Best Ultralight Trekking Poles of 2023

JUMP TO: BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE CARBON Z | GOSSAMER GEAR LT5 | LOCUS GEAR CP3 | LEKI ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE | LEKI CROSS TRAIL FX SUPERLITE | MSR DYNALOCK ASCENT CARBON | CASCADE MOUNTAIN TECH ULTRALIGHT CARBON FIBER | BLACK DIAMOND ALPINE CARBON CORK | ZPACKS CARBON FIBER | BUYING ADVICE  | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Aug 26, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

If you’re a backpacker, hiker, trail runner, snowshoer, fastpacker, or any combination of the above, you likely know that a good pair of ultralight trekking poles are an indispensable part of any bipedal backcountry kit worth it's salt.

Ultralight trekking poles offer stability and support over technical terrain, preserve your knees under the weight of a heavy pack, and make you more efficient on steep ascents and secure on gnarly descents. They can also replace tent poles, operate as a camera mount, help you pitch a clothesline, and work as an emergency splint.

The lightest of ultralight trekking poles weigh in at little more than a quarter pound per pole. For a weight-to-usefulness ratio, there are few pieces of gear that beat the best ultralight trekking poles.

Not all ultralight trekking poles offer identical advantages, though. Some are better for remote thru-hikes or tent shelter compatibility, while others are better for trail ultramarathons or four-season versatility. Whatever you need them to do, our list of the ten best ultralight trekking poles will help you identify the right pair for you.

If you love reading this review of the best ultralight trekking poles, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Want to learn more about ultralight trekking poles? Our buying advice at the bottom of this article covers sizing, design, features, and everything else you should know when choosing the best trekking poles for you.

 

WEIGHT: 9.6 oz / 272 g (100cm), 10 oz / 283 g (110cm), 10.5 oz / 298 g (120cm), 11.1 oz / 315 g (130cm)

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 13 in / 33 cm (100cm), 14 in / 36 cm (110cm), 16 in / 41 cm (120cm), 17 in / 43 cm (130cm)

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA Foam

POLE DESIGN: Fixed-length folding shafts with speed-cone locking system

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Lightest-in-class, durable carbon shaft, foam grips and straps, effortless deployment, suitable for trail running and ultralight backpacking

CONS: Fixed length less versatile, can’t adjust for extended climbs/descents

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z set the standard for ultralight trekking pole performance. Weighing in just below or above 10 oz. depending on the size, these poles are favored by trail runners, fastpackers, ultralighters—basically anyone who values moving light and fast with high-quality gear.

Only a few other models weigh less than the Carbon Z poles, but none offer the same ease of use. Thanks to their folding fixed-length construction and Black Diamond’s speed-cone technology, these poles can go from stashed in your pack to fully deployed in less than 10 seconds with, literally, the push of a button.

For folks who like to travel light or often stow away their trekking poles for flat or nontechnical sections of trail, there is no better option. Further, the EVA foam handles are comfortable for full days on the trail and the poles have among the smallest collapsed length, thus easy to stash away in your pack or vest.

However, the Carbon Z poles are not without their weaknesses, beginning with their 100% carbon fiber small-diameter shafts. These poles are fairly brittle, even by ultralight standards – don’t be too surprised when you do eventually snap one. That said, we find the durability critiques of the Carbon Z and similar full carbon fiber poles to be somewhat overblown. They are well made and will not snap in two if you so much as look at them wrong, despite what some people will have you think. With a little mindfulness and decent technique, these poles can persist through thousands of miles of adventures.

The standard Carbon Z poles are fixed length and available in four different sizes, from 110 cm to 130 cm. For another $20 and a couple more ounces, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ version incorporates one telescoping shaft, adding some adjustability to the easy deployment of the Carbon Z’s folding design.

Best Ultralight: GOSSAMER GEAR LT5

WEIGHT: 9.8 oz / 278 g

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA Foam

POLE DESIGN: Telescoping shafts with twist locks

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 23.5 in / 60 cm

MAX LENGTH: 51 in / 130 cm

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Seriously ultralight, compatible with Gossamer Gear tents, along with most other trekking pole shelters

CONS: Not the most durable option

At 4.9 ounces per pole, the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles are a gram-counting backpacker’s dream come true. They are easily the lightest adjustable trekking pole available.

Unlike the similarly dainty Carbon Z poles, the LT5 poles feature a telescoping shaft. They take longer to deploy and have a longer collapsible length but offer more versatility. You can tune in your fit for varying terrain, shortening the poles for extended climbs and lengthening them for aggressive downhills. And, with a max length of 130 cm, these poles are compatible with almost every trekking pole shelter, including Gossamer Gear’s the One and the Two, which are among our favorite ultralight backpacking tents.

With a 100% carbon fiber shaft, the LT5 poles are also not renowned for their durability. This is magnified by their twist lock design. Twist locks are less reliable than external lever locks and are prone to both sticking and loosening during use, which increases the risk of breakage of a pole, and possibly hiker too, if the pole fails at an inopportune time.

Fortunately, it is reasonably easy to repair a snapped pole and Gossamer Gear sells individual replacement shaft sections. But that doesn’t help much if you’re miles into the backcountry. These are arguably the least durable ultralight poles, so we advise you to consider the consequences of losing a useful pole.

If you can still hike safely and set up a suitable shelter while short one (or two!) fully functioning poles, then there is no better trekking pole option for ultralight backpacking. The GG LT5 poles are super light, comfortable, adjustable, and work well alongside almost every trekking pole shelter.

Best for Thru-Hiking: LOCUS GEAR CP3

WEIGHT: 10.6 oz / 300.5 g

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA Foam

POLE DESIGN: Telescoping shaft with lever locks

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 25.6 in / 65 cm

MAX LENGTH: 53.1 in / 135 cm

PRICE: $$

PROS: Ultralight, comfortable, durable high-quality construction, easily repairable

CONS: Limited availability outside of Japan, large collapsed length

The Locus Gear CP3 trekking poles are a thing of beauty. Extremely comfortable and expertly constructed by a small Japanese ultralight gear brand, the CP3 poles offer perhaps the best durability-to-weight ratio of any ultralight trekking pole.

Distribution of CP3 poles is fairly limited outside of Japan. Locus Gear does ship internationally, but shipping fees and times may be substantial depending on where you are located. Despite these limitations, the CP3s have earned cult status among ultralight thru-hikers around the world. The poles are valued for their ergonomic EVA foam handles, shock absorbency, and quality construction. They provide comfort and durability that no other poles in the ~10 oz/pair range can compete with, making them the best ultralight trekking pole for thru-hikes.

The CP3 poles boast a telescoping shaft with lever lock mechanisms. The poles extend to 135 cm, long enough for taller hikers and trekking pole shelters. The rather large collapsed length (25.6 in / 65 cm) is one of their few downsides.

Locus Gear sells the poles individually, which is great if you fancy a single trekking pole setup or require a replacement. The poles are reasonably priced, and replacement shaft segments are also available. Since shipping can be a bit of an ordeal, you may want to consider ordering a replacement shaft or two alongside the poles.

Best for Trail Running: LEKI ULTRATRAIL FX.ONE

WEIGHT: 12.4 oz / 352 g (110 cm), 12.6 oz / 357 g (115 cm), 12.8 oz / 363 g (120 cm), 13 oz / 368 g (125 cm)

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: Cork

POLE DESIGN: Fixed-length folding shaft with push-button lock

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 13 in / 33 cm (110 cm), 14 in / 36 cm (115 cm), 14 in / 36 cm (120 cm), 15 in / 38 cm (125 cm)

MAX LENGTH: 125 cm

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Effective grip-strap design, lightweight carbon shaft, ergonomic cork handle

CONS: Expensive, prioritizes racing performance at the expense of long-term durability

If you’re looking for trekking poles primarily for trail running and ultramarathons, then you can’t do better than the Leki Ultratrail FX.One poles.

These poles are optimized for the unique demands of running long distances on technical terrain, beginning with Leki’s singular Trail Shark grip-strap system. Instead of a conventional wrist strap, the Trail Shark system consists of a fingerless glove with a small loop that hooks onto the cork handles of the Ultratrail FX.One poles. This system enhances weight transfer through the hands and poles, even when releasing your grip on the pole handles.

It is easy to unhook the Trail Shark system to choke down on the extended cork handles for a variety of grip options and maximum efficiency on very steep climbs. The poles have a push-button locking system for easy deployment, and the four shaft design folds down to a super manageable 13-15 inch package, perfect for low profile trail running vest or belt storage systems.

The fixed-length poles are, of course, less versatile, but that is kind of the point: the Ultratrail FX.One’s are a hyper-specialized trail running weapon. The poles are not cheap, but if trail and ultrarunning performance are what you’re after, you won’t regret the premium price.

Best for Fastpacking: LEKI CROSS TRAIL FX SUPERLITE

WEIGHT: 14.3 oz / 406 g

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon

HANDLE MATERIAL: Foam

POLE DESIGN: Adjustable length folding shaft with push-button lock

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 16.5 in / 42 cm

MAX LENGTH: 51 in / 130 cm

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Quick and seamless transitions, adjustable foldable design is compatible with both running and trekking pole shelter use

CONS: Expensive, longer collapsible length than other folding poles

The Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite poles share many of the Ultratrail.One’s advantageous design features, but in a more all-around package. These poles include a Cross Shark grip-strap system. It combines the speed and efficiency of the Trail Shark system with the ergonomics and cork grip of a classic trekking pole, which is better for all-day support and stability under heavier pack loads.

The Cross Trail FX Superlite poles have an adjustable length folding shaft, with a push button lock system for the lower shafts and a telescoping upper shaft. The result is a pole that is easy to deploy, lightweight, packable, and adjustable—a rare combination. They weigh 14.3 oz./pair, collapse to 16.5 in, and adjust between 110-130 cm. This is what makes them an ideal fastpacking pole: you get rapid on-the-go deployment and packability, plus the ability to adjust the length for varied terrain and to accommodate your ultralight trekking pole shelter.

The Crosstrail FX Superlites are a couple of ounces heavier and less packable than fixed-length folding poles, like the Leki Ultratrail FX.One, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, and their own fixed-length variation—the Crosstrail FX.One Superlite. They are also less adjustable and repairable than fully telescoping poles. But compromise is the name of the game when it comes to fastpacking. It is difficult to find gear that performs well for running and backpacking. Being pretty good at everything, rather than being the best at a few things, is exactly what makes the Crosstrail FX perfectly suited to the unique rigors of fastpacking.

Best for Versatility: MSR DYNALOCK ASCENT CARBON

WEIGHT: 16.6 oz / 470 g (Small), 17.6 oz (Large)

SHAFT MATERIAL: Kevlar carbon fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA foam

POLE DESIGN: Adjustable length folding shaft

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 14.25 in / 36.2 cm (Small), 17.5 in /44.5 cm (Large)

MAX LENGTH: 47 in / 120 cm (Small), 55 in / 140 cm (Large)

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Versatile poles for hiking, snowshoeing, and splitboarding, packable, adjustable length

CONS: Heavier

It is a bit of a stretch to consider the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon trekking poles as truly ultralight. At just below or above 17 oz., depending on sizing, they are firmly in the middle of the trekking pole weight spectrum: not heavy by any means, yet definitely not the lightest option. Despite being the heaviest poles on our list, their four-season performance and packability are unmatched.

For poles dedicated to ultralight hiking or trail running, you will be better off with seriously ultralight poles in the 9-13 oz range. But if you’re after a single pair you can take on any adventure, in any season, the Dynalock Ascent Carbons are tough to beat.

The poles have an adjustable folding design, with 20 cm of adjustability. Their 14.25 inch collapsed size competes with the best fixed-length folding poles. EVA foam grip extends far down the pole, perfect for sidehilling in snowshoes or steep splitboard ascents. The poles come with trekking baskets and snow baskets to complement their outstanding four-season versatility.

While not the lightest option, the DynaLock Ascents are still fit for backpacking, fastpacking, and the occasional mountain run. For jack-of-all-trades mountain athletes, this is the one trekking pole to rule them all.

Best for Ultralight Reliability: CASCADE MOUNTAIN TECH ULTRALIGHT CARBON FIBER

WEIGHT: 11.2 oz / 317.6 g

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA foam

POLE DESIGN: Telescoping shaft with lever locks

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 30 in / 76.2 cm

MAX LENGTH: 52 in / 132.1 cm

PRICE: $

PROS: Great price point, lightweight, replacement parts are widely available

CONS: Prone to vibrations, large packed size

The Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight trekking poles are the most unassuming pick on this list. They do not have the premium price tag and brand recognition of Leki or Black Diamond poles, but don’t be quick to dismiss them. CMT Ultralight poles are trail workhorses. Their budget-friendly price, widespread availability (you can even find them at Costco on occasion), and impressively light weight (11.2 oz/pair) makes these poles another thru-hiker fan favorite.

With a telescoping shaft and lever locks, broken shafts are easy to replace. Replacing the poles outright also won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The poles are subject to some rattling and do not have the refined ergonomics of more expensive poles, but the gap in quality is far smaller than expected.

CMT Ultralight poles are as durable as you can expect any 100% carbon fiber trekking pole to be. And you can count on finding a replacement in any reasonably large town throughout North America, making them a reliable choice for thru-hikers or anyone who makes a habit out of snapping their trekking poles. Read our full review here.

WEIGHT: 17.1 oz. / 490 g

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: Cork

POLE DESIGN: Telescoping shaft with lever locks

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 24 in / 61 cm

MAX LENGTH: 51 in / 130 cm

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Thick and durable carbon fiber shaft, comfortable, versatile

CONS: Expensive, on the heavier side

Like the MSR DynaLocks, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon trekking poles are not ultralight relative to some other options. But they are impressively light for a pole that performs this well in any season, especially on snow.

The Alpine Carbons have a telescoping lever lock shaft. The carbon fiber shafts are thick, which contributes to their 17 oz. weight, but provides durability that will compete with far heavier aluminum trekking poles. The cork handles of these poles are subtly molded and will conform to the shape of your hands with use, only getting more comfortable with time. Unlike foam, cork wicks moisture and is more durable—better suited to challenging mountain terrain.

Paired with Black Diamond snow baskets (not included), the Alpine Carbons are an excellent choice for winter or year-round alpine conditions. Their versatility makes them another “quiver-killer” option for alpine approaches, snowshoeing, split boarding, and even backcountry skiing. They are too heavy and bulky to really excel for trail running or fast and light scrambling, but the extra weight translates into one of the most durable and versatile carbon fiber trekking poles around. Read our full review here.

WEIGHT: 14.4 oz / 410 g (foam handles), 15.4 oz / 434 g (cork handles)

SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon Fiber

HANDLE MATERIAL: EVA Foam or Cork 

POLE DESIGN: Telescoping with lever locks

COLLAPSED LENGTH: 24.5 in / 62 cm

MAX LENGTH: 54 in / 137 for hiking, 56 in / 142 cm for pitching tents

PRICE: $

PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight, long max length for pitching tents

CONS: Lacking durability and packability, heavier than the most ultralight poles

The Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are a high-value entry point into the world of ultralight trekking poles. At a fraction of the price of top-end ultralight poles, the Zpacks poles weigh in at a very respectable 14.4 oz. (foam handles) or 15.4 oz. (cork handles).

Made with backpackers and thru-hikers in mind, the poles have a 100% carbon fiber build, with telescoping shafts and lever locks. The max length of 56 inches (142 cm) outmatches any other option and is suitable for any trekking pole tent setup. These poles are great for pitching shelters, propping open vestibules, and rigging drying lines.

Their closest competitor, in price and performance, would be the Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight poles. The CMT poles are significantly lighter, but the Zpacks poles provide a more enjoyable user experience. We appreciate the choice between foam and cork handles. Both options feature a foam grip extension down the shaft.

Discerning ultralighters will probably find the ~15 oz. weight too heavy for a carbon fiber pole not renowned for exceptional durability. But some carbon fiber poles cost four times as much while being just as prone to snapping. At this price, the value is hard to deny. The Zpacks poles are comfortable and pair nicely with any trekking pole shelter. They are an excellent ultralight choice for beginner or budget-friendly backpackers.

BUYING ADVICE FOR ULTRALIGHT TREKKING POLES

Trekking Pole Sizing

When holding trekking poles, your forearm should be parallel with the ground, and your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Selecting the right sized poles to achieve this fit will depend on the style of pole.

ADJUSTABLE-LENGTH: Adjustable trekking poles (ie. all telescoping poles) are often available in just one size, made to work for any height. But if you are taller than 6 feet, ensure that the poles can extend to at least 130 cm (51 in.).

FIXED-LENGTH: Fixed-length trekking poles (most folding poles) come in different sizes, so you need to be more discerning. Here is a rough guide to pole sizing based on height:

  • 5’1 or shorter: 100 cm (39 in.) poles

  • 5’1 to 5’7: 110 cm (43 in.) poles

  • 5’8 to 5’11: 120 cm (47 in.) poles

  • 6’ or taller: 130 cm (51 in.) poles

If you plan to use your trekking poles to set up a trekking pole tent or shelter, you may need a pole with a longer max height than you would use for hiking. Most trekking pole tents require 125 cm or longer trekking poles. In this case, an adjustable-length pole is usually the way to go.

However, you can always get pole extensions if you have your heart set on fixed-length trekking poles.

 

Most trekking pole tents – like the Gossamer Gear The Two shown here –require 125 cm or longer trekking poles. In this case, an adjustable-length pole is usually the way to go.

 

Trekking Pole Styles

TELESCOPING: Telescoping poles consist of two or three separate shaft stems. The stems get smaller in diameter closer to the ground, so they can retract into themselves to be packed away. Each stem is locked into place with a twist lock or lever lock mechanism.

The biggest advantage of telescoping poles is their adjustability. You can fine-tune the length to different terrain and to be used in a trekking pole shelter. But because of the additional locks and moving parts, telescoping poles tend to be heavier and less packable. The shafts also get stuck with heavy use and they should be disassembled and cleaned regularly.

FOLDING: Folding poles operate like very stiff tent poles. Three or four shaft segments are connected by a wire. They pull apart to fold up into an extremely compact package. Folding poles are lighter and more packable than telescoping poles, making them the preferred style for trail runners and fastpackers.

The primary downsides of folding poles is that they are less durable and less repairable than telescoping poles. They also are usually a fixed length, sacrificing versatility in the name of specialized ultralight performance.

 

Folding poles like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z are lighter and more packable than telescoping poles, but sacrifice some durability and adjustability.

 

Locking Systems

TWIST LOCK: Twist locks work internally: twisting a shaft segment will loosen or lock them into place. Twist locks are low profile and easy to use, but are becoming less popular in performance trekking poles. They are easy to overtighten and also are known to loosen themselves on the trail. Since the locking mechanism operates internally, malfunctioning twist locks are also harder to repair. The Gossamer Gear LT5 is the only twist-locking pole featured among our top ultralight trekking poles.

LEVER LOCK: Lever locks are becoming the standard for ultralight telescoping trekking poles. Often called flick or flip locks, this locking system is generally more reliable and makes it easier to replace broken shaft stems.

PUSH-BUTTON LOCK: Folding poles, like the Leki Ultratrail FX.One and Crosstrail FX Superlite, feature a simple push-button locking system. It operates similarly to a lever lock, securing each shaft stem into place, but with a button instead of a lever. This locking system pairs well with fixed-length folding poles for running or fastpacking, as it allows you to engage or pack away your poles in seconds, all without stopping.

 

Lever locks like on the CMT Ultralight Trekking Poles are the most common style found on ultralight telescoping trekking poles.

 

Trekking Pole Shaft Materials

Almost all modern trekking poles are made from either aluminum or a form of carbon fiber. Aluminum is cheaper and more durable, while carbon fiber is extremely light and stiff, but snaps far easier than aluminum. 

We classify ultralight trekking poles as any pair weighing as little as 8 ounces to as much as a pound. To get that light, a carbon fiber shaft is more or less required. Even the heavier poles on our list have a 100% carbon fiber shaft. The difference between ultralight poles comes down to thickness and build quality. Carbon fiber poles with thicker shafts, like the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon, are on the heavier end, and will ultimately be more durable than the super ultralight poles, like the Gossamer Gear LT5 or the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z.

Trekking poles with aluminum shafts will always be more durable, but they are also considerably heavier and less packable than carbon fiber trekking poles.

 

Carbon fiber poles are significantly lighter, but for remote trails like Canada’s West Coast Trail you might want to consider aluminum poles, which are heavier but far more durable and less likely to snap — especially if your shelter requires trekking poles for support.

 

Trekking Pole Handles

CORK: Cork is the best material for comfort and performance. It wicks sweat, absorbs impact shocks, and contours to the shape of your hand the more you use it. Cork is also more durable, but it is slightly heavier and more expensive than synthetic alternatives.

FOAM: Second to cork in popularity and performance is foam. Trekking pole handles often use EVA foam, a stiffer variety of the foams found in the midsole of many running shoes. EVA foam also offers a bit of shock absorption. Unlike cork, EVA foam absorbs moisture and is less durable.

RUBBER: Some budget-friendly trekking poles feature rubber handles. Rubber is cheaper, and it wicks moistures very effectively, making it a good fit for winter use. Rubber is cheap and reasonably durable, but not nearly as comfortable as cork or EVA foam and can lead to blistering or chafing in wet or warm conditions.

