Articles (2020)

Overview

In the last month, my wife and I had a chance to field-test the new Komperdell Carbon Duolock trekking poles on a trip to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. (These poles are sold under the REI brand as Peak UL Trekking and Peak UL Compact Trekking.) I used the two-section Komperdell Carbon Tour Duolock poles and my wife the three-section Komperdell C3 Duolock Women’s poles. These sectional poles are carbon fiber with single pole weights under 6 ounces (170 g). Needless to say, they have generated a lot of interest!

Over the course of two weeks we used the Komperdell Carbon Duolock poles on easy trails, rocky trails, muddy trails, icy trails, snow covered trails, no trail, bogs, talus fields, crossing raging glacier fed streams, glacier travel, and probably a few other situations that don’t come to mind. I will briefly report on our experience with them so far (this is not a full review) as well as informally compare the Komperdells with the top rated poles in our Trekking Poles Review Summary, the Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights (and the similar but longer Life-Link Carbon Race Poles). The Life-Link poles are a hybrid construction with an aluminum upper and carbon fiber lower.

Initial Performance Assessment

As far as we know, the Komperdell Carbon Duolock poles are the lightest adjustable poles out there. The Komperdell C3 Duolock Women’s poles are similar in length to the Life-Link Guide Ultra Light poles and are 2.2 ounces lighter per pole. The Komperdell Carbon Tour Duolock poles are similar in length to the Life-Link Carbon Race poles and are 3.3 ounces lighter per pole. For the lightest piece of gear that does the job, the Komperdell Carbon Duolock poles are suitable for trail use and not too punishing off-trail travel.

But if you want section locks with maximum reliability, or want poles for snow and cold weather use, then the Life-Link poles may be your better bet. The Life-Link poles have more comfortable grips, better baskets, and less vibration. It is too early to make a comparison on long-term strength and durability between the two poles. The Life-Links have a long-term reliability record that the Komperdell Carbon Duolock poles, only months old, do not.

Advantages of Komperdell Carbon Duolock

• Lighter than the comparable Life-Link models by 25-40%
• Lighter swing weight
• For their weight the poles are extremely stiff
• All three Komperdell Carbon Duolock models are longer yet lighter than the Life-Link Guide Ultra Light (the longer Life-Link Carbon Race will accommodate taller hikers and a wider range of shelters)
• The C3 Duolock Men’s and Women’s poles (three-section) are more compact than the Life-Link poles.

Advantages of Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights

• Oval section locks work more reliably
• A clear advantage for snow/cold weather use (convert to avalanche probe, friction zone grip for easy adjustment with mittens, optional self arrest handle)
• Somewhat less vibration
• Smooth grips are more comfortable and have a durable plastic cap
• Better and easier to remove baskets (more compact tapered design, snags less)
• Less expensive

Pole Comparison Table

Pole	Weight** oz	Weight** g	Sections	Maximum Length in (cm)	Minimum Length in (cm)	Maximum Length/Weight	MSRP
Life-Link Guide Ultra Light	7.8	221	2	48 (122)	30 (76)	0.55	$99.95
Life-Link Carbon Race	8.8	250	2	58 (146)	39 (100)	0.58	$109.95
*Komperdell C3 Duolock Men’s	6.3	178	3	55 (140)	27 (68)	0.79	$129.00
*Komperdell C3 Duolock Women’s	5.6	159	3	49 (125)	24 (60)	0.79	$129.00
Komperdell Carbon Tour Duolock	5.5	155	2	53 (135)	37 (95)	0.87	Euro 99.95 (US $131)
* REI Peak UL Trekking and Peak UL Compact Trekking are identical poles respectively ** Weights are for single poles without baskets as measured by Backpacking Light

What we liked about Komperdell Carbon Duolock trekking poles

They are light and have the lightest swing weight of any sectional poles we’ve tested. Since our packs were a bit heavier than usual with "Patagonia capable" gear, we really appreciated the light weight when we had to stow the poles (e.g. climbing or navigating a boulder field). Even the two-section Carbon Tour Duolock poles compacted enough to fit into our luggage for international travel. The poles were also some of the stiffest we’ve tested and were solid enough to support us in all situations we encountered (neither of us had a huge pole slip or fall on our trip to really test the poles). From some very quick load testing, the Komperdells are about as stiff as the Life-Link poles, possibly a bit stiffer.

The Komperdell Carbon Tour Duolock poles have g’reptile grip tape (very grippy tape used on mountain bike handlebars, golf clubs, batting gloves, NASCAR steering wheels, etc.) on the shaft below the main grips so you can quickly choke up on the poles.

The gems of the Komperdell carbon fiber line are the 5.5-ounce, two-section Carbon Tour Duolock poles. At 135 centimeters/53 inches (137 cm/54 in for shelter use), they are long enough for tall hikers and will work with most pole-supported shelters.

What we didn’t like about Komperdell Carbon Duolock trekking poles

Komperdell touts their new Duolock section locks, but after two weeks on the trail we found them no better, (or worse,) than many section locks. Occasionally the section locks would spin and spin and not lock. This usually happened after stowing the poles and lengthening them for use again. It took a bit of fiddling, usually breaking apart the section and adjusting the expansion-nut inside, to get the offending lock to work. Once tightened, the poles did not slip any more or less than any other poles we’ve used. (Note: there is no perfect section lock and all have their weak points but I would give a slight nod to the Life-Link section locks over the Komperdell locks since they lock down and unlock every time).

The Komperdell serrated grips are not as comfortable as the smooth surfaced Life-Link grips. The serration on the back of the Komperdell grips irritated my hands. Even so, I had no blisters or serious discomfort. Komperdell says that the grips have a built in 8° positive angle but this was not noticeable in use.

The Komperdell poles make creaking and cracking noises when I flex them hard. Under similar stress, the Life-Link poles are silent. This may not have any relevance for trail use and I haven’t tested these over the course of a year like I have the Life-Link poles. I certainly have no evidence at this point as to which is the stronger pole and I’m not going to break either pair to find out.

Finally, what’s up with the gimmicky compasses at the top of the pole grips? My wife at first liked the idea of the compasses, but found them too small and imprecise to be of any real use. When used upside down as a shelter support, the plastic of the compass scratched and became opaque rendering the compass useless, if they were indeed useful to begin with. The two-section Carbon Tour Duolock poles are blessedly free of compasses.

The Komperdell trail baskets are a bit large, not tapered, and prone to snagging. Once installed they are almost impossible to remove without a pair of pliers and even then it’s difficult. The Carbon Tour Duolock poles came with enormous powder baskets, possibly because they are intended to be used as ski racing poles. Fortunately we don’t use pole baskets for much of the year and simply removed them for our testing.

Overview

The MSR Overland Carbon trekking poles offer a lot for their $129.95 price. They compact to only 26 inches (66 cm) but extend to 57 inches (144 cm) which is long enough for very tall hikers. They are built with carbon fiber shafts which are stiff and comfortable but do vibrate a bit on the trail. Their stiffness and long length makes them excellent for even the heaviest and most aggressive hikers and climbers. The MSR poles are very durable, have a solid, non-slipping locking system, and are beautifully constructed. At 8.1 ounces (229 g) per pole, they are the lightest poles for their maximum length of all of the collapsible poles we reviewed. These poles are manufactured by Komperdell in Austria and are also sold under the name Komperdell Pure Carbon.

In Brief

• Made in Austria by Komperdell
• Only 8.1 ounces (229 g) – among the lightest 3-section poles
• They extend to 57 inches (144 cm) – long enough for very tall hikers
• The carbon shafts are stiff and comfortable but vibrate a bit when hiking
• The grips, tips, and strap are well designed
• Very secure locking system
• Beautiful construction – very high quality
• At $129.95, they aren’t cheap but a great value for what you get

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	Full carbon fiber
• Tips	Carbide
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam, plastic medium Yes – padded, adjustable
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 8.1 229 Manufacturer claim 8.5 241
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 26 66 Maximum length 57 144
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$129.95

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The locking system of the MSR poles is excellent. They lock easily and I never had problems with them slipping during field testing. Plastic sleeves at section ends give larger grip areas to tighten the poles but are smooth, making it tough to tighten poles with cold hands in snowy conditions.

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	Yes

The MSR Overland Carbon poles compact down to 26 inches (66 cm) which is short enough to have just a little bit extending above a pack when they are lashed to the side. Their fully extended length of 57 inches (144 cm) is tall enough for hikers of nearly every height. During field tests, they proved to be long enough for hikers over 6’4" (193 cm). Their length and stiffness also make them excellent candidates to support nearly any shelter, including tall teepee-style tents (see below).

The grips on the Overland Carbon poles are medium-sized, fitting my large hands well but still comfortably fitting my wife’s smaller hands. They have a nice protrusion between the top two fingers that improved the grip. The strap is wide and well-padded, effectively wicking moisture on hot desert hikes. The strap also has a small elastic section at the center that gives a slight cushioning effect – nice touch. The transition between the EVA foam and the plastic upper section is smooth and the rounded upper section is comfortable when placing my palm on top of the pole. My only problem with the grips is the deep ridges on the back of the grip. While the ridges provide extra grip, they also rubbed my hands on a long summer hike, creating hot spots.

