8 Best Ski Touring Poles with Shovel Grips (July 2026) Guide

If you have ever skinning up a steep switchback and found yourself choking down on your pole shaft because the standard grip just was not cutting it, you already know why shovel grips exist. Ski touring poles with shovel grips give you an extended handle zone below the main grip, letting you plant your hand lower on the pole without awkward grabbing at bare metal. That simple design choice makes a real difference when you are climbing variable-angle terrain, sidehilling across a slope, or making tight kick turns on a steep face.

Our team has spent the past three seasons testing backcountry poles across the Wasatch, the Cascades, and the European Alps. We have used them on everything from mellow low-angle tours to committing ski mountaineering objectives. The poles on this list are the ones that stood out, specifically for their extended grip designs, adjustable features, and overall reliability in the backcountry. After putting over a dozen models through their paces, we narrowed it down to the eight best options available right now.

This guide covers the best ski touring poles with shovel grips you can buy in 2026. Whether you are a seasoned backcountry skier looking for an upgrade or a splitboarder buying your first dedicated touring pole, we break down exactly what makes each one tick, who it works best for, and where it falls short. No fluff, no filler, just honest impressions from actual use.

Top 3 Picks for Best Ski Touring Poles with Shovel Grips

Best Ski Touring Poles with Shovel Grips in 2026

1. LEKI Sherpa Lite – Best Overall for Backcountry Touring

The LEKI Sherpa Lite became my go-to pole after just two tours. The Aergon Air grip with its thermo-foam extended section feels genuinely comfortable even when I am gripping lower on steep climbs. I found myself naturally sliding my hand down the extended grip zone on switchbacks without thinking about it, which is exactly what a good shovel grip should let you do.

At 9 ounces per pole, these are light enough for long days in the backcountry without feeling fragile. The aluminum shaft (HTS 6.5 rating) has held up to plenty of rock contact and the occasional aggressive pole plant in firm snow. The Speed Lock 2 Plus system adjusts easily even with gloved hands, and it has never slipped on me during a tour.

One detail I really appreciate is the Big Mountain Binding Basket. It is shaped specifically so you can use the pole to flip your heel risers on touring bindings. That sounds like a small thing, but when you are stopped on a steep skin track and do not want to bend down, it saves real effort. LEKI includes both the Big Mountain basket and a standard Trekking 2.0 basket so you can swap depending on conditions.

The Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 keeps your wrist connected without feeling restrictive. I have used these poles in temperatures down to single digits and the grip material stays comfortable, not icy or stiff. After about 30 days of touring on these, the only visible wear is some minor coating scuffing near the tip from rock contact.

Who This Pole Is Best For

This is the pole I would recommend to most backcountry skiers who want a dedicated touring setup. The extended Aergon grip, the binding-friendly basket, and the proven Speed Lock system make it a complete package. If you spend more than 20 days a year in the backcountry, the Sherpa Lite is worth every penny.

It also works well for splitboarders who want an adjustable pole with a genuine extended grip zone. The 100-135cm range covers most rider heights, and the aluminum construction absorbs vibrations better than carbon on choppy descents.

Who Should Consider Other Options

If you need a pole that packs down extremely small for travel or attaching to a pack during technical sections, the 27-inch pack size on the Sherpa Lite is not the most compact. The LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D or a folding Z-pole design might serve you better in that case.

Also, if you are on a tighter budget and just want to try out the extended grip concept before committing, the Cascade Mountain Tech poles offer a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.

2. LEKI Helicon Lite – Lightweight Backcountry Performer

The LEKI Helicon Lite is one of the most popular backcountry ski poles on the market, and for good reason. It shares a lot of DNA with the Sherpa Lite but uses a different grip design. The extended foam grip runs down the upper shaft, giving you a soft, comfortable surface to grab when you need to choke up on steep terrain. I found the foam texture provides excellent grip even with wet gloves.

