Best Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles 2026 Ultralight & Strong
Last Updated: March 18, 2026
By Jaeger Shaw
By Alan Dixon
30 pairs of trekking poles analyzed for deflection
The most comprehensive pole testing ever conducted
The best carbon fiber trekking poles for hiking and backpacking are stiff, lightweight, adjustable, quiet, and have comfy handles and wrist straps. The common denominator between every pole with these characteristics is a wide diameter shaft. To approximate strength, we measured deflection. By hanging weights off the ends and middle of a pole, we determined which are the most and least bendy, and inferred which are least likely to break in the field.
Ultralight Trekking Poles: Lighter poles are less fatiguing on your arms, easier to swing, more accurate to place, better to stow, and more fun to use.
Telescoping vs Folding: Telescoping poles are stiffer, lighter, simpler, cheaper, and should be a hiker’s default choice. Folding poles aren’t as strong, but collapse smaller and are easier to store; choose them for travel, scrambling, or trail running.
Carbon vs Aluminum: Carbon is lighter and stiffer, but pricier and snaps if overloaded. Aluminum is heavier, cheaper, and bends if overloaded. The stiffest quartile of carbon poles are extremely reliable. Aluminum outperforms weak carbon.
While you’re here, don’t miss our companion guide to the to the Best Z-Poles.
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The highest stiffness-to-weight carbon fiber trekking poles
- Best Buy, Ultralight: CMT Ultralight Carbon Fiber EVA
- Best Buy, Ultra Strong: Freevane Kodiak Telescoping
- Best Ultralight, Editor’s Choice: Durston Iceline
- Best Ultra Strong, Most Trusted: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
- Best Folding: Leki Black Series FX
- Ultralight & Comfy: Gossamer Gear LT5
- Best for Tall Hikers: Komperdell Carbon Ultra Zero
How We Measured Deflection
Less deflection is correlated with a lower chance of breaking
These images depict extremely high and low deflection. Most poles are somewhere in between.
Comparing the Best Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Mobile users rotate device for full-width table
| Model | Price ($) | Weight (g) | Weighted Middle Deflection X Weighted End Deflection (cm) | Deflection x weight (lower is better)* | Minimum Collapsed Height (cm) |
| Durston Iceline | 199 | 145 | 69 | 9987 | 49 |
| BD Alpine Carbon Cork | 230 | 243 | 44 | 10738 | 61 |
| CMT Carbon Ultralight | 65 | 159 | 71 | 11229 | 76 |
| Freevane Kodiak | 79 | 209 | 43 | 8883 | 63 |
| Gossamer Gear LT5 | 195 | 139 | 104 | 14491 | 60 |
| Komp Carb Ultra Zero | 250 | 187 | 91 | 17099 | 67 |
| Leki Black Series FX | 250 | 228 | 93 | 21281 | 40 |
| Avg of all 30 poles tested | 158 | 220 | 145 | 30807 | 61 |
*This stat is calculated by multiplying the measurement of both deflection tests (see above) x the weight of a pole. It addresses strength and weight in one stat, and a lower score is better
Don’t miss our companion guide to the best Z-Poles.
Reviewing The Best Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Cacade Mountain Tech Ultralight Carbon
Best Buy, Ultralight
CMT Carbon Ultralight tied for second highest overall marks out of 33 poles tested, in large part due to being the fifth stiffest and fifth lightest. A non-traditional 2-part telescoping shaft differentiates these poles from the pack. The dead-center placement of a single flip lock reinforces the middle to minimize deflection, while also reducing the number of moving parts and failure points. The drawback, of course, is that they have the tallest collapsed height of every non-fixed-length pole we tested. While they are awkward to store in smaller packs or travel bags; they can be easily strapped to a full-size backpacking pack. Apart from 10cm of additional collapsed height, they are stiffer, lighter, and quieter than the beloved original CMT Carbons. And unfortunately with the same mediocre nylon webbing wrist strap. But for ⅓ the price of their premium brand peers, few poles offers more bang for your buck.
