Articles (2020)

Introduction

We all have to deal with making our drinking water safe during backcountry trips. Until recently, we could choose to filter, chemically treat, or boil our water to ensure with confidence that it was safe. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, its adherents and detractors. At the 2005 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Meridian Technologies introduced the AquaStar UV Purifier. Meridian has since improved the product, releasing the AquaStar Plus at the 2005 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. They have continued to make improvements to the product to become the robust ultraviolet light water purifier we review here. If you do not like the hassle of working with chemicals or a standard pump filter (to say nothing of toting the weight of the average pump filter), then perhaps the 3.9-ounce (110-grams), purifier only, AquaStar Plus deserves a closer look.

What’s Good

• Fast. Purifies 1 liter of water in 80 seconds.
• Built-in lantern provides ample light for in-camp use.
• Does not affect the taste of the water.

What’s Not So Good

• Uses non-rechargeable CR123 batteries.
• Does not screw completely tight to Nalgene Canteens which can result in minor leakage when canteens are upended.
• Severely affected by moderately cold air and water temperatures.

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 AquaStar Plus UV Water Purifier
Weight	Measured weight 8.2 oz (232 g); manufacturer’s specification 8.5 oz (240 g) for UV unit with batteries attached to the supplied polycarbonate 1L bottle. Measured weight of bottle 4.2 oz (120 g) Measured weight of UV-C Purifier without batteries 2.6 oz (74 g). Measured weight of batteries 1.1 oz (34 g). Measured weight of pre-filter 0.1 oz (4 g).
Battery Type and Lifetime	Two x Type CR123 batteries (3 volt photo batteries) Approximately 60 purifications cycles per set of batteries.
Features	Treats one (1) liter of water in 80 seconds Lantern function uses three white 5 mm LEDs built into the cap and runs for 15 minutes before auto-shutoff (30 minutes of lamp use is equivalent to one water treatment cycle). UV-C lamp estimated to last 2,000 hours.
MSRP	$99.00

Performance

AquaStar Plus operation could not be simpler. Fill your water bottle, screw the AquaStar Plus on tight, push and hold the button for a moment until the UV emitter activates, and that is all there is to it. If the water is turbid or you want to be extra careful, swirl the water around some during the 80 seconds the ultraviolet light is on. To limit the amount of detritus that enters your water when you fill your bottle, simply cover the bottle’s mouth with the provided no-see-um mesh prefilter to block larger particles and debris. Once a water treatment cycle is complete, a green light in the head of the purifier will flash for 10 seconds. Should a purification cycle terminate before the required 80 seconds have elapsed a red light will flash instead, indicating failure to complete.

The cleverly designed prefilter/strainer is a piece of fabric with a drawcord. To use, secure the pre-filter to the top of your water bottle, tighten the drawcord to ensure a snug fit, and then dip your bottle into the water source. The strainer acts like a coffee filter, straining out 200-micron and larger particles from the water. Not as fine as a paper filter, its purpose is nevertheless to remove the larger debris that could block the light from the UV emitter and float unpleasantly in your drinking water. I used the pre-filter in fairly cloudy source water and found it does a nice job of visually clearing the water.

Built into the AquaStar Plus’ solid plastic head is a lantern made of three white LEDs. The lantern is turned on by quickly clicking the power button twice. Once on, the light remains lit for 15 minutes, then shuts off automatically to preserve the batteries. According to the manufacturer, running the light for 30 minutes drains the batteries the equivalent of one complete treatment cycle. The lantern casts non-directional white light that is more than enough to do all manner of camp chores, or even read a book in your shelter. I found that leaving the bottle full of water improved the lantern’s functionality.

Changing the batteries is a simple task. The thumbscrews on top of the AquaStar Plus can be loosened while wearing gloves but be careful, it is easy to lose a screw. Fortunately the unit works just fine with one locking screw. In warm weather, the batteries power the unit as claimed. However, when the temperature drops the ultraviolet light refuses to run through a complete cycle. With the return of warmer ambient air and/or water temperatures, the unit works normally again.

Meridian Designs claim that the AquaStar Plus can purify 60 liters of water on a fresh set of CR123 batteries. I have found this claim to be about right under warm air and water conditions, but cooler temperatures degrade performance. A more reliable number seems to be about 50 liters per set of batteries. With some careful shopping, you can greatly reduce your cost per liter of operation, as CR123 prices vary wildly.

The AquaStar Plus ships with a polycarbonate 1-liter bottle that has directions and appropriate warnings printed on its side. The combined weight of these two components is 7.9 ounces. The unit can be used with wide-mouth Nalgene Canteens, saving several ounces. The only minor problem with this is that you need to exercise some care screwing the purifier on to the Nalgene Canteen, since the fit is not quite as secure as the standard cap. If you keep your water bottle upright, the worst you will likely see is a very slow accumulation of water around the threads. If I ever lost water during the course of a typical backpacking day, it was minimal.

Despite several weeks of use and several flights stowed in airline luggage, the AquaStar Plus has shown no signs of wear and tear. While I have no doubt that the AquaStar Plus is more vulnerable to failure than treatment chemicals, I have not taken any special care with it. The unit has ridden in an external pocket of my Gossamer Gear Mariposa on several trips and has fallen from out of that pocket onto the ground a few times (as the result of my own falls). I have no doubt that placing the AquaStar Plus inside the hard-sided confines of a polycarbonate bottle will improve overall durability, but the purifier has functioned well inside my Nalgene Canteens.

What’s Unique

The market for UV water treatment systems is still fairly new. The AquaStar Plus represents a well-thought out and implemented entry into this new arena of water treatment. In our fast-paced world of plug-and-play items, the AquaStar Plus provides almost instant gratification when it comes to treating water.

Recommendations for Improvement

Overall the AquaStar Plus is a well-designed product. It has some limitations but most are unavoidable, like the power requirements. This is not a knock against the AquaStar Plus, since all water treatment tools have limitations. One design change that would be nice to see is the use of captive screws for the battery cover.

Introduction

This pole has it all; carbon fiber, antishock joints, 3 collapsible sections, comfortable straps and many basket options. And it has a price tag – $179 – that reflects its top of the line features. Does this combination of top end features result in top end performance? I hiked over 800 miles with these poles this year to find out. Somebody’s got to do it. Ken Knight also completed a review of a similar pole, the Komperdell C3 Duolock, which lacks the antishock features of the Airshock but is otherwise identical.

What’s Good

• The only collapsible, antishock carbon fiber poles on the market
• Very comfortable grips and straps
• Antishock feature makes for soft, easy downhills
• Collapses down to a compact size (28 inches – 71 cm)

What’s Not So Good

• All those features add weight (6.8 ounces per pole compared to 6.1 for the non-Airshock Komperdell C3 Duolock Men)
• All those features are expensive ($179 per pair)

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Komperdell C3 Airshock Men
Style	Three-section collapsible
Shaft Material	Carbon Fiber
Tips	Tungsten/Carbide Flex Tip
Grips	EVA Foam with wide neoprene strap
Grip Size	large
Weight per pole	6.8 ounces
Pole Length	28 to 55 inches (72 to 140 cm) Usable from 39 inches to 55 inches (100 to 140 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes
Basket Type	Komperdell
MSRP	$179.99

Performance

Though heavier than many other carbon fiber poles at 6.8 ounces per pole, this pole includes the full complement of trekking pole features. I am a fan of antishock poles and I like the flexibility of collapsing poles, so I was anxious to see how these features would perform on a sub 7 ounce pole. I used the C3 Airshocks on my 600 mile PCT section hike this summer, and also on many of my spring training hikes. I took them on many rocky miles through the Arizona and California deserts, across hundreds of raging streams in the Sierras, and across dozens of slick snow and ice fields. I was used to hiking with aluminum poles and right away I loved the lightweight feel of these poles.