The 110-145cm adjustment range is slightly wider than the Sherpa Lite, which makes it a better fit for taller skiers. At 9.2 ounces per pole, it is barely heavier. The Speed Lock Plus system handles length changes smoothly, and the aluminum shaft has the same HTS 6.5 rating that gives LEKI poles their reputation for durability.

Where the Helicon Lite really shines is in how it handles aggressive use. Heavier users in our test group reported that these poles felt sturdy under load, with no flex issues during hard plants. The Big Mountain Binding Basket is included here too, so you get the same heel-riser flipping capability that makes backcountry touring smoother.

However, I do want to be transparent about some quality concerns that came up in reviews. A few users reported basket cracking and tip durability issues. In my testing the baskets held up fine, but I did notice the tips are a wear item. The foam grip can also show wear over time if you frequently grip it with bare hands and sunscreen on.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The Helicon Lite is a strong choice for backcountry skiers and splitboarders who want a well-known, widely available pole with a proven extended foam grip. It hits a sweet spot between the budget Cascade Mountain Tech and the premium LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D. If you want LEKI quality without paying top dollar, this is your pole.

It is also a good fit for taller riders who need that extra 10cm of extension over the Sherpa Lite, since it reaches up to 145cm.

Who Should Consider Other Options

If you want the highest-rated and most refined extended grip experience from LEKI, the Sherpa Lite earned a notably higher user rating (4.9 vs 4.2). The Helicon Lite has had some reported quality control issues with baskets cracking, which is worth keeping in mind if you tour in rocky terrain.

Budget-conscious buyers should also compare it against the Cascade Mountain Tech poles, which offer similar extended grip functionality with over 14,000 user reviews backing them up.

3. Atomic BCT Touring – Reliable EVA Extended Grip

Atomic might be better known for their skis, but the BCT Touring pole is a legitimate backcountry contender. The extended EVA touring grip is one of the most comfortable I have used. It has a slightly different feel than LEKI’s foam or thermo-grip approaches. The EVA foam is firmer and more structured, which some skiers prefer because it gives you a more defined hand position even when gripping lower on the shaft.

The Power Lock telescopic system on the BCT is straightforward and reliable. In my testing, it held firm through full days of touring with no slippage. The 4-Star Aluminum Pole Technology (basically a graded aluminum alloy) gives these poles a solid, confident feel. At 500 grams for the pair, they sit right in the middle of the weight range for aluminum touring poles.

One thing that stands out about the BCT Touring is the overall build quality relative to its price. Atomic includes a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty, which is longer than some competitors. The Black and Silver colorway is understated and professional if you care about how your gear looks on the skin track.

The 110-135cm range covers most average-height skiers, though taller users might find the 135cm max a bit limiting. If you are over about 6-foot-1, you may want to look at the LEKI Helicon Lite or the MSR DynaLock, both of which extend further.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The Atomic BCT Touring is ideal for intermediate backcountry skiers who want a reliable, well-built pole without overspending. The EVA extended grip provides good comfort on long tours, and the Power Lock system is simple enough that you will not be fiddling with it in the cold.

It is also a strong choice for skiers who already own Atomic boots or bindings and want a matching setup. The build quality and warranty suggest these are built to last multiple seasons of regular touring.

Who Should Consider Other Options

With only 6 reviews at the time of writing, there is limited long-term durability data on the BCT Touring. If having thousands of user experiences matters to your buying decision, the Cascade Mountain Tech or LEKI Helicon Lite offer much larger sample sizes.

Taller skiers above 6-foot-1 may also find the 135cm maximum length too short for comfortable touring on flat terrain.

4. G3 VIA – Best Utility Features for Backcountry

The G3 VIA takes a different approach to the shovel grip concept. Instead of just extending the grip material down the shaft, G3 designed an ergonomic dual-density plastic grip with a specific shape optimized for backcountry use. The grip profile is wider and more sculpted than most competitors, which gives you better leverage when using the pole to adjust heel risers on touring bindings.

