Posted by: azcanyon
Komperdell Featherlight trekking poles -- review - 04/04/08 04:49 PM
I haven't seen these poles mentioned here yet, and I've had a pair for about six months now, so I thought I'd offer my thoughts. I've used them on a few multi-day trips and several long dayhikes.
I first learned about these fixed-length trekking poles from a positive BPL review (subscription required). I thought they looked interesting but it was very difficult to find them for sale. The exception was Prolite Gear, but they didn't have my size. Some time later I found them described as women's alpine ski poles at Sierra Trading Post (no more in stock, but you can see the picture and the great price). I ordered them, and perhaps I'm being naive but I see nothing gender-specific (or skiing-specific) about the poles.
In short, I really like these poles. They're beautifully finished in black with understated logos and labelling. Weight is about as advertised: my tall 135cm poles weigh 136 grams (4.8 ounces) each, not including the baskets. They feature the comfortably-shaped Komperdell grip and have supple leather straps that have proven to be very breathable. They're very strong and stable compared to every other pole I've used, which were all adjustables.
Near the tips, the bottom portion of the poles have gotten a bit nicked from rocks, branches, etc. As far as I can tell these marks are merely cosmetic; I can't see any signs of impending delamination or failure. Still, I may apply a single wrap of duct tape to the lowest 6-8 inches just for peace of mind.
I'd recommend these poles for anyone looking for lightweight, fixed-length poles. They're a bit heavier than the Lightreks made by Gossamer Gear, but if you think proper straps are important and/or you want something a little stronger, the Komperdells would be a great choice.
The biggest downside has been that the Featherlights weren't well-advertised or easy to find. However, BPL is selling the same pole branded as the most recent incarnation of their Stix Trekking poles. (Out of stock now, but they'll probably be back). The only significant difference between those poles and the ones I have are the strap material: synthetic nylon (?) vs. leather.
Finally, for yet another option on the same poles with a different strap, you could go with Prolite Gear. Those faux fur straps might be the perfect thing to express your big-pimpin' walking style. If only they came in day-glo purple... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I first learned about these fixed-length trekking poles from a positive BPL review (subscription required). I thought they looked interesting but it was very difficult to find them for sale. The exception was Prolite Gear, but they didn't have my size. Some time later I found them described as women's alpine ski poles at Sierra Trading Post (no more in stock, but you can see the picture and the great price). I ordered them, and perhaps I'm being naive but I see nothing gender-specific (or skiing-specific) about the poles.
In short, I really like these poles. They're beautifully finished in black with understated logos and labelling. Weight is about as advertised: my tall 135cm poles weigh 136 grams (4.8 ounces) each, not including the baskets. They feature the comfortably-shaped Komperdell grip and have supple leather straps that have proven to be very breathable. They're very strong and stable compared to every other pole I've used, which were all adjustables.
Near the tips, the bottom portion of the poles have gotten a bit nicked from rocks, branches, etc. As far as I can tell these marks are merely cosmetic; I can't see any signs of impending delamination or failure. Still, I may apply a single wrap of duct tape to the lowest 6-8 inches just for peace of mind.
I'd recommend these poles for anyone looking for lightweight, fixed-length poles. They're a bit heavier than the Lightreks made by Gossamer Gear, but if you think proper straps are important and/or you want something a little stronger, the Komperdells would be a great choice.
The biggest downside has been that the Featherlights weren't well-advertised or easy to find. However, BPL is selling the same pole branded as the most recent incarnation of their Stix Trekking poles. (Out of stock now, but they'll probably be back). The only significant difference between those poles and the ones I have are the strap material: synthetic nylon (?) vs. leather.
Finally, for yet another option on the same poles with a different strap, you could go with Prolite Gear. Those faux fur straps might be the perfect thing to express your big-pimpin' walking style. If only they came in day-glo purple... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />