Best trekking poles for CDT thru hike

I'd also look at BD UD Z poles, lightweight and the ability to fold them up and get them out of the way when not needed is pretty nice; thus far mine have been very durable and can be fitted w/ snow baskets if needed

they do have adj wrist straps

I have both the Locus Gear and the Black Diamond UL Distance poles. The Lotus Gear's are slightly stiffer, but my version of the BD is older and I think the new ones are stiffer. I really like the lighter weight of the BD poles and never adjust poles on the trail, but like the adjustable poles for my shelter. (Before the LG poles I just added a rock or changed the angle of the pole to raise/lower).

In my opinion the Lotus Gear poles would be durable enough for a thru hike. That isn’t saying they won’t/can’t break if you fall on them wrong, but other than that you should be fine.
The downside is that if you do need a replacement section on trail, it will have to be shipped from Japan.

If you use poles for your shelter, get the Lotus Gear, if you don't save some money with the Black Diamonds.

I have no experience with the Ruta Locura poles and if I remember right they had weired grips.

Check it out on MLD's website : http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=203

I have a pair and love them !!

I didn't like the GG LT4s — too light and broke 2 lower sections within 700 miles of the AT…

Never tried the Ruta Locura poles thought.

I had a pair of Leki Carbonlites last me for my entire PCT hike plus all but the last 2 days of my CDT hike–I got knocked over by 60+ mph gusts coming down from a pass in Glacier and fell on one of the poles. Still, before that, the poles survived many falls, slips, and self-belays on snow.

They're not the lightest, but they do come with a 1-year full warranty for shaft breaks. I'm not aware of any other CF pole that has that.

Which ever poles you decide on get flick lock poles not twist lock they are a pain, I own both poles in your OP and would take the Locus poles in a second I really like them.

I've been hiking in Big Bend and the surrounding rocky deserts lately and have taken more than my fair share of slips caught by those poles amongst very unforgiving terrain. I also used them on the JMT last year while still rehabbing a broken ankle (translate that to mean A TON of big falls) and they never let me down.

Like any carbon pole yes, they could break if you fell on them just the wrong way, but I just can't imagine these things giving out on you without some major accident that would probably break any pole.

And shipping from Japan is surprisingly easy and quick. Everything I've ordered from Locus Gear has arrived within days.

I can't go back to a "regular" style grip after years of using these. Heavier than some, but the ergonomics make up for the weight.

Hi,
I've got a set of Ti Goat poles (now Ruta Locura). They probably have a few thousand miles on them, are used to set up my tents, and are in great shape.Straps are available for them from Ruta Locura also.
Hope this helps.