Trail Gear Guide 2022

TREKKING POLES
TREKOLOGY TREK-Z 2.0 CORK £33
These aluminium poles from ‘challenger’
brand Trekology are remarkably wellpriced,
but the materials and construction are
also high-quality, while the design is perfectly
functional. Like most other compact Z-folding
poles on the market, they use a four-piece
construction with a top lever lock that
enables a good range of adjustment. They’re
comfortable to hold and sturdy to use.
VERDICT Compact, robust and functional,
these are excellent all-round trekking poles
for the price. Their only real drawback is
a little extra weight and complexity.
MAGAZINE
BEST
VALUE
NEW
FOR
2022
CIMALP DISTANCE CARBON £140
These Z-folding carbon fibre trekking poles
from French brand CimAlp tick all the boxes
for trail use: they’re stiff, lightweight and
easy to assemble or collapse, with a compact
folded length. They also have a wide range
of adjustment (from 110 to 130cm) thanks to
a robust lever lock, which sits just below an
extended and very comfortable foam grip.
VERDICT If you’re planning a long-distance walk
this summer, it’s worth thinking about taking a pair
of poles – your knees will thank you for it – and these
light and compact carbon poles are a great option.
MAGAZINE
BEST IN
TEST
NEW
FOR
2022
LEKI CROSS TRAIL
LITE CARBON £160
Designed for speed hiking, these
high-end, carbon poles are tailormade
for big summit rounds,
whether you’re aiming to bag
multiple Munros, Wainwrights
or other peaks. Equipped with a
unique Cross Shark grip system,
they offer security and comfort
during fast-paced mountain
hikes. Leki’s latest Speed Lock 2
Plus levers also offer rapid, onthe-fly
pole adjustment.
VERDICT Premium, ultralight
carbon fibre trekking poles
that are ideal for tackling
long-distance challenge
walks and demanding
summit-bagging missions.
KOMPERDELL CARBON FXP.4
APPROACH VARIO COMPACT £137
These four-piece carbon fibre folding
poles weigh only 251g per pole and have
a folded length of just 38cm. They also
have a rapid self-deployment system
that is effective and easy to use. It’s
an exceptionally well-engineered and
durable design, with an ergonomic,
extended handle and a large, flexible
basket to stop the pole from plugging in
soft ground.
VERDICT Superbly engineered carbon fibre
trekking poles, with a compact folded length,
extended ergonomic grips, practical baskets
and a brilliant self-deployment system.
GEAR GUIDE 2022 TRAIL
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