The carbide tips are stiff and predictable, offering excellent grip in rocky and icy terrain. The poles come with trekking baskets and snow and snowshoeing baskets are also available. Because these poles are manufactured by Komperdell, the basket attachment is the same one found on other Komperdell (and REI and EMS) poles with two plugs and a twist lock. While this style attachment is very secure and new baskets went on easily, it sometimes required pliers to twist them off (especially snow baskets) eliminating some flexibility on the trail.

Weight/Swing Weight

At 8.1 ounces (229 g), the MSR Overland Carbon poles are among the lightest three-section carbon fiber poles on the market. Their balance point is in the upper third of the pole, making them swing easily on the trail. At just over 7 inches per ounce of pole weight, these poles are the lightest for their maximum length of all the collapsible poles we reviewed.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

These poles are really stiff. When I put them in the hands of my biggest hiking buddies, the universal response was that the MSR poles were very stiff and stable, even when extended to the maximum length setting. In our reviews, the MSR poles were only surpassed in stiffness by the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles.

Trail Vibration

The MSR Overland Carbon poles do a fantastic job of softening sharp trail impacts and are quite comfortable on the trail. However, the shafts vibrate a bit when hiking. While these carbon shafts vibrate less than most aluminum poles, they vibrate more than most other carbon fiber poles.

Durability

After many long miles in a variety of conditions, these poles show very little wear. Even with stepping on them, hard landings in technical sections, and a couple of jarring falls, the MSR Overland Carbon poles still look great. I have no concerns about their durability and look forward to many future trips with them.

Value

At $129.95, the MSR Overland Carbon poles are not cheap. But they are beautifully constructed and very lightweight, especially considering that they extend to 57 inches (144 cm). These poles absorb shock while remaining very stiff. Their locking mechanism is among the most solid I’ve seen. All things considered, these poles are an excellent value – you really get what you pay for.

Recommendations for Improvement

The MSR Overland Carbon poles are excellent and a solid value. However, I offer the following recommendations for further improvements:

• Switch to a Leki-style screw-on system of changing baskets – this would make basket changes in the field much easier.
• For a pole at this price, included snow baskets would be nice.
• Moderate or remove the ridges on the back of the grips to eliminate chaffing.
• Add ridges to the sleeves at the end of pole sections to make them easier to adjust in cold or snowy conditions.

Overview

The Leki Ultralite Ti COR-TEC poles are lightweight yet durable, basic trekking poles. They weigh 16.2 ounces (459 g) for the pair with an MSRP just under $100. The three-section telescoping poles collapse to an easily packable length of 24 inches (61 cm). The natural rubber/natural cork grip and softly lined wrist strap combine to make a comfortable ride for your hands.

In Brief

• Comfortable natural cork/rubber grip and padded straps
• Reasonably lightweight at 8.1 oz (230 g) per pole
• Somewhat flexible – not the best for pyramid shelter supports
• Durable and resistant to slippage during use
• Priced a little high at $99.95

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	7075 aluminum/titanium alloy
• Tips	Carbide flex tip, concave tip
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? COR-TEC, a natural cork/natural rubber mix medium small yes
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 8.1 230 Manufacturer claim 8.0 227
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 24 61 Maximum length 51 130
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$99.95

Usable Features and Ease of Use

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	No (exceeds maximum extension)

The Leki Ultralite Ti COR-TEC trekking poles collapse to a short enough length (24 in/61 cm) that they fit in the side pockets or compression straps of many packs without protruding more than a few inches above the pack. They extend to a length suitable to support tarps and many tents (see below). The natural material and ergonomically shaped grip is comfortable even with sweaty hands. The webbing wrist strap is adjustable and covered with a wicking material that is soft on the skin. The poles come with small baskets. Larger snow baskets and rubber tips are available separately.

Locking mechanism – ease of use

The Leki twist lock mechanism is referred to as the Easy Locking System (ELS). It has a very smooth feel but takes a twist or two more to secure than other poles I’ve used, including older model Leki poles. Once two sections are firmly tightened, the setting holds even on steep downhill treks where the poles are supporting the full body weight of the user. A plastic sleeve on the upper and middle pole sections provides something to grip when twisting the shafts. The sleeve is slightly ridged, enough so that the poles can be twisted/untwisted with gloves on, aided by the smooth mechanism of the ELS. The sleeves are long enough to be able to get a good grip when unlocking sections that have been collapsed to the minimum length. This is an improvement over other poles I’ve used with narrow sleeves that were hard to grip when the poles were fully collapsed and the sleeves were right next to each other.

Baskets and tip

The pole tips are carbide flex tips. As Leki describes, the tip end is a concave circle with a smooth edge so the tip is resting on a point no matter what angle the pole is planted at. The tip ferrule is designed to flex 30 degrees before deliberately breaking so that the lower shaft is not damaged. The poles tips sometimes skitter on smooth rock slabs but less so than other poles I’ve used. Overall I was impressed with their sticking power.

The supplied baskets are 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Larger Snowflake baskets can be attached for winter use. The baskets unscrew from the pole tip with a firm downward pressure. They can be changed out in below freezing conditions, however it is difficult when wearing gloves to get a good grip on the pole to anchor it when unscrewing the basket. Better to change baskets at home before a winter trip. Rubber tips are also available that fit over the carbide tips for use on pavement or indoors.

Grip comfort and performance

The grip is made of a mix of natural cork and natural rubber called COR-TEC. The material has a comfortable feel, even in hot, sweaty conditions. The grip size is medium to small and ergonomically shaped to fit the hand. It felt very comfortable in my long, narrow hand.

The wrist strap is webbing, lined with a soft material that feels good next to the skin. It is adjustable by pulling on the tail of the webbing strap. The adjustment is locked in place by downward pressure once your hand is in the strap. Black and white pins on the top of the grip mark the pole as left or right. The straps feel slightly more comfortable when the proper pole is in the intended hand since the narrower part of the strap fits between the thumb and forefinger. The small details make this strap feel comfortable against the hand mile after mile.

Leki recommends bringing the hand up through the bottom of the strap, which is how I used the poles most of the time. The grips are not angled so the wrist is cocked tighter than on an angled grip. I occasionally switched my grip by bringing my hand down through the straps to reduce my wrist angle. I felt less wrist pressure and more stability on steep downhills when I used this technique.

Weight/Swing Weight

The poles weigh 8.1 ounces (230 g) each without baskets. The pole balance point is a little over a third of the total length from the top of the pole when pole length is 49 inches (125 cm). More weight is concentrated in the top half of the pole so less effort is required to swing these poles compared to poles with a higher swing weight.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

The poles have a medium stiffness and flexed quite a bit near the lower and middle section juncture when I put my full body weight on them; however, they were stiff enough for me to feel stable on steep downhills and while vaulting streams. The Leki Ultralite Ti COR-TEC poles flex when used to support a tarp or when linked together to support a pyramid tarp (not your stiffest choice for this application).

Trail Vibration

Trail vibration in the poles is medium-high with the poles set at 49 inches (125 cm). The COR-TEC grips are not soft enough to absorb the vibration. The poles have a natural flex which absorbs some of the trail shock. They do not rattle.

Durability

Although the Ultralite Ti poles flexed under full body weight, they have shown no signs of snapping. They held up under long, steep downhill treks on rocky trails. I stepped on them in camp “accidentally” and hit them against rocks and trees, and the integrity of the poles remained unchanged. The locking mechanism is solidly built. After I left the poles lying in the fine dust around camp the locking mechanism showed no signs of fouling. A pole still locked down easily after I took it apart and poured dust and dirt into it and on the locking mechanism.

Value

The Leki Ultralite Ti COR-TEC poles are sturdy and compress to 24 inches (61 cm) so can be carried easily in a pack when not needed. The grip and strap system is comfortable and the locking mechanism is secure. But at just under $100, these basic lightweight poles are priced a bit high.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Leki Ultralite Ti COR-TEC poles are a nice set of lightweight, basic trekking poles. My only suggested improvements are to change to a positive angle grip while keeping the same weight for the pair, and knock $10 off the price.

Overview

The EMS Ridge Lite trekking poles are compact three-section aluminum poles that are marketed towards women but are an excellent choice for anyone with smaller hands who doesn’t need poles longer than 125 centimeters. They are lightweight, comfortable, and flexible enough to absorb all but the most extreme trail vibrations while still being stiff enough to provide confident hiking in any terrain. At just $79, the Ridge Lite poles are an amazing value.

