table of contents
An essential behind-the-scenes piece for a comfortable hike
Over the past decade or so, trekking poles have become an essential tool for comfortable mountain hiking. As I mentioned in my previous article, " How to Choose Trekking Poles You Won't Regret, " trekking poles are the unsung heroes that support your walking in many ways, from providing a foothold when climbing to cushioning shock when descending and maintaining balance when crossing rivers.
Basically, any walking stick that is thick and long enough will be of some help, but when you get down to it's performance and functionality, the required performance becomes increasingly complex depending on the anticipated activity, the weight of the load, the terrain you'll be using, etc. So even though it's just a walking stick, the world of walking sticks opens up in a very deep way.
This time, we'll be doing a thorough comparison of trekking poles. We'll be picking out some standout models in terms of popularity, performance, and price, and as always, we'll be comparing them on actual hikes to evaluate and compare their performance from various angles. Let's take a look.
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Evaluation Results: Recommended trekking poles by type
- Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
- Summary (Page:2)
About the trekking poles compared this time
In selecting the comparison candidates, we took into consideration the following criteria:
- A model suitable for mountain climbing and trekking
- Excluding models designed specifically for walking and running
- The length is adjustable around 120cm.
- Available for purchase from authorized Japanese distributors
- Selected mainly from brands popular among climbers (Yamakei Online " Brand Image & Mountaineering Equipment Purchasing Trends Survey 2016 ")
However, simply choosing popular models inevitably results in a bias towards manufacturers and types, so this time we by considering the above criteria as well as variations in pole material, locking method, connection method, price range, etc. Furthermore, we narrowed down the candidates to nine for comparison after seeing the actual models in stores. Of course, personal interests and preferences are not completely ignored, but we would like to point out that the candidates listed here are undoubtedly recommended models that met a certain standard at the time.
Test environment
The testing period lasted about a year, from summer 2016 to August 2017, and I gradually purchased poles, rather than buying all at once, and continued using the ones I had on hand. I also tested all poles under the same conditions several times, and had the author and several other acquaintances, ranging from experienced to beginner climbers, compare and evaluate them to improve accuracy. I used them in the Tokyo area and in the mountains of Okuchichibu, Yatsugatake, and Joshinetsu (around 1,000 to 2,500 meters) during the snow-free season, and on some models even on snowy mountains.
In this comparison test, the following six items were used as indicators for evaluation. The importance of each item is explained in some detail in " How to Choose Trekking Poles ," so please refer to this for more information.
- "Comfort" and "weight" such as easy grip and less stress when walking
- "Fixing & Adjustment" and "Storage" determine ease of use and safety
- Durability is essential for long-term, safe use
- "Versatility" - whether it can be used in a wide range of seasons, terrains, and activities
Please note that the numerical evaluation results are based solely on the judgment of the evaluators who conducted the tests. While we aim to provide as convincing and objective an evaluation as possible, it is impossible to eliminate subjective evaluations such as comfort and fit, and so please use the results as a reference with the understanding that there will naturally be disagreements on this point.
Test results and spec comparison table
Prices are displayed for reference based on official online store prices as of August 2017.
