REVIEW: Trekking & Trail Running Poles

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The use of trekking poles has become more commonplace among trail runners in recent years, expanding beyond the usual backdrop of mountain ultra races and fastpack excursions to also include runners who habitually train on steep terrain. They are also extremely helpful for runners dealing with nagging orthopedic issues, as they help offload the work on the uphills and absorb the impact of downhills on sore joints, tendons or ligaments. For these secondary purposes, you don’t need poles that are super sleek and ultralight, and would most likely prefer poles that are built a little more rugged and durable to handle the demands of everyday training.

We’ve tested a variety of poles over the first half of this year, ranging from lightweight racing models to robust daily trainers, as well as some hybrid styles that do equally well in both circumstances.

LEKI Ultratrail FX.One ($220)

These all-carbon poles are the more practical and affordable sibling of LEKI’s race-specific Ultratrail FX.One Superlite poles, and are an excellent example of how lighter and sleeker shouldn’t be your primary factor in choosing poles. The Ultratrail FX.One features almost all the technologies of the Superlite version—particularly in the updated grip system described shortly—but are built with a shaft diameter that is 2mm wider (16mm total), and use a slightly heavier carbon fiber composite to give the poles more durability, with a price point that is $30 less than the Superlite. LEKI claims that this model is the most durable in its Ultratrail lineup of trail-running-specific poles designed for power, efficient movement and control in steep environments.

The key technology in application of power and control is LEKI’s Trail Shark integrated grip and strap system, which is more effective for transferring force from your upper extremities than traditional strap systems. A lightweight, moisture-wicking mesh strap is worn on your hand like a very short palm glove, and a loop on the end of the gloves clips into the pole attachment. The loop is easily detached by pressing on top of the pole and can be machine-washed after prolonged use. Cork grips are extremely comfortable against your palm and fingers, and absorb moisture better than pretty much any synthetic material we’ve tested. From a biomechanical standpoint, this system equalizes the downward pressure across the entire wrist and lower part of your hand, as opposed to traditional straps that can sometimes cause irritation or chafing at certain hotspots.

LEKI Neotrail Pro FX.One ($200)

As effective as the Trigger Shark mechanism is, the clipping/unclipping process takes some getting used to and may not be every runner’s preference. For those runners, LEKI has debuted the Neotrail Pro, a sleek and super-lightweight model designed specifically for racing or moving with maximal agility on training efforts. The shaft is a relatively narrow 14mm, and this pole is the lightest in our test group (which also makes it the most susceptible to breaking—see our tip section below). Instead of the Trigger Shark, a new Spartan grip consists of a lightweight cork grip with flat sides and a traditional nylon strap anchored at the top of the pole.

Both LEKI poles we tested are purchased in fixed lengths, available in 5cm intervals between 105cm and 130cm (the Ultratrail FX.One is also available at 135cm). They both extend with a quick downward pull on the shaft, fold down very easily with a button-press release system, and come with a storage bag if you want to keep them inside your pack rather than using external bungee ties. Their pack length is the shortest in this group, making either of these models great options for traveling light when the poles are stored away. LEKI poles are available at www.lekiusa.com.

Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195)

One of the pioneers in the ultralight hiking and camping movement, Gossamer Gear excels at manufacturing lightweight products that don’t compromise performance, comfort or durability. Their LT5 poles use a three-piece telescoping twist-lock mechanism that expands against the interior of the pole as it is screwed down. This is a departure from traditional lever lock systems, but we found the mechanism to be just as solid as other lock systems once they are securely fixed. The functional length for trekking can be set anywhere between 105cm to 130cm, and the poles can also be used as tent or tarp poles at lengths shorter than 105cm. They are compatible with the entire Gossamer Gear line of shelters, making these poles ideal for fastpacking or through hiking with one of those products.

These are among the lightest weight poles we have tested, from the carbon fiber shaft through the lightweight EVA foam handles that have an impressively comfortable grip and absorb moisture well when your hands get sweaty. The soft foam expands at the top of the pole, providing a wide ergonomic surface for resting your hand when going down steep terrain. Narrow nylon straps are the most minimal of this test group, and we also found them to be the most inclined to loosen slightly with prolonged downward pressure. We ended up tying small knots in the loose end of the strap which remedied this problem beautifully. Weight distribution of the LT5 makes them very easy to carry alongside you if you don’t feel like collapsing them into your pack when not in use. One nice addition we appreciated is the inclusion of rubber boot tips for use on roads, as these are typically sold separately by other brands. Available at www.gossamergear.com.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($210)

Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z poles have become something of a gold standard among runners looking to move fast and light, and the FLZ version provides all the same performance qualities, but with adjustable ranges that give them increased versatility. However, the size for any given pair of poles only ranges 15cm, so these aren’t the best option for interchanging between users with significant height discrepancies. The carbon fiber shafts have a thin diameter of 13mm at the handles and 12mm at the base, with reinforced stiffness at the joints for optimal stability. For storage and deployment, these are definitely the easiest poles we have tested. They collapse quickly with a button press, and extend smoothly with a downward pull on the shaft.

