Helinox Passport TL130 Adjustable £135
Most aluminium trekking poles are heavier than their carbon fibre counterparts, but the Helinox Passport series turns that on its head. They’re made from TH72M, which is just about the strongest aluminium alloy out there (around 20% stronger than the commonly used 7075 alloy). Yet the TL130 weighs in at just 189g per pole. That makes these the lightest trekking poles on test, undercutting even the carbon fibre models. However, they’re far from flimsy and are equipped with a decent set of features too.
In use, these poles are remarkably agile. The Z-folding tension lock system is easy to use and feels pretty solid. It also means the TL130 folds down to an impressively compact 37cm length. Velcro tabs, which are fixed midway down the extended EVA foam handle, make it easy to secure them together. And the grip itself is well-sculpted, with a sturdy webbing wrist strap.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY...
The slim grip is not the most comfortable if you have big hands. The small, fixed trekking baskets sink straight into softer surfaces, and the folding design’s inner shock cord looks prone to wear. There is a small but useful range of adjustment thanks to an extending twistlock handle, but they’ll still be too long for walkers shorter than about 5ft 7in though.
■ SHAFTS DAC TH72M aluminium alloy ■ COLLAPSED LENGTH 37cm ■ ADJUSTMENT 117-130cm ■ WEIGHT PER PAIR 378g
Verdict
Ultralight and agile yet with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, these are ideal for fast and light mountain missions for those taller than 5ft 7in.