Just thought some supermid/luna 4/ultamid 4 users might be interested in this.
So, I just received my cuben supermid from MLD, and now they come with a free trekking pole lashing device, made of webbing and Omni Velcro loops.
It has two loops at both ends to slip around your trekking pole tips, then you Velcro the two poles together.
Total weight: .4 oz
Seems to work well, and about the same fiddle factor as my previous preferred method…using cut up bike tubes.
Seems to be fairly secure as well. Not sure how much ron would charge for them separately…
The disadvantage that I see in compared to the "ranger band" type method (bike tubes) is that it does rely on Velcro and seam strength…so one part might fail in the field. Bike tubes are nearly indestructible, though I wonder what happens in winter with cold weather.
MLD vs bike tube
So, current list of methods that I know of for UL backpacking:
1. MLD pole connector .4 oz
still need some field testing
2. Bike tubes .9 oz
Very secure method, nearly indestructible
3. HMG pole connectors 1.05 oz
Really easy to use, and also…near indestructible, though the bike tubes give a more secure lashing
4. Lashing via cord. .05 oz (if that)
A method that I have experimented with…takes a little bit to get the hang of and learn, and I think I need to try a different type of cord instead of glowire, but I did have some deflection. I talked about it here->