During the course of my PCT section hike I put a lot of stress on the carbon fiber on slippery descents and steep snowfields. On many occasions I rapidly put my full weight onto the poles to keep from falling on snow or ice. The poles saved me every time, even on one or two occasions when I was concerned that the stress might snap the carbon fiber. I found the carbon fiber stiff enough to transfer force well on steep uphill climbs.

You will have to fork out an extra $30 to purchase the C3 Airshock over the C3 Duolock. For that $30, you will get antishock technology, which will add 0.7 ounces to each pole. The antishock mechanism resides in the upper pole joint and uses Komperdell’s Airshock system which Komperdell states that the Airshock system provides variable resistance. As the air spring compresses, it becomes stiffer, giving a softer feel initially and a firmer spring as you approach the limits of its travel. The Airshock system also allows you to lock the spring and use the poles without the antishock feature- a simple turn on the upper shaft locks the spring mechanism for times when a fixed pole is needed. The total travel in the antishock system is approximately 0.67 inches (1.7 cm).

For me, the real payoff of antishock poles is on steep, rocky downhills, especially when I am moving quickly. In these conditions, the cushioning eases stress on my arms and legs, and allows me to move more quickly and with greater comfort. On uphill sections, when using the poles to help propel you up each step, it is sometimes worthwhile to lock each pole. Here stress is less of a factor and the efficiency of a locked pole may be preferred. I found that I did this only on long steep climbs. I recommend you try out both antishock and regular poles to decide for yourself. Borrow some from your friends, or visit a local outfitter where poles can frequently be rented.

The locking mechanism is easy to use and it reliably locked with enough strength to virtually eliminate slips, which can be annoying and even dangerous at the wrong moment. In about 50 days of hiking on these poles I had a few slips but when I got in the habit of tightening the mechanism more securely, I eliminated these completely.

I had no trouble tightening the locking mechanism, even when they were dirty or wet. I found them to be one of the more reliable mechanisms I have used (but in Ken Knight’s review of the C3 Duolock, he had some trouble tightening the mechanism in the wetter climate of Michigan).

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

When fully collapsed, the C3 Airshock Men measure only 28 inches (72 centimeters) long and extend to a full 55 inches (140 centimeters). This makes them easy to transport or attach to the outside of you pack and they will work with most any shelter that requires trekking poles. The C3 Airshock also comes in a Women’s version, with a slightly smaller grip and shorter length (25 to 49 inches – 64 to 125 cm). The Women version is also a little lighter at 6.5 ounces. For many hikers, male or female, the shorter pole is long enough – same price though.

The grips are molded EVA foam. They are comfortable in hot or cold weather and stood up well to being used as a tent pole. The grips on my poles still look brand new. The strap is adjustable and is over 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide at its widest point. These straps are very supportive and comfortable, although they don’t breathe well, so they can get uncomfortable in hot weather. A lighter strap could probably do the job nearly as well.

The summer basket that comes with the C3 poles is wider than most other trekking pole baskets (2.25 inches diameter – 5.7 cm). At first, I didn’t like these baskets, feeling it was wasted extra weight. However, after a summer of hiking I’ve grown to like them- a wider basket is ideal in the muddy and snowy conditions I encountered for much of the summer. I found that I was driving my poles through the snow less frequently than other hikers, saving me untold precious calories while crossing slick snowfields. Of course, on a dry firm surface, these larger baskets would have little benefit over a smaller and lighter basket.

After so much use and stress, I was pleased with the overall durability and quality of these poles. The combination of useful features, light weight and reliable performance makes them a great choice – especially on a long hike in diverse conditions. I used them every night to hold up my Tarptent. I fell and slipped on them and used them to jump across an endless procession of scary, icy streams. And they look as good now as they day I received them. But you better be comfortable with the $179 price tag.

What’s Unique

The combination of carbon fiber, 3 collapsible sections, and antishock technology

Recommendations for Improvement

Although the straps are comfortable, a lighter and simpler strap could save a few grams and be just as functional. And getting rid of the bright logo on the strap wouldn’t hurt either.

Introduction

Titanium Goat’s Take Down Goat poles have the simplicity of a fixed-length design, with one useful extra feature; the ability to break the poles down into two pieces for easy storage or transport. The strong shafts and four ounce weight are attractive parameters, but the grip design suffers from an easily corrected flaw. With one simple improvement, these poles will take their place among the leading ultralight poles. Will Reitveld completed a review of the standard Titanium Goat Poles (without the take down feature), so take a look at his review to get the perspective of another reviewer.

What’s Good

• Light – 4.0 ounces per pole, well below manufacturer’s spec of 4.7 ounces
• Take down feature is convenient for transport and travel
• 14 mm carbon fiber shaft is stiff and durable

What’s Not So Good

• Take down joint components require careful and proper use
• Grips slipped down shaft under certain conditions

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Titanium Goat Takedown Goat Poles
Style	Fixed length (two section take down)
Shaft Material	14 mm (0.56 in) Carbon Fiber
Tips	Custom machined aluminum alloy with carbide points
Grips	EVA Foam
Grip Size	Medium (4.5 in/11 cm)
Weight per pole (w/o baskets)	Measured weight 4.0 oz (113 g); max length poles measured (135 cm); manufacturer’s specification 4.7 oz (133 g) each (120 cm length)
Pole Lengths Available	41 to 53 in (105-135 cm) in 5 cm increments, 53.5 in (135 cm) length tested
Baskets Included?	Yes—diameter 1.5 in (4 cm), weight 0.15 oz (4.3 g)
Basket Type	Press fit Black Diamond
MSRP	$130.00

Performance

These poles have a nice combination of light weight and strong, stiff carbon fiber shafts. My test poles were the longest length offered by Titanium Goat- 135 cm. Yet they weighed only 4.0 ounces, well below the specified weight of 4.7 ounces for 120 cm poles. These were the lightest poles I have ever used, and I immediately found their diminutive mass very liberating. It is a very different experience to hike with these poles when compared to aluminum poles weighing closer to 10 ounces per pole. I found the light weight was particularly useful in off-trail hiking where placing your poles uses more energy than on a well-graded trail.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

The unique feature of the Take Down Goat poles is the take down joint. Simply loosening the joint by partially unscrewing it allows you split your poles in half. This is a very useful feature, especially if you need to travel with these poles in an airplane, or fit into small cars with your hiking buddies and their packs. On a long hike where you will be hitchhiking into town occasionally, the split pole sections are much easier to fit into the cars of the kind souls who will transport you to the nearest pizza joint. For those that don’t use poles all day but still want an ultralight carbon pole, there is no other pole that offers this feature. I found the joint to be strong and did not notice any looseness or play in the joint while hiking.

The joint consists of an aluminum shaft that is attached to the lower section and extends 1.5 inches (42 cm) into the upper section when the two sections are joined. A threaded nylon post extends 0.5 inches out of the aluminum shaft. An aluminum ferrule and rubber fitting screw onto this post and form the locking mechanism for the take down joint. This simple joint works well once you practice with it a little but isn’t the most simple to use initially. It is important to adjust the fit so that the fitting slides into the upper pole with some force required: too loose and the fitting will not tighten, too tight and the fitting will not slide into the upper half of the pole. On some occasions I had problems getting the joint to lock, even after several attempts at adjusting the fitting. This could usually be resolved by cleaning the rubber fitting and ferrule, thereby improving its ability to lock within the upper shaft. I also had problems with the ferrule becoming completely unscrewed and remaining in the upper portion of the shaft. This may have been due to incorrect use on my part, but was still worrisome. With practice I was able to get all these problems resolved and had no further problems with the system. I recommend you read the notes from Titanium Goat carefully, and practice using the take down joint before heading out into the field. Regular cleaning was also critical in keeping this simple mechanism performing consistently.