In Brief

• Three-section aluminum shaft
• Adjusts from 22 inches to 49 inches (56 cm to 124 cm)
• Wide comfortable wrist strap is made from a neoprene core covered in terry-cloth
• Medium-small EVA foam grips designed for smaller hands
• Extended foam grips on the shafts for climbing
• 7.9 ounces (224 g) per pole
• Built by Komperdell in Austria
• An outstanding value at $79.00

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible three-section
• Shaft Material	Aluminum alloy
• Tips	Tungsten carbide
• Grips	Grip Material Grip Size Strap Included? EVA foam medium small with extended grips Yes – padded
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 7.9 224 Manufacturer Claim 8.5 241
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum Length 22 56 Maximum Length 49 124
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$79.00

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The EMS Women’s Ridge Lite poles are marketed as a women’s trekking pole. This means that the overall length is shorter and that the grips are smaller in comparison to their men’s poles. I found the phrase “trekking poles for women” found on the front of the hangtag very misleading. I am 5’9″ inches tall with hands on the smaller side of average for a man and found these poles were a perfect fit for me.

The main grips are approximately 4 inches long and are made from firm yet comfortable EVA foam. Lower on the pole are ridged foam extensions that measure about 3.5 inches long. These extensions are for use on ascents to effectively shorten the pole without having to adjust the poles themselves. I found that I rarely used the extended grips except when climbing the steepest of trails. When I did use the grip extension it caused the pole to feel somewhat awkward and off balance. While not an ideal design they did serve their purpose.

The EMS Women’s Ridge Lite poles have three sections and adjust by twisting each section to expand a plastic plug inside the section above. This system allows the poles to adjust from a compact 22 inches to just over 49 inches. In the field, both my wife and I had the poles collapse a few centimeters over the course of our hiking. Even with extreme tightening of the shaft, the sections loosened up periodically and needed to be checked. They never had a full or dangerous collapse and I never was worried that they would. I would just notice a slight height difference between the two poles and stop to readjust every several hours.

The tungsten carbide tips of the EMS poles worked very well in all conditions. They provided secure grip on terrain ranging from wet, seaweed covered boulders to compact snow and ice above tree line. While I used them for the most part without baskets, they come with trekking baskets and snow baskets are available for purchase through EMS or Komperdell. When hiking on the beach the trekking baskets worked well in keeping the poles from getting jammed too deep into rock crevasses but were flexible enough to keep from cracking.

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	No

At 22 inches (56 cm), these poles compact to the shortest length of any poles we reviewed. At this length, they were very easy to stow and disappeared when not in use. Their maximum length of 49 inches (124 cm) was just long enough for one 6’2″ reviewer to find them usable. If you are an especially tall hiker or use a shelter that requires a longer extension, you will want to find a longer pole (see chart below).

Weight/Swing Weight

The weight I measured on the EMS Ridge Lite poles is actually lighter than the manufacturer’s claim. The center of gravity of these poles (when fully extended) lies near where the middle and top sections join. These two facts add together to create a pole that feels relatively light while on the trail. Even after many miles on the trail they caused very little arm fatigue. They were easy to reliably place among rocks and other trail debris without feeling like it was an effort or that I was fighting with the weight of the poles.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

The EMS Women’s Ridge Lite poles were able to support nearly my full body weight when I injured my knee on the Pacific Crest Trail. Yet they are flexible enough that those times that I got the poles stuck in rocks while hiking that I was able to catch my mistake before I did any damage to the poles.

While on a coast trip my wife relied heavily on the poles to support her over wet, slippery rocks. They became indispensable parts of her body, acting as outriggers. In her words: “The poles gave me the confidence to finish the trip.”

Trail Vibration

These aluminum alloy poles could be jarring in rocky conditions, but not more than other aluminum trekking poles. Placing the poles more carefully while I was hiking in those situations mitigated this problem. On compact trails the vibration was not noticeable at all. The EMS poles caused no discomfort in my hands, fore arms, or upper body. I was able to get into a flowing stride without conscious thought of where I was placing the poles.

Durability

During “normal” use along the Pacific Crest Trail these poles held up as expected. Along smooth trail where there were few large rocks the poles received minimal dings and scratches. No more than could be expected for any trekking pole. The carbide tips show little wear even after extended use in rocky territory. My only complaint is that the plastic cover protecting the juncture of two shaft sections continued to come loose and slide down the pole. Specifically, this happened whenever I tried to adjust the length of the pole.

Where these poles really impressed me was during a wet, late Fall hike along the Coast of the Olympic Peninsula. My wife used the EMS Ridge Lite poles to traverse some of the toughest, slipperiest hiking that I have had the pleasure of partaking in. They were jammed into rock crevasses, used to pole-vault tide pools, and all around abused so that we could safely cross the rocky shore. The poles showed very little damage beyond scratches in the paint.

When my wife slipped and fell, landing on one of the poles while it was jammed into the rocks, the pole bent into an S-shape that kept it from compressing down to its shortest length. Other poles would have been damaged similarly in the same situation. When I sent the poles back to EMS they responded very promptly and replaced the bent pieces free of charge with extra parts they had in the warehouse. If they had not had the parts, they promised me replacement value of the single pole. The whole process took less than two weeks from the time I emailed the service department until I received the poles back in working order again. GREAT customer service at EMS.

Value

The EMS Women’s Ridge Lite poles are made in Austria by Komperdell, exclusively for EMS. (Compare them to the Komperdell Titanal Series.) At $79.00 they are an excellent value! Their durability, weight, and trail worthiness make them comparable with other, more expensive trekking poles. They are solid, reliable trekking poles from a company that stands behind its products and does what it can to make customers happy. I highly recommend the EMS Women’s Ridge Lite poles to anyone wanting to try trekking poles without spending a lot of money.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Increase strength of twist locks to reduce collapse of the poles.
• Market the Women’s Ridge Lite as “compact” poles, not just a trekking pole for women.
• Offer an even-lighter version without the extended grips.
• Improve the fitting at the section juncture so it doesn’t come loose while adjusting poles.

Overview

Life-Link claims that “The Guide Ultra Light is one of the lightest and most dependable trekking poles on Earth!” While no pole is perfect, and we do have a few beefs with the poles, the statement has merit. The Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights were our highest rated poles. They were among our stiffest poles. They were also within a few tenths of an ounce of being our lightest adjustable poles due to their two-section design, a short overall length, and carbon fiber lower shafts. (Note: the recently released REI/Komperdell all carbon fiber poles are quite a bit lighter.) One feature that sets the Life-Link poles apart from all others is their adaptability for technical snow use. The Guide Ultra Lights: 1) convert to a short avalanche probe, 2) can be adapted with a self arrest grip called “The Claw,” and 3) have a rough sandpaper-like shaft grip section, the ” Friction Zone,” which lets you adjust them easily with heavy mitts on. No other poles come close for technical winter/snow use.

The Guide Ultra Light’s major limitation is size and adjustability. This is true of most two-section poles. With a maximum extension of 48 inches they won’t fit some tall hikers (one of our 6′ reviewers found them too short), or work with some trekking pole-supported shelters. (Note: the almost identical Life-Link Carbon Race poles extend to over 57 inches and should accommodate most shelters and tall hikers.) Finally, at 30 inches, they aren’t all that compact stowed. They may not fit into a small pack or duffel bag and on the trail they extend beyond the top of most backpacks when stowed.

What’s Good

• Hybrid construction – aluminum upper and carbon fiber lower keeps performance high and cost low
• One of the stiffest and lightest adjustable poles we tested
• Low swing weight due to carbon fiber lower shaft
• Technical use on snow – converts to short avalanche probe, optional self arrest handle
• Oval section locks less prone to jam or spin than traditional circular locks
• Good value at $99 for lightweight carbon fiber poles

What’s Not So Good

• Size limited: 48-inch maximum extension – won’t fit tall hikers or work with some shelters
• Size limited: doesn’t compact as short as three-section poles, may not fit in pack or luggage
• Section locks sometimes needed a light “jiggle” to slide for length adjustment (Note: the section locks did not jam)
• Newly released, comparable all-carbon poles are 30% lighter

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible two-section trekking pole
• Shaft Material	Hybrid: Aluminum upper shaft, carbon fiber lower shaft
• Tips	Replaceable carbide flextips
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam with a hard plastic top cap medium yes
• Weight	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) BackpackingLight measured 7.8 without baskets 224 Manufacturer claim 7.0 with baskets 198
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 30 76 Maximum length 48 122
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$99.00

Note: The Life-Link Carbon Race poles are two-piece and similar to the Guide Ultra Light but longer. Specifications for Life-Link Carbon Race Poles: 8.8 oz (250 g) each without baskets, 57.5 in (146 cm) maximum length, 39.25 in (100 cm) minimum length.

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights have a traditional aluminum upper shaft and a carbon fiber lower shaft. With only one adjustment joint and a maximum length of 48 inches, much of the weight of the poles goes into stiff shaft sections. The beefy shafts equate to strength and durability. The carbon fiber lower section uses thick wall sections, hardly flexes at all, and looks very durable.

