, more efficient pace.
Add a multipurpose tool to your kit. Many options can double as ski poles with the addition of powder baskets. Many ultralight backpacking tents require trekking poles as structural support to save weight. Poles can also help set up shade structures in areas lacking coverage on sweltering days.
Cons of Trekking Poles
Your overall energy output is increased. While it may seem counterintuitive, we’ve found the benefits of physiological preservation, balance, and safety outweigh the effects of extra output.
Additional cargo. If you choose not to use your poles, they become another piece of gear to carry or be strapped to your backpacking backpack. This is where packability becomes essential.
Whether or not you need a trekking pole for your adventure is entirely up to you, but we feel that the pros outweigh the cons in most cases; (photo/Chris Carter)
How to Properly Use Trekking Poles
If you’re buying trekking poles for the first time, or have simply never thought about the best way to use them, it can be helpful to understand the most efficient way for them to complement your stride.
Length: For setup, you’ll want your arms to be at a 90-degree angle when the tips are weighted on the ground before you. Adjustable poles offer the benefit of micro-adjustments, whereas fixed poles don’t. This is especially important to consider which pole style you want to purchase. If you are hiking with adjustable poles, it’s a good idea to adjust the length of the poles as you climb or descend a hill, keeping that 90-degree angle as constant as possible.
Wrist straps: The wrist straps should comfortably wrap around your wrists (not so tight that they’re squeezing, but not so loose that they’ll slip off your wrists if dropped). With your hands vertical on the grips, the top of the strap should rest where your wrist hinges if you lift your thumb from that position.
When used properly, trekking poles can give you greater stability over wet, slippery terrain; (photo/Honey McNaughton)
Stride: As an extra set of legs, the most efficient way to use trekking poles is to extend the opposite pole to hit the ground just before your opposite foot (i.e., the left pole should extend as you lift your right foot to step). This allows the pole to absorb some of each step’s impact and takes some of the weight off your legs. On very steep descents, many people prefer moving their hand to the top portion of the grip or increasing the pole’s length and placing both poles at once for balance.
Placement: Placing poles as you walk on mellow terrain is simple (see paragraph above). Over rock or talus, however, it can become a bit more complicated. It’s never good to have the pole wedged in between or just behind a rock as you step, as it may stick in the ground and break/bend under the force. Otherwise, you want to place them in a secure position that helps keep you balanced.
On the trail, it’s common to see a wide range of trekking pole techniques. Some people sling them along and place them in random increments, whereas others really lean into the poles and transfer weight with each step.
While there are various ways to have them bear weight when moving through technical terrain, the above technique (alternating opposite pole from leg) has proven to be the simplest, most efficient technique for walking along flat, moderate, and steady uphill terrain.
Trekking poles can make a long adventure much less brutal on your body; (photo/Chris Carter)
Price & Value
Trekking poles are well worth what you might pay for them, but that being said, there is a certain price you’ll pay for access to nicer options. Typically, this will mean trading dollars for features and comfort, but also in dropping weight. Consider how often you’ll be using your trekking poles, as well as where you’ll be going. The needs of an ultra runner are certainly different than a day hiker.
Budget
Balancing quality and price can ensure the average user gets the trekking poles they need without breaking the bank. Aluminum is the standard here, along with two — or three-piece designs that collapse down. You typically won’t see the most adjustable lengths here, but so long as they fit you, you should be fine.
Typically running from between $30 and $80, budget options like the Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 ($44) balance needs well, and are even a z-pole design that compresses down small enough to fit in your pack. The slightly higher weight of 8 ounces north of a pound is common, and while these poles are heavy, there are lighter options.
Mid-Tier
From $100 to $150 is where you’ll get a lot more for your money, and we generally believe that most folks are best served at the upper end of this range. Under $150 is the cutoff for carbon fiber poles (with the Durston Icelines representing the bottom dollar — a great value at $169), and you’ll also get more breathable cork handles and smaller collapsed lengths.
The Black Diamond Pursuits are a great value for the price, and while they are still aluminum, they weigh less than the LEKI Makalu Lite. The adjustment mechanism is one of the only moving parts on a trekking pole, and it’s worth investing in smooth-operating examples with lever locks. The alternative here is twist locks, which aren’t as solid in our experience.
Premium
Paying north of $150 ought to have a good reason, and these poles are most often specialized carbon fiber jobs that are either wickedly light or sport all the best features. These include all-aluminum adjusters like the FlickLock Pros on the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks that just work perfectly, or collapsible systems that allow the LEKI Black Series FX Carbon poles to pack down to 16″.
The race to the bottom is also where the big bucks are, and our favorite UL hiking pole (Gossamer Gear LT5) and ultra-running pole (Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z) are both $190 or more, but are also less than 5 ounces per pole. Over a thousand miles or two, weight adds up.