The carbon fiber shafts on these poles are stiff and strong, which makes them a delight to use and reduces some of the worry about cracking or breaking the shaft. I stressed the shafts by hiking rapidly downhill on rocky cross country terrain where the poles would sometimes get caught in cracks or get banged up against boulders. No problem though, the shafts hold my weight (170 pounds) with almost no flexing, and despite numerous stressful slips or extractions from rocks, the shafts have held up well.

The Black Diamond baskets that come with the poles are notably smaller than on most other poles. They are light, but you should consider a higher diameter basket if you will be hiking in snow or sand. The baskets stayed in place on my poles throughout testing. I had no problems with baskets slipping or falling off the poles (as did Will Reitveld in his review). The baskets are very easily removed by hand, so it is certainly possible to have them slide off under the right circumstances. Will also noted that the tips of these poles are more rounded than from some other manufacturer’s and were more likely to slip off hard surfaces but in my testing, I did not notice the tips sliding off rock surfaces more often than other poles (perhaps this is just a difference in how the poles are weighted and used or trail conditions). However, the tips on the Titanium Goat poles are smoother than those from some other pole manufacturers, so this could be an issue for some users.

The biggest problem I had with these poles was that the grips slid down the shaft in heavy use. This did not happen until I used the poles on steep descents where I put a lot of consistent downward pressure on the grips. Although the grips can be easily adjusted back to their original position, this is a flaw that should be fixed by either gluing the grips in place, or better yet, modifying the grip design to include a cap.

What’s Unique

Very light, 4 ounce carbon fiber poles with the convenience of a take down joint for easier transportation.

Recommendations for Improvement

These are stiff and lightweight poles that offer a take down feature that is not available from any other manufacturer. While I recommend these poles, I do offer the following suggestions for improvement:

• The grips need to be kept in place with adhesive, or with a redesigned grip that includes a foam cap.
• While the take down locking system works fine with practice, redesigning it to be less finicky and easier to use would be a big improvement.

Introduction

Leki joins the carbon trekking pole club with the three-section Carbon Ergometric. Featuring angled foam grips, padded and adjustable straps and interchangeable baskets, the Carbons take up less than 25 inches for stowage and weigh a scant 6.2 ounces each.

What’s Good

• Excellent build quality
• Light weight for a three-section pole – 6.2 ounces each
• Comfortable grips and straps
• Dependable joint locks don’t slip on the go
• High load-bearing capacity
• Effective vibration damping
• Collapse to a short 24 inch (61.5 cm) length

What’s Not So Good

• Stubborn length adjustment
• Straps can’t be removed without cutting them off
• At $199.95, they’re quite expensive

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Leki Makalu Ultralite Carbon
Trekking Pole Type	Three-section collapsible, non-shock absorbing
Shaft Material	Full carbon fiber
Tips	Carbide flextip (replaceable)
Grips	Angled, EVA foam and plastic
Grip size	Medium-Small
Straps	Padded webbing, adjustable length, adjustable tension, non-removable
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
Basket Type	Screw-on Leki small trekking baskets, field-removable and interchangeable with other Leki baskets
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	6.2 oz (175 g)
Pole Length	Minimum: 24.25 in (61.5 cm), maximum: 51.5 in (131 cm)
MSRP	$199.95

Performance

The Leki Carbon Ergometric poles are light and strong. Trekking poles have come a long way in recent years, and the introduction of carbon fiber shafts dropped pole weight significantly below what’s possible using even the lightest aluminum alloys. In addition, carbon poles are stiffer and offer better vibration damping for greater comfort on the trail. At just over 6 ounces each (without baskets), the Leki Carbons are among the lightest of three-section poles. The grips are EVA foam with rigid plastic tops. They are molded to give them an angled shape that provides a more natural motion on the trail. The effective angle is less than the older Leki poles with bent shafts at the grip, but is still noticeable in use.

The webbing straps are faced inside with absorbent cloth. They’re comfortable but do accumulate some sweat and rain. They also rub off sunscreen, resulting in some odd tan/burn/white patterns on the back of the hand. Strap length is adjustable, and can be locked using tensioning screws atop the grips. The straps are not designed to be removed so anybody wanting to save their weight will have to cut them off, making it a full-on commitment.

Shaft length adjusts using Leki’s newest SLS system. They lock quickly and if tightened adequately don’t slip in the field; this plays an important role in building confidence for using the poles in dicey situations. The test Leki poles don’t adjust in length easily, requiring some muscle to get to the desired position (this is a pneumatic issue rather than a friction one, as trapped air in the sections takes awhile to escape, rather like a tire pump). The bottom and middle sections have numbered gradations (in centimeters) to ease the task of matching pole lengths or recalling preferred uphill, downhill and level-ground lengths.

The Leki Carbon Ergometric poles collapse quite small – a quarter-inch over two feet to be exact – making them easy to stow on or even in a backpack. In case you might not think of this as a big deal, my older Leki Makalu three-section poles are a whopping half-foot longer when completely collapsed, meaning they jut well above my backpack when stowed there for bushwhacking. Little things can make a big difference.

Leki provides the carbon poles with their small-diameter trekking baskets that are threaded and easily removable (but won’t come off unexpectedly). I normally leave them on but also swap them for snow baskets when walking in the white stuff. Pole ends are plastic with concave-face carbide tips. The tips grip well on smooth surfaces like granite and glare ice. Leki designs the plastic tips to first flex, then break before the pole itself is damaged; but in using three different pairs of Leki poles I’ve not broken one, so I can’t verify that premise. They’re friction-fit and user-replaceable if you’re very strong and have a bench vice. (Editor’s note: I can verify that they do break-away if over-stressed as claimed and replacements are inexpensive and easy to replace – a good, solid design. DJ)

I typically use poles for half to three-quarters of my hiking day. I generally set and forget the length and the Carbon Ergometric system rarely slips, usually holding the setting all day. There are few things more disconcerting than having a pole slide closed when I’m placing a good deal of my weight on it, so I appreciate these adjusters’ tenacity.

The light weight truly makes a difference in ease of arm movement and surprisingly, pole placement. I find it a bit easier to plant the lighter pole where I want it when I’m handling a tricky path or in the midst of stumbling. Another lightweight pole benefit is that I’m able to walk with both poles in one hand and my GPS in the other (a maneuver not as easy with heavy poles).

Doubling as a shelter pole, I found the Leki Carbon Ergometric poles well suited to the task of supporting my GoLite Hex 2. I join them using a Black Diamond Pole Link converter, which connects them in an overlapping fashion at the grip ends and makes a strong and rigid assembly that fends off brisk winds. Used singly as tarp poles presents no problems whatsoever.

The Leki Carbon poles are stiff and rigid; I’ve never used a better three-section pole. I can confidently plant my body-plus-pack weight on a single pole, or hop over obstacles supported by the pair without excess flexing or joint-slippage. As a strength and bend test, I can place most of my weight on a single pole while wearing a backpack – a combined load of roughly 200 pounds (length was set to 120 cm). Under this weight, the poles bow only slightly and there’s no hint of impending failure and no joint slippage (presuming I’ve tightened them well).

The Carbon Ergometric poles have a resonance I can see and feel, but the carbon shafts and EVA foam grips dampen it well and it’s neither distracting nor fatigue inducing on the trail. The poles are quiet on the trail and easy on the hands, differing notably from many aluminum poles in this regard. I never once wished for a shock-absorber system (acknowledging that shock-absorption and vibration-damping are two different things).

The test pair didn’t suffer more than minor cosmetic damage (some surface dings and scratches) and did endure the occasional direct blow to the shaft that could well have dented aluminum poles. (As with carbon bicycle frames, the user is well advised to inspect the poles occasionally for shaft damage that might lead to catastrophic failure.) Leki offers a lifetime warranty against shaft breakage, so your investment is covered if breakage should occur.