The Guide Ultra Lights have more features than the other poles we reviewed. They convert to a short avalanche probe by unscrewing the lower shaft from each pole and then screwing the lower shafts together to make a 56 inch avalanche probe – not long by rescue standards but better than nothing. The conversion to a probe takes less than a minute. You can also buy an extension piece to make the probe longer. The upper shaft/grip of one pole can be replaced with “The Claw” self-arrest grip. While not a substitute for an ice axe, it does a credible job in snow that is not too hard. The Claw is plastic and does not penetrate and arrest as well in hard snow like neve (consolidated granular snow). Finally, nice under any conditions, is a rough sandpaper like shaft grip section, the ” Friction Zone,” that lets you easily adjust the poles, even with heavy mitts on. No other poles come close for technical winter/snow use.

The medium sized grips fit both my hand and my wife’s. Both of us found them comfortable and non-fatiguing. The straps are wide and substantial, and the webbing is comfort lined with a soft neoprene like foam. The plastic cap at the top of the grips is a nice durability feature. The Life-Link oval section locks haven’t jammed or slipped in almost a year of use. I occasionally have to jiggle the locks to adjust them to a new length. This only takes a few seconds, requires no force, and is more of an irritation than a serious functional problem with the poles.

The replaceable carbide flex tips of the poles have a cup shaped (non-serrated) end. The tips gripped well on all surfaces. I especially liked the Life-Link trekking baskets which are smaller diameter and more conical than other trekking pole baskets. They get in the way less and don’t snag as much as other trekking baskets. There are optional snow baskets for the poles. It is easy to change baskets.

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (123 cm)	Marginal (122 cm)
MSR Missing Link (137 cm)	No

I’m 5’8″ tall and found I had more than enough length from the poles, but one of our 6′ reviewers found them too short. At maximum extension the poles work with all the shelters I use – various tarps, Tarptents, and a Six Moon Designs Europa II. The poles are marginal with a GoLite Trig 2 and do not work with the MSR Missing Link. The poles are very stiff and strong enough to support a shelter. The longer Life-Link Carbon Race poles would be more than adequate for most shelters, including the Missing Link, as well as long enough for hikers who are too tall to use the Guide Ultra Lights.

Weight/Swing Weight

With a carbon fiber lower shaft much of the weight of the pole is in the upper aluminum grip section of the pole. A light lower shaft makes for a lower moment of inertia and good swing weight. On the trail, the Guide Ultra Light poles easily swing back and forth with each stride without causing a lot of fatigue and it’s easy to put the tip right where you want it.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

These poles are stiff. The only poles I evaluated that were stiffer than the Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights were the heavier Exped Alpinist Carbon poles. The Life-Links have a strong ovalized upper section of aluminum and a substantial carbon fiber lower section. A single adjustment joint removes a flex point over three-section poles. The three-section Leki Ultralight Ti AirErgo aluminum poles, which weigh near the same, are downright whippy and flexible in comparison.

Trail Vibration

Carbon fiber is a wonderful thing for reducing vibration. Years ago I noticed reduction in vibration when I switched from a metal to carbon fiber fork on my road bike. The same is true for trekking poles. On hard trails and on rock, the Life-Link Guide Ultra Light poles absorb that uncomfortable zing up the shaft that metal poles exhibit. On a side by side comparison, the Guide Ultra Lights damped vibration as well as any pole tested – even the all carbon fiber ones. This is probably due to the carbon fiber lower shaft and the substantial strength of both upper and lower shafts. Finally, I am not a fan of poles with a spring shock absorbing mechanism. More weight, more stuff to go wrong, and I don’t like the squishy feel of the springs. Carbon fiber with its low weight and good feel is a better solution to trail vibration.

Durability

The beefy shafts equate to strength and durability. When you really flex the poles they are stiff and solid with none of the creaking and crackling noises I hear flexing some of my other carbon fiber poles. The flex tips, trekking baskets, and the 5-inch Friction Zone grip combine to protect the most abuse pone section of the pole – the bottom 7 inches. This is where the poles get banged against sharp objects and get stuck between rocks. The single section lock leaves only a single point of failure and the oval section locks work as well now as when I got the poles. Another durability feature is a hard plastic cap to take abuse at the top of the pole. This is especially nice if you use it as a shelter support. I’ve used the poles for almost a year now and they show every indication of lasting another 10 years.

Value

For a light, very rigid, and durable pole the Life-Link Guide Ultra Lights are hard to beat. They were among our lightest sectional poles but also among the stiffest and most durable. They were comparable in weight and stiffness to other sectional carbon fiber poles but cost $30 less. Add their snow adaptability and they are a bargain for a high performance pole.

Recommendations for Improvement

Take the jiggle out of pole length adjustment. The most annoying thing about the Life-Link poles was that I occasionally had to jiggle them a bit to adjust them to a new length. This took only a few seconds, required no force, and was more of an irritation than a serious functional problem with the poles. To be fair, they never jammed or slipped and I was always able to adjust them. The Life-Link Carbon Race poles I tested needed no jiggling to slide to a new length.

Life-Link is under stiff competition with the introduction of new all carbon fiber poles from Komperdell (also sold by REI under their own brand name). The two-section Komperdell Carbon Tour Duolock poles are longer (53-54 inches, 135-137 centimeters) and about 30% lighter (5.6 ounces, 159 grams per pole) than the Guide Ultra Lights. But the Komperdell poles have none of the snow amenities of the Life-Link poles and their long-term durability remains unproven. Even so, it may be time for Life-Link to consider an all carbon fiber pole.

Overview

In the world of look-a-like trekking poles, the Pacerpoles stand out. They have a radically-angled grip and pole length substantially shorter than traditional trekking poles. They are heavy by lightweight standards at 11.2 ounces (318 grams) per pole without baskets, but they are still worth a close look – under most conditions, the Pacerpoles are the most comfortable poles to hold of any we have used. The grip is designed to facilitate a relaxed walking style that permits you to use your upper body strength to help propel you forward without forcing you to put undue strain on your arms. When used properly, we found the Pacerpoles let us move forward in a fluid yet relaxed manner under a broad range of conditions.

In Brief

• Designed specifically for left and right hands
• Sturdy construction using 7075 aluminum, neoprene, and hard plastic
• Encourages a strong yet relaxed style of walking under a wide range of conditions
• Require some getting used to, but once you adjust the benefits are clear – more forward propulsion with less arm movement
• Heavier than most lightweight trekking poles
• Not the best choice for snow or mountaineering applications

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	7075 aluminum alloy
• Tips	Carbide
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? Molded plastic – designed to fit the left or right hand One size Yes
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 11.2 318 Manufacturer claim 11.5 325
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 27 68 Maximum length 56 142
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	£83 as listed at www.pacerpoles.com (approximately $155 USD)

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The Pacerpole is unique among trekking poles because each pole grip is designed to work with just the left or the right hand. The grips, shaped like a joystick for a modern video shoot-’em-up game, are made to cradle your left or right hand in a natural posture. At first when you grab a Pacerpole you find yourself wondering how you can possibly use the poles. But it quickly becomes clear that although your hand is just resting on the grip you are in no danger of accidentally releasing the pole: your fingers have curved around the grip just as they would do if you were walking with your hands held in a relaxed position at your sides.

The different grip affects how long the poles need to be. The manufacturer suggests, and our reviewers agree, that a good starting point for determining the proper height of your poles is to have the top of the grip just below your elbow height when you are standing with your hands at your sides making the Pacerpoles about 10-12 centimeters shorter than traditional trekking poles. The idea is to use the poles as extensions of your arms without compromising the relaxed grip of your hands. You position the Pacerpoles so that you can let your normal walking motion move the poles along with your stride. The pole tips are barely raised, almost skimming over the surface of the ground with the primary arm movement below the elbow. This ideal motion is more pendulum-like instead of a lift-and-plant motion. When you achieve this motion, ground permitting, the stress on your arms is greatly reduced and you are still able to use your upper body strength to help propel you forward.

There is an informative online user manual along with several articles on how to improve your walking style on the Pacerpoles website. The suggestions laid out in this material help you walk more efficiently and feel better doing it.

The Pacerpole grip has some interesting side-effects. When the weather cools off I may start a day hiking with light gloves. If I am using a traditional style trekking pole and it is not too windy I will almost always remove my gloves even when the temperature is in the 20s °F. When using the Pacerpoles my hands do not warm up as much and certainly not as fast. I often need to leave my gloves on with the Pacerpoles when I would have removed them if using other trekking poles. I believe this is further evidence that you can hold a Pacerpole securely without exerting much force.

While extremely comfortable for non-technical hiking, we found the grip angle was not as well suited for deep snow or mountaineering applications. In these situations, a more vertical pole placement is more secure and the non-adjustable angle of the grips made them harder to use. During several days of snowshoeing in deep, crusty snow, we constantly wished for traditional, straight grips.

There is a security cord on the grip that you can insert your wrist through to achieve an added sense of control. We found that the wrist cord was a valuable aid, especially on steeper descents.

Immediately below the hard plastic grip is a 5.5-inch sleeve of neoprene that can be used during steep climbs. We found this to be another valuable tool as this hand position is more natural during technical ascents.