The handle configuration of the Distance Carbon FLZ is probably the favorite of our test group, with firm EVA foam that matches the contours of your hand well, absorbs moisture effectively and has laser-cut ribs that allow a bit of air flow and enhance your grip in rainy or frigid conditions. The straps anchor just below the top of the pole and are designated with left and right sides, but the contour of each is quite mild, so they can easily be interchanged without a noticeable difference. As with the regular Distance Carbon Z, the FLZ poles come with both carbide and rubber tech tips (carbide is pre-installed), which can only be swapped out with pliers, making it prohibitive to switch when on the move. The rubber tech tips are designed for scree and rocks above treeline, but for use in dirt or mixed terrain, the carbide tip is preferred, and you’ll also want protective storage tips for them, sold separately, to prevent incidental scratching when storing them in your car or closet.

Black Diamond Pursuit ($150)

The only non-carbon poles in this test group—which, not coincidentally, have the lowest price point—the Pursuit is a comfort-forward model targeted at hikers and fastpackers, particularly those who go into the mountains with “done in a day” objectives. We used these for an 18-hour multi-peak excursion in the Sierras, and their durability was impressive. Constructed from 7000 series aluminum, which has the highest strength of any aluminum alloy, the Pursuit also has a number of clever functional features that improve their ease of use. Natural cork grips at the top of the shaft provide moisture management equivalent to top-of-the-line poles, and the Pursuit also has grip extensions crafted from a material called Bloom, a renewable product sourced from aquatic algae that replaces fossil fuel-based ingredients and simultaneously re-oxygenates water systems. The tops of the poles have a wide surface for resting your hands on descents and the left/right contoured, lightly padded wrist straps are definitely the most comfortable we’ve tested.

Other thoughtful features on these poles are soft touch FlickLock+ mechanisms with rubberized coating that make them easier to use, and an ingenious hex bit tool built into the shaft of the right pole, in case you need to tighten the fasteners mid-adventure. While the weight and pack size of the Pursuit are not ideal for racing, these are certainly the most versatile poles in our test group, as they are equally suitable for everyday training as well as multi-day through hikes. They also have the widest size accommodation in this group, as the M/L option ranges from 100-140cm, so they are perfect for partners who share poles on occasion. Black Diamond poles are available at www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

One Way MTX Carbon Vario Dark ($230)

A new company on our radar this year, One Way, has roots in Nordic ski culture going back to the early 2000s, and is applying the same technologies, construction and Scandinavian design elements from those products into a line of trekking poles for year-round use. The MTX Carbon Vario Dark is their premier option for high demand trail running, featuring 100% carbon fiber shafts that are adjustable from 115-135cm. Their width at the proximal end is a robust 18mm, tapering down to 14mm toward the bottom. These dimensions make them the widest and heaviest carbon in this test group, but also gives the MTX extreme strength and durability.

EVA grips have an extended coverage area and feel perfectly contoured to our hands, and a comfort cap on top of the grip allows for easy control on downhills. We found the grip foam very comfortable, but it lacks slightly in its ability to absorb moisture when our hands are excessively sweaty. Thin, lightweight nylon straps do a great job of staying comfortable with repetitive downward pressure and remaining locked in place without slipping. Likewise, the folding and extension mechanisms of the MTX function very efficiently, and the locking system of button plus lever lock is rock-solid. We used these poles on a 50-mile outing through steep and rocky Bryce Canyon trails without having to adjust them once. As with the Black Diamond Pursuit poles, these are a slightly heavier option that have very impressive versatility and durability for multiple uses. Available at www.onewaysport.com.

Tips and Safety Precautions

A few tip and tricks to help you use poles properly and safely on the trail:

1. Proper hand position

Wrist straps are properly used by inserting your hand through the loop from below, and then pressing the base of the strap in the palm of your hand against the handle. This positioning supports your wrist and base of your hand, and allows you to keep your hand relaxed without having to squeeze the grip all day long. Strap length should be adjusted so that when you are pressing downward against it, your hand is in your preferred positioning on the grip handle.

2. Unclip or unstrap when going downhill

Be sure to release your hands from the clip or strap attachments when running downhill, as a stumble on the descent can wrench your arm in an unnatural way and cause a strain or fracture. When using poles for balance or stability going downhill, most runners prefer to rest their hands on the top of the poles, or just hold onto the standard grip without being strapped in.

3. Use baskets for rocky terrain

Most poles come with a removable basket that can be installed just above the ground tip. These are particularly useful when traveling over rocky terrain where the pole may easily slip into crevices or gaps between rocks. Baskets prevent the pole from sliding between rocks and then getting inadvertently wrenched forward, which is by far the most common cause of poles breaking. Keep the baskets installed if you are traversing rocky trails. On a related note, if you are descending a technical trail and feel the pole get stuck in the ground, let go of it rather than trying to muscle it forward. Much better to pause your run to extract your pole safely than to snap a pole because you were in a hurry.

4. Angle poles vertically when carrying around others

We’ve seen this happen at enough races that it deserves a public service announcement. If you are in a race, or otherwise running in a pack while carrying poles—for example, the first couple miles of flat terrain before starting a big climb—carry your poles in a vertically angled position with the tips pointing toward the ground behind your heels, rather than in a horizontal position that will stab other runners as you swing your arms. Poles are a liability risk for others around you, so take responsibility to carry them properly.

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