| Overall ranking | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place | 3rd place | 5th place | 6th place | 7th place | 8th place | 9th place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Montbell Alpine Poles Camlock Anti-Shock |  |
| Reference price | 35,640 yen | 23,760 yen | 20,520 yen | 21,060 yen | 16,740 yen | 14,580 yen | 14,580 yen | 5,616 yen per bottle | 7,560 yen |
| Overall score (out of 100) | 88 | 84 | 82 | 81 | 80 | 77 | 74 | 72 | 70 |
| This is ◎ | High quality in every way | Lightweight, compact and comfortable | High comfort when gripping and moving | Outstanding storage capacity and high versatility, including on snowy mountains | Durability and overall flawless quality | Easy and comfortable locking mechanism, easy-to-grip grip | Extremely light and storable | Lightweight and easy-to-tighten locking mechanism | Durability and high cost performance |
| This is △ | price | Low versatility as it cannot be used on snow | Weight, storage capacity | Slightly lower durability at the parts level | None in particular | Storageability | Thin grip, hard to grip, shaft that is hard to tighten, durability | Shafts that tend to vibrate when walking, weight, and storage | PE grip that is difficult to grip, weight, storage, few accessories and functions |
| Comfort (25 points) |
22 | 21 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 15 |
| Weight (25 pieces) |
20 | 23 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 24 | 17 | 19 |
| Fixation & Adjustment (20 points) |
19 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 15 |
| Storage capacity (15 items) |
14 | 14 | 11 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Durability (10 points) |
9 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Versatility (5 points) |
4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Specs | |||||||||
| item | LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS | Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork | SINANO Folder FREE 125 | KOMPERDELL Explorer Compact Power Lock | LEKI SPD2 Soft Light | Helinox FL120 | Montbell Alpine Poles Camlock Anti-Shock | KOMPERDELL Wild Rambler |
| How to connect | Folding | Folding | Telescoping | Folding | Telescoping | Telescoping | Telescoping | Telescoping | Telescoping |
| Locking method | Pin + Lever Lock | Pin + Lever Lock | Lever lock | Pin + screw lock | Lever lock | Lever lock | Screw lock | Lever lock | Screw lock |
| Size (cm) | 110～130 | 95～110 105～125 120～140 |
63～130 | 110～125 *Other models available (up to 115cm) |
90～120 | 65～130 | 80～120 | 100～130 | 105～140 |
| Storage size (cm) | 37.5 | 34 37 40 |
63 | 36 | 58 | 65 | 53.3 | 63 | 66.5 |
| Actual measured weight (g, cap not included) | 472 | 358 | 504 | 406 | 452 | 488 | 306 | 568 | 508 |
| Shaft material | carbon | carbon | carbon | carbon | aluminum | aluminum | aluminum | aluminum |
aluminum |
| Shaft diameter (mm) | 16/14/(12) | 15/13 | 18/16/13 | 16/13.5 | 18/16/14 | 16/14/12 | 14/12.5/10.5 | 16/14/12 | 18/16/14 |
| Grip material | EVA Form | EVA Form | cork | EVA Form | EVA Form | rubber | EVA Form | rubber | polyethylene |
| Shock absorption mechanism | ◯ | × | × | × | × | × | × | ◯ | × |
| Snow surface basket | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ | × | ◯ | × |
| Extension grip | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ | × | × |
| Anti-slip cap | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | × |
Evaluation Results: Recommended trekking poles by type
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS
Overall No. 1: No compromises to be found, a first-class product from every angle.
It is high quality in every aspect, including the comfortable grip, the ease of use, and the durability of the adjustment and connecting parts.
The flagship model of LEKI, one of the world's leading pole manufacturers for trekking and other winter sports, the Micro Vario Carbon AS, won first place in this overall evaluation.
It's certainly not incredibly light. However, the combination of a carbon shaft and an aluminum connecting section creates a flawless structure that compensates for the weaknesses of both strength and flexibility while maintaining lightness. The ergonomic, easy-to-grip shape and comfortable grip made of non-slip material provided a top-class grip on both climbs and descents. In particular, the unique LEKI grip shape at the top of the grip, which allows you to grip it with your palm from above, was so comfortable that many people became addicted to its comfort.
There are countless other reasons why it deserves the top spot, including the "Dynamic Suspension System" that absorbs shock from the ground and provides a comfortable feel when thrusting, the ease of use of the lever lock "Speed Lock 2 System" that combines operability, fixing power, and adjustment, and the durability of the wire that connects the poles. Of course, a snow basket that can be used on snowy surfaces is also available as an option, so versatility is also no problem.
The only drawback is the price. At this price, it's fair to say that the performance is as expected. However, while there are some items out there where the price is influenced by subjective aspects such as design and status, this model is clearly "top-notch in every aspect of performance and functionality," making it an item that we can confidently recommend to anyone as our No. 1.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
No. 1 in comfort, ideal for those who want to use it safely for a long time even during harsh mountain climbing
The appeal of cork grips is not only their natural ease of grip, but also their luxurious appearance.
The Alpine Carbon Cork , an all-around carbon model from Black Diamond, a major brand that rivals LEKI as an outdoor pole manufacturer, did not reach first place in the overall rating, but it was definitely one of my favorite poles in this comparison.
