Ridgeline Folding Trekking Poles (Pair, 280g Each)

Black Diamond's Trail Back is $99