The carbide-and-plastic flex tips and the small trekking baskets are the same ones Leki has used for years, and have proven to wear well. The Leki straps show no wear, nor do the grips. The hard plastic grip caps keep the EVA foam from being chewed up on rocks.

The downside of the Carbon Ergometric poles is their price; at almost $200 these are among the most expensive trekking poles made. By comparison, the Komperdell C3 offers similar performance for $50 less. The high price’s sting will lessen considerably if they serve well for several seasons; however, Leki only offers a one year warranty on their carbon fiber trekking poles.

Measuring Progress – The Carbon Ergometric vs. the Makalu Ti COR-TEC PA/AS

I did a side-by-side comparison of the Leki Carbons to my five-year-old aluminum Leki Titanium-series COR-TEC PA/AS poles. The two models are set apart by some key differences besides the shaft material, such as antishock and grips but the differences between them are quite interesting. (Note: despite the name, the Titanium-series poles are aluminum that’s alloyed with some titanium.)

I might once have offered a shrug at the approximately 3-ounce per pole difference, but have since had my eyes opened to what a difference it makes on the trail. It’s perhaps more telling to think of the metal poles as being about fifty-percent heavier. The carbon poles are also distinctly stiffer, bending much less than the aluminum poles when stressed side by side. This was frankly, a surprise. The carbon poles also dampen vibration much better than the aluminum model, and the amplitude of their vibration is less. My conclusion is that the Carbon Ergometric’s lighter weight is coupled with increased performance. While I don’t miss the shock absorption system of my older poles, I still enjoy the COR-TEC grips and greater grip angle.

Navigation

I can report that the Leki Carbons float, and that they head downstream grip-end first. I know this because I disrupted my test by knocking one into a snowmelt-fattened Sierra stream, losing sight of it in half a minute despite racing in pursuit. Several hours following the bank downstream never turned it up, leaving me with a single pole and hope that sometime this summer, a fisherman will find the best wading staff ever. Luckily, Leki’s excellent and understanding customer service folks took pity on me after my gear-testing blunder and sent me a new pole, so I was able to complete my field trials. It’s actually helpful to know these poles float, because in better circumstances they’d be retrievable from the water.

In the period I had only one Leki Carbon I tested it in mixed pairs with other poles. This was instructive in revealing differences, both obvious and subtle. The Carbon’s stiffness and vibration damping were unmatched in my comparisons.

What’s Unique

Ergometric angled grips, dependable shaft length adjusters, lockable strap length…and they float!

Recommendations for Improvement

Despite being an excellent product overall, I would suggest the following improvements for the Carbon Ergometric poles:

• Make straps non-destructively removable for those who use straps only occasionally.
• Provide an adjustment key for strap lock screws.
• Reduce the price to make it more competitive.

Introduction

The Life-Link AT Superlight pole is the newest member of the Life-Link Expedition series. Their claim to fame is their thick carbon fiber construction, stiffness, and durability similar to Life-Link’s Guide Ultra Light ski/approach poles that rarely ever break. Sounds good, but at 7 ounces each, they’re overkill for on-trail ultralight backpacking. So, what is their forte?

What’s Good

• Very strong and durable
• Very stiff
• Quiet
• Comfortable, slip-resistant grips
• Padded, absorbent, slip-resistant straps
• Highly suitable for serious mountaineering and bushwhacking

What’s Not So Good

• Edges of straps fray badly
• Small baskets collect mud and snow
• Baskets are difficult to remove
• Heavy for carbon fiber poles

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Life-Link AT Superlight
Type	Fixed length, 50 in (127 cm) tested
Shaft Material	Carbon fiber
Grips	EVA closed cell foam grip glued to a Life-Link designed small diameter molded nylon and plastic grip. Strap is a woven back over Neoprene front with Lycra cover.
Tips	Carbide
Weight Per Pole	Measured weight 7 oz (198 g), manufacturer claimed weight 6 oz (170 g) for 50 in (127 cm) length
Lengths available	44, 46, 48, 50, 52 in (112, 117, 122, 127, 132 cm)
MSRP	$119.95 US

Performance

New in 2006, the Life-Link AT Superlight is a super stiff/super durable fixed length carbon fiber pole. They reside in Life-Link’s Expedition series, alongside the likes of their Guide Ultra-Light poles that have survived Himalayan expeditions with little or no breakage. In contrast to their super-duty credentials, I used them for lightweight backpacking and snowshoeing. At 7 ounces each, their weight doesn’t even come close to the Gossamer Gear Lightrek Plus poles at 2.5 ounces, or the Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Pro poles at 2.8 ounces (all weights for one 52-inch pole). So why go with heavier carbon fiber poles? After all, lightweight aluminum poles weigh around 7.5 to 9 ounces each, and that’s for adjustable models.

The AT Superlight is available in 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52 inch lengths. They have molded EVA foam grips with a hard plastic core and cap. Replaceable grips are compression fitted to the shafts. The attached wrist straps are thinly padded and covered with a slip-resistant and absorbent fabric. After three months of steady use the edges of the straps of my sample poles were badly frayed, which degraded their appearance (Life-Link assured me that the production poles would not have this problem).

The carbide tips are mounted in a hard plastic sleeve that is attached to the shaft with hot glue. The poles come with small 1.75-inch diameter cupped baskets that have a press-fit. They are lightweight and suitable for trekking, and can be exchanged for 3.5-inch snow baskets (not included) or replaced if needed.

To remove a carbide tip for replacement, simply heat it in boiling water, pull off the old one, and slip on the new one. There will be enough hot glue left on the shaft to hold the new tip. The slip-on baskets were more of a challenge to remove. Even by pushing the basket down with my boots, it was hard to remove but the basket eventually succumbed.

The carbon shafts taper from about 7/16-inch (11mm) at the top to about 5/16-inch (8mm) at the bottom.

I performed a stiffness test of the poles by suspending a pole between two chairs and pulling downward at the center with a digital fish scale. They bent about 2 inches with a lateral force of 25 pounds applied. These poles are stiff, but not as stiff as many aluminum alloy poles which bend only about 1.25 inches with the same amount of force. Their stiffness makes then very suitable for serious mountaineering and hard-core backpacking because of their compromise of stiff performance with a slight amount of forgiving flex.

I used the AT Superlights on nine major backpacking trips through a wide variety of terrains, both on- and off-trail. For on-trail hiking, their weight was more noticeable – while they are light, some feather-light poles would have been better. I didn’t notice any annoying vibration or noise when using them on-trail.

For off-trail hiking, the Superlights really come into their element. I used them for shelter support, vaulting across snowmelt-swollen streams, I caught them in cracks, I put my full weight on them stepping off of rocks and ledges, I bashed through brush, stepped over hundreds of logs, used them to dig a cat hole, and put many miles on them. They allowed me to vault across some gaps I might not have attempted otherwise. I even accidentally stepped on them. The only damage from all this is a few minor surface scratches.

While ultralight carbon poles will work for bushwhacking, you have to be careful with them because they are at-risk for breakage (and breaking your heart!). In contrast, I didn’t have to baby the Superlights a bit, and felt comfortable using them for any maneuver that I would do with an aluminum alloy pole. Their stiffness really made them responsive and supportive. I also liked their mass, which enabled me to use the poles to push brush aside more easily. The poles helped a lot to maintain balance through brush and slickrock, and crossing logs over streams. I could count on them to get a grip on a surface, and then lean on them to make my next move.

My biggest fear with carbon fiber trekking poles (and tent poles) is accidentally stepping on one in camp and breaking it. That’s not a problem with the AT Superlight. With the pole laying flat on the ground I did a step test with my full weight several times and the pole survived just fine. I’m sure you could break one if you really tried, but not from accidentally stepping on it.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

I used the AT Superlight poles for tarp poles and to support a single wall tent (Gossamer Gear SpinnShelter and Tarptent Virga 2), and found that they work fine if I attached the guyline to the top of the pole (either end) then down to the ground. An adjustable length pole would work a little better. I also used the Superlight poles with snow baskets for snowshoeing and loved them. The fixed length poles don’t have the versatility of adjustable length poles, but for snowshoeing they worked just fine; skiing would be a different situation.

The only annoyance I encountered with the AT Superlights (besides the straps fraying) was the cupped baskets tended to fill up with mud or snow (noticeably increasing their weight at the tips), and I frequently needed to bang then on a tree to knock it out.

Getting back to my earlier question of “Why go with heavier carbon fiber poles?” the short answer is off-trail. These poles rock for serious mountaineering and bushwhacking. They are stiff, strong, and durable and will readily handle the rough stuff. They save a little weight compared to aluminum poles and offer the vibration damping of carbon fiber. They are built to last, and should stand up to years of use without failure. They are also an excellent value at $120.

What’s Unique

The Life-Link AT Superlight is an expedition grade carbon fiber pole that is well suited for mountaineering and bushwhacking.

Recommendations for Improvement

I suggest adding a durable binding to the edges of the straps to make them more abrasion resistant. Also, a re-design of the trekking baskets might be in order so they don’t easily fill up with mud or snow. Making them easier to remove would also be an improvement.

Introduction

Titanium Goat’s carbon fiber Goat Poles are available in either a fixed length (reviewed here) or in a two-piece collapsible “Take Down” version. What’s unique about these poles is they are made of larger diameter (14 millimeter) wrapped carbon fiber tubing which makes them very stiff and quite strong. These are minimalist carbon poles, weighing only 3.1 ounces per pole. I really grew to like their simplicity, stiffness, light weight, balance, and performance. With a few minor fixes the Goat Poles could be one of the best ultralight trekking poles available.

What’s Good

• One of the lightest available, only 3.1 ounces per pole
• Wide range of lengths available
• Very stiff and strong
• A great value at $100 a pair

What’s Not So Good

• Noisy
• Fixed length limits packability and use as shelter poles
• Grips slip on shafts
• Baskets fit loosely and are easily lost
• Blunt tips and small carbide points cause slippage on rock

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Titanium Goat Goat Poles
Style	Fixed length
Shaft Material	0.56 in (14 mm) diameter Carbon fiber tubing
Tips	Custom machined aluminum alloy with carbide points
Grips	EVA foam
Grip Size	Medium (4.5 in/11 cm)
Weight Per Pole	Measured weight 3.1 oz (88 g) each without baskets, 3.25 oz (92 g) with provided trekking baskets; manufacturer’s specification 3.1 oz (88 g) each (120 cm length) without baskets, 3.4 oz (96 g) with baskets
Pole Lengths Available	41 to 53 in (105-135 cm) in 5 cm increments, 51 in (130 cm) length tested
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter 1.5 in (4 cm), weight 0.15 oz (4.3 g)
Basket Type	Press fit Black Diamond
MSRP	$100

Performance

At only 3.1 ounces per pole (without baskets), the Titanium Goat Poles are one of the lightest trekking poles available (the Gossamer Gear Lightrek Poles are slightly lighter). However, the extra weight is put to a good purpose – these poles are made of 14 millimeter diameter carbon fiber tubing (compared to 10 millimeter tubing used in the Lightrek), making them stiffer and stronger. The tubes are made using a wrapping technique where the wall is built up by wrapping layers of fabric around a straight core.

I want to make it clear that these are fixed length poles, so it is not possible to adjust their length for uphills, downhills, and sidehills. No problem – I normally don’t adjust poles very much even when I have that feature. Also, the poles do not have straps on the grips, and the grips are not anatomically shaped. I got along fine without straps on the grips, but adding some removable lightweight cords would give the poles more versatility. After some experience with the Goat Poles, I appreciated their simplicity and light weight, and did not miss the extra weight and complexity of sectional poles.

I tested the poles’ stiffness both at home and in the field. At home they bent only about 1 inch with 25 pounds of lateral force, about the same as stiff aluminum alloy poles. In the field, I vaulted over streams and put my full weight on them dropping off of ledges, and they barely bent.

That said, the Goat Poles were no match for the US Postal Service – the first set of poles arrived cleanly broken into four pieces! That’s not a fair test of their maximum strength, because they probably got caught sideways in a conveyer, but it does show that it’s possible to break these poles with excessive leverage. Their likely demise would be breaking a tip off in a crevice or stepping on a pole bridged across some rocks. I caught the tips on many occasions, but reacted quickly to avoid potential breakage. Overall, the Goat Poles easily handled my normal on- and off-trail abuse in all types of terrain and conditions.

The poles’ balance point is almost exactly in the center of the shaft. The shafts are so light that I could lift them with a couple of fingers as I walked along.

While their fixed length was fine on the trail, there are other situations when it would be nice to adjust their length – like stowing them for travel, attaching them to your pack, or using them with a shelter. Their usefulness for shelter support depends on the pole length. As you can see in the following table, different shelters require different pole lengths, so fixed length poles are a limitation (although 45-47 inch poles work well for many shelters). I found that the 51-inch (130 cm) poles I tested will work for several popular shelters even though they are taller than the manufacturers’ recommended length. It helps to angle the base of the pole toward the inside of the shelter. This gives a taut pitch when the shelter is dry, and you can straighten the pole to tighten the shelter when it is damp or wet.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

Shelters I was able to test the poles with were the Tarptent Virga 2 and the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. With the Virga 2, the 51-inch Goat Poles I tested worked in an A-frame configuration, which made tent entry easier and raised the tent up higher than normal for more headroom. However the poles’ blunt tips did not fit the tent’s grommets very well. Although Six Moon Designs recommends a pole length of 45 inches for the Gatewood Cape, I liked the pitch much better with a taller pole, and a 51-inch Goat Pole worked perfectly. I used one pole as the center pole and the other to extend the vestibule so it acts like a beak.

While the Goat Poles are a delight to use because of their simplicity, stiffness, and light weight, there are a few notable flaws:

• The grips had a tendency to slide down the shafts. This happened when I applied strong downward pressure on the grips, especially when doing stream crossings. On some crossings where I did a “leap of faith,” the grips slid down 4-6 inches, throwing me off-balance. I had to slide the grips back in place several times a day, which was a nuisance. They are a press fit, so it was easy to twist and push the grips back to the top of the shafts. A touch of adhesive on the shafts would easily solve the problem.

• The press fit baskets fit loosely on the machined aluminum tips. I corrected the problem by adding some tape so the baskets would fit tighter.

• The poles are noisy. The large diameter hollow shafts are open at the top of the grips, allowing them to amplify noise like a horn, pointed directly toward your ears.

• The tips slip on rock and ice when I push off at a low angle. Because the aluminum alloy tip assembly is rather wide and blunt, with small carbide points (see photo below), the tips have a tendency to deflect on a hard surface at a low angle.

Assessment

The Titanium Goat fixed length carbon fiber poles are a perfect match with the ultralight philosophy; they are elegant in their simplicity – simple, lightweight, adequately durable, and they perform well. It requires a little time to get accustomed to minimalist trekking poles, but once you adjust to them you realize that you don’t really need the weight-adding features.

Fixed length poles do have their limitations for stowage and shelter use, but it is certainly possible to match the length of the poles you purchase to the shelter(s) you use. With a few minor tweaks (some you can do yourself), the Goat Poles are one of the lightest and best performing ultralight trekking poles available. They are also a great value at $100 per pair.