What I recommend most is the cork grip, which allows for comfortable stick work. EVA foam grips, currently the mainstream grip material, are also quite comfortable these days, but cork is the one that remains stable and non-slip, even when wet with sweat or rain, not to mention when dry. It also has the qualities that only cork can offer, such as just the right amount of elasticity, a subtle warmth, and a natural texture. While the grip shape itself isn't particularly ergonomic, the subtly curved grip, which is neither too thick nor too thin, is very comfortable to hold during normal use and I felt it was well thought out.
Another notable feature is the stability when you push the poles into the ground while walking. With poles with a thin shaft diameter or poles made of flexible materials like aluminum, the rattle of the pole when you push it into the ground can be a concern, but this model is made of carbon fiber and has a shaft with a maximum diameter of 18mm, making it one of the thickest of the poles compared here, providing excellent stability. This comfortable feel while pushing the poles into the ground is one of the major reasons why this model is No. 1 in comfort. However, because it is heavy for a carbon fiber pole, it may not be suitable for those who want a lightweight design even though it's made of carbon fiber, or for those who want to use it for trail running.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ
Top-class lightness makes it perfect for speed hiking.
The grip is excellent, being lightweight and hollowed out without sacrificing comfort.
Compared to other mountain gear, trekking poles, where the weight of the equipment is directly transmitted through the handle, are tools where subtle differences in weight can have a big impact on comfort. However, if they are too light, they cannot be used for mountain climbing while carrying a load, so a balance is needed where they are comfortable to use for trekking yet lightweight. From that perspective, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ was the model that received the highest points in the "comfort + weight" category in this comparison.
In addition to being top-class lightness at just 300 grams for both, the rods also feature a comfortable grip, a shaft durable enough for mountain climbing, and a lever lock system that allows for easy operation and length adjustment. The fact that they don't compromise on lightness or ease of use is a major attraction not found in other ultra-light models. The careful construction and ingenuity that went into every detail to achieve this is truly impressive.
With its high level of lightness and packability, this model is perfect for trail running and fastpacking, and can also be used without any problems for serious mountain climbing. However, the only drawback is that the basket at the tip is fixed, so it cannot be replaced with a basket for use on snowy surfaces. This means, unfortunately, that it cannot be used on snowy mountains. If you plan to use it to the fullest in situations without snow, you will need to be prepared to accept this, but the quality is certainly up to the task. Incidentally, for those looking to use it in races or for the ultimate in lightweight storage, the Distance Carbon Z , can be even lighter.
SINANO Folder FREE 125
Lightweight and compact for all seasons, including winter mountain climbing
It is one of the shortest folding bikes, so the storage size is quite different.
While comfort and durability are somewhat subjective, weight and storage size are even more critical. It's no exaggeration to say that being 10g lighter or 1cm shorter would make a world of difference, and I can understand the feelings of those who are particular about such things. For those who pursue lightweight and compactness, we recommend the SINANO Folder FREE 125.
In addition to its ultra-lightweight weight of approximately 400 grams, its high packability at 36cm is a major advantage.The carbon shaft has been made as light as possible while maintaining the utmost durability, and boasts reassuring strength that can withstand serious mountain climbing.The fixing method is a screw lock rather than a lever lock, so it is slim with little protrusion to the sides, and can be stored surprisingly compactly inside a backpack.
It can be replaced with a snow basket and has an extension grip that allows you to hold it short and hike up steep slopes, making it perfect for use on snowy mountains.The ferrule caps, which are used on paved roads and boardwalks that may affect vegetation, are designed to be non-slip and fall-off-resistant, making it ideal for all-around use and purposes regardless of the season or terrain.
Although there are some concerns about durability, such as the susceptibility of the connecting wires to damage and the screw locks to malfunction, this ease of use makes it suitable for a variety of situations, and it has been used quite often. From a broader perspective, it can be said to be a model with excellent cost performance.
KOMPERDELL Wild Rambler
The best value for money with minimal functionality and plenty of comfort.
It's a very simple design, but it's surprisingly sturdy and hard to break.
the KOMPERDELL Wild Rambler as the best value for money . If you look online, you'll find a lot of extremely cheap trekking poles for around 1,000 yen, but to be honest, they're poorly made, so you can't complain if they break in an instant. Even if you can't spend a lot of money, you should at least choose a product from a reputable mountaineering brand.