Pacerpoles use the common twist-and-lock system for length adjustment. Once tightened we found the poles stayed locked even when we placed our full weight on them. The pole length needs to be adjusted as the terrain varies to get the most out of them. Fortunately they are easy to manipulate even when wearing gloves.

The Pacerpoles come with small 2-inch trekking baskets and larger 4-inch snow baskets. These Leki-style baskets are easy to screw on and off the pole.

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	Yes

We used the Pacerpoles with a variety of shelters and found that they worked as well as trekking poles in most situations (see below). Shelters that require the grip to contact the fabric grip-side up (such as the MSR Twin Peaks) are harder to set up with Pacerpoles, but it is still possible.

The tip is a basic tungsten carbide tip. The poles come with a removable rubber protective ferrule.

Weight/Swing Weight

The Pacerpoles weigh 11.2 ounces per pole (without baskets). While this is heavy by lightweight standards, the poles generally do not feel heavy when properly used in non-technical situations. Once you have the poles well adjusted and are using them in a smooth pendulum-like, ground-skimming motion the weight of the poles becomes much less noticeable. If, however, you have to lift and plant the poles frequently, as we found ourselves doing in deep snow conditions, the extra weight becomes readily apparent.

We estimate that nearly a third of the Pacerpoles’ weight is in the hard molded plastic grip. We wonder if the grip can be lightened and whether the poles need to have three sections. Even our tallest reviewer, 6’2″, typically only extended his Pacerpoles to about 115 centimeters – a length that can be achieved with a two-section pole.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

The Pacerpole length remained stable when properly tightened even when I placed my full weight on it. It is a very stiff pole, whether used for hiking or as a shelter support.

Trail Vibration

When you are properly swinging Pacerpoles they should just skim over the ground in an easy pendulum motion. You aren’t bringing the poles into contact with the ground with great force which translates into minimal vibration, although more than carbon fiber trekking pole models.

Durability

The Pacerpoles are solidly constructed using 7075 aluminum alloy and tough plastic for the hand grips. There are no signs of wear on our test samples after many hard days of use on all manner of terrain.

Value

Pacerpoles are not cheap at approximately $160 USD. However, the Pacerpoles offer a different approach to using trekking poles that we think is well worth examining carefully.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Pacerpoles are heavy. While the weight is less of an issue when skimming the poles across the ground without excess lifting, this style is not always possible. We’d like to see the grip weight reduced. Our reviewers found that they generally did not have to extend the poles nearly as much as they would traditional poles. A two-section version of the pole that extends to 120-125 centimeters could shave a couple ounces off the weight. (Pacerpole is currently developing a carbon fiber bottom segment that should reduce pole weight.)

An adjustable grip angle would make the poles more usable in snow or technical situations although this feature might add unwanted weight.

Overview

We have used two different pairs of Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles over the last couple of years in a wide variety of settings. At 7.5 ounces (217 g) per pole, they are among the lightest three-section trekking poles on the market. They offer comfortable, mid-size grips, a reliable carbide tip, and a locking system that, if kept clean, stays right where you put it. These poles are somewhat flexible but do a good job of absorbing trail vibration. They compact to a short 24 inches (61 cm) but only extend to 51 inches (130 cm) – not long enough for hikers taller than about 6’2″ (188 cm) or those that use shelters that require long extensions (such as the MSR Missing Link). Over years of abuse, our sets of Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles have been durable and dependable.

In Brief

• Lightweight at 7.5 ounces (217 g) per pole
• Locking system is simple and reliable
• Somewhat flexible but better at absorbing trail vibration than other aluminum poles
• Compacts to just 24 inches (61 cm)
• Only extends to 51 inches (130 cm) – not the pole for tall hikers

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	7075 aluminum/titanium alloy
• Tips	Carbide flextip
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam with cork tops medium small yes – padded
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 7.5 213 Manufacturer claim 7.65 217
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 24 61 Maximum length 51 130
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$109.95

Usable Features and Ease of Use

Both of the Leki poles we reviewed collapse to 24 inches (61 cm) (the only poles in our review suite that compressed shorter were the EMS Women’s Ridge Lite at 22 inches). This short length makes it easy to travel with the Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles. The maximum extension of these Leki poles is 51 inches (130 cm), suitable for hikers up to about 6’2″ (188 cm) and usable in many trekking pole shelters, but not the MSR Missing Link (see below).

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	No – exceeds maximum extension

The Leki locking system is called the Easy Locking System (ELS). Leki claims that this system requires less torque to tighten than other systems. We found that this was true and that the system didn’t require as much hand strength to tighten as other systems – plastic sleeves at section ends made getting a tight connection easy. It did take a few more turns than other systems, though.

After hundreds of miles on the trail with these poles, we have found that when properly tightened and occasionally cleaned, these poles do not collapse when you don’t want them to. Like all collapsible trekking poles, you’ll want to take them apart occasionally and clean out the mechanism to keep them working well. It’s a good idea to buy the optional Leki cleaning brush for this chore.

The poles come with small trekking baskets that are 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Leki also offers a wide variety of accessories for their poles including snow baskets, rubber tips for pavement, and replacement parts. Leki baskets are removed by screwing them off the tip. It is a simple, secure system – you can change baskets in a minute but they do not come off accidentally.

The tip is a carbide flex tip. It flexes to a certain degree before breaking off, saving the pole shaft from breaking. After years of abuse with two sets of these poles, we have never had the tips break off and the flex is unnoticeable when hiking. They create a very secure contact with any trail surface.

The grips are extremely comfortable, offering a smooth transition from the main foam grip to the cork/rubber upper grips. The straps are adjustable and have a smooth wicking surface against your skin that is comfortable during all-day treks but doesn’t pack with snow or ice in the winter. The grips are on the small size, better sized to Amy’s small hands than Doug’s big hands.

Weight/Swing Weight

At 7.5 ounces, the Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles were the lightest three-section collapsible poles we tested and the lightest in the Leki line. They feel light in your hand and have a balance point in the upper third of the pole, making the pole easy to swing when hiking.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

While these poles are the lightest collapsible poles in our review, they are certainly not the stiffest. While Amy (5’2″/157 cm, 115 lbs/52 kg) never experienced any problems with flexibility in the poles, Doug (6’2″/188 cm, 185 lbs/84 kg) could consistently feel flex when hiking with the Leki poles, especially during technical or off-trail hiking. While the poles never failed to support either reviewer’s body weight, heavier hikers may want to choose a stiffer pole.

Trail Vibration

These poles have a medium level of trail vibration. With aluminum-shafted poles, stiffness and trail vibration go hand in hand; a stiffer pole means more trail vibration, a more flexible pole means less. This is certainly true of the Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles – they absorb much of the trail shock in their flexibility and are more comfortable on the trail than other aluminum poles. The grips do a good job of absorbing vibration as well. The only poles that did a better job of absorbing trail vibration in our tests were those constructed of carbon fiber.

Durability

After years of use and abuse, our two pairs of Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles have never failed us. This is despite numerous falls, stepping on the poles, bashing them on rocks, etc. These are durable poles. The only place we’ve had issues is with locking mechanisms gummed up with fine sand or mud (this took well over a year to affect the locking mechanism). Like all collapsible poles, taking them apart and cleaning the mechanism will keep them working better.

Value

At $109.95, these poles are a good value. You get a comfortable, lightweight pole that is versatile and will be with you for a long time. While other poles in this price range come with both trekking and snow baskets, Leki only included the trekking baskets with the Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles. We think snow baskets should be included as well.

Recommendations for Improvement

There is little we would change on the Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles. They are a good value and work well. Angled grips or extended grips on the shaft for climbing would be nice but these are available in other models (such as the Ultralite Ti Air Ergo PA AS) for extra cost and weight. Other poles in the Leki line offer increased stiffness and length for heavier or taller hikers. For the weight and price of the Ultralite Ti Air Ergo, though, we wouldn’t change a thing…except to ask that snow baskets be included.

Overview

The Exped Alpinist Carbon poles are close to being the ultimate “big guy” poles. They are extremely stiff, very durable, have comfortable, large-size grips, extend to a full 58 inches (148 cm), and are still very lightweight at 8.7 ounces (247 g). However, they have a locking mechanism that slips. Despite roughening up the surface of the expanders, the poles still slip a bit during hard landings or when putting full body weight on them. In addition, the poles rattle on impact with hard surfaces such as rock or pavement. By adding a more secure locking system and eliminating the trail vibration, these $129 poles would be an excellent value.

In Brief

• The longest extension of any pole we reviewed – 58 inches (148 cm)
• Large carbon fiber shafts are extremely stiff – great for large or aggressive hikers
• The locking mechanism slips, needing frequent readjustment
• The poles rattle more than most poles in rocky, high-vibration impacts
• Large grips are perfect for large hands

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	Full carbon fiber
• Tips	Carbide
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam, plastic large Yes – webbing, adjustable
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 8.7 247 Manufacturer claim 9.1 260
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 26 66 Maximum length 58 148
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$129.00

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The Exped Alpinist Carbon poles have the longest extension 58 inches (148 cm) of any collapsible poles we reviewed, making them a prime choice for the tallest hikers. They also compact to a short 26 inches (66 cm), which barely extends above the top of a pack when stashed. The generous length of the Exped poles makes them compatible with virtually any trekking pole shelter including the MSR Missing Link and teepee-type shelters (see chart below).