WRIST STRAPS: Wrist straps add stability and encourage an effective grip on trekking pole handles. They are usually made of synthetic fabrics like nylon. Leki poles are well known for their unique grip system, which replaces the wrist strap with a glove that loops into the handle for more security and effective force distribution.

GRIP EXTENSIONS: Some trekking poles include a second grip option, usually a sleeve of foam that extends down the shaft under the main handle. These grip extensions make it possible to slide your hand down, effectively creating a shorter pole that is more effective for steep climbs.

 

EVA foam handles are common on lightweight trekking poles since the material is inexpensive, lightweight, and provides decent comfort. It does however absorb water, and is less durable than cork.

 

Trekking Pole Tips & Baskets

Beyond trekking pole shafts and handles, the other two parts of note are the tips and baskets.

TIPS: Most trekking pole tips are made from either carbide or steel, which are extremely durable. Many poles will come with rubber tips, which are handy for storage or for using your poles through fragile environments, like alpine meadows.

BASKETS: Trekking poles will come with a small basket above the tip. Some will include larger ones for snow or deep mud. In typical three-season conditions, we prefer to simply remove the baskets entirely. Their utility outside of snow is minimal, so removing the baskets is an easy way to shed some weight.

 

A wrist strap allows you to place weight onto the pole – for balance or support – without having to transfer all that force through your grip on the handle. While baskets can help on really muddy trails – like the Tonquin Valley!

 

Weight & Durability

Ultralight trekking poles walk a fine line between weight and durability. Trekking pole shafts influence weight more than any other part of the pole. The lightest poles, like the Gossamer Gear LT5 and Locus Gear CP3, have a thin carbon fiber shaft construction and are also the least durable.

Consider the sacrifices that are worth it to you. For some uses, like thru-hikes with regular dropbox access or mountain ultramarathons, going ultralight and risking a snapped pole is worth it, as you can access replacement poles or parts relatively easily. On international treks or remote expeditions, you might want the extra durability that well-made, but heavier trekking poles provide.

If your shelter also requires two non-snapped trekking poles to function, think hard about durability and what a trekking pole failure in the backcountry would mean for you.

Packed Size

Ultralight trekking poles vary widely in packed size, which is determined by the pole’s collapsed length. Folding poles are usually more packable, with most having a collapsed length between 12-18 inches. Telescoping poles only collapse down to 24-30 inches.

 

Telescoping poles like the CMT Ultralight Trekking Poles tend to be much less packable than folding poles.

 

Versatility

Trekking poles with adjustable lengths are generally the most versatile option. They can be shortened and lengthened as needed, which can be helpful on steep grades and snow. They can also be extended to perform as tent poles. Some fixed-length poles will not be long enough on their own and require extensions to be used with a trekking pole tent.

Trekking poles designed for versatility are inevitably heavier. The MSR DynaLock Ascent and Black Diamond Alpine Carbon are considerably heavier than our other selections on this list. They won’t offer the optimized, ultralight performance that thru-hikers, trail runners, and fastpackers often want, but they make up for it with balanced performance in all seasons and a greater variety of uses, including snowshoeing, mountaineering, and skiing.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Are ultralight trekking poles durable enough for rugged terrain? Ultralight trekking poles are designed to be durable and reliable in demanding mountain terrain. That said, they tend to err on the side of ultralightness over durability. Snapping a carbon fiber pole is not an unexpected occurrence. But the performance benefits gained from ultralight trekking poles are often worth it.

Are collapsible ultralight trekking poles easy to pack and carry during travel? Collapsible ultralight trekking poles are designed to be compact and lightweight. Fixed-length folding poles, like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, have the smallest collapsed size, making them the most packable option.

How do I choose the right size for ultralight trekking poles? Start by knowing how you will be using your poles. Different styles and designs offer better performance for trail running, backpacking, hiking, and winter sports.

Can ultralight trekking poles be used for activities other than hiking? Ultralight trekking poles are one of the most versatile pieces of gear. They can be used for backpacking, trekking, trail running, fastpacking, snowshoeing, and even backcountry skiing and splitboarding.

What are the benefits of using ultralight trekking poles? Ultralight trekking poles result in less cumulative fatigue compared to heavier trekking poles, which is a huge advantage for trail running, thru-hiking, or any long day exploring challenging terrain on foot. They are also more packable and easier to stow away for less technical sections.

MORE INFORMATION

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