2024 Andesite Trekking Poles

We're full-time cross-country hiking guides in Utah canyon country. We've used these poles for years, and we like them. Super light. Fast swing weight. Strong. And the replaceable tips are a big advantage over most poles. Yes, we've tried the best models from the most popular brands, and we believe the Andesite competes with them all. The new 2024 version of the Andesite is a slight improvement, with straps that are just a bit wider and a smidge more substantial, thus more comfortable than the minimal "skin" straps on previous versions. If you're disinclined to try a twist-lock pole, don't worry. These twist locks work as quickly and easily as clamps, plus they're less fussy as well as more reliable over the long haul. And the price? For all-carbon poles, the Andesites are unbeatable. Five stars.

This is my 2nd set of these. They are game changers in my ability to navigate the backcountry at 58 years old. The only reason I have bought a 2nd set is because I left the last set leaned up against my car at the trailhead and drove off. Hopefully someone else is getting good use of them. lol

These trekking poles are awesome. Super lightweight. I'm a big guy (240 lbs.) and I've been using them for a while. They have yet to collapse under my weight while I'm hiking. They have saved me from many falls. The cork handles are the best. The only thing that I think could be improved is the tab that holds the wrist strap in place could have rounded edges as it sometimes jabs the webbing of your hand between the thumb and index finger.

If you're like me and much prefer the simplicity/streamlined twist-lock style trekking pole more than the seemingly more popular clamp lock, these poles will make you happy. Leaps and bounds better than the ZPacks UL twist-lock trekking poles (mediocre locking mechanism that you have to twist and twist and twist in order to adjust). The locking mechanism is so good and smooth and easy to adjust, and locks firmly where you want. These poles are UL, but WAY stronger/sturdier than the flimsy ZPacks poles. I wasn't blown away by the foam grips on these, nor the minimalist straps, and would have preferred cork handles. Ultimately, I ended up returning only because I compared them with the Cascade Mountain Tech UL 2-Section poles, and those felt like they had a slightly better swing balance/felt lighter in my hands than these, and as a non-muscular human who's obsessed with UL, I prefer lighter weight (although I think the weight on these two sets is almost the same, the latter 'felt' lighter when walking around indoors at my place). If I had not compared the two, I would have kept these and been very happy with their sturdy yet UL build. If the other ones fail me on the trail, I'll likely re-buy these and give them a fair go.

This is my go to pole for short hikes, sometimes use solo or together