If you want a shorter collapsed height pole for the same price, and can live with a 45% weight increase, the original CMT Carbons are still great! They shrink down 10 cm smaller than the UL version to an industry standard 66cm.
- Price: $65
- Weight: 159 g per pole
- Tested Stiffness score: 8/9 – great
- Configuration: 2-part, 1 telescoping flip lock
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 16/14mm
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 76-132cm, 76cm
- Pros: Very inexpensive. High stiffness-to-weight ratio. Very stiff. Ultralight. Low reverb. Grip Extender.
- Cons: Long minimum length complicates stowing. Annoying strap adjuster.
Freevane Kodiak Telescoping
Best Buy, Ultra Strong
Freevane Kodiaks scored the highest strength-to-weight ratio out of all 33 poles tested for deflection, while tying the infamously beefy BD Alpine Carbon Corks for strongest overall pole. And priced at a scant $79, the value proposition is incredible. Like all of the other best trekking poles, the recipe for success is wide diameter carbon fiber shafts. Kodiak measures in at 18/16/14 mm with thicker-than-average side walls reinforced by a 3k carbon weave. But no poles are perfect, and we have to call out weight because it doesn’t swing as easily, accurately, or joyfully as ultralight models in the ~150g class. At 209g list weight, these sit on the lightweight end of the midweight spectrum. While the stiff metal flip locks are sturdy, users will notice a louder-than-average reverberation rattle. Kodiak uses the same stock cork handles as Cascade Mountain Tech, which means a great grip with extender, but clunky nylon webbing wrist straps that have pokey edges (I had to file one spot down), and an adjuster with a history of jamming. Nonetheless, strength-to-weight ratio is king and Freevane Kodiak sits atop the throne.
- Price: $79
- Weight: 209 g per pole
- Tested Stiffness Score: 9/9 – Best
- Configuration: 3-part telescoping, 2 flip locks
- Shaft: 3k Carbon Fiber, 18/16/14
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 93-135 cm, 63 cm
- Pros: Best strength-to-weight ratio. Tied for strongest pole. Very affordable. Quality flip locks. 3K carbon.
- Cons: Midweight. Wrist straps have scratchy spots and an annoying adjuster. Loud reverb rattle.
Durston Iceline
Best Ultralight Trekking Poles, Editor’s Choice
When comparing strength-to-weight ratio, Durston Iceline is the best ultralight model, and second best overall; measuring in at third lightest and fourth stiffest. To put that miracle feat into perspective, two of the three stronger options are among the ten heaviest out of 33. On top of all that, they collapse down to the height of folding poles, have the lowest possible reverberation, and most breathable wrist straps. How is this achieved? Innovative and ingenious engineering! Iceline’s wide-diameter carbon fiber shaft is a hybrid design with one telescoping flip lock joint, and one quick connect ferrule joint (commonly found in folding poles). To reinforce the latter joint, Iceline’s ferrules are bolstered by a full-surround socket, and feature a pair of rubber o-rings that reduce wiggle and dampen nearly all reverberation. It is by far the best ferrule we’ve seen. But no pole is 100% perfect, and there are drawbacks. Primarily, the max usable height of 127cm is too short for tall hikers (>6’), and tall trekking pole shelters may require an aftermarket jack. What’s more, it doesn’t have a grip extender (useful for steep, off trail travel), and does not come with baskets. Nonetheless, Iceline pushes the boundary for how good carbon fiber trekking poles can be, are a joy to use, and the single best performance option available to anyone who can fit them.
- Price: $199
- Weight per pole: 145g
- Stiffness score: 8/9 – great
- Configuration: 3-part, 1 telescoping flip lock, 1 fixed length connector
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 18/16/16mm
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 95-127cm, 49cm
- Pros: Incredible stiffness-to-weight ratio. Very stiff. Ultralight. Lowest reverb. Good handle and straps. Collapses small.
