Thank you!

Hi Friso,

For what you want, of all the poles I’ve reviewed, I’d recommend the MSR Dynalock Ascent (in this review).

Thanks.

I’ll try to repair the pole but it is a challenge. I read that the aluminium connector is glued inside the carbon, so let’s see if I can get it out if I heat it a bit. (BD warns to not leave the poles in direct sunlight in the car, as the glue might get soft).

Are there any more durable poles that can be packed small? (Airline friendly) Lightweight is not that important to me.

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing that, Friso. I have not damaged these poles after countless uses, but I’ve been concerned about a possible failure of the type you describe, because they are so light. I’ll add that I’ve seen heavier carbon poles sheer in two under lesser stresses (it can happen with carbon) and aluminum poles bend (but not break).

I just broke one of these hiking poles. The carbon is undamaged but an aluminium connector between the top parts broke in half. The aluminium connector between the lower parts is bent. The pole broke when I slipped and leaned on it with my full weight (80kg).

I liked using the poles and to be able to fold them is very handy, but I am disappointed that they failed the way they did. The connecting piece should not fail.

Thanks for that report, Aaron. I’m sorry you’re having such a bad experience with MSR because they are outstanding poles.

I purchased my MSR Dynalock Hiking poles last year and had an absolutely horrid time with their customer support when I had an issue. Still no resolution after 9 months. Unbelievably great poles, horrific customer service. I’m actually looking at this page to try to find a good alternative.

Hi Edwin,

I suggest you get the men’s 125-140cm poles and your daughter get the women’s 95-110cm. I’m five feet eight inches and I use the men’s 110-125cm.

Thanks.

Hi Michele,

I’m glad those Gossamer Gear LT5 poles have worked out well for you. I think they’re excellent, certainly lightweight, and quite durable; I’ve seen no concerns with my pair, even after numerous trips, some of those in very rough terrain. Has your husband ever tried hiking with those poles? They might just be perfect for him, too.

What appeals to him about a handle grip? I haven’t used the Leki Wanderfreund Makalu Trekking Pole (that’s an affiliate link), but I’ve looked at it online and the handle looks more like something you’d grip from above on its horizontal portion, like a cane, rather than with your hands through the wrist straps and holding the pole’s grip on the same plane, as you’re accustomed to doing with your LT5. The Wanderfreund Makalu certainly looks durable (aluminum shafts), but has he considered how he would use that hiking? I just wonder if it’s intended to use more like a cane, which would not feel natural for use as a hiking pole.

If he likes Leki, he might look at the the Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles (that’s an affiliate link), which are aluminum and equally sturdy, a bit lighter than the Wanderfreund Makalu, and have a grip that looks comfortable and is oriented more for hiking. Or, again, he might try your LT5 poles and at least see what he thinks of that type of grip.

Or look at some of the heavier/sturdier models in this review.

I hope that helps. I would definitely recommend he use some kind of poles. But I would point him toward poles with a grip that looks more intended for hiking.

Hi Deborah,

I’m honestly not sure what trekking poles are still made with anti-shock technology. I personally don’t look for that in poles because I’m skeptical about the benefits, while the disadvantage is significant: Too much of your effort when pushing off with poles (whether going uphill or on relatively flat terrain) gets absorbed by the anti-shock device rather than transmitted to the ground.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

Hi Quinn,

Thanks for the nice compliment about my blog and for asking good questions about trekking poles. You should definitely start using them, by the way. As I wrote in the second paragraph of this story: I do not know a single experienced dayhiker or backpacker who does not use poles.

If you want to get an ultralight backpacking tent that pitches with trekking poles, note the last bullet point in the tips above the reviews of these poles in this story: “Key point for backpackers who use an ultralight or lightweight tent: If you use a tent that pitches with trekking poles, many require poles that are adjustable and extend to 125cm or longer. Not all poles meet those specs.” The tent’s pitching instructions will indicate the length to set trekking poles.

I’m a big fan of BD’s Distance Carbon FLZ and for starters, you’d have to get the right size for the tent you choose. And I would be a little concerned about how well they’d hold up in really strong winds; for average use in reasonably protected campsites, the Distance Carbon FLZ poles would be fine. I’d suggest the Gossamer Gear LT5 as a strong, ultralight pole for pitching a tent; I’ve used those poles for that purpose.

It does matter where you’ll use that tent and the tent itself.

I hope that helps. Good luck and get in touch anytime.

I was wondering, do you have any guidance about which of these poles would be suitable (or definitely not suitable) for use with trekking pole tents? Is collapsible vs folding a consideration for that kind of use? The lightweight/compact design of the BD carbon FLZ poles is appealing, but I’m wondering whether they would hold up when doubling as tent poles.

I’ve never used trekking poles before, but everything I’ve read makes me want to give them a try. And I figure if I’m going to start using trekking poles, the weight savings of a trekking pole tent would make sense too!

Hi Eric,

Sounds like you just need some very durable poles, even though they will be heavier. Get a pair of sturdy poles with aluminum shafts like the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing that, Stuart. Customer service says a lot about a brand’s loyalty to users.