Lightest folding trekking poles 2025?

The quest for minimal pack weight without sacrificing trail performance has reached new heights in 2025. Folding trekking poles now leverage aerospace-grade materials, precision engineering, and modular designs to shatter weight barriers while maintaining critical strength. After analyzing industry specs and field tests, here are the poles redefining ultralight mobility:

🏆 Top 3 Contenders: Weight, Packability & Innovation

1. LEKI Micro Rcm Superlight (128g/pole)Tech Breakthrough: Uses 100% high-modulus (HM) carbon fiber with a micro-diameter segmented design (14–12mm tubes) to achieve the lightest weight on the market1.Deployment: Push-button release folds poles to 34cm—smaller than a standard water bottle1.Grip Science: Extended Thermo grip adapts to multiple hand positions for technical terrain, paired with sweat-wicking Lock Security Strap1.Ideal For: Fastpackers prioritizing absolute minimalism.
2. LanTu Carbon Fiber Z-Poles (144–153g/pole)Weight-to-Durability Ratio: Multi-layer carbon layup (resin coat + cross-weave reinforcement) withstands torsion while keeping 120cm poles at 153g3.Deployment Speed: Stainless spring-pin locks snap sections rigid in seconds; folds to 14.8–15.7 inches3.Trail Versatility: Includes tungsten carbide tips, TPR protectors, and TPE mud baskets for surface adaptability3.Ideal For: Thru-hikers needing reliability over 500+ miles.
3. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (140g/pole)Tri-Fold Advantage: Three-section Z-pole design collapses to 15 inches using speed-cone joints for rapid deployment4.Eco-Materials: Recycled EVA foam grips and straps reduce environmental impact4.Stiffness Optimization: Reinforced joints maintain rigidity on descents despite slimmed tube diameters4.Ideal For: Alpine climbers requiring instant setup on exposed ridges.

🔬 Critical Lightweight Technologies Explained

• Carbon Fiber Grades:T700/HM Carbon (LEKI/LanTu): Best strength-to-weight ratio; dampens 30% more vibration than aluminum13.Standard Carbon (Naturehike ST08, 173g): Heavier but cheaper; prone to brittleness in sub-zero temps10.
• Locking Mechanisms:Push-Button (LEKI): One-touch release; zero fumbling1.Spring-Pin (LanTu): Snag-resistant recessed pins; oval housing prevents rotation3.Speed-Cones (Black Diamond): Self-aligning joints for smooth deployment4.
• Grip Innovations:Extended EVA (LanTu): Allows "choking down" on steep climbs without palm fatigue3.Thermo-Contoured (LEKI): Adapts to hand heat for custom moldability1.

⚖️ The Weight vs. Durability Trade-Off

Key Insight: Ultralight poles save 100g+/pole but often omit shock absorption and extended adjustability. Heavy backpackers or arthritis sufferers may prefer slightly heavier poles like the Leki Cressida AS (245g) with its joint-protecting DSS system9.

🧭 Who Should Go Ultralight? (And Who Shouldn’t)

• Choose Sub-160g Poles If:You fastpack or race with sub-20lb packs.Fuss-free deployment matters (e.g., scrambling).Your trails lack jagged rock gardens.
• Opt for Heavier (200g+) Poles If:You carry >30lb loads (aluminum’s flex tolerates lateral stress better)5.You need telescopic adjustability mid-hike (e.g., steep elevation changes).Shock absorption is non-negotiable for joint health.

💡 Pro Tips for Maximizing Lifespan

1. Cold-Weather Care: Carbon becomes brittle below -20°F/-29°C. Wrap lower shafts in pipe insulation in freezing conditions3.
2. Avoid Lateral Stress: Never use poles to pry rocks or as tent frames (unless designed for it).
3. Tip Maintenance: Replace worn carbide tips with Leki Slyde Trek ($15) to restore trail grip4.
4. Lock Lubrication: Apply silicone grease to spring pins/flip locks every 200 miles to prevent grit jams3.

The Verdict
The LEKI Micro Rcm Superlight (128g) claims the 2025 weight crown, but the LanTu Carbon (153g) offers the best balance of affordability, packability, and modularity. For those prioritizing joint protection over raw grams, the Leki Cressida AS (245g) remains unmatched. Whichever you choose, today’s ultralight poles prove shedding weight doesn’t mean sacrificing trail confidence.