- Cons: Short max length of 127cm may not fit tall hikers and tall trekking pole tents. No grip extender. Does not come with baskets. Expensive.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Best Ultra Strong, Most Trusted
The ultra burly Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks are tied for the strongest poles we tested. And based on personal experience, word of mouth on the trail, and doting user reviews, these heavy duty carbon fiber trekking poles are practically indestructible. They feature an incredibly simple and totally classic 3-part, telescoping design, augmented with the best and snappiest flip locks we’ve ever used. But strength aside, their weight cannot be ignored. At 267 g, your swing will be less accurate and your arms more tired. On top of that, the overly padded wrist straps are bulky and may not cinch down as tight as you prefer. But if you need reliable stiffness and durability above all else, there’s no denying that these are the best and most proven tool for the job.
- Price: $230
- Weight: 267g per pole
- Tested Stiffness score: 9/9 – Best
- Configuration: 3-part telescoping, 2 flip locks
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 18/16/13mm
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 100-130cm, 61cm
- Pros: Strongest pole tested. Great flip locks. Good handle. Low reverb. Grip extender.
- Cons: Very expensive. Heavy. Clunky wrist strap.
Leki Black Series FX Carbon
Best Folding Poles For Hikers
When your gear list requires folding for ease of storage, we recommend the Leki Black Series FX Carbon. This fully-featured midweight pair of carbon fiber trekking poles scored better than average across all three deflection scenarios, and was the stiffest out of all 10 folding pairs tested. In addition, it has a great handle, grip extender, comfy straps, minimal reverb, externally reinforced ferrule joints, and a premium height adjuster flip lock. Apart from the hefty price tag and midweight carry (lighter is better), the biggest drawback is an annoying interaction with mud. When suction resists your upwards pull, a 5mm gap will form at the joints for a split second before the bottom half catches up to the top half. But none of those issues are deal breakers, and compared to every other folding pole we tested, this is clearly the best option for hikers.
For a lighter and even more packable option, great for both trail running and frequent stowing/deployment cycles while in technical terrain, check the fixed-length Leki UltraTrail FX.One.
- Price: $250
- Weight: 228g per pole
- Tested Stiffness Score: 6/9 – good
- Configuration: 4-part adjustable height folding pole, 1 telescoping flip lock
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 16/14/14/14
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 110-130cm, 40cm
- Pros: Best blend of strength, weight and features in a folding pole for hikers. Stiffest folding pole tested. Externally reinforced joints. Good handle, wrist straps, and grip extender.
- Cons: Mid-weight. Very expensive. Joints temporarily pull apart by 5mm when pole is yanked out of mud.
Gossamer Gear LT5
Ultralight w/ Comfiest Grip & Strap
Gossamer Gear LT5s are the second lightest carbon fiber trekking poles we measured, yet still stiffer than average for the 30-pole test group. Based on personal preference and chatting with other hikers, the LT5s are also notable for having the comfiest handle and wrist strap combo. In particular, the foam (that looks like cork) is soft and easy to hold, with a light and smooth strap that never chafes and is easy to adjust. The primary drawback to this model are their twist locks. While no locking mechanism is 100% failsafe, we find twist locks are more likely to slip or come undone than flip locks. We also dislike the baskets, which are slightly too wide and with intermittent gaps that snag on roots and vines. All said, LT5s some of the best and most proven ultralight trekking poles in existence, perfect for high mileage trail days.
- Price: $195
- Weight:139g per pole
- Tested Stiffness Score: 6/9 – good
- Configuration: 3-part telescoping, 2 twist locks
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 16/14/12
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 60-130cm, 60cm
- Pros: Ultralight. High strength to weight. Comfiest handle and wrist strap combo. Low reverb.
- Cons: Twist locks can slide. No grip extender. Baskets prone to snagging on roots.
Komperdell Ultra Zero Carbon
Best for Tall Hikers
Komperdell Ultra Zeros deliver better than average strength relative to a lower than average weight in an exceptional pair of carbon fiber trekking poles without any major flaw. In addition to excellent stats, they also extend higher than any of their tier-1 peers; all the way up to 140 cm. As such, they’re the best choice for tall hikers and/or those pitching tall trekking pole shelters. On top of that, you get a nice cork handle, lightly padded straps, and premium flip locks. Downsides include an eye popping $250 price tag, and the fact that they’re light-not-ultralight. However, the performance is great and they fill an important height niche, making them easily justifiable if needed.