What’s Unique

The Titanium Goat carbon fiber poles have a larger diameter shaft then other lightweight carbon poles, which makes them stiffer and stronger.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Titanium Goat Poles are minimalist poles, and I commend their simplicity and light weight. Following are suggestions to overcome a few minor flaws:

• Revise the tip assembly so the baskets fit tighter and the tips are more pointed so they don’t deflect
• Offer optional snow baskets to increase versatility
• Plug the top of the shafts to reduce noise
• Lightly glue the grips to the shafts so they don’t slip
• Provide removable lightweight cords on the grips to increase versatility

Introduction

The Pacerpoles are the heaviest carbon fiber poles that we’ve reviewed. Are they worth it? It depends on where you are hiking. The innovative grip design allows you to propel yourself over level terrain with ease and in a manner where the weight is hardly noticeable (when used correctly). The grips allow you to securely hold the poles with minimum effort – your hands seem to curve naturally around it. The molded grips are also where the majority of the Pacerpoles’ excess weight is found. They also limit the poles’ usefulness in steeper terrain and require a slight learning curve. The poles are rock solid with an aluminum upper section and a carbon fiber lower section giving excellent stiffness and stability.

What’s Good

• Extremely comfortable and unique grips minimize hand fatigue
• Adds noticeable power to strides on level or smoother terrain
• Excellent quality and construction
• Light swing weight due to carbon fiber lowers
• Weight savings of 0.6 ounces per pole over the aluminum 3-Section model

What’s Not So Good

• At 10.6 ounce (301 g) total weight per pole these trekking poles are quite heavy
• The molded grip weighs 4.4 ounce (125 g) alone. That is 42% of the total weight of the pole.
• Grip design limits use in steep descents or ascents
• Two-section poles only collapse to 99 centimeters (39 in), making them more difficult to stow than three-section models

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Pacerpole 2-Section
Style	Adjustable length, two-section collapsible
Shaft Material	7075 aluminum upper, carbon fiber lower
Tips	Carbide flex-tip
Grips	Molded thermo-plastic/rubber
Grip Size	One size
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	10.6 oz (301 g) measured weight; manufacturer’s specification 10.5 oz (298 g)
Pole Length	39-54 in (99-137 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2 in (13 cm), weight: 1.6 oz (43 g)
Basket Type	Leki-style
MSRP	$114 (US)

Performance

Pacerpoles set themselves apart with their unique grip. The molded plastic/rubber grips are specific to the right or left hands and angle the hands further forward than any traditional trekking poles, which are gripped in the vertical position. It definitely took a period of adjustment for me to get comfortable with these poles. My first instinct was to use them as I would any other pole: bringing the whole pole out in front of me with each stride; however, the proper technique with Pacerpoles is different than either trekking or Nordic walking techniques.

With proper Pacerpole technique, the poles are held lower and extended behind the hiker and used to propel forward. (Pacerpoles’ website has extensive instructions on how to correctly use their trekking poles.) The poles aren’t meant to be lifted off the ground and swung forward; instead they come forward during natural walking with the tips “skimming” the ground and the entire pole basically staying at the same angle throughout the stride. When used correctly I felt a noticeable increase in my forward momentum. Using the poles on a stretch of open beach hiking I found I could set the “cruise control” and haul on down the trail at an amazing clip and I barely noticed the extra weight.

And the Pacerpoles do weigh more. At 10.6 ounces they are the heaviest carbon fiber trekking poles that we’ve tested. If the neoprene grip on the shaft is removed that weight can be reduced to 10.4 ounces but the majority of this weight is found in the grip. At 4.4 ounces alone (per pole) the grip makes up 42% of the entire pole. Subtract this weight and the Pacerpole would be comparable to several of the poles tested.

When carrying the Pacerpoles in your hand or in a pack, there is no denying the weight increase over lighter collapsible poles. However, this weight is not as perceptible in use as a traditional pole would be because the heavier grips are not a part of the “swing weight” and the light carbon fiber lowers swing with the best of them. That’s if they are used correctly; in varied terrain I found correct usage harder.

The Pacerpoles’ distinctive grip shows its limitations on moderate to extreme ascents and to a lesser extent on steep descents. According to the manufacturer’s website the correct method for ascents is to keep the hands near the sides of your torso and pump the hands up and down “like pistons.” This puts the poles more behind you and does provide forward thrust but provides no increased stability. When I used the Pacerpoles to pull myself up steeper inclines or uneven terrain (as I would with traditional poles), my wrists bent at unnatural angles. The poles do have a 14 centimeter neoprene sleeve on the upper shafts for use as a grip on steep climbs. These were indispensable on the steeper climbs but of little use of slight up-hills or stepping up onto smaller obstacles without adjusting pole length.

On steep descents or stepping down I needed to release the grip slightly to be able to reach and plant the poles. (Note: I have observed this same trend when I use traditional trekking poles.) Once I learned how to properly adjust my grip I never felt as if the difference compromised my safety.

Like other adjustable poles, the Pacerpoles can be used in shelters requiring trekking poles. The grips contact the ground at an angle and are slightly less stable than traditional poles but I never found this to be a problem. However, I did not try them in a teepee-type shelter that requires the poles to be linked into one long pole so I cannot comment on their usage with this type of shelter.

The Pacerpoles show excellent construction. The twist locks never slipped, even while pole-vaulting myself across stream crossings. The poles are easily adjusted, though I found that the length I used was a good 10-15 cm less than what I would with other poles. This is because of the extra height of the grips and the fact that the poles are held lower when using the Pacerpole technique. On the newest version of the 2-section Pacerpoles the carbon lower is roughened to provide additional grip when making adjustments.

Overall, I loved the innovative grips of the Pacerpoles, especially when using them on smoother terrain. On sections of the PCT they did great. On firm open beach they excelled. When used correctly they have the potential to propel a hiker to speeds they normally wouldn’t feel comfortable trying to attain.

What’s Unique

The molded plastic/rubber grips are what set the Pacerpoles apart from any other pole on the market. The poles are available in both the version tested here with the carbon lowers and the Pacerpole 3-Section which is all-aluminum and was tested by Backpacking Light in 2005.

Recommendations for Improvement

Pacerpole has reduced the weight of their trekking poles by producing the carbon fiber lower section (by 0.6 oz) but I would like to see the weight reduced further in the grip, possibly with a thinner plastic or carbon fiber core and an EVA foam outer surface (though this would most likely increase costs).

Introduction

Trekking poles have come a long way recently. Komperdell has developed a suite of carbon fiber poles that fill a variety of niches. The C3 Duolock Women trekking pole (also marketed as the REI Peak UL Compact for $130) is targeted at people who can get by with a more compact grip and a pole that doesn’t extend quite as far. Although marketed as a women’s model, many men will find this pole worth a closer look. At 5.8 ounces per pole these are the lightest three-section, collapsible poles we have tested. At $149.99, they are priced in the mid-range for carbon fiber trekking poles but the combination of features they embody is considerable.

What’s Good

• 5.8 ounces per pole, making them the lightest three-section poles tested
• Secure locking system
• Stiff and absorb vibration very well
• Comfortable grips and straps

What’s Not So Good

• The smooth shaft and Duolock locking mechanism are sometimes hard to tighten when the pole is wet

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Komperdell C3 Duolock Women
Style	Three-section collapsible
Shaft Material	Carbon fiber
Tips	Tungsten/Carbide Flex Tip
Grips	EVA foam with wide neoprene strap
Grip Size	Medium
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	5.6 oz (158 g) measured weight; manufacturer’s specification 5.9 oz (166 g)
Pole Length	25-49 in (60-125 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2.0 in (5 cm), weight: 0.2 oz (6 g)
Basket Type	Komperdell
MSRP	$149.99

Performance

Key to any trekking pole is its locking mechanism. I found that the Komperdell C3 Duolock mechanism was quite good. Over the testing period I had two slips and both were near the end of a day and under extreme conditions where I effectively slipped off a ledge in an uncontrolled fashion and placed my entire weight on the pole. In more controlled conditions, where I deliberately eased my entire weight on a pole as I stepped down, the pole remained secure.

The plastic sleeves at the end of each section are smooth, which makes tightening the locks a bit more difficult when the sleeve and pole section are wet. This was more of a concern with the lower lock since the surrounding pole segments are also quite smooth but the topmost pole segment has a non-smooth surface that makes gaining a grip much easier. Roughening one of the lower pole segments in a similar fashion near the locking sleeve would solve this problem.

The Komperdell C3 Duolock Women trekking poles weigh 5.8 ounces per pole. This makes them the lightest three-section, collapsible poles we’ve tested. The balance point for these poles is in the upper third of their body making them easy to swing while walking. The only time pole movement becomes tougher is when you must swing them through dense undergrowth where their light weight is insufficient to help force them through the foliage. However, their lightness also makes them easy to flip high and over brush so this is hardly an issue.

The poles reduce to a mere 24 inches (60 cm) in length and so are easy to transport. With a maximum length of 125 centimeters these poles should be suitable even for quite tall hikers though they are not compatible with all shelters because of their shorter overall length.

For those who want a slightly longer pole, the Komperdell C3 Duolock Men has slightly thicker grips, extends to a full 145 centimeters and weighs only 0.3 ounces more.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

The Komperdell C3 Duolock Women poles are stiff and do a wonderful job of absorbing vibrations when you cross rock or slam a pole down onto hard ground. I never noticed any vibration of the shafts while walking. Even when I placed my entire weight on the pole I felt virtually no deflection. The only time I ever felt pressure on my hands, wrists, or arms, was during descents when I placed excess stress on my wrist because I had not tightened the straps enough to permit them to carry the load.

The poles held up durably during their testing. I took no special pains to be gentle with them, which meant I stepped on them, placed my entire weight upon them, got them caught between rocks, and stuck in the mud. The poles have yet to show any sign of wear. I am not worried about them suddenly breaking on me.

The neoprene straps are easy to adjust to fit your hands. I found the broad straps comfortable and never a hindrance when I elected to just hold the pole grip. The grips are made of EVA foam and are easy to hold even when wet.

The Komperdell C3 Duolock Women poles use Komperdell baskets. These require a bit more effort to install and remove than Leki baskets, for example. Once the basket is on it is quite secure. Removing a basket requires a fair bit of pressure be applied to release the locking nubs before you twist the basket and pull it off (rather like removing a child safety cap on a medicine bottle). Komperdell sells a plethora of baskets to cover all needs. The C3 Doulock poles come with Summer Baskets which will be suitable for most three-season use.

What’s Unique

The Komperdell C3 Duolock Women trekking poles are the lightest three-section carbon fiber poles we tested (5.8 oz per pole). They have worked exceedingly well for me both as hiking staff and shelter support. They collapse down quite small, making them easy to transport and to stow.

Recommendations for Improvement

• A roughened surface on the locking sleeve and/or the pole segment near the sleeve would make tightening the lower lock much easier. These poles are incredibly slick when wet, making length adjustments difficult.

Introduction

The original Lightrek poles were super light but also super-flexible, especially in the longer lengths. The new Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles feature stiffer, more durable shafts and new molded grips. At only 2.8 ounces per pole (125 cm length), they are still the lightest poles on the market.

What’s Good

• At 2.8 ounces per pole, they are the lightest trekking poles available
• New, thicker shafts are significantly stiffer and more durable
• Molded EVA grips are comfortable and offer multiple hand positions
• Reasonably priced at $96

What’s Not So Good

• Not stiff enough for heavyweight hikers or heavy packs
• Sharp objects such as metal snow shovels or sharp talus are the shafts’ weakness
• Some hikers will miss the straps (I didn’t)
• Shaft are not covered by warranty; replacement shafts cost $30

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles
Style	Fixed length
Shaft Material	Layered Carbon/Glass Fiber in an epoxy resin
Tips	Carbide flextip
Grips	Molded EVA foam, wrist loops optional
Grip Size	Medium-Large
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	2.8 oz (80 g) measured weight – 125 cm length; manufacturer’s specification: 2.6 oz (74 g) 115 cm length
Pole Length	Fixed: 41-53 in (105-135 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2 in (13 cm), weight: 0.3 oz (9 g)
Basket Type	Screw-on/Leki
MSRP	$96

Performance

The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles have gone through some changes since the originals came out. While the original poles were super light and shock-absorbing, they were also very flexible and not very durable, resulting in several broken shafts during field testing (see original Lightrek Review here). The new generation Gossamer Lightrek poles have some important updates but only gain 0.5 ounces per pole, keeping them the lightest poles on the market.

The most important update of the Lightrek poles is their shafts. The shafts are not pure carbon fiber – instead, they are constructed of three layers of carbon fiber and one layer of glass in an epoxy resin. The shafts are custom made for Gossamer Gear and are basically beefed-up versions of the original shafts. The new shafts are significantly stiffer and more durable than the original models.

The other important update of the Lightrek poles are the molded EVA “Kork-O-Lon” grips that are found only on Gossamer Gear and Bozeman Mountain Works poles. The grips are medium sized and comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. They give the look of cork with the feel and light weight of EVA foam.

The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are very simple, including the grips, carbon/glass shafts, and carbide flextips. Small loops at the base of the grips allow wrist loops to be attached (but none are provided). Small 2-inch baskets are included with the poles, which will also accept a wide variety of available Leki baskets.

Lightrek poles are not collapsible and they must be ordered to the size of the user. I’ve found that it’s easiest to find your size by experimenting with adjustable length poles to find your best all-around length and purchasing fixed-length poles of that length. The length is measured from the top of the handle to the bottom of the tip.

Shelters that require trekking poles will work best with fixed-length trekking poles that are the exact required size. However, problems can be easily avoided by placing shorter poles on rocks or placing longer poles in depressions or at an angle or making stop points by wrapping small sections of duct tape around the shafts at the correct height.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

At only 2.8 ounces for a 125 millimeter length, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles virtually disappear in your hands. During all-day use, I experience very little hand or arm fatigue and quick placements are effortless and automatic. The Lightrek poles are a joy to use.

While some may miss the security of a wrist strap, they really are not necessary with a pole this light. A light grip is all that’s required to keep the poles in your hands in technical situations. Despite using the Lightrek poles for many months, there are still situations when I drop them, namely when I’ve place the tip between rocks or when falling. Not having the poles attached saves the shafts from possible breakage in these situations. For times when you can’t afford to drop a pole, such as high angle snow crossings, small loops at the base of the grips allow wrist loops to be attached to the poles. Tent guylines make excellent improvised loops in these situations.

Another benefit of not having a wrist strap is that it gives you flexibility to use all of the hand positions of the “Kork-O-Lon” grips. I found the standard position to be the most versatile and I used this in most situations. When pushing myself along in deep sand or powder snow, the flat upper part of the grip gives a solid position for pushing the pole behind you. A lower position is nice during steep climbs when a shorter pole is favorable. But using all of the hand positions, you essentially turn the fixed-length pole into a pole with 12 centimeters of adjustable length. The grips are extremely versatile.

The carbide tips of the Lightrek poles have Leki-style screw-on baskets and a wide variety of aftermarket baskets are available. The tips provide good grip on rock and the Leki-style attachment system is the way to go, allowing for easy basket changes in the field and secure attachment. Unlike other Leki-style tips, though, the Lightrek tips are threaded all the way up to stopper at the top. The space that’s usually at the top allows baskets to rotate without loosening. Unfortunately, baskets on the Lightrek poles become loose during usage and require occasional attention. This is especially a problem when using them in snow. During testing, baskets fell off on several occasions.

Carbon fiber trekking poles are known for their ability to naturally absorb trail shock and vibration. The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are especially good at this, bending slightly during serious hits and absorbing vibration without being overly flexible. I found the shafts to be very comfortable in conditions ranging from off-trail hiking to snowshoeing in icy conditions.

I am a very aggressive hiker, frequently jumping off of drop offs and running through difficult terrain and at 6 foot 1 inch tall and 185 pounds, I’m no lightweight either. I’m tough on poles and after breaking one of the original Lightrek poles, I really put these through the ringer. Despite my best efforts to test them to the limit in off-trail and icy snow conditions, they had no durability issues. That said, these poles are not for everyone – if you are much heavier than I am, frequently carry heavy loads, or like the feel of very rigid pole, these poles aren’t the best fit for you. But for most of the lightweight backpackers that will read this review, the new generation Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles will be a very comfortable compromise of rigidity and shock absorption.

While I experienced no durability issues with these poles, there are weaknesses. They will bend far more than aluminum poles without problems but when stressed to the limit, they will break instead of bending. A more realistic problem, though, is the shafts snapping when they are side loaded or come into contact with a sharp surface. You’ll want to avoid putting these poles into holes in a talus field or between slats on a boardwalk. By using a small amount of care in these situations, though, these poles should last for many seasons.

If breakage does occur, the poles are not covered by warranty. New shafts are available for a reasonable $30.

For $96, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are a great value. They are the lightest poles on the market, very comfortable to use, and provide the basic features needed for hikes of any length.

What’s Unique

The Lightrek poles offer a winning package of light weight, balanced rigidity and flexibility, versatile grips, and durable tips. Their carbon and glass fiber shafts are also unique among trekking poles.

Recommendations for Improvement

While the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles offer a great overall package and are a huge improvement over the first generation Lightrek poles, I would still like to see the following improvements:

• Leki-style tips that have the space above the threads offer a much more secure basket attachment and should be used instead of these tips.
• A stiffer shaft option would be better for bigger hikers or beginners to ultralight techniques.

Introduction

The Komperdell C2 Carbon Tour Duolock are two-section poles marketed as ski touring/snowshoeing models. However, they are solid poles that work equally well in summer or winter adventures. They weigh 6.0 ounces each, extend to a full 145 centimeters, offer excellent vibration damping, and are a good value at $129.99. While two sections means there are fewer parts that might be damaged, it also means the poles don’t compact below 110 centimeters.

What’s Good

• One of the lightest two-section poles at 6.0 ounces (170 g) each
• Adjust from 110 to 145 centimeters to accommodate different sized users
• Well designed and high quality
• New locking system provides no-slip adjustment
• Reasonably priced at $129.99

What’s Not So Good

• Only compact to 110 centimeters making them cumbersome when strapped to a backpack
• Snow baskets are difficult to remove
• Serrated Foam grips not as comfortable as competitors’ models

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Komperdell C2 Carbon Tour Duolock
Style	Two-section collapsible
Shaft Material	Carbon fiber
Tips	Tungsten Carbide
Grips	EVA foam with strap
Grip Size	Medium-Large
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	6.0 oz (170 g) measured weight; manufacturer’s specification 6.2 oz (176 g)
Pole Length	43.3-57.0 in (110-145 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2 in (5.1 cm), weight: 0.2 oz (6 g)
Basket Type	Twist-on/Komperdell
MSRP	$129.99

Performance

Komperdell provides a nice compromise in the C2 Carbon Tour Duolock trekking poles. As two-section poles, they are heavier than one-section poles, but with the added feature of adjustable height to accommodate different users and varied terrain. A comparable three-section pole would be heavier (and have double the locking mechanisms to adjust or possibly slip) but pack down smaller for easier stowage. My actual measurement for the minimum length was 110 centimeters. The G’reptile grip-zone on the upper section is a rubber textured material that worked very well for easy tightening in all conditions but a small section of textured bumps on the lower section provides minimal grip of the lower section.

The grips are EVA foam that is serrated on the back. The serrated section is a little uncomfortable after long periods of use. The wrist straps are neoprene and easy to adjust but cannot be removed.

Compatibility With Trekking Pole Shelters

The provided baskets are large, snow baskets. I removed them for testing during summer months, but smaller baskets are available as well as even larger snowshoeing baskets. It is hard to get a good grip on the lower section of the pole, making it hard to twist off the basket. Reinstalling the baskets is equally as hard (this is typical of Komperdell baskets). The tips of the poles are tungsten carbide, which is often used as a cheap diamond substitute in cutting tools since the material is very hard. The tips grip various terrain well in a variety of different conditions.

The Komperdell C2 Carbon Tour Duolock poles are very stiff and stable; I put all my weight on the poles and they held just fine. Trail vibration is minimal because the carbon shafts and foam grips dampen the vibration. The poles are durable and showed minimal wear during testing.

Each pole weighs 6.0 ounces, making them one of the lightest two section poles on the market. They are perfect for backpackers who want to keep their overall weight to a minimum, yet have the flexibility of a two-section pole. At $129.99 they are a great value for lightweight carbon poles.

What’s Unique

The Komperdell C2 Carbon Tour Duolock trekking poles have a new Duolock locking mechanism which claims to be 80% more stable then traditional locking mechanisms. As seen in the pictures below, when the two pole sections are turned clockwise the locking mechanism expands and locks the pole at a certain length. Because the locking mechanism expands and compresses against the upper pole parallel to the sides there is more surface area of the locking mechanism touching the inner walls of the pole. This creates more friction and leads to more stability when compared to a traditional locking mechanism that diagonally expands. I had no trouble adjusting the poles, but to keep them from slipping I often over tightened them and heard a slight creaking sound. While this caused no durability issues, the sound was disconcerting.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Komperdell C2 Carbon Tour Duolock poles are solid performers. That said, I offer the following suggestions to improve the poles:

• Add G’reptile grip-zone on part of the lower section instead of the raised texture to improve grip on the lower section when adjusting the poles.
• Redesign how the snow baskets are attached to make them easier to remove.
• Angle the grips slightly to make them more comfortable.

Introduction

With major competitors charging as much as $150-$200 for adjustable carbon fiber trekking poles, you might assume that the $95 Alpkit Carbonlite poles would be second rate. However, you’d be wrong; these poles are very light (6.6 ounces), have comfortable grips and straps, extend to a full 140 centimeters, and are the stiffest in their class. Are these the ultimate value in carbon fiber trekking poles?

What’s Good

• Among the stiffest trekking poles we’ve reviewed
• Very light (6.6 oz) for a pole this stiff and with this maximum length (140 cm)
• Solid locking mechanisms never slip
• Comfortable grips and straps
• Reasonably priced at $95

What’s Not So Good

• Grips became unglued in the field and couldn’t be field-repaired (replaced with one-piece grips in new models, eliminating the problem)
• Not as durable against sharp side impacts as aluminum poles
• The poles are currently unavailable but should be back on the market in September ’06

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Alpkit Carbonlite trekking poles
Style	Three-section collapsible
Shaft Material	Carbon fiber
Tips	Tungsten carbide
Grips	EVA foam with strap (synthetic cork grips are optional)
Grip Size	Medium
Weight Per Pole (without baskets)	6.6 oz (187 g) measured weight; manufacturer’s specification 6.9 oz (195 g)
Pole Length	26.5 – 55 in (67 – 140 cm)
Baskets Included?	Yes – diameter: 2.2 in (6 cm), weight: 0.4 oz (10 g)
Basket Type	Press fit/Life Link or Black Diamond
MSRP	£50 (approx $95)

Shelter type and pole length required	Usable with this shelter?
Gossamer Gear/Tarptent Squall Classic (42 in/107 cm)	Yes
Tarptent Virga 2 / Squall 2 and Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo / Europa (45 in/114 cm)	Yes
GoLite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	Yes