The $195 Gossamer Gear LT5s are pricey — but to cut weight, thru-hikers are willing to pay; (photo/Chris Carter)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trekking poles worth it?
Trekking poles aren’t required, but they can certainly be helpful! For long treks with a heavy pack, they help distribute your weight and decrease the impact on descents. They’re also great for stabilization on rocky treks, hiking along an exposed trail, or when river crossings might get a bit techy.
Is it better to hike with one trekking pole or two?
You could use a single pole or a hiking staff, but, in general, we recommend a pair of hiking poles. They provide a more balanced, ergonomic gait and increased stability.
Packable options allow you to stow a pole away when both don’t seem necessary, or if you need one hand free for snapping photos.
How tall should my trekking pole be?
The trekking pole grip should rest comfortably in your palm when your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle.
In general, people 5’1″ and under will choose a 100cm pole. Those up to 5’7″ will use a 110-115cm pole. Hikers ranging from 5’8″ to 5’11” need a 120cm pole. And those taller than 6′ will go with the 130cm option.
Trekking poles provide stability while hiking on an exposed trail; (photo/Matt Granger)
Are wrist straps actually helpful?
The short answer is yes, but it depends. Some hikers prefer to use them all the time; others rarely use them and might even remove them from the pole entirely to cut additional weight, especially if they tend to hike on easy-going trails.
The use of straps comes down to personal preference, but there are some real benefits to utilizing this feature. Straps increase stability and allow more power transfer into the poles on steeper gradients. It’s also much harder to drop your poles off the side of a mountain or exposed terrain if they are attached to your body.
Telescoping, folding, or fixed: what style of trekking pole do I choose?
Telescoping poles offer a more extensive range of usable lengths than all the others. While they take a little longer to set up than folding poles, these poles are more durable and customizable to the terrain you’re hiking or running on.
Folding poles are often lighter and much more compact in their collapsed position; however, they have a significantly smaller range of adjustability. But for runners and fast-packers, their quick setup or breakdown on the move is unmatched.
(Photo/Samuel Martin)
Some companies offer a combination of the styles, like our best overall trekking pole of 2025.These poles combine aspects from both styles, blending the speedy setup, compact storage, and some adjustability — the primary compromise is the smaller range of adjustment this design type offers.
Fixed poles are not collapsible, but they are the lightest out there. When deciding to purchase a pair, you’ll need to make sure you find the size that works for you. Check out our Comparison Chart for a breakdown of the specific size ranges, price points, and weight per pair for our favorite poles of the year.
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New Mexico’s latest state park offering aims to honor those who served our country, with free access for life. Starting July 1, 2025, New Mexico resident veterans can apply for this lifetime pass and will never have to pay for day-use entry or camping access at any state park in the Land of Enchantment.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 161 on March 20, 2025, to provide recreational opportunities and access for New Mexico veterans. According to a press release, the bill received strong bipartisan support in the legislature. That bill opened the door to create this new lifetime pass.
“Our state parks system represents some of New Mexico’s most beautiful and treasured lands,” Secretary Melanie A. Kenderdine, for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), said in a press release. “We are honored to open these spaces to the men and women who have served our nation.”
Sidney Hill, the public information officer for EMNRD, told GearJunkie that this benefit will only provide access to New Mexico’s 35 state parks and does not include state monuments. It is also only available for nonactive duty military veterans.
‘Find Peace, Connect With Nature’
Elephant Butte State Park, N.M.; (photo/Shutterstock)
There are 35 state parks in New Mexico that veterans will be able to visit and camp at for free with this new pass. From Pecos Canyon to Elephant Butte, Cimarron Canyon, and City of Rocks, there is no shortage of places for veterans to visit.
For a complete list of New Mexico State Parks, check out the EMNRD website. That site also offers up-to-date info on New Mexico park closures and alerts. It’s also where you can book campsites and obtain permits for all 35 state parks.
Governor Grisham said in a press release, “This lifetime pass gives our veterans access to some of the most beautiful places in our state — places where they can find peace, connect with nature, and enjoy the outdoor recreation that makes New Mexico home.”
Eligibility & How to Apply
Cimarron Canyon State Park; (photo/Shutterstock)
According to Hill, “To qualify for the pass, an individual must be a verified military veteran and a New Mexico resident.” Hill said both of those statuses will be verified when a veteran submits an application to the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services.
To inquire about eligibility, fill out an application, or obtain general information for the new benefit, email vet.benefits@dvs.nm.gov or call 1-866-433-8387.
Secretary Kenderdine stated that “providing veterans the chance to enjoy our parks and campgrounds is a meaningful way to say thanks, and we look forward to honoring the lifetime veterans pass in parks.”
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