I have 3 sets of these poles for the wife, a teenager and myself. After 3 years, I'm down to 2 sets due to loss in a river and damaged due to repeated river crossing. We are lightweight backpackers, but not hung up on ultralite so weight is not an overriding issue. Although i could have had the wife use her employee discount at REI, I'm cheap and opted for the $20/pr at wally. Kinda a glad I did or I would be out $125 instead of just $20. As with any gear u expect loss and damage.

I won't go without trekking poles because they save my body and lighten my load.