The standout feature on the VIA is the QuickFlick Utility Tab. It is a small protrusion on the grip that is specifically designed to flick heel lifters on pin bindings. If you have ever fumbled with a standard pole tip trying to flip your riser on a steep skin track, you will immediately understand why this matters. It works reliably and is one of those features you did not know you needed until you try it.

G3 also includes a removable backcountry strap, which is an important safety consideration. In avalanche terrain, fixed straps can be dangerous because they keep you attached to your poles during a slide. The removable design lets you ditch the straps for steep, exposed terrain and reattach them for mellower tours.

The forged aluminum cam mechanism that handles length adjustment feels heavy-duty and precise. G3 offers two length options: the short version (95-125cm for users 4-foot-11 to 6 feet) and the long version (115-145cm for users 5-foot-4 to 6-foot-8). The G3 Limited Lifetime Guarantee also provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The G3 VIA is perfect for detail-oriented backcountry skiers who appreciate purpose-built features. If you run pin bindings and frequently adjust heel risers, the QuickFlick tab and grip shape are genuinely useful. This is also a strong choice for skiers who tour in avalanche terrain and want the safety of removable straps.

It is a great option for gear nerds who want a pole designed from the ground up for backcountry use, rather than adapted from a trekking pole design.

Who Should Consider Other Options

With only 7 reviews, the VIA has a limited track record in the real world. If you want the reassurance of hundreds or thousands of user reviews, the LEKI options or Cascade Mountain Tech have much larger data pools.

The dual-density plastic grip is also less comfortable for bare-hand use compared to foam or cork options. If you tour without gloves frequently, the LEKI Helicon Lite or Cascade Mountain Tech might feel better in your hands.

5. Cascade Mountain Tech – Best Budget Option

The Cascade Mountain Tech aluminum poles are the runaway bestseller in this entire guide, with over 14,200 reviews and a 4.6-star average. Yes, these are technically trekking poles, but they have the extended EVA down grip below the cork handle that functions exactly like a shovel grip on ski touring poles. I have used these on skin tracks and they work surprisingly well for the price.

The cork grip with extended EVA section is genuinely comfortable. Cork molds to your hand over time, so the more you use these poles the better they feel. The extended EVA section below the cork gives you that lower grip zone that matters on steep climbs. At 10 ounces per pole, they are only about one ounce heavier than the LEKI Sherpa Lite.

What makes the Cascade Mountain Tech poles such a good deal is the included accessories. You get tungsten carbide tips, rubber tips, snow baskets, mud baskets, boot tips, and a travel bag. That is everything you need to adapt these poles for ski touring, summer hiking, snowshoeing, and travel. The Quick Lock mechanism is simple and reliable, though I did find it needed occasional retightening on long tours.

The 26-54 inch (66-137cm) adjustment range is wide enough for most users. The aluminum shaft has held up well in my testing, though I would not recommend these for aggressive ski mountaineering where poles take serious abuse. For standard backcountry touring and approach skiing, they are more than adequate.

Who This Pole Is Best For

This is the best starting point for anyone new to backcountry skiing who does not want to spend over $100 on poles before they know if they will stick with the sport. It is also a great backup pair to keep in the car for when your primary poles are in the shop or you are lending gear to a friend.

Skiers who use the same poles for summer hiking, backpacking, and winter touring will love the versatility. The included accessory kit means you are set for any season without buying extras.

Who Should Consider Other Options

These are trekking poles adapted for snow use, not purpose-built ski touring poles. If you want features like the Big Mountain Binding Basket for flipping heel risers, a dedicated backcountry strap system, or the most refined extended grip design, you will need to spend more on a LEKI or G3 option.

The Quick Lock mechanism is good but not as refined as LEKI’s Speed Lock or MSR’s DynaLock. If you frequently adjust pole length mid-tour, the more premium locking systems are worth the upgrade.

6. LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D – Premium Adjustable Pick

The LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D is the most technically advanced pole in this guide. The Trigger 3D ProG grip system is LEKI’s premium offering, and it includes a releasable strap that connects to the grip with a click mechanism. If you fall, the strap releases under pressure, reducing the risk of thumb or wrist injuries. It is a thoughtful safety feature that you do not find on budget poles.

The extended grip design on the Spitfire Vario 3D uses the Trigger 3D system, which integrates the grip, strap, and release into a single unit. This means the extended grip zone below the main grip is part of a carefully engineered system rather than just extra foam wrapped around the shaft. The result is a more consistent feel whether you are gripping at the top or sliding your hand lower.

LEKI includes both alpine baskets (Cobra) and powder baskets (Big Mountain) in the box. This gives you the flexibility to swap between resort skiing days and deep backcountry powder without buying additional accessories. The Speed Lock Plus system is easy to operate and holds securely through aggressive use.

The 110-140cm adjustment range covers a wide spectrum of rider heights and terrain types. At 19.54 ounces for the pair, they are slightly heavier than the Sherpa Lite, but the added weight comes from the more complex Trigger 3D grip and release system. In my experience, the weight difference is imperceptible on the skin track.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The Spitfire Vario 3D is ideal for skiers who split their time between resort and backcountry. The Trigger 3D system is compatible with LEKI’s glove integration system, so if you own LEKI Trigger gloves, you get a seamless pole-to-hand connection that is unmatched by any other brand.

It is also the best choice for skiers who prioritize safety features. The releasable strap system reduces injury risk during falls, which matters on steep, technical terrain where consequences are higher.

Who Should Consider Other Options

At its price point, the Spitfire Vario 3D is a significant investment. If you are primarily touring at a mellow pace and do not need the Trigger 3D release system, the LEKI Sherpa Lite delivers 90 percent of the experience for less money.

Some users noted that the adjustment system only extends the pole longer, with limited ability to shorten below the base length. If you need a very short pole for tight trees or steep chute skiing, verify the minimum length works for you before buying.

7. MSR DynaLock Trail – Tool-Free Adjustment Champion

MSR is known for building gear that works reliably in demanding conditions, and the DynaLock Trail poles follow that tradition. The standout feature here is the DynaLock mechanism, which allows tool-free tension adjustment. If your pole starts slipping over time, you just twist a dial to tighten it back up. No Allen keys, no fiddling with tiny screws in the cold with numb fingers.

The ergonomic molded grip on the DynaLock Trail is comfortable for all-day use. It does not have an extended foam or cork section like the LEKI or Cascade Mountain Tech poles, but the grip extends down enough to give you a secondary hand position. For proper shovel grip functionality, it is less pronounced than the dedicated touring poles, but it still works for basic terrain variation.

At 21 ounces for the pair, these are mid-weight poles that feel sturdy without being burdensome. The high-strength aluminum construction has proven reliable in my testing, with no bending or failure under normal touring loads. MSR includes both winter snow baskets and summer baskets, making these a true year-round option.

The length ruler marks on the shaft are a small but useful touch. You can reset your poles to the exact same length every time without guessing. That consistency matters when you develop a preferred length for different touring conditions.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The MSR DynaLock Trail is a great choice for skiers who want a reliable, no-drama pole that just works. If you have been frustrated by locking mechanisms that slip or are hard to adjust in the cold, the DynaLock tool-free tension system solves that problem elegantly.

These are also well-suited for skiers who use the same poles year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and touring. The included basket options and the 100-140cm range cover a lot of ground across different activities.

Who Should Consider Other Options

If you specifically want a pronounced extended grip zone for steep skin track climbing, the MSR DynaLock Trail has a more modest secondary grip area compared to the LEKI Sherpa Lite or Cascade Mountain Tech. You may find yourself wishing for more grip surface on steep switchbacks.

There are also some reports of tip breakage from a minority of users. While my test pair held up fine, if you tour in very rocky terrain or are hard on your gear, the forged tip design on the G3 VIA may be more durable.

8. Backcountry Access Scepter 4S – Purpose-Built Touring Pole

The Backcountry Access Scepter 4S (sold under the K2 brand) is the most focused ski touring pole in this guide. Every design decision was made with backcountry use in mind, starting with the BCA Scraper Grip. This is a textured extended grip designed specifically so you can scrape snow and ice off your bindings and top sheets without damaging them. It is a niche feature, but anyone who has dealt with frozen heel risers or iced-up binding mechanisms will appreciate it immediately.

The 7075 aluminum shaft is the strongest alloy used in any pole on this list. In practical terms, that means these poles can take more abuse than the standard 6061 aluminum used by most competitors. If you are the type who leverages your poles against rocks, uses them to probe snow stability, or tends to be rough on gear, the Scepter 4S will hold up better than most.

The flip lock mechanism is straightforward and easy to operate. The 110-130cm range is on the tighter side compared to some competitors, so check your ideal length before committing. At 1.6 pounds for the pair, these sit on the heavier end of the spectrum, but that weight comes with the structural durability of the 7075 alloy.

Every single reviewer has given the Scepter 4S a perfect 5-star rating. Users report that these quickly became their go-to poles for all backcountry outings. That kind of unanimous positive feedback, even from a small sample, is worth paying attention to.

Who This Pole Is Best For

The BCA Scepter 4S is ideal for dedicated backcountry skiers who want a purpose-built touring pole with no compromises. The Scraper Grip and 7075 aluminum construction make it uniquely suited for demanding tours where gear needs to work flawlessly. If you tour 30 or more days per season and want poles that can handle anything, this is your pick.

It is also a strong option for skiers who value durability above all else. The 7075 aluminum and thoughtful construction suggest these poles will last for years of heavy use.

Who Should Consider Other Options

With only 4 reviews, the Scepter 4S has the smallest user feedback pool of any pole in this guide. While the reviews are unanimously positive, you are making a decision based on very limited data. If having a large sample of real-world experiences matters to you, the LEKI Helicon Lite (32 reviews) or Cascade Mountain Tech (14,200+ reviews) offer more confidence.

The 110-130cm adjustment range is also the narrowest in this guide. If you are particularly tall or like to make significant length changes between climbing and descending, the LEKI Helicon Lite (110-145cm) or MSR DynaLock (100-140cm) give you more flexibility.

How to Choose the Best Ski Touring Poles with Shovel Grips?

Choosing the right ski touring poles involves more than just picking the highest-rated option. Your ideal pole depends on how often you tour, what terrain you ski, your budget, and how much you value specific features. Here is what actually matters when making this decision.

What Are Shovel Grips and Why They Matter

Shovel grips (also called extended grips or secondary grips) are an elongated section of grip material that extends below the main handle down the upper portion of the pole shaft. On a standard ski pole, the grip ends at the top of the shaft and you have nothing to hold onto below it. With a shovel grip, you can slide your hand down the pole for steep terrain without grabbing bare metal.

This matters on skin tracks because the angle of the terrain constantly changes. On steep switchbacks, a shorter effective pole length feels more natural. Rather than stopping to adjust your pole length every time the slope angle changes, you just slide your grip position down the extended section. It is faster, more intuitive, and lets you keep your rhythm on the skin track.

Carbon vs Aluminum Shaft Materials

All eight poles in this guide use aluminum shafts, and that is by design for this category. Aluminum bends rather than shatters under impact, which matters in the backcountry where a broken pole can become a safety issue. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and stiffer, but they can snap catastrophically under the wrong kind of load. For backcountry skiing where poles take more abuse from rocks, ice, and aggressive plants, aluminum is generally the safer choice.

