Trekking pole decision

As an ultralight hunter/backpacking, I am a fan of the Zpacks trekking poles. Real world confirmed weight per pair is 14.75 ounces (with cork grip), making them one of the lightest on the market.

 
I have broken aluminum and carbon poles. I have been using the cork Cascades for a few years now and have no complaints. It is usually the bottom piece that breaks so the hybrid poles may be a good option if you get a good one that actually uses good aluminum. I would bet some of the off brands/China crap just use a cheap thin wall aluminum and they aren't any stronger than a good carbon pole.
 
I just bought some carbon poles with aluminum bottoms from Peax. Seem nice, but I haven't put them to the test yet.


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I use Leki khumbu lite. I think I got them on Amazon on sale for $100. Two seasons with them and they work great. Lightweight, flip locks, and aluminum. My 2c

Good luck searching
 
Also Cascade Mtn Tech here. I've had 2 pair for 4 years. I'm also an ultralight backpacker, but c'mon. How many dollars does it cost to cut 3 oz?

These weigh 17 oz per pair. Save the coin, buy these, and upgrade your puffy, shelter, or sleeping bag with the money saved.
 
I like Leki aluminum with cork grips. I don’t consider trekking pole weight the same as anything that goes in the pack since at any given time at least one pole is on the ground and the other pole isn’t being carried as dead weight, but rather quickly swung into position. As soon as the tip of the repositioned pole touches dirt 100% of that pole weight is off your legs as well.

I have had two pairs a few ounces different and compared side by side - if going fast as with light day hiking on flat trails, the weight your arms have to swing does make a difference, but the slower someone goes the less it matters. In steep terrain a super light pair wasn’t long enough going down the worst slopes when it’s really needed so it sat in the closet except for flat country hikes.
 
Mountainsmith poles are nice once you go over the price range of the costco poles. Strong locks, 2-section, simple. Best I've found unless you need 3-section. Called "andesite" I think.
 
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon are nice if you're looking for something small and light. Not cheap, but they're nice. I have a pair of Camofire carbon fiber as well that are okay and are about $70.
 
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