Month: June 2025

It’s so lightweight!

Choosing the right hiking pole as a woman over 50 can make all the difference on the trail – whether you’re walking a forest path or tackling a steep incline. The best hiking poles offer balance, reduce stress on your joints, and give you extra support when you need it. 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up ten of the best options available today, with a special focus on comfort, adjustability, and ease of use for mature women hikers.

Top 5 Hiking Poles for Women Over 50:

1. Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles – Lightweight, compact, and equipped with shock absorption designed specifically for women.
2. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles – Built with rugged carbon fiber and all-season tips, ideal for more experienced hikers.
3. Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking Poles – Budget-friendly aluminum poles that collapse to fit into any travel bag.
4. TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles – Easy to adjust and comfortable to hold, great for casual to intermediate hikers.
5. Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles – Durable and lightweight with telescoping length, made for stability and ease of use.

Continue reading to discover more hiking poles for every budget and lifestyle. 

Read more: Soft Adventures for Women Over 50 – Hiking, Kayaking, and More!

Why Are Hiking Poles Beneficial for Women Over 50?

As we age, maintaining balance, protecting our joints, and reducing fatigue during outdoor activities become increasingly important. Hiking poles can help us walk and hike more confidently and comfortably. 

• Reduces joint stress: Poles help distribute body weight more evenly, especially on downhill sections.
• Improves stability and posture: They offer support on uneven surfaces and help maintain a more upright walking position.
• Builds upper body strength: Walking with poles activates arms and shoulders, giving you a light upper-body workout.
• Boosts endurance: You’ll conserve more energy by spreading the effort between your upper and lower body.

What Should I Look for in Hiking Poles?

Before buying, consider the following features to ensure the poles suit your body and the kind of hiking you plan to do:

• Weight – Lighter poles reduce fatigue, especially on longer treks.
• Grip Material – Cork handles absorb sweat and conform to your hands, while foam is soft and water-resistant.
• Adjustability – Look for poles that allow you to fine-tune the length quickly.
• Shock Absorption – A must-have feature for women with knee or hip issues.
• Compactness – Poles that fold or collapse are easier to pack for travel or storage.

Read more: Exploring the Great Outdoors: 10 Best Hiking Apps.

Reviews of the Top 10 Hiking Poles for Women Over 50

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles

For lightweight performance and shock absorption, these folding poles are ideal for serious hikers who want comfort and portability.

Made specifically with women in mind, the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS poles combine a high-end carbon shaft with a lightweight aluminum section to balance strength and weight. They collapse into three parts and pack down to just 15.7 inches, making them a great travel companion. 

The Dynamic Suspension System absorbs harsh impacts on joints, making these poles a smart choice for hikers with knee sensitivity or arthritis. The Aergon Air grips are shaped to match the contours of a woman’s hand, and the straps adjust for a snug fit.

Pros:

• Premium anti-shock system
• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Designed to fit women’s hands

Cons:

• Expensive
• Less range in height adjustment compared to some other models

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Strong and stable carbon fiber poles with natural cork grips for all-weather hiking.

These are serious trekking poles for women who plan to hike year-round. Made with 100% carbon fiber, they are both lightweight and incredibly tough. The natural cork grips reduce sweating and improve comfort during long hikes. 

The FlickLock Pro system lets you quickly adjust pole height without needing tools. The Black Diamond Alpine poles come with interchangeable tips and baskets, so you can easily switch from rocky terrain to snowy trails.

Pros:

• Cork handles that mold to your grip
• All-season capability
• Reliable locking mechanism

Cons:

• High price
• Not as compact when folded

Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles

Affordable and compact, perfect for travel and light-to-moderate trails.

Ideal for those who want an affordable but dependable option, Trekology Trek-Z poles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. They feature a three-part collapsible design, folding down to just 15 inches. The EVA foam grips offer all-day comfort, while the adjustable wrist straps help reduce fatigue on longer hikes. 

These poles come with interchangeable tips for different surfaces and include a rubber base, mud baskets, and snow baskets.

Pros:

• Affordable and lightweight
• Folds small enough to fit in luggage
• Interchangeable tips included

Cons:

• Not as strong as carbon fiber
• Foam grips wear faster over time

TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles

Reliable and easy to adjust with cork handles for added comfort.

TrailBuddy poles are great for anyone looking for comfort, adjustability, and value. These poles are made of aluminum and have quick lever locks that allow you to adjust from 24.5 to 54 inches in seconds. 

