As technology evolves, the number of "light" trekking poles on the market is increasing. Looking at the trekking poles on the market, telescopic, three-piece poles weighing less than 150g each are currently among the lightest in the world
However, now an ultra-lightweight trekking pole has been released that surpasses even the lightest trekking poles. The " Arata ATP-125 " weighs just 126g, making it head and shoulders lighter than trekking poles of the same design.
However, to safely support a load of approximately 10 kg of gear, a trekking pole needs to be not only light but also strong. the Arata ATP-125, ? I tested this ultra-lightweight trekking pole in the field and will review it here.
table of contents
- Main features of arata ATP-125
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Impressions used
- Extremely light and highly durable
- The screw-type connection reduces shaking when stabbing, allowing for comfortable and secure stabbing
- Flick lock type that can be adjusted continuously from 100cm to 125cm
- An excellent grip that allows you to push without using force
- Snow basket included for all seasons
- Summary: Ultra-lightweight, durable, functional, and compact trekking poles for all seasons
Main features of arata ATP-125
The arata ATP-125 is a three-piece trekking pole with adjustable length, made from special carbon pipes with excellent strength-to-weight ratios. The poles are woven using a method called Direct Filament Winding, which increases the carbon content, resulting in exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. The connecting sections use a screw system unlike typical folding trekking poles, and the aluminum alloy construction makes these poles among the lightest in the world, while still offering high load capacity.
The poles are continuously adjustable between 100cm and 125cm, featuring a flick-lock mechanism for easy adjustment. They fold down to a mere 38cm in length for compact storage. Each pole weighs 126g, or 133g with the strap. They feature lightweight, easy-to-grip EVA foam grips, a dedicated basket, snow basket, and tip covers, making them ideal for all seasons, from mountain climbing and hiking in the green season to snowy mountains
Recommended points
- Extremely light and highly durable
- The screw-type connection reduces shaking when stabbing, allowing for comfortable and secure stabbing
- Good shock absorption when poked
- Strong enough to withstand weight
- Flick lock type that can be adjusted continuously from 100cm to 125cm
- An excellent grip that allows you to push without using force
- Snow basket included for all seasons
- Storage size that does not stick out from the backpack
Points that interest me
- Screw-type connections take some time to assemble
- The grip is a little thin
- The maximum length of 125cm is not compatible with larger one-pole shelters
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | arata ATP-125 |
|---|---|
| weight | 133g (pole: 126g, strap: 7g) |
| Number of pole connections | 3-piece (foldable) |
| How to connect | Screw type (separate type), flick lock |
| Material |
|
| Adjustable size width | 100cm to 125cm |
| Storage size | 38cm |
| accessories |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Fixed/adjusted | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Suitable activities | Hiking and mountain climbing |
Impressions used
Extremely light and highly durable
Actual measurements with pole and strap combined
the ATP-125 with strap is 133g per pole (actual weight was 134.3g). While it's not the lightest compared to poles without adjustable straps or trail running poles, it is among the lightest "adjustable length 3-piece" poles in the world. The DURSTON Iceline Trekking Poles, introduced in OutdoorGearzin in March 2025, weighed 145g per pole, making it 12g lighter. Despite its light weight, we tested it in the field, deliberately putting our weight on it and poking it hard, and there were no problems whatsoever. We were able to put our weight on it with confidence.
The ATP-125 's pole diameter is approximately 13mm at its thickest point near the grip and 11mm at the tip (please allow for some discrepancy as these are actual measurements), making it relatively light and strong compared to other trekking poles. The reason it's so strong despite its light weight is due to a technique that increases the pole's carbon content and a unique connecting structure, which ensures high durability. While typical carbon pipes are made with a UD sheet, with carbon fibers running in one direction, as the core material and a 3K sheet with a grid pattern layered on top, the ATP-125 uses a carbon pipe woven using a technique called Direct Filament Winding, which increases the carbon content ratio, resulting in a high strength-to-weight ratio, while maintaining strength and reducing weight.
The ATP-125 has a load capacity of 36 kg, which is the strength just before the pole breaks (or is damaged) when subjected to an axial load, but the ATP-125's load capacity specs mean that there are no problems when used for normal mountain climbing or hiking (based on actual experience after field testing). However, we cannot say for sure that the load capacity is ok when walking. When speeds are increased, such as when trail running, the load increases, so it is important to keep in mind that you will need sufficient knowledge and experience to understand the performance and limits.