Among them, the basic model from Komperdell, a global pole specialist and OEM manufacturer for other brands, is simple in construction and frankly, the individual parts are crude, but it offers a minimum level of comfort and stability when in motion. The polyethylene grip is a little slippery when held with bare hands, but wearing gloves makes it less of a problem. Even with these small considerations in mind, the price is quite attractive (in fact, they are often sold for even less). In this comparison, if I were buying trekking poles for the first time, I would honestly feel that this model would be sufficient, rather than Komperdell Explorer Compact Power Lock
If you're thinking about trying out poles for the first time or aren't sure which one is right for you, we recommend this model, which offers comfort, durability, and versatility that will meet most people's needs.
Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item
Detailed reviews of each item
Comfort and weight
There is very little doubt that "more comfortable walking" is the most important point for trekking poles. However, it may be difficult for everyone to agree on what Paul should make it comfortable.
The editorial department first breaks down the elements that make up the comfort of a trekking pole into three perspectives: the grip material and shape (easiness to grip), the strap, and how the pole fits on the ground, and has compiled the evaluations of each of them as a comfort category. Another particularly important element of comfort is "weight," which is an independent evaluation item.
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork has a cork grip that is non-slip and fits well in your hands, a soft strap around it, and a sturdy and stable feel, making it the pole I felt was the most comfortable to use. In the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is also the light weight of about 350g, which reduces the stress of walking to the limit. The LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS uses ergonomics to make it the most comfortable grip and overall lightness, both of which are well-balanced. These three models are superior or inferior for convenience, but in terms of overall comfort, both are difficult to match, and in reality, each person will find their likes and dislikes depending on how they are used and their tastes.
Grip material
Although the evaluation of grip materials differed slightly from model to model, "cork" and "EVA foam" were generally favored by all testers. To repeat, the high grip and comfort of the cork have a unique charm that can only be achieved with natural materials. It is also said that corks are generally more durable and last longer than EVA, but even after using EVA grips for just over a year, there are not many scratches. I think this depends on how you use it. On the other hand, many people did not appreciate rubber because of its ease of rubbing and the discomfort when wet. However, since it does not absorb water in cold regions, there is no need to worry about freezing, so it has an advantage over other materials. Finally, although polyethylene (plastics) is inexpensive and hygienic (and there is no need to worry about freezing), it is not suitable for intense activities or for long-term use, as it generally slips quite a bit, deteriorates over time, and is not suitable for use intensive activities.
The thickness of the grip
I didn't notice it until I actually compared it, but the grip thickness of the poles varies slightly depending on the manufacturer or model. the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ , the SINANO Folder FREE 125 , the Helinox FL120, all had thin grips (23-24mm), while KOMPERDELL were thick (about 29mm) that would make them feel a bit bulky for people with small hands. It wasn't an extreme effect on the evaluation, but it seems that there will be some impact as female testers were very rated by the Helinox FL120, which I felt wasn't quite right. It's a good idea to take care when choosing.
weight
The Helinox FL120 weighs almost 300g , is undoubtedly the top lightweight rating. What's more, carbon has been considered to be advantageous in terms of lightweight properties, but it's surprising that aluminum is so light. This model, which is lightweight, compact, highly durable, and low-priced, is one of the best ways to enjoy trail running activities in this comparison. On the other hand, it seemed to have been somewhat difficult to understand overall comfort, such as the very thin and simple grip and the magnitude of vibration when thrusts with the ultra-fine shaft. An effective way to use this pole is to use it in a way that is completely unsatisfied.
Overall, there seems to be a boundary line that makes it seem "light" about whether or not it costs less than 400 grams. In that sense, the SINANO Folder FREE 125 has a strong impression of being a particularly light pole, and as it gets further, the weight difference will only be felt in the 50 gram increments.
When you line up the grips, you can see that they vary not only from material and shape, but also from thickness, vertical length, and strap texture.
Fixed and adjustable functions
As explained in Pole There are various ways to fix and adjust the pole depending on the purpose and price range Unlike the screw lock method, which requires a certain amount of grip strength each time to tighten it tightly, even those with low strength can easily and securely securely. In addition, the length can be adjusted and is less likely to break down, so the recent advanced lever locks are generally excellent for models from all manufacturers.
Among the lever locking methods of various manufacturers, the Speed Lock 2 System installed in the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS Moreover, since it is foldable, the bottom can be pinned with just one touch, allowing for quick settings. By the way, the fixing force is also very easy to use, without the need for a screwdriver.
