Komperdell

★★★★1/2 Carbon C3 Cloud Compact £130 pair 206g each small packed length, lightweight, very rigid, good handle irregular shaft diameter (won’t accept connector for pyramid tarp use), expensive

Materials: carbon shaft, aluminium locks, foam handle

Features: 3-section pole, fabric straps, flick lock system, 3-season baskets supplied.

Sizes: packed 57.5cm, fully extended 121cm komperdell.com

The Cloud Compact from Komperdell is the lightest pole in this test, but despite that it is very tough and well-designed.

It’s a three-section, all-carbon pole, with the sections being adjusted by flick locks. These are made of aluminium for extra strength, and tension is adjusted by a recessed Phillips screw, which makes for a more streamlined unit less prone to being knocked. The handle is one piece and made of foam – an upper section with moulding to accommodate an index finger, and a lower section to allow for hand adjustment on uneven terrain. Height measurements are given in metric, but only on the middle section. Measurements are also black-on-black, so difficult to read. The strap is basic, but comfortable enough. In use, the use of carbon throughout means the weight balance shifts towards the upper third of the pole, but they are so lightweight overall they are hard not to enjoy using. The brand has gone for wider-diameter shafts and that results in exceptional rigidity, and so there’s no give at all when walking – really reassuring. However, they don’t accept a standard diameter connector, should you need to join them together for use with a pyramid tarp. These poles collapse down very small considering they are flick locks, but beware the shorter maximum height if you are over 6ft tall. The Cloud Compacts are expensive, but an excellent choice in every other respect.