The cork grips are soft and absorb moisture, and the foam extensions beneath them give you more hand placement options during uphill climbs. Each pair includes several tip types for use on gravel, snow, and pavement.

Pros:

• Easy height adjustment
• Comfortable cork grips
• Affordable for beginners

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than carbon poles
• Locking mechanism may need occasional tightening

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Telescoping aluminum poles designed for strength and simplicity.

Montem’s Ultra Strong poles are designed to offer strength without the weight. They’re made from aircraft-grade aluminum and weigh just under 10 ounces per pole. 

The telescoping design adjusts from 24 to 53 inches, suitable for a wide range of users. The foam grips are padded and shaped for comfort, and the poles come with a tungsten carbide tip for tough terrain along with several rubber and snow attachments.

Pros:

• Durable yet lightweight
• Great value for the quality
• Adjustable for different heights

Cons:

• Foam grip instead of cork
• No built-in shock absorption

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles

Affordable and user-friendly poles with an anti-shock system, ideal for beginners and casual hikers.

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles are constructed from lightweight aluminum and feature a telescopic design, allowing for easy length adjustments to suit different terrains and user heights. 

The anti-shock mechanism reduces impact on joints, providing a comfortable hiking experience. The ergonomic EVA foam grips offer a secure hold, and the adjustable wrist straps enhance stability. 

These poles come with multiple tip options, including rubber tips and mud baskets, making them versatile for various hiking conditions. 

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Anti-shock system for joint protection
• Adjustable length
• Includes multiple tip options

Cons:

• Foam grips may not be as durable as cork
• Twist-lock mechanism may require occasional maintenance

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles

Lightweight carbon fiber poles with quick-lock adjustability, suitable for hikers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers trekking poles made from carbon fiber, providing strength and durability while keeping the weight minimal. The quick-lock mechanism allows for easy and secure length adjustments, accommodating various terrains and user preferences. 

The cork grips conform to the user’s hands over time, offering comfort and moisture-wicking properties. These poles come with tungsten carbide tips and additional accessories like rubber caps, snow baskets, and mud baskets, enhancing their versatility. 

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon fiber construction
• Comfortable cork grips
• Quick-lock adjustability
• Includes multiple accessories

Cons:

• Carbon fiber may be less durable than aluminum in certain conditions
• Locking mechanism may require occasional tightening

York Nordic Motivator Walking Poles

Specially designed for seniors and individuals seeking balance and rehabilitation support.

The York Nordic Motivator Walking Poles feature patented stability grips that provide enhanced support and balance, making them ideal for seniors or those undergoing rehabilitation. 

These lightweight aluminum poles are adjustable and collapsible, with flip-locks for easy length adjustments. They come with detachable feet and a travel bag for convenience. 

Pros:

• Designed for balance and rehabilitation
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Includes detachable feet and travel bag

Cons:

• May not be suitable for rugged terrains
• Limited color options

Urban Poling ACTIVATOR® Nordic Walking Poles

The Urban Poling ACTIVATOR® Nordic Walking Poles are designed to provide increased stability and support for users, making them suitable for seniors or those with balance concerns. These lightweight aluminum poles are adjustable and feature ergonomic rubber grips for comfortable handling. They come with carbide metal tips and are collapsible for easy storage and transport. 

Pros:

• Enhanced stability and support
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Ergonomic grips

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May not be suitable for advanced hiking terrains

Aihoye Hiking Trekking Poles

Collapsible and lightweight poles with an anti-shock system, suitable for various hiking conditions.

The Aihoye Hiking Trekking Poles are made from durable aluminum and feature an anti-shock mechanism to reduce impact on joints. These adjustable poles can be collapsed for easy transport and storage. 

The ergonomic grips and adjustable wrist straps provide comfort and support during hikes. They come with multiple tip options, including rubber tips and mud baskets, for versatility across different terrains. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Anti-shock system
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Includes multiple tip options

Cons:

• Foam grips may wear over time
• Twist-lock mechanism may require maintenance

Read more: 7 Hiking Trails in the USA for Women Over 50.

Selecting the right hiking poles involves considering factors such as weight, adjustability, grip material, and additional features like shock absorption. The options listed above cater to various preferences and needs, ensuring that you can find poles that enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing joint strain, and increasing overall comfort on the trails.

Read more: Winter Hiking: Essential Tips for Active Adults Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use hiking poles when you go hiking? What characteristics are most important for you when choosing hiking poles? Do you have a favorite brand? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

All of us desire a clean, organized, and streamlined home. So why is it so challenging to keep our home as we desire it to be?