- Price: $250
- Weight: 187g per pole
- Tested Stiffness Score: 6/9 – good
- Configuration: 3-part telescoping, 2 flip locks
- Shaft: Carbon Fiber, 18/16/14
- Useable & Collapsed Height: 105-140cm, 67cm
- Pros: High strength-to-weight. Lightweight. Accommodates tall hikers and shelters. Low reverb. Grip extender, elongated top for palming.
- Cons: Very expensive.
The 6 best poles, bottom to top: CMT Carbon Ultralight, Durston Iceline, BD Alpine Carbon Cork, Leki Black Series Carbon FX, Gossamer Gear LT5, Komperdell Carbon Ultra Zero
Scoring and Data Spreadsheet for Aluminum & Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Or view the Google Sheet directly
Pro Tips & Buyer Info
Why You Need Trekking Poles
Trekking poles reduce joint stress on the descent, take the sting out of steep climbs, and after extended use, you get so accustomed to hiking with poles that it can almost feel like you have a second set of limbs, acting as a balancing aid on tricky terrain. The best trekking poles can help you move faster and more smoothly on or off the trail, and as more and more hikers opt for a lighter base weight setup, trekking poles have taken the place of structural tent poles for a tarp-tent shelter setup, as opposed to the classic freestanding or semi-freestanding tent options.
How To Choose The Best Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles For Your Needs?
Choosing the best trekking poles for your needs depends on what type of terrain you’ll be crossing through. Hiking on an established, well-maintained trail calls for different poles than if you’re planning a journey through off-trail terrain like talus or other loose rock and debris. A carbon shaft is more expensive but lighter weight, and while they’re strong with a vertical load, carbon poles have a tendency to break when shock-loaded from the side.
While aluminum poles are heavier, they are less expensive and are often more durable. The lightest weight poles are ideal for fastpacking on established trails, or for endurance runs where every gram matters, but won’t be ideal for more rugged off-trail travel.
Your basket attachments on the end of your poles are also important, and can be switched out depending on tread. Wider baskets are ideal for staying more on top of snow, but will be frustrating on rocky or rooty ground.
While most models of trekking poles accomplish the same thing, most hikers will opt for an adjustable, collapsible set of poles with a simple locking mechanism that you can adjust up or down depending on terrain.
Why Ultralight Trekking Poles Are Better
Ultralight trekking poles reduce arm fatigue, are easier to swing, more accurate to place, and more fun to use. The problem is that many of the lightest poles are also weak. That’s why this buyer’s guide focuses on models that are both strong and ultralight. While heavy poles tend to be stronger, they will add unnecessary fatigue to your arms, and are less accurate and less fun to use.
Aluminum Vs. Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Carbon fiber trekking poles have been trendy for over a decade, and they have a lot of things going for them. When well-made, they are lighter and stiffer than the aluminum poles. But when you look at the weight and durability (durability is different than stiffness), and when compared to the price point, there’s much to be said about using good old-fashioned aluminum poles.
Carbon poles are made of some of the lightest material available for trekking poles, and the material can actually reduce vibration and jarring on the trail. And while strong, carbon is more fragile than aluminum if it gets a sharp load from the side like the edge of a rock. We’ve broken a number of UL carbon poles in talus. And oftentimes you’re only saving a few ounces vs. aluminum if you compare and shop carefully.
Aluminum poles are made with super tough materials, making them even more durable than carbon. They also weigh just a few ounces more than comparable carbon poles, and you can often find them for a fraction of the price. When overloaded, aluminum poles are more prone to bending than snapping.
Overall, carbon poles are great for saving weight, and they’re our preferred material. But if you’re on a budget, a solid pair of aluminum poles are okay too.
