Collapsible trekking poles

Bob,

These might be worth checking out, if I understand what you’re looking for correctly.

Black Diamond Ultra Distance Collapsible Z-Poles

These are carbon fiber, collapse down around 14-16in. depending on the length you go with.

That looks pretty close.

REI has a pair for $150.

I had in mind something more like one for $50.

–B.G.–

If you like wood, Brazos Walking Sticks has a wooden sectional stick called the Traveler's Stick:
http://www.brazos-walking-sticks.com/products/Travelers-Walking-Stick.html

Brazos Walking Sticks

Far too long, and no facility for a snow basket.

–B.G.–

C.A.M.P poles only come in 120cm length but come as a single and are 32cm long (13inches)

If you're able to go up to $70, the REI Traverse is a single pole that looks like a solid choice with rave reviews:
http://www.trekkingpolesguide.com/products/reviews/Traverse/REI

The cheapest one I know of is another REI pole, the Hiker Staff but there's no reviews:
http://www.trekkingpolesguide.com/products/reviews/Hiker-Shock-Light-Staff/REI

Unfortunately I don't know of anything that will fold down to 18 inches, most poles collapse to 20 inches or more.

Hope that helps!

Instead of continuing to look for the very best solution, today I purchased the cheapest solution at Wally World. It's an Outdoor Products pole that collapses down to only 24 inches. Cost $12.88.

–B.G.–

Bob,

"Instead of continuing to look for the very best solution, today I purchased the cheapest solution at Wally World. It's an Outdoor Products pole that collapses down to only 24 inches. Cost $12.88."

I am currently using a pair of the WalMart / Outdoor Products poles. But I keep looking longingly at the CAMP Xenon 4's.

The price is $69.95, weight per pair is 120cm / 9.9oz and 135cm / 10.6oz and if I did my math correctly they break down to 12.6" & 14.2" respectively.

http://www.camp-usa.com/products/trekking-poles/xenon-4-1914.asp

And they have snow baskets.

My current Wally World / Outdoor Products poles work so well I just can't seem to justify the extra $44.00 and change. :-?

Party On,

Newton

Black Diamond Distance poles. These are the aluminum version but still quite light — 12.3oz for the pair of 120cm. On sale at SunnySports.com for $70.

http://www.sunnysports.com/Catalog.aspx?op=BrandItemDisplay&BrandName=Black Diamond&ProductID=BKDD&Sort=Stock&DescSort=0&Filter=2200%3d2232

I know this one is not cheap but cannot wait for it to come out soon. I find travelling with 2 piece poles super annoying and have been waiting for a break apart pole that is adjustable. Hopefully it turns out ok.

http://www.komperdell.com/en/poles/touring/special/194_2303_10.php

Take a look at fizan trekking poles.

Bob, I bought a pair of the outdoor products fliplock poles and replaced the grips with eva foam ones (like tigoat poles) — cut the weight down ~ 2.5 – 3 oz per pole — cost another 5 bucks or so to just under 7oz per pole. If you bought the twist lock ones yours could probably come in a little lighter.

I'm a big fan of some Helinox poles (distributed by Big Agnes). Under 10oz for the 120cm model, and under 12oz for the 135cm model. They're also aluminum – the lightest aluminum adjustable poles on the market. I have the 120cm model.

Breakdown poles don't interest me, as they don't store well on the outside of the pack, nor can you adjust the size. I like to have 120cm for downhill, 110cm for uphill and 90-95cm for steep climbs (30+ degrees). I usually run 115cm over variable (up-and-down) terrain.