The screw locking system is not only a hassle to tighten, but also has a negative evaluation of the fact that it is sometimes too tight and stops moving, or the lock system breaks down and cannot be fixed. The only advantage that can be said to be the case is that the poles are not overhanging, making them easy to store, but the reality is that the recent compactness of locking systems has become a concern for mood.
The difference in locking method. The fixing force and lever operability are slightly different for each brand. There are also minor differences, such as the need for a screwdriver to adjust the hardness.
Storageability
The storage capacity of a pole can be said to be almost the same as the connecting method of the pole. From this perspective, three models the SINANO Folder FREE 125 , LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS , and Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ All of these are less than 40cm in storage size, so you can safely store them in your backpack. In particular, the SINANO Folder FREE 125 is 36cm tall, so it's hard to find a pole that can be stored so compactly even when looking around the world.
However, there was one thing to note about this storage capacity. Folding poles are great for storing in the main compartment or side of a backpack, but the compactness of the pole attachments that are attached to the front of the backpack, or the active pole attachments that come with the pack, such as Osprey, can cause the compactness of the pole attachments that can't be installed (or is difficult to install). I hope that backpack manufacturers will soon be able to deal with this issue, but at the moment, we need to be careful.
Different storage sizes. Generally, foldables are compact, but the lengths are slightly different between foldables and telescopes.
Durability
When it comes to pole durability, you tend to focus on the material of the shaft. However, although aluminum generally has the characteristic of being easy to bending but not easily folding, carbon is easy to break but is less likely to bend, the reality is that it is not possible to make a simple comparison of which material is stronger. For this reason, we do not evaluate the differences in strength depending on the material in detail here, but rather compare the durability of the entire item, mainly the shaft thickness (weight), the connection structure, and the ease of breaking of each part.
As a result of comparison, the KOMPERDELL Explorer Compact Power Lock has a larger shaft diameter than other poles, and each part is also sturdy. As a result, there are no very clever parts and it is a very basic construction. Other Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork has also been found to have the highest overall durability, with a thick shaft diameter and cork used for the grip. However, despite its relatively lightweight carbon, it is so heavy that it loses the goodness of the carbon of about 500g.
The strength and weight vary not only depending on the material but also the thickness (thickness) of the shaft. In general, the thicker the stronger the stronger.
Versatility
Not only can trekking poles be adapted to a wide range of activities, seasons and terrain by attaching (replacing) optional parts, but this item evaluates the wide range of options. Specifically, there are size adjustments, whether or not there is a basket option for snow surfaces, whether or not there is an anti-slip cap for paved roads and wooden roads, and whether or not there is an extension grip for steep slopes.
These abundance of options are three : the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS , the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork , and the SINANO Folder FREE 125 All of these models are top-notch in terms of price. On the other hand, the lowest priced KOMPERDELL Wild Rambler has no options other than size adjustment and snow basket options, so it may be a bit difficult to use on any course other than a typical one. This also shows that the higher-end models have a wide range of options and are easier to use all-around.
An extension grip for temporarily holding the pole shorter on steep slopes. Non-slip designs like KOMPERDELL are highly practical.
Various baskets, stone thrust caps. Baskets are not necessary in the snowy season, but for snow surfaces, you will need a wider item (second from left). The cap is also better with a non-slip construction.
summary
Judging from the overall rating alone, we once again learned through the test that trekking poles are either cheap or bad to a very high degree, meaning that the price and ranking are generally proportional. Due to the nature of the items, there are no differences in design, so it seems that functions (performance) and price are inevitably linked directly.
However, if you have a specific purpose you want to prioritize, it is best to use it in detail accordingly. distance carbon FLZ for hiking in three seasons , Helinox FL120 Micro Vario Carbon AS for full-scale climbing Alpine Carbon Cork for snowy mountains . On the other hand, even for models in the mid-price range, it has been discovered that manufacturers have strengths and weaknesses in terms of the type of grip, durability, and ease of use. are LEKI or KOMPERDELL for comfort , Helinox LEKI for locking mechanism KOMPERDELL for durability Montbell for cost performance , so these trends are useful when choosing a model that suits your taste.
For better or worse, this time the test focuses on classic trekking pole models. It is true that there are many better (pointed) models that were not included in this test. We will also be covering these in future reviews, but if you look at them from the same perspective, it will help you decide whether the model is the right choice for you, so please take a look at it.