Flip Lock Vs. Twist Lock Length Adjusters
Yet again, there are pros and cons to both. A flip lock can be easier to use, requires less maintenance, and feels more secure, but it is also more complicated mechanism, which means it has the more potential points for breakage and failure. We feel that on the whole, flip locks are less prone to pole slippage and jamming. Many of the best trekking poles use flip locks.
If they do go wonky, everything is accessible on the outside of the pole where you can see and manipulate it. One of the best things about flip locks is how fast they are to adjust on the go. Flip locks can also be more secure, as it’s one motion to lock the length down on the pole, which removes the guesswork of twisting.
A twist-lock can be lighter and more simple of a mechanism, but they require a bit more finesse to tighten correctly and without experience it’s hard to tell how tight to make them to prevent slipping, but not so tight that they are hard to loosen.
We also find that twist-locks are more prone to jamming. As such, you’ll also have to be sure to clean and maintain the twist locks, as dirt and debris that can clog them and prevent them from tightening securely. Finally if a twist-lock does jam all the parts are inside the pole so not accessible. This makes freeing up a jam harder vs. a flip-lock. All that being said, twist-locks have been around for decades and do work. You can get some great values in poles with twist-locks.
Cork vs Foam Handle Grip
When shopping for the best trekking poles, you may need to decide between cork and foam handle grips. Cork is considered more choice by the general hiking populace, but foam works great too. Both have upsides and downsides.
Cork grips feel better and grippier in the hand. Cork grips don’t absorb moisture and your hands might feel sweatier. Cork grip is slightly heavier, likely to add as much as half an ounce per pole. Cork grip is less durable in the long term. You don’t need to baby it, but it will accumulate micro abrasions and small gouges over time. One other occasional downside is that marmots like to chew on sweaty cork.
EVA Foam grips have a good hand feel, but less so than cork. They do wick and absorb moisture off your hand. This is more pleasant in hot dry weather, and less pleasant in wet/rainy weather. Foam is slightly lighter weight than cork, often saving as much as 0.5-1.0 oz per pole. EVA foam is more durable and long lasting, and more resistant to small scrapes and gouges.
Old vs New Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Based on our testing with one brand new one heavily used pair (400+ miles) of the same exact carbon fiber poles, the old pair measured about 10% more deflection. As your poles age, expect them to weaken slightly.
Uphill vs Downhill With Trekking Poles
Trekking poles really shine on steep terrain, both uphill and downhill. Depending on the steepness of the trail, you’ll want to adjust your poles so your elbows sit at about 90 degrees when you grasp the grips and the pole tips are planted on the ground. I.e., longer poles for descents and shorter poles for ascents. It’s not necessary to adjust your poles for every incline and decline, but for extended ascents and descents, you’ll want to adjust them. The best trekking poles have quick-adjust mechanisms you can lengthen or shorten on the go.
When heading uphill, it’s important to keep your upper body as parallel to the trail as possible and not hunch over or “dump” your upper body into the poles. You should never feel like your shoulders are collapsing into the pressure on the poles, or being compressed into your pack straps. On the downhill, lengthen your poles enough that you don’t have to lean forward into grips or straps. (Alternatively, you can palm the top of your pole grips to quickly increase pole length for going downhill.) Staying upright will help maintain balance and avoid the dreaded faceplant downhill.
Ultralight Trekking Pole Maintenance
Often an ignored part of gear maintenance, it’s important to clean the pole segments between hikes. Wipe debris, sand, grit off the shafts, pole ferrules, and any adjustment hardware such as flip locks and twist lock mechanisms. If your poles get wet, dry them out as much as possible before using them to set up your tarp-tent, and certainly before long periods of storage. Additionally, loosening and tightening any pole-adjuster hardware on a semi-regular basis prevents them from seizing/locking in place. If your poles keep collapsing, don’t panic. Chances are you just need to tighten a screw on one of the locking mechanisms.
