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Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3

*Est. $130 per pair

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Lightest trekking poles

Pros

Light weight
Comfortable cork grips
Doubles as a tent support
Variety of sizes

Cons

Breakability
Nondurable carbide tips
No hand strap

Our Analysis
Specs

A pair of reviews from Backpacking Light magazine gives solid advice on ultra-light trekking poles based on solid test criteria. Other helpful feedback is found at BackpackGearTest.org, an enthusiast website that offers detailed user reviews.

Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 trekking poles are the lightest poles we found, weighing in at just five ounces per pair. Their light weight, however, offers both advantages and disadvantages. Backpackers and others for whom weight is key say the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 carbon poles are a great choice. While users say the poles are strong, they do have limits; several testers report having snapped their Lightrek 3 poles. Lightrek 3 poles lack a hand strap but reviews say you won't miss them, as the poles have a comfortable cork handle. The Lightrek 3 poles also double as tent supports. As with any fixed-length pole, buyers must pick a length and stick with it; the Lightrek 3 trekking poles come in lengths ranging from 43.3 to 53 inches. Though they are heavier, adjustable trekking poles are favored for their durability in most reviews, the top-rated being the Black Diamond Spire Elliptic (*est. $125 per pair).

Our Sources

1. BackpackingLight.com

A trusted source for outdoor gear, this magazine examines 12 models of lightweight trekking poles, considering weight, stability, durability, vibration damping and value in its ratings. Doug Johnson chooses Gossamer Gear Lightrek as the top pick because the poles are thicker and absorb shock better than other, more expensive brands.

Review: Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview, Doug Johnson, Sept. 2006

2. BackpackingLight.com

In this older review, Doug Johnson examines 12 lightweight poles made of either carbon or a carbon-aluminum hybrid for performance, structure and value. Gossamer Gear Lightrek poles come in second to Life-Link Guide Ultra-Light poles, which are slightly heavier but outperform the competition.

Review: Trekking Poles Review Summary and Gear Guide, Doug Johnson, May 2005

3. BackpackGearTest.org

Three experienced hikers, who test Gossamer Gear Lightrek trekking poles in coastal areas, forests and mountains, conclude that the poles are comfortable and helpful hiking aides. One hiker reports that the poles broke but remains happy with their overall performance. Another reviewer notes that the Gossamer Gear Lightrek carbide tips wear off quickly.

Review: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Poles, Contributors to BackpackGearTest.org

4. Backpacker Magazine

This short article claims that Gossamer Gear Lightrek Plus trekking poles offer good shock absorption but warns they can break if not used carefully. The editors like the Lightrek Plus's comfortable cork grips. The Plus is an older, slightly heavier version of the current Lightrek 3 poles.

Review: Trekking Pole Review: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Plus, Editors of Backpacker magazine, March 2006

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole *Est. $25

2 picks by top review sites.

Life-Link Guide Ultra-Light *Est. $100

2 picks by top review sites.