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
GoLlite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	Yes

The locking mechanism of the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles was consistently problematic during our tests. Whether it was the smaller than average expander or the smooth inside of the carbon shafts, the poles simply would not consistently lock when extended, causing the poles to slip during use. The frustrating part was that no amount of tightening would make the poles lock – the expander wouldn’t grip and just kept spinning inside the shaft.

After roughing the hard plastic expanders on rocks several times, and later with sand paper and a metal file, I did manage to get the poles to the point where they lock solidly enough for normal hiking. However, hard landings and applying my full body weight still cause the poles to slip. Roughing up the inside of the shafts might eliminate this issue but I didn’t spend much time with this approach.

The tips of the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles are durable carbide and consistently provide solid traction in ice and rocky conditions. They use a screw-on basket system that is similar to Leki; it is very secure and makes changing baskets simple and easy. I found that widely available Leki baskets worked well with the Exped poles.

The grips are made of EVA foam with a plastic top. The transition between the foam and plastic parts is smooth and the plastic is comfortable when resting my palm on top of the pole. The grips are large, best suited to large hands. The strap is non-padded nylon. While they were not uncomfortable, they couldn’t match the comfort of wider, padded straps of other trekking poles.

Weight/Swing Weight

At 8.7 ounces (247 g) per pole without a basket, the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles are not the lightest of the ultralight poles. However, these poles are among the lightest collapsible poles for their maximum length. The center of balance is in the upper third of the poles, leading to a lighter swing weight and making them feel lighter on the trail.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

The Alpinist Carbon poles are the stiffest poles we tested and the stiffest I’ve ever used. The upper shafts are substantially wider than the MSR Overland Carbon poles (19 mm to MSR’s 16 mm). When hiking buddies swapped several different poles during trips, the Exped poles were the favorites of taller, heavier hikers. These poles are solid.

Trail Vibration

While the carbon shafts do a good job of absorbing trail vibration, other vibrations and occasional slight rattling sounds came from inside the shafts. These sounds were presumably caused by the locking mechanism and less tight tolerances than on other poles. While the rattles were typically only present when impacting solid surfaces such as rock or concrete, they were somewhat annoying. This was a significant difference between the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles and the quiet, tight MSR Overland Carbon poles.

Durability

After many miles on the trail, several falls, and even stepping on the poles, the Exped Alpinist Carbon poles showed virtually no wear. They are tough and durable. However, I am concerned about the locking mechanism. They still don’t lock well after a long break-in period as well as roughening up the expanders; I’m concerned that this will not improve with use and may get worse.

Value

The Exped Alpinist Carbon poles are extremely stiff, extend to a full 58 inches (148 cm), and are still very lightweight. However, trekking poles require secure, consistent locking mechanisms and these poles just don’t have them. In addition to the inadvertent compressing of the poles, they also rattle a bit in rocky terrain. They have the potential of being the best pole out there for bigger, more aggressive hikers but as they are, their $129.00 price tag is just not a good value.

Recommendations for Improvement

These poles could be much better with just a couple of improvements:

• Fix the locking mechanism problem. They need to be more reliable and secure.
• Create tighter tolerances to eliminate the slight rattling.
• Add some padding to the straps to make them more comfortable to use without gloves.

Overview

The Exped Trekker Ergo poles are made of stiff aircraft quality aluminum and have a solid locking mechanism that rarely slips. Their distinctive feature is the handles that are angled 15-degrees forward for improved downhill ergonomics. I tested the Trekker Ergo poles extensively, both on and off-trail, and found them to be solidly built, comfortable, and dependable. Their stiffness is great for vaulting across streams, stepping down from rocks and ledges, and supporting a shelter. However, the stiffness adds to trail vibration. These poles are tough and built to last, but heavy at 18 ounces (310 g) for the set.

In Brief

• Ergonomic 15 degree grip angle
• Very stiff – great for shelter support
• Stiffness adds to trail vibration
• Not the lightest at 9.0 ounces (255 g) per pole
• A good value at $79

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	Aircraft quality 7075-T6 aluminum
• Tips	Carbide
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? Closed cell EVA foam large Yes – non-padded, adjustable
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 9.0 255 Manufacturer claim 9.0 255
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 28.0 71 Maximum length 55.5 142
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$79.00

Usable Features and Ease of Use

Exped poles are anodized inside and out for extra scratch and corrosion resistance. The distinctive feature of the Trekker Ergo over the other Exped poles we tested is that the handles have a 15-degree forward bend for improved downhill ergonomic posture. The poles have large anatomic grips made of EVA foam with “buckle-less” straps. The poles adjust from 28 to 55.5 inches (71-142 cm), and collapse to 27 inches (68 cm). The shafts on the two lower sections are marked from 115-140 centimeters at 5-centimeter intervals, so the desired pole length can easily be set by adjusting both sections to the same mark. Plastic snap-on caps for the carbide tips are provided to prevent damage to other gear. The poles come with two sets of baskets: smaller ones to prevent sinking in soft ground or sand, and larger ones for use on snow. No special options are available for these poles.

Locking Mechanism

The Exped Trekker Ergo poles have a special expander with dual contact areas for a fast and slip free lock. The poles require moderate force to unlock and slide to the desired setting. They lock easily and firmly. Once they are locked they are solid, with no slippage at all. There is little possibility that the poles will accidentally compress, unless they are not locked tight enough.

Baskets and Tips

The ends of the poles have a hard plastic sleeve with smooth carbide tips. Two sets of baskets are provided: 2-inch (5 cm) diameter baskets for soft ground, and 3.75-inch (10 cm) baskets for snow. The baskets thread tightly onto the pole and do not loosen by themselves. Changing the baskets is as easy as twisting one set off and twisting the other set on.

Grip Comfort and Performance

Grips are large and padded with EVA foam. They are angled forward 15 degrees. Straps are 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and connect to a hard plastic cap on the top of the grip. They adjust easily and keep their adjustment without the use of a sleeve or buckle.

Usability with Trekking Pole Shelters

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	Yes

The Exped Trekker Ergo poles are especially suitable for supporting shelters because of their stiffness. Their adjustable range is 28-55.5 inches (71-142 cm). The following table is a list of popular shelters and our assessment of the suitability of the Exped poles to support the shelter:

Weight /Swing Weight

At 9 ounces (255 g) per pole the Trekker Ergo poles are about average weight by conventional standards and heavy by lightweight standards. The balance point is 22.5 inches (57 cm) from the top of the pole. The shaft tapers from 0.7 inches (17 mm) at the top to 0.4 inches (10 mm) at the bottom. The balance point more towards the handle of the pole and moderate taper combine to give these poles a swing weight requiring average exertion on the trail.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

Exped poles are made of aircraft aluminum, which is claimed to be the ideal pole alloy because of its exceptional stiffness and rebound characteristics. These poles are indeed stiff and only bend about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) laterally with 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of force. This makes then very suitable for use as a shelter support. I also found them very helpful for rock hopping across snowmelt-swollen streams. Their stiffness allowed me to vault across some gaps I may not have attempted otherwise.

Trail Vibration

Vibration is high due to the poles’ stiffness. They are a little noisy on the trail although the foam grips do an excellent job of isolating vibration from the hands.

Durability

I used these poles to vault across streams, caught them in cracks, put my full weight on them stepping off of rocks and ledges, accidentally stepped on them, used them to dig a cat hole, and I put a bunch of miles on them. The only damage I have to show for it all is a few scratches. The locking mechanism is solid. These poles are tough and built to last. They should stand up to years of use without failure.

Value

I could find little fault with the Exped Trekker Ergo poles. They are well designed, solidly built, comfortable to use, durable, and perform well – what I look for in a trekking pole. At $79 they are priced $20 less than most of the poles in our review suite – a good buy.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Exped Trekker Ergo poles are solidly built and perform well, but are heavy on the lightweight backpacker scale. I would like to see at least one set of really lightweight poles in the Exped lineup that retain the performance of the Trekker Ergo poles.

Overview

The Masters X-Light trekking poles are lightweight, very well built poles with some excellent features. The Masters Super Blocking System used to adjust and lock the poles is a standout and is the most reliable and secure pole locking mechanism I have used. The X-Light poles are constructed of strong and durable 7075 aluminum alloy that looked as good after three months of use as the day I received them. I took the poles on the PCT and CDT last summer, and also put a lot of tough miles on them in the mountains of southern Arizona. After putting over 200 miles on the Masters poles, I was pleased to find that I did not really miss a shock absorption system. I did find that the poles felt heavier in use than their weight would suggest due to a heavier swing weight; extra strength and weight built into the lower section of the pole adds more weight to this area. Also, I found the grips a bit uncomfortable when I put my palms on top of the grip. But these are minor complaints, given the other excellent qualities of the poles. I plan to put a lot more miles on the X-Lights in the future.

