Comparing Trekking Poles: 3k Carbon Fiber vs. Ultralight

Trekking poles provide great stability while hiking, improving your endurance and taking some pressure off the joints on long hikes. If you are preparing for a hike, you may be wondering if it’s time to upgrade to a stronger or lighter hiking trekking pole, or maybe you just want to compare some features. Hiking trekking poles come with various options such as the material they are made of, the material on the grip and whether they are two or three sections. 

Trekking Pole Material 

Hiking trekking poles may be constructed out of different material, mostly affecting the carrying weight and the strength of the pole. Cascade Mountain Tech offers hiking trekking poles in various materials such as:

• Aluminum

• Carbon fiber

• 3k carbon fiber

• Ultralight carbon fiber

Ultralight Trekking Pole

The Ultralight carbon fiber trekking poles weigh 5.6 oz. each, which is about 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber. Cascade Mountain Tech offers the ultralight poles in two-sections which measure 30” when fully collapsed and up to 52” when fully extended, with both the upper and lower section measuring 26.4”. 

3k Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole

The 3k carbon fiber poles weigh 8 oz. with the 2 x 2 weave of the carbon fiber providing additional durability to withstand force horizontally and vertically. The 3k carbon fiber poles from Cascade Mountain Tech come in three sections, measuring 26” when fully collapsed, 54” when fully extended, and fold to convenient carrying measurements of about 20” per section when fully disassembled. 

The two section models are a bit longer when stowing in your pack, so depending on how you want to pack them will affect your choice on a two or three piece section pole. Each type of trekking pole comes with a set of 4 additional tip covers including small tips, boots, mud and snow baskets. 

Trekking Pole Grip Material

The Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles come with either a cork grip or an EVA grip, which is really just a preference. Some people like the cork grips and feel that they absorb sweat from your hands a little better without becoming slippery. The trekking poles from Cascade Mountain Tech include an extended grip area for comfort when ascending uphill or maneuvering on your hike. 

Cascade Mountain Tech for Quality Hiking Gear

Cascade Mountain Tech is your one stop for all the best in hiking gear. Our super roto-molded coolers come in two different sizes to suit your trip, with accessories for convenience and the strength to be rated Grizzly Bear resistant. Check out our full line of mummy sleeping bags to keep you cozy on chilly nights with 0° and 30° options along with sleeping pads, pillows and quality camp bedding.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers expert assistance in choosing the right type of trekking pole for you. We offer a great balance between cost and weight with many options to suit any hiker. Contact us for more information and to learn more about the many features of our hiking trekking poles.