What trekking poles do Brazilian YouTube hikers recommend?
Brazil’s YouTube hiking community has grown rapidly, with channels like Viajar é Preciso, Trilhas do Ja, Aventura na Estrada, and Manual do Hiker sharing honest gear reviews. If you watch their videos, a clear pattern emerges: Brazilian YouTubers prioritize durability, affordability, and lever locks over weight or brand names. So, what trekking poles do Brazilian YouTube hikers recommend?
The short answer: affordable 7075 aluminum poles with lever locks, preferably from Decathlon (Forclaz series), Black Diamond (Trail Back), or Leki (Makalu). Carbon fiber is rarely recommended for Brazil’s rocky trails. Let’s break down the most frequently mentioned models.
1. Decathlon Forclaz MT900 and MT500 – The overwhelming favorite. Decathlon has physical stores across Brazil (São Paulo, Rio, Curitiba, Porto Alegre), making these poles accessible and easy to test. The MT900 (around R$400) uses 7075 aluminum, lever locks, and tungsten tips. The cheaper MT500 (R$200‑250) is also popular. YouTubers praise their value: “You get 90% of the performance of a Black Diamond for half the price.”
2. Black Diamond Trail Back – Often recommended for serious hikers who want durability. The FlickLock system is field‑proven. Brazilian channels like Aventura na Estrada use these on multi‑day treks (e.g., Travessia do Vale do Pati). Downsides: imported, so more expensive (R$500‑700).
3. Leki Makalu (aluminium version) – A classic. SpeedLock Plus, steel lower section. Recommended for rocky trails like Pedra do Sino or Pico dos Marins. Some YouTubers note they are heavier than carbon but “indestructible.”
4. Naturehike (Chinese brand) – Budget option widely available on Mercado Livre. Lever lock models are acceptable for beginners. Not recommended for heavy use, but several small channels use them as starter poles.
Why not carbon fiber? Brazilian YouTubers consistently warn against carbon poles. The reason: Brazil’s trails are exceptionally rocky (quartzite, granite). A single nick from a sharp rock can cause carbon to splinter. Aluminum bends but rarely breaks. As one channel puts it: “Carbon é para neve, não para nossas pedras” (Carbon is for snow, not for our rocks).
What about twist locks? Almost universally rejected. Twist locks slip in mud and sand, common on Atlantic Forest trails. Lever locks are the only reliable choice.
Key features YouTubers emphasize:
- Lever (cam) locks – non‑negotiable
- Replaceable carbide tips – rocks wear them down
- Cork grips – better in humid, sweaty conditions than foam or rubber
- Adjustable length (110‑135 cm) – essential for steep ascents/descents
Honorable mention: DIY and wooden sticks – Several channels remind viewers that for short, easy trails, a simple wooden stick found at the trailhead works fine. But for multi‑day treks, invest in a proper pair.
Where to buy in Brazil? Decathlon (online and stores); specialized shops like Adventure Sport (Rio/SP); Mercado Livre (careful with fakes).
Final verdict – If you watch Brazilian YouTube hikers, the most repeated recommendation is the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 for value and reliability, followed by the Black Diamond Trail Back for premium durability. Avoid carbon, avoid twist locks, and always test your poles before a long trek. These recommendations come from thousands of kilometers of Brazilian trails – from the Amazon to the Serra do Mar. Trust the locals.
