Are there ultralight trekking poles under 200g per pair?

The quest for ultralight gear is a constant pursuit for many walkers, especially those tackling long-distance trails or fastpacking. The idea of a pair of trekking poles weighing less than 200 grams is understandably appealing. The short answer is no – there are currently no production trekking poles that weigh under 200 grams for a pair. However, there are several models that come remarkably close, weighing around 260-300 grams per pair. This guide explores the lightest poles on the market, the trade-offs you make for that weight saving, and why, for many UK hillwalkers, the extra grams of a more durable pole are a price worth paying.

The Numbers: What "Ultralight" Actually Means

Before we dive into the options, it's crucial to understand how pole weights are measured. A common point of confusion is whether the stated weight is per pole or per pair.

• Per Pole: This is the weight of a single pole. For an ultralight pole, this is usually around 130-160g.
• Per Pair: This is the combined weight of both poles. For an ultralight pair, this is typically 260-320g.

To get under 200g for a pair, each pole would need to weigh less than 100g. With the current materials and engineering, this is simply not feasible for a pole that needs to support a human's weight. Carbon fibre, the lightest common material, can only be made so thin before it becomes dangerously fragile.

The Closest Options: The Lightest Poles Available

If you are looking for the absolute lightest poles on the market, these are your best bets.

1. Gossamer Gear LT5 – The Ultralight Champion

• Weight: 132g per pole (264g per pair) .
• Material: Carbon fibre
• Lock: Twist-tension (internal cord)
• Folded Length: 39 cm
• Why it's the lightest: The LT5 is engineered for extreme weight saving. The carbon fibre shaft is incredibly thin, and the twist-tension lock replaces heavier lever-locks.
• The Trade-Off: The extreme weight saving comes at a cost. The twist-tension system is less reliable in wet, muddy UK conditions than a lever-lock. The carbon shafts are fragile – a sideways impact on a rocky path can snap them.

2. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

• Weight: 150g per pole (300g per pair) .
• Material: Carbon fibre
• Lock: FlickLock (lever-lock)
• Folded Length: 36 cm
• Why it's a close contender: This is the gold standard for lightweight, folding poles. The FlickLock is a reliable lever-lock that works in all conditions. The carbon fibre shaft is light and dampens vibration.
• The Trade-Off: It's heavier than the LT5, but the FlickLock is a major advantage for UK conditions, and the build quality is more robust.

3. LEKI Ultratrail FX.One

• Weight: 175g per pole (350g per pair) .
• Material: Aluminium/carbon hybrid
• Lock: SpeedLock 2 (lever-lock)
• Folded Length: 40 cm
• Why it's worth considering: This pole is slightly heavier but offers more durability. The hybrid construction provides more impact resistance, and the SpeedLock is a reliable system.
• The Trade-Off: It's heavier than the carbon options, but it's more likely to survive a rocky scramble.

The Trade-Off: Weight vs. Durability

The pursuit of the lightest pole is a trade-off. To save those grams, manufacturers use:

• Thinner Shafts: A thinner shaft is lighter, but it is also more prone to bending or snapping under a heavy load or a sideways impact.
• Weaker Materials: Carbon fibre is lighter than aluminium but is also more brittle.
• Simpler Locks: Twist-locks are lighter than lever-locks, but they are less reliable in wet conditions.

For the UK, a 150g per pole (300g per pair) carbon pole is a genuinely impressive feat of engineering. But it's a fragile one. On a rocky Lake District descent, a jammed carbon pole can snap cleanly, leaving you with a useless stick.

The UK Reality: Why 7075 Aluminium is Often the Better Choice

For the vast majority of UK hillwalkers, a 7075 aluminium pole weighing 240-280g per pole (480-560g per pair) is the smarter, safer choice.

• Bends, Doesn't Snap: When you jam an aluminium pole between rocks, it bends. You can often bend it back and finish your walk. A carbon pole will snap.
• Reliable Locks: Aluminium poles generally come with robust lever-locks (like FlickLock or SpeedLock) that are far more reliable in muddy, wet conditions than the twist-locks used on the lightest poles.

The weight difference is significant, but the durability difference is even more significant. On a long, multi-day trail with good paths, an ultralight carbon pole might be fine. But for a typical UK hillwalking day, the peace of mind of an aluminium pole is invaluable.

The Verdict: The Lightest You Can Practically Get

So, are there ultralight trekking poles under 200g per pair? No. The lightest production poles you can buy weigh around 264g per pair. To get a pair under 200g, you would need to sacrifice too much durability for the pole to be safe. For most UK hillwalkers, the 300g Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is the best compromise between weight and reliability. But if you are walking on rocky terrain, a 480g aluminium pole is the safer investment.