Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles

Because I don't really do hard-core, technical hikes anymore I never think of using poles. Still, I have a weak knee and my balance isn't what it used to be, so I was glad to have Mountainsmith's Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles with me on a recent trip to Olympic National Park.

It rained the entire time I was there, so the terrain was very slippery. The trails were also steep, so finding my footing was tricky in places. Using the poles helped me stay steady in a couple different ways.

I had to pay some attention to where I planted my poles, so I that made me more aware of and focused on my movements and foot placement. This was especially helpful coming down hills, which is always harder for me than going up hills.

When I went off trail to forage for mushrooms, the Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking poles served as probes and support. I was able to avoid lumbering into sink spots and had an easier time keeping my balance when I stumbled on rocks and tree branches.

I don't have a lot of experience using trekking poles, and wondered if my arms would get tired using them. They didn't. These fancy lightweight poles have a shock-absorbing system that reduces the impact of each pole plant. It's subtle, but I noticed after a few outings that if I pressed the pole into a hard surface it felt springy. That means less impact into my hands and arms. Very nice.

I loved the ergonomic cork handles. Cork is a fantastic material because it provides enough rigidity for support and enough cushion and shock absorption for comfort. (One of the reasons I love Birkenstock sandals is that the cork soles mould to the contours of my feet. I have not used these poles long enough to determine if the same effect might happen with the handles.) The handles were also easy to use even when wet.

The way the handle is designed, there's a wide, flat, knob at the top, so I can also use a single pole as a hiking staff. In fact, on a few hikes I gave my boyfriend one of the poles to use so we could each try one. It's much easier to use just one pole. The poles have wrist straps with a neoprene pads, but I didn't use them because I don't like having things attached to my body. I think they'd be useful for outings where you might lose a pole if you drop it.

The Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking Poles were simple to adjust to the size I wanted. All I had to do was twist the pole one direction to "open" it, extend the telescoping bottom end of the pole to the desired length, and twist it shut. The whole time I hiked that weekend the pole remained in the locked position. I like that the poles have removeable rubber "boots" and baskets, giving me the option to adjust my poles to the terrain.

The Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro Trekking poles are lightweight and still feel substanial enough to endure some heavy use. The more I use them, the more I get the hang of it. Beginners and novices like me need to keep in mind that there's a learning curve involved with using trekking poles. (See Amazon shopping link below to save $20 on these poles.)

It would be nice if the poles came with instructions or if there was an instructional video on the Mountainsmith web site, but this information is available on varoious web sites. (We have an instructional YouTube videio on our blog. Click to view.) Also, taking a class would be the best way to learn how to effectively use trekking poles.

Bottom Line: I was very pleasantly surpised by the quality and design of these poles, and now consider myself converted.--E.D. (Oct '10)

BUY ONLINE: $69, on sale for less at Amazon. Also on sale at Altrec.

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainsmith.com

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