LEKI Sherpa FX.One Carbon pole £170

And finally: yes, £170 is a lot to pay for a single pole (if you need something less high-spec, try Leki’s everreliable Vario XS at £55) but if you’re a frequent and all-weather long-distance mountain hiker, it’s hard to beat the array of features on offer with this fixedlength pole. Its Aergon Air ergonomic grip and superlightweight carbon shaft make this a light but luxurious pole that is built to survive the worst of conditions – and to last. leki.co.uk