REI Traverse Junior trekking poles

Hi, I just did a quick measure of my gf's REI jr's and the max extension that I would be comfortable with (the very top of the indicated STOP line on the shaft) measures out to a pole that is 48.75" from tip to handle end. I'm not sure which tarptent model you are referring to, but I would compare that measured length I just gave, to the stock pole length that came with the tarp tent. If it's too short, you might be able to order a pole jack from Mountain Laurel Designs (they come with their duomids, so I presume Ron will be willing to sell separate, but double check) An unmodified pole weighs 6.7 ounces, which includes the trekking baskets. I'm 5'9" and can use them for everything but the steepest down hills, in which case I wish they extended a bit longer. IMO I think they will be fine for you. Also, I wear a size medium male glove, and the grip is still okay for me…maybe a bit skinner than I prefer. The grips are comfortable for my girlfriend though, who has much smaller hands than myself.

You'd be better off with ladies Leki poles IMO.

What is great about the women's Leki poles?

I have very small hands. I might just try out the REI Junior poles on my next trip, and return them if they don't work for me.

Tarptent pole measures 43 inches…so Juniors would cover that just fine.

– Elizabeth

When our oldest was young we looked at the Jr ones by both REI and Leki. Mostly what we found is they are clunkier in styling than the UL ladies Leki ones.
What you also get with the ladies is nicer looking poles, the handles are better designed for an adult hand with more premium materials. Since kids grow so fast and abuse gear you get less design potential.

i currently own lekis, gossamergear lt4s (best poles ever), and the aforementioned rei's. I find the rei's plenty streamlined. That said, the grips are made of hard plastic and not as good as others. They are indeed built for smaller hands (my girlfriend is an XS in gloves). The locking mechanism appears more fragile too but so far no probs. If the grip works for u, get the rei poles, they are a ridiculously good deal at the 20% off price, and lighter than most if not all other mainstream manufactured poles. I feel that most poles are overbuilt for the purposes they serve…many coming with features that are a bit unnecessary (e.g. anti-shock, padded wrist straps, and other junk that bring the poles into the 1.5lb range) I personally dont care about aesthetics, since they are just poles. I focus more on weight and comfort. That said, the rei poles look aesthetically fine to me. And they are bare bones poles. Try em out, and like u said, return em if they dont pan out. I just dont see the pt of buying heavier more expensive poles if they both function the same

The BDs will run you an extra $5.00 and an extra ounce. They extend to 43" not 48".

As an advantage they have a rubber hand grip, not plastic, a padded wrist strap, and most important a Flicklock adjustment. It also packs down 2.5" shorter

I've found the Flicklock to by totally reliable, even on wet poles when snowshoeing with a BIG SAR pack.

If the length is adequate I'd pay the weight and money for the Flicklock alone.

youll prob spend less in the long run as theyre less like to break down

i think Wallymart has some cheap ones

"I've found the Flicklock to by totally reliable, even on wet poles when snowshoeing with a BIG SAR pack."

A big +1.

I agree with Rod & Tom. Look at the Black Diamond Kids poles as well. I was looking at those at the time too. This was before I got my LT4's, so I wanted to be able to use my girlfriend's poles. However, the Black Diamonds were too short for me, which was the only reason why I got the REI one's instead. Of course, I'm 3 inches taller than you, so the BD poles may work out great for you. My mistake for forgetting to mention them!