In Brief

• Lightweight (8.8 ounces per pole)
• Durable, high quality construction
• Excellent, reliable extension locks
• Highly collapsible, down to only 24.5 inches
• No shock absorption system
• Grips uncomfortable in some types of use

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three-section trekking poles
• Shaft Material	7075 tempered aluminum alloy
• Tips	Carbide flextip
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam with extension and plastic cap medium yes
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 8.8 250 Manufacturer claim 8.8 250
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 24.5 62.6 Maximum length 52.5 133.4
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$115.00
• Manufacturer’s Contact Information	Masters Ski and Trekking Poles, US distributor Alpina Sports Corporation

Usable Features and Ease of Use

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (104 cm)	Yes
Golite Trig 2 (123 cm)	Yes
Tarptent Squall (adjustable height)	Yes
MSR Missing Link (137 cm)	Yes

There are two significant usability features in the X-Light poles. The first is the Masters Super Blocking System (SBS). This high quality locking system makes the Masters X-Light easy to adjust and lock when adjusting pole length. The Masters poles were the best I have used at reliable, secure locking. Masters claims that their SBS clamps down tighter, with equal torque, than any other trekking pole mechanism on the market. Although I cannot confirm this claim, the X-Light poles were extremely secure. Another nice feature is the collapsibility of the X-Lights. They collapse down to 24.5 inches, making them easy to store and carry when not in use. I had no problems using my X-Lights with my Tarptent Squall, and the overall stiffness of the X-Lights will make them usable with any shelter that they fit.

Weight/Swing Weight

The Masters X-Light poles weigh 8.8 ounces per pole, exactly the manufacturer’s specification. I found the poles easy to use and swing, and similar in weight characteristics to poles from major manufacturers. Since I am tall and use my poles at almost full extension (about 52 inches/132 cm), the swing weight suffers (as a pole is collapsed, the center of gravity of the pole moves toward the handle, making the swing weight less). The Masters X-Light concentrates a much of its weight in the lower sections, increasing durability, but also increasing swing weight. I found the swing weight nearly identical to my Leki Makalu Air Ergo poles, which weigh 10 percent more, but have a center of gravity closer to the handle.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

The Masters X-Light poles have a medium lateral stiffness when compared to other poles. I used the poles on many off-trail steep, rocky descents where I put a lot of weight on my poles and relied on them to keep weight off my knees and help me stay balanced on the loose rock. I had no problems with excessive flexibility that might surprise a hiker when using the poles in extreme situations.

Trail Vibration

For the past several years I’ve used poles with shock absorption almost exclusively. Since the Masters X-Lights do not have shock absorption, I was concerned that I would find them uncomfortable on downhills, especially when I was moving fast. Although there are some situations where I prefer shock absorption, I got used to the X-Lights quickly and did not find trail vibration or lack of shock absorption to be a significant problem.

Durability

The Masters X-Light poles excel in this category. Over the course of the summer, I used and abused these poles on lots of rocky trails. The trails near my home in Arizona are particularly tough on poles and the Masters X-Lights held up exceptionally well. The 7075 aluminum alloy is tough as nails. Although some paint wore off around the tips, the anodized finish was very tough – the poles didn’t suffer a single scratch or dent despite my abuse.

Value

The Masters X-Light poles are well made, lightweight, and good looking to boot but priced a bit high at $115.

Recommendations for Improvement

My only complaint with the Masters X-Light poles is the design of the cap on the grip. I like to put my palms or fingers on top of the grip in some situations, and the relatively sharp edges on the top of the grip make this less comfortable than it should be. A little more rounded grip top could easily improve this, with little or no sacrifice to the usability of the grip.

Overview

At just over 2 ounces per pole, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles virtually disappear in your hands. These are the lightest trekking poles on the market, weighing just a fraction of what the lightest collapsible models weigh. The Lightrek poles are also extremely simple – small, comfortable grips without straps, one-section carbon fiber shafts, and Leki-style carbide tips with a trekking basket. They are quite flexible, especially in the longer lengths, and can’t be abused. However, they are stiff enough for on-trail hiking and do an excellent job of absorbing trail vibration. If you’re looking for the lightest, most efficient poles, these cannot be beat.

In Brief

• EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT- only 2.3 ounces (62 g) in a 125 cm length – you hardly notice you’re carrying them!
• Very flexible, especially in the longer lengths, but stiff enough for on-trail hiking and snowshoeing
• Absorb trail vibration very well
• Fixed-length, non-collapsible
• Comfortable small grips – no straps
• Not the most durable poles – not the best bag for bigger hikers or off-trail hiking
• Our favorite trekking poles!

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Fixed length, non-collapsible
• Shaft Material	Carbon fiber
• Tips	Carbide flextip
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam small no
• Weight (without baskets)	Length Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) 110 cm (43 in) 2.2 62 125 cm (49 in) 2.3 65
• Pole Length	Fixed – 105 cm to 135 cm (41-53 in) lengths available in 5 cm (2 in) increments
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$95.95

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are extremely simple – they consist of straight carbon shafts, EVA foam grips, and Leki-style tips (with trekking baskets). No compression/locking system, no wrist straps, no angled grips, no ice axe attachments – and none of the weight that goes with them. As you have already noticed, the weight of the Gossamer Gear poles is their greatest asset. The question, is if the compromises made in features are worth it.

First, these are not collapsible poles. While some people adjust their poles often, we rarely readjust poles for climbing, descending, or traversing, instead leaving the poles at the best overall length. When using collapsible poles, we do compress them occasionally when they need to be stashed (for brushy conditions, using an ice axe or umbrella, etc.) and in these instances, we missed the Lightrek’s lack of compactability. On the other hand, we did not miss locking mechanisms that may slip or the added weight of collapsible poles. In the end, we found that a fixed length was wonderful in its simplicity and we rarely missed the collapsible option.

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	depends on shaft length,about 100-110 cm
Golite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	depends on shaft length, about 120-130 cm
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	depends on shaft length, about 130-140 cm

Trekking poles are also often used to support shelters and, depending on pole length, the Lightrek poles can work with a variety of shelters as well. Both the 110 and 125-centimeter poles worked in our floorless Tarptent Squall, a Gossamer Gear Spinnshelter, and various tarp configurations. The 125-centimeter length poles were fine as tent poles for a Six Moon Designs Europa 2 and a Golite Trig 2. When a shelter required a different length, we could get creative by adding a small wrap of duct tape around the shaft and using a clove hitch or elevating the pole a bit with a rock or stick placed underneath. We usually found that setting the poles at an angle effectively lowered the pole height and digging a small hole also worked. However, there are definitely times that you will find the fixed height limiting; we would not be able to use the 110 or 125 length poles with an MSR Missing Link and all lengths are too flexible to use with Teepee-style shelters.

The grips of the Lightrek poles are small. They were a perfect fit for Amy’s small hands, and were small but still comfortable for Doug’s medium-large hands. The grips are built of EVA foam with a comfortable flair at the bottom that can be used to effectively shorten the poles for climbing.

These poles, wisely, come without straps. Because of their flexibility, Glen Van Peski at Gossamer Gear designed these poles to pop out of your hands in a fall rather than breaking. It was a good decision – despite many falls when using the Lightrek poles, we never had one break during a fall. The lack of straps also caused occasional dropped poles on the trail. If a little extra security is desired, loops for attachment straps are included.

The pole tips are similar to Leki models. They offer consistent traction on the trail and were very dependable. The screw-on basket attachment system is a favorite for security and easy basket changes. The Lightrek poles come with trekking baskets but Leki baskets are widely available for snow use as well. Gossamer Gear recommends using the trekking baskets in rocky conditions to keep the fragile shafts from breaking due to leverage when placed in a hole. Good advice that we didn’t follow (see Durability below).

Weight/Swing Weight

The Lightrek poles weigh an almost-unbelievable 2.2 ounces (62 g) per pole in the 110-centimeter length and just 0.1 ounces more in the 125-centimeter length. They are so light that you almost don’t notice them in your hands. The difference between the weight of these poles and all the other poles we’ve used was simply astounding.

It’s hard to explain just how light these poles are. When swapping from the Lightrek poles to the lightest three-section poles, the collapsible poles felt like tanks. These poles whip very lightly between placements and using them is virtually effortless. During a 48 hour, 75-mile hike with 9,800 feet of elevation gain last fall, the Lightrek poles were a huge factor in Doug’s success; they supported and propelled his every step while adding little to his fatigue.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

These poles are not very stiff. The stiffness and feeling of stability varies with pole length, conditions, and the person using the poles.

Amy weighs 115 pounds and used the 110-centimeter poles both for backpacking and snowshoeing. She found that the poles were reasonably stiff and not overly flexible. When applying body weight to these shorter poles, they give somewhat but always felt supportive.