As a woman over 60, I can attest to the challenges of decluttering my own home. Over the years, I have also heard from countless friends that they, too, are beset with similar difficulties.

From my personal experiences to the research I’ve conducted on self-love and self-care for my books, articles, and videos, I’ve discovered that the difficulty of keeping our homes as clean, organized, and streamlined as we would like is more complex than you would initially think.

What gets in the way are not external obstacles but a variety of emotional, physical, and practical factors that are not always easy to spot.

In the final article and video of my exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers, “Life Hacks for Women Over 60,” we will explore 10 ways to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of streamlining and organizing your home.

If you have missed the previous articles in this series, please find them here:

Part 1: 10 Essential Life Hacks for Women Over 60

Part 2: How to Use Journaling as a Life Hack

Part 3: 10 Essential Life Hacks for Self-Love and Self-Care

Part 4: 10 Life Hacks to Demystify Technology for Women Over 60

Part 5: 10 Essential Lifestyle Hacks for Organizing Your Home

What Catches People Off Guard

Decluttering and organizing your living space creates a more manageable and stress-free environment. It can also be a cathartic process, bringing a sense of calm, emotional balance, and order.

As good as this sounds, the truth is that streamlining and organizing your home can be more taxing on you emotionally than physically.

For one, you are forced to go through personal items that may elicit emotions from the past. You are also faced with how much you may have unconsciously procrastinated, leaving areas of your home cluttered, dirty, and unkept.

All of this can catch many people off guard, and before you know it, you spiral into a state of inner shame, guilt, and frustration rather than cleaning your home.

10 Lifestyle Hacks for Decluttering and Organizing Your Home

Cleaning your home is more than just a chore.

With the proper mindset, you can turn this into a transformative process that significantly enhances the quality of your lifestyle.

Here are 10 tips that can turn streamlining and organizing your home from a challenge into an uplifting and empowering experience:

Emotional Attachment

Any of us 60 and over likely have accumulated many belongings with sentimental value. Letting go of these items can feel like losing a part of our history or memories. But letting them go can liberate us from the past and open us up to new ways of living and loving life in the present.

Physical Limitations

Age-related physical limitations can make organizing and decluttering physically challenging. However, these can be overcome by allowing ourselves to be helped by trusted professionals.

Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue

The sheer volume of items to sort through and decisions to be made can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination or avoidance. Again, this comes down to asking for help from family, friends, or hiring an organizational expert. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a show of inner strength.

Lifestyle Changes

When we hit 60 and over, we are often faced with significant lifestyle changes such as retirement, children moving out, or the loss of a partner. This can make organizing and downsizing emotionally and logistically challenging. But what if you decided to embrace a new lifestyle? When you stop resisting change and welcome it as a chance to experience something new, you can invigorate yourself into taking inspired action.

Technological Challenges

Incorporating technology as an organizational tool can be daunting for those who are not tech-savvy. Research technology-based options for home organization and seek guidance from a tech-support consultant.

Maintaining Changes

Maintaining a decluttered and organized space can be challenging, especially if old habits are deeply ingrained. Create a schedule and be sure to reward yourself for sticking to it.

Financial Concerns

There may be concerns about wasting resources by getting rid of expensive items that could be ‘useful someday’. Look at selling items that still hold monetary value or giving them away to an heir.

Changing Tastes and Priorities

It can be difficult to recognize your evolving tastes and needs. Therefore, align your current living space with these changes by taking the necessary time for introspection and journaling.

Social Expectations

There can be pressure to maintain a home that meets family or societal expectations. This might conflict with personal desires for simplicity and minimalism, so honor yourself first and foremost.

Letting Go of the Past

Organizing and decluttering can sometimes feel like closing a chapter on one’s life, which can be emotionally challenging. Turn this into an experience that celebrates and honors your past.

It’s an Inner Journey

Streamlining and organizing your home goes beyond decluttering a physical space. This is an inner journey that is both emotional and psychological.

It involves making peace with letting go, adapting to physical and lifestyle changes, and redefining one’s living space to suit current needs and desires.

When you turn cleaning and organizing from a chore into an act of self-love, it becomes part of your self-care routine.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share three thought-provoking journal prompts to help you integrate what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What challenges have you had with decluttering your living space? How did you overcome them?

Photo: @kristincavallari

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Grey Sequin Mini Dress

Their popularity dates back to Tudor times—talk about timeless!