The screw-type connection reduces shaking when stabbing, allowing for comfortable and secure stabbing
Trekking poles are simple items, although their construction may differ. However, when you step out into the field, the way impacts are transmitted, vibrations, and deflections vary depending on the material and connection method used. Some poles grip the field firmly, while others provide tenacious support. Each pole has its own unique characteristics
The ATP-125 grips the trail firmly when pushed, and there is no recoil from the impact at the moment of pushing. There is no bending, so I was able to push and put my weight on it with confidence. From my experience using multiple trekking poles, the shock absorption and lack of bending when pushed are characteristics of the carbon material. The lack of bending and recoil when pushed is largely due to the connection method and strength.
Some folding trekking poles use a connection method that holds the pole in place by pulling an internal wire, but trekking poles with this structure can transmit vibrations and cause bending when you push them.The ATP-125 , on the other hand, uses a "screw system" that is rare for trekking poles, which secures the pole firmly, increasing the strength of the connection and making it less likely to bend when you push it.
The screw-type connection can be fixed by turning it like a screw. Turn it clockwise to fix it and counterclockwise to loosen it
I was concerned that the screw-type mechanism might come loose due to repeated impacts during use, but in several tests it never loosened. It is important to tighten it firmly when assembling, but there is an elastic O-ring at the connection point, and tightening the screw firmly prevents it from loosening, making it a structure that is difficult to loosen
Screw-type connections take some time to assemble
Because it is a screw-type pole, it takes a little longer to assemble, so it is not suitable for situations where you need to assemble quickly, but trekking poles that are fastened with wire, which allows for quick assembly, become unusable if the wire breaks.In contrast, although it is less convenient to use, its primitive structure makes it less prone to problems, and it can still be used without any problems even if the internal shock cord breaks
Flick lock type that can be adjusted continuously from 100cm to 125cm
The top of the pole is telescopic near the grip, allowing for continuous length adjustment between 100cm and 125cm, with a flick-lock mechanism for easy adjustment. The scale is marked in 1cm increments, making it easy to use as a guide for length adjustment, and the scale also helps you find the best length for you. Once you know your best length, you can use it as a reference when choosing a lighter trekking pole with no telescopic function as the next step, so trekking poles with scales are recommended as entry-level models
However, even though lightweight trekking poles are stronger, they may still break if subjected to excessive load or impact, so they should only be used after understanding the product's performance and limitations, as well as safety precautions
Can be stored compactly
While telescoping trekking poles have the advantage of being highly maneuverable, they can stick out significantly when attached to a backpack. However, the ATP-125 can be folded down to just 38cm in length, allowing for compact storage. It also comes with a Velcro band to keep it together when stored, so it won't come apart or stick out from the backpack, and there's no risk of it getting caught on trees overhead.
An excellent grip that allows you to push without using force
first the ATP-125, I noticed that the grip was a little thin. My hands are larger than average, so while it's understandable to some extent, it felt thinner than the other poles I've used. I was initially concerned about the thin grip, but when I tried it out in the field, I was surprised to find that the shape of the grip allowed me to hold the pole without needing any grip strength.
The grip fits perfectly around the little finger when you hold it, and by using the strap you can apply force without having to grip too tightly, so you can use it for long periods of time without getting tired.The shape also makes it easy to fit around the index finger, so even if you change the way you hold it depending on the situation, it fits in just the right place, making it very easy to use
Snow basket included for all seasons
It comes with accessories such as a ferrule cover, basket, and strap, so you can use it in the field right after purchase, and it even comes with a snow basket so you can use it on snowy mountains
The snow basket, which is approximately 89mm in diameter, provides buoyancy and allows for use on snowy mountains. By the way, the snow basket weighs 19g, and the trekking pole weighs 153g
The snow basket is included and not an option, so there's nothing to complain about, but if I had to say something, it would have been great if it had been designed so that the snow basket didn't get in the way when folded
Summary: Ultra-lightweight, durable, functional, and compact trekking poles for all seasons
We introduced the new trekking pole ATP-125
Despite being telescopic, these lightweight trekking poles weigh less than 130g, making them not only light but also sturdy and easy to use. The ATP-125 is a recommended trekking pole for hikers who want to use trekking poles to support their walking while also reducing weight.
The brand name arata, which means "to make new and to revise," lives up to its name by creating a succession of groundbreaking items. From tents to sleeping mats, and the trekking poles introduced this time, I'm already looking forward to seeing what they'll create next
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Yosuke C
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.
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