Doug weighs 180 pounds and used the 125-centimeter length poles for backpacking, off-trail hiking, and snowshoeing. He also tends to have a rather aggressive style. Doug found the poles to be quite flexible, bending under his body weight and when descending. These are not the most confidence-inspiring poles at this length but they are certainly stiff enough for most conditions. The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are stiffer when applying power straight down than when dealing with side loads; they are precise and efficient when pushing off.

When hikers taller and heavier than Doug used the poles (of those that carry heavier, traditional backpacking loads), they found them to be a little too flexible to be usable. Such hikers who still want ultralight poles, may want to opt for the upcoming Gossamer Gear Lightrek Plus model, which will feature stiffer shafts.

Trail Vibration

The Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles are extremely comfortable on the trail. Their carbon shafts flex somewhat during sharp impacts and absorb small trail vibrations. This makes them wonderful for all-day comfort. The longer shafts tended to vibrate slightly after impacts with hard surfaces such as rock or concrete; this was not an issue with the shorter poles.

Durability

We experienced two breakages with our poles over hundreds of miles of trail use.

The first was caused by a pole placement in a hole between large talus boulders during a descent. When stepping forward, the leverage was too much and caused the pole to snap in the lower section (a similar placement with an aluminum pole two years ago caused an irreparable bend). It is important to note that if the trekking baskets had been used, as recommended by Gossamer Gear, this break would have been avoided. Lightrek poles carry no warranty but replacement shafts are available for $30; my replacement arrived in less than a week and a half from my initial e-mail.

The second break is a mystery. Amy was using the pole to clear packed-up snow from a snowshoe cleat and the lower pole just snapped. It wasn’t cold enough to make the carbon fiber brittle so we have concluded that it was probably previously damaged. In this instance, Gossamer Gear replaced the shaft with no cost.

Despite the fact that one of these breaks was due to user error and the other due to freak causes, it is important to note that the Lightrek poles lack some durability. However, the poles were thoroughly abused over hundreds of miles, both on and off trail. When we did experience breakages, Gossamer Gear promptly replaced the shafts at a reasonable price.

Value

At $95.95, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles offer serious performance for the ultralight hiker. They are simple, yes, and not the most stiff or durable poles, but they are insanely lightweight, very comfortable, and effortlessly apply power to the trail. If the trade-offs are worth it to you, the Gossamer Gear poles are an excellent value.

Tips/Tricks

Want to free up a hand for scrambling, using an umbrella, or eating while using Lightrek poles? Attach the poles together at the tip end with a Velcro fastener or small strap and use both poles as one unit. Make sure that one pole is about 4 inches above the other so only one tip touches at a time and your hand only has to wrap around one grip and the pole shaft. Even with both poles in one hand it’s still half the weight of most trekking poles!

Recommendations for Improvement

While both of us love our Lightrek poles and rarely want to carry anything else, we do offer the following ideas for improvement:

• Use thicker, stiffer shafts – the minimal weight gain would be worth it *
• Offer thicker shafts for longer lengths for taller, heavier hikers
• Use a slightly larger grip for a better fit with average-size hands

*Editor’s note: In Spring 2005, Gossamer Gear will also offer the Lightrek Plus model which will have thicker shafts and a more ergonomic grip made out of Kork-O-Lon, a different EVA material. Early tests of these thicker shafts show that they are stiffer and more durable than the Lightrek pole shafts at only a slight weight increase.

Overview

The Exped Trekker poles are some of the stiffest and longest extending poles of those we tested. Exped hard anodizes the shafts, both inside and out, strengthening the aluminum against breakage, scratches, and corrosion. The poles include comfortable foam grips with wrist straps and carbide tips all for a very reasonable MSRP of $69. On the down side, the Exped Trekker poles weigh 18.4 ounces (520 g) for the pair, and the shaft locking mechanisms occasionally slip.

In Brief

• Very durable and stiff
• Stiffness leads to trail vibration at the grips
• A great value at $69
• Not the lightest at 9.2 ounce (260 g) per pole
• Locking mechanism occasionally slips

Specifications

• Trekking Pole Type	Collapsible, three sections
• Shaft Material	Extruded, aircraft quality 7075-T6 aluminum
• Tips	Carbide steel tips
• Grips	Grip material Grip Size Strap included? EVA foam with plastic tops medium large yes
• Weight (without baskets)	Weight per pole (oz) Weight per pole (g) Backpacking Light measured 9.2 260 Manufacturer claim 10.0 280
• Pole Length	inches centimeters Minimum length 26 67 Maximum length 58 147
• Model Year	2004
• MSRP	$69

Usable Features and Ease of Use

The Exped Trekkers are full-featured aluminum trekking poles. They are collapsible into three sections adjusting in length from 26 to 58 inches. They include EVA foam grips with wrist straps and carbide steel tips. The Exped Trekkers tested came with snow baskets, measuring 3.75 inches in diameter that screw onto the tips.

Locking mechanism – ease of use

The expanding locking mechanisms used in Exped Trekkers are designed to make contact with the inside of the poles in two places for a “fast and slip-free lock” (see photo). However, after several trips the white expansion nuts became coated in dust and occasionally slipped inside the pole shafts rather than tightening. This can be overcome by extending the pole section enough to expose the white expansion nut, holding the expansion nut during preliminary tightening until it is snug, sliding the lower pole section into the upper section (with some resistance) until the proper length is reached, and then fully tightening the expansion nut.

When the sections are fully tightened, some continue to slip when full body weight is applied to the pole. Measured on a scale, it takes approximately 70 to 80 pounds to cause the pole sections to collapse.

Baskets and tip

The tip section of the Exped Trekkers is fairly stiff. They are tipped with smooth concave carbide, which held up well against countless rock encounters. We found the concave, smooth shape to slip more often than other tips that utilize more aggressively cut patterns.

As mentioned above, the Exped Trekkers came with 3.75-inch snow baskets. Exped offers true trekking baskets, which were not tested. The baskets are attached by screwing them onto the plastic portion of the tip. Removal is fairly simple and it only takes a couple of minutes to re-outfit both poles.

Grip comfort and performance

The Exped Trekker grips are mostly EVA foam with hard plastic tops that house the adjustment mechanism for the wrist straps (see photo). The grips are anatomically shaped and are sized medium large. They were a good fit for most of our reviewers, even those with larger hands. The seam between the EVA foam and plastic tops is noticeable but not uncomfortable. The adjustment on the straps has a wide enough range to accommodate most users.

Usability with trekking pole shelters

Shelter (pole length needed)	Usable with this shelter?
Tarps	yes
Six Moon Designs Europa 2 (41 in/104 cm)	yes
GoLite Trig 2 (48 in/123 cm)	yes
MSR Missing Link (54 in/137 cm)	yes
Pyramid type tarps/tents	yes, and fits Leki’s pole adapter, which connects two poles into one

Weight/Swing Weight

The Exped Trekker poles are on the heavy side of lightweight, at 9.2 ounces per pole. The majority of the weight is concentrated in the aluminum shafts and adjusting mechanisms, which translates into additional swing weight and greater fatigue in the wrists after long trail days as compared to lighter or more balanced poles.

Lateral Stiffness/Stability

Exped hard anodizes both the outside and inside of their trekker series. Aluminum that has been anodized is both harder and stiffer. The Trekkers tested were among the stiffest poles we reviewed with very minimal flex on the trail. These poles are excellent in their double duty role as shelter supports. The stiffness and adjustability make them ideal for tarps and pyramid tents alike.

Trail Vibration

Although stiffness can be a good thing, it contributes to the trail vibrations felt while hiking with these poles. The Exped Trekkers exhibit very high trail vibration and transfer a great deal of shock to the user’s hands. The EVA foam grips do a reasonable job of dissipating some trail shock. On the up side, there is very minimal rattling or noise from the poles while hiking, the result of close fitting tolerances in the shaft sections and locking mechanism.

Durability

The Exped Trekkers appear to be virtually bombproof. We put them through considerable abuse, both on the trail and in camp, with only minor scratches resulting. As mentioned above, Exped hard anodizes the pole shafts both inside and out. The anodizing makes the shafts harder, stronger, more scratch resistant, and protects against corrosion. As a result, the poles are less likely to bend or snap. The locking mechanisms are a combination of hard plastics and metal screws that should hold up well to hard use.

Value

The Exped Trekkers are priced a solid $20 to $40 below the market standard. As such they are a good value but would be a better value if they lost a little of their 18.4-ounce weight and had better locking mechanisms.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Exped Trekker poles could be improved with better locking mechanisms and lighter weight. The plastics used in the locking mechanism, while very durable, might be too hard to adequately grip the inside anodized shafts. To improve ease and security of locking, we suggest exploring other plastics or locking mechanism shapes that would more securely hold within the shafts. These poles excel at stiffness and strength and may currently fill a niche with travelers who desire such traits. For our purposes however, reducing the shaft weight at the sacrifice of lesser strength and more flexibility would be a favorable trade-off.

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