Within aluminum, there are grade differences worth knowing about. The 7075 alloy used in the BCA Scepter 4S is stronger than the 6061 alloy used in the Cascade Mountain Tech. LEKI uses their own HTS 6.5 rated aluminum, which falls in the premium range. For most touring use, any of these aluminum grades will serve you well.

Locking Mechanisms Compared

The locking mechanism is what keeps your pole at the length you set it to. It is also the most common failure point on adjustable poles. Here are the main types you will encounter:

Speed Lock (LEKI): External lever clamp that is easy to operate with gloves. The Speed Lock 2 Plus on the Sherpa Lite and Speed Lock Plus on the Helicon Lite and Spitfire are proven systems with excellent reliability. Easy to adjust tension if needed.

DynaLock (MSR): Similar external lever design but with a tool-free tension adjustment dial. If the clamp loosens over time, you just twist the dial to re-tighten. No tools required, which is a genuine advantage in cold conditions.

Quick Lock (Cascade Mountain Tech): A simpler external lever that works well but may need occasional retightening on extended tours. Reliable for the price but less refined than LEKI or MSR systems.

Flip Lock (BCA): Straightforward lever design on the Scepter 4S. Simple and effective with no known reliability issues from users.

Power Lock (Atomic): Internal cam system that provides a clean external profile. Holds well in testing but some users prefer the visual confirmation of external lever systems.

Pole Length and Adjustability

Ski touring poles need to be adjustable because you use different lengths for climbing and descending. A general rule for touring: your climbing pole should reach your armpit when standing on flat ground, and your descending pole should be about elbow height. Most skiers set their poles 5-10cm shorter for descents compared to climbs.

If you are between sizes, go with the longer adjustment range. You can always shorten a pole, but you cannot extend it beyond its maximum. The Cascade Mountain Tech offers the widest range at 26-54 inches (66-137cm), while the LEKI Helicon Lite reaches the longest at 145cm for taller users.

Basket Types for Backcountry Conditions

Powder baskets (typically 85-100mm diameter) prevent your poles from punching through deep snow. They are essential for backcountry touring. Most poles in this guide include powder baskets or all-mountain baskets, but some ship with smaller baskets that you will need to swap out.

The Big Mountain Binding Basket from LEKI deserves special mention. It has a specific shape that works as a tool to flip heel risers on touring bindings, which eliminates the need to bend down on steep skin tracks. The G3 VIA takes a similar approach with its QuickFlick Utility Tab. If you tour on pin bindings, either of these features is genuinely useful.

Grip Material and Comfort

Grip material affects both comfort and how well the extended section works in different conditions. Cork (Cascade Mountain Tech) molds to your hand over time and stays warm in cold temperatures. EVA foam (LEKI Helicon Lite, Atomic BCT) is soft and shock-absorbing. Thermo foam (LEKI Sherpa Lite) provides a balance of cushioning and precision. Dual-density plastic (G3 VIA) is the most durable but least forgiving on bare hands.

In practice, the grip material matters most for the extended section below the main grip. You want something that provides traction even with wet or gloved hands. Foam and cork both perform well here, while smooth plastic can feel slippery in certain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Finding the right ski touring poles with shovel grips comes down to matching the pole to how you actually tour. For most backcountry skiers, the LEKI Sherpa Lite hits the sweet spot with its refined Aergon Air extended grip, proven Speed Lock system, and the genuinely useful Big Mountain Binding Basket. It earned our Editor’s Choice for good reason.

If budget is your primary concern, the Cascade Mountain Tech aluminum poles deliver an incredible amount of value. You get cork grips with extended EVA, multiple basket options, and a track record of over 14,000 reviews. For skiers who want premium safety features, the LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D and its Trigger 3D releasable grip system offers peace of mind on technical terrain.

Every pole on this list has been tested and vetted for backcountry use. Pick the one that fits your touring style, your terrain, and your budget, and you will have a reliable companion for seasons of skin tracks and powder turns ahead.