Tip Replacement
Replacing the tips is an easy, inexpensive way to extend the life of your poles. Most of the best trekking poles have metal or carbide tips, which provide good traction on looser trails and ice. Rubber caps for your pole tips can serve as both shock absorption and traction for more buff trails, but both will end up wearing down after prolonged use. The more technical and rugged the trail, the faster the metal and rubber around the carbide will wear down but expect to replace your tips after around 500-700 trail miles. Once you lose the “edge,” it becomes more difficult to plant your poles and maintain traction, especially on extended sections of rock. The manufacturer of your trekking poles almost certainly sells replacement tips.
When Using Your Ultralight Trekking Poles for Shelters
Most of the best trekking poles have a high adjustment range, which is desirable for shelters that use trekking poles for support. Additionally, the more stable the locking mechanism, the better. Look for the flip lock mechanism as opposed to “twist locks” Using your poles for shelter puts increased, extended pressure on the poles throughout the night or duration of shelter setup, and you want to be sure the mechanisms and structural integrity of your poles can withstand the dual-usage during on-trail movement and at night during static setup.
Tips for Traveling With Trekking Poles
Traveling to your hiking destination? You’ll need to pack your poles, which is somewhat easier said than done. In smaller luggage, you may need to take the poles apart to fit, and TSA does not technically allow trekking poles into carry-on luggage. While some hikers have had luck breaking down their poles and getting them through security with the individual sections broken down to fit into standard carry-on luggage, your safest bet is to check your bag with the poles. Adding the rubber tip protectors may also help.
Conclusion of the best carbon fiber trekking poles
Whether helping you to balance on rough terrain, avoid slipping on snow or ice, or providing a support while fording a river, we consider ultralight trekking poles to be essential for hiking, and even more so for backpacking. For general purpose hiking, we recommend adjustable carbon fiber trekking poles weighing 10-15 oz per pair. Happy hiking, and happy trails!
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Hi,
I´m an avid reader, what is your opinion of the Pacerpoles from England?
they have a unique contoured handle that is supposed to make a difference..
Best regards, Gil
Hi Gil! Thanks for getting in touhc.
Interesting handle design there! I’ve never even heard of them so no assessment, other than a quick spec check that they’re a heavier than average for carbon poles, but maybe that’s because of the handle. If you get a pair, let us know how they do, and I’ll report back if able to test.
Great roundup! Could you correct the length for the Durston Iceline poles? Their max lengths is 127 cm (50″) not 127 mm.
Great catch, thanks! Haha, 127mm would be very short.
I have seen the CMT poles at Costco for a couple of years, seasonally, at $35. Great value if available to you.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Hi!
What do You think, which trekking poles are the best for Camino routes- Leki Black Series FX Carbon or Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles?
Thank you!
Gearing up! Love it. They’d both work, of course. But I’d lean towards the BD poles here, because they’re lighter weight and less expensive, and you likely won’t push the durability envelope, so the slightly heavier duty-ness of the Leki poles won’t matter much.
What’s very interesting is that you point out that the Leki pokes are heavier, while the BD is lighter.
Do you have correct LEKI data in your table?
The official LEKI website contains different parameters.
Leki Black Series FX Carbon is 228 grams (8 oz) and Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is 340 grams (12 oz).
Could it be like that?
Leki is listing that 8 oz weight on a per pole measurement, where as the 12 oz BD weight is for the pair. We’ve just tried to normalize the data, so it appears differently on our site than on theirs.
Usually is given weight per pair. Doesn’t believe a bit that Leki weight 8 oz is per one pole, because they are very expensive poles and in that price the weight of poles at 455 grams will be awful. I wrote an email to the official representative. I’ll give you a message about the answer.
Yeah, you’re right. The specified weight is per one pole and that is awful:)
Thank you for paying attention to the LEKI pointing weight per unit.
Yeah, the weight is a bit higher than we’d prefer, but still within the range for light-not-ultralight, similar to some other carbon options in our guide. But the quality is there!
For my purposes I prefer a hiking stick. I bought mine from the Brazos Walking Stick company in Texas. It is strong enough to bear all of my weight going up a steep bank or going down hill. I always place my walking stick on the other side of a rock or log in case of snakes. It may be handy for defense against dangerous animals or just act like it. I have stepped in rodent burrows and the walking stick prevented my from falling and possible injury. I am out in the desert or mountains at least one day per week. I am a wildlife photographer. I have some shots of a mountain lion, bears, coyotes, snakes, pigs. etc.
I always enjoy your reviews and comments
Hi Alan- if you had to choose a grip on the CMT would you go with cork or other? $44.99 with non-cork now through your link at Amazon. Not a big difference in cost to cork. Thanks!
Timothy, Alison & I prefer the cork grips, slightly better feel and a little less damp feeling on warm days. But the lower cost, foam grips are fine. Your choice. Warmest, -alan & alison
Thanks Alan! If you were choosing btwn CMT and Massdrop X Fizan what would you go with. Again, thanks for the help!!!
Tim, this has already been discussed here. Please let me know if you have further Qs after reading it. Best, -alan
So, for the sub-100/value poles. Is the $10-$15 price difference between the Cascade Mtn, and MassDrop Fizan poles worth the 4 oz in weight savings?
Is the durability of the Fizan’s higher since they are all aluminum.
Thanks.
Ed, the answer is it depends. I think the flip locks on the CMT poles are less likely to jam and need less maintenance. It’s probably a wash on which shafts are stronger — although the Al is likely to survive a side load from a sharp edge like the edge of a talus block than Carbon. Do a bit of reading at the end of this post about Al vs. Carbon and Flick Locks vs. Twist Locks. Best, -alan
I have the Drop (formerly known as MassDrop) Fizan pole. I love them. Light weight and easy to adjust. I haven’t had one slip or jam. I’ve done several dozen hikes with them. Including 14ers and a week long Grand Canyon backpack on primitive trails. I think they’re a steal at $60. I have other heavier poles and can tell the difference when using them. These have a light swing weight (i.e., heavier at the top and lighter at the bottom)
OH! The only issues are a sweaty grips that Alan mentioned. I got use to it. The straps would lose adjustment. I adjusted mine to where I liked them, the secured the bottom of the the strap to the pole with a zip tie. Easy Peasy! Once I figured it out. If I wanted to wear thick glove with them, I would have to remove the zip tie. But if it’s that cold, I’m cross country skiing or snowshoeing with different poles. The tops are small for palming on the downhill. I’ve been think about gluing a half racket ball or squash ball to the top for more surface area.
Hi Aubrey, checkout the sun gloves in the guide. I think you’ll find they do wonders with trekking pole grips. I use them all the time. Best, -alan
Yup Aubrey, a nice set of light poles for only $60!
Thanks for a great round-up of poles! I particularly like your durability rating – great information to have.
I use Pacer Poles most of the time – they have a unique grip and different balance. They are slightly heavier but many people swear by them.
Another option for fixed poles (provided they are short enough) is to use a pole jack, which many tarp tent vendors sell.
My experience with the FL-Z poles is they are great, but sometimes an end of the joint falls deep into the section and pliers are needed to fish it out. Also, the tips on my pair aren’t thin enough to use with most tarp tent grommets, although maybe I can swap those out.
A hiking partner of mine had one of his carbon poles shear in half coming down Mt. Whitney – happily it was the last day of our hike, but I feel aluminum poles has less catastrophic failure modes. That said, Philip Werner shared that his poles break much less now that he’s using snow baskets all the time. I’ll have to try the Kevlar tape trick.
JP the kevlar tape is a factory applied layer(s) on the tip of the pole. Not something a user could do unless you wanted to epoxy it on like a layer of fiberglass. -a
Alan. I really appreciate your research and product comparisons. While the various types of pole uses adds complexity. I think summarizing your results in table form is super helpful. As an aside. I purchased the Cascade poles and used them on an 80 mile hike on the Uinitas Highline Trail this June. They performed great. Thanks!
Hi Matt, Gald the CMT poles worked for you. And there actually is a data table for the guide. It’s just a few days behind this post in publishing. Best, -alan
I totally enjoy your site and appreciate your product reviews and “how-to’s
Thanks, Jerry. Pass it on to friends. Best, -alan