Gear Review: REI ultralight carbon compact trekking poles

Overall grade: B

The REI ultralight carbon compact trekking poles are some of the lightest poles out there. They served me especially well on the epic treks I did during PQ when 30 hours of trekking with a heavier pole would certainly make a noticeable difference. They are compact, as they are also named, which make them easy to stow and carry. However, they are not the sturdy, resilient poles which can take lots of abuse. I used these poles for about half of PQ until one of the poles locking mechanisms came detached from the pole itself. Basically, the pole broke. I think this was a result of overtightening the locking mechanism though. I promptly returned them to REI and of course got a brand new pair. I reserve a little criticism for now unless they break again. I will be more careful how tight I twist them using only the minmum to keep the poles extended. Look for updates on this blog. I am going to use them during a rim-to-rim trek in the Grand Canyon in October. We will see how they do then. Otherwise, these are good to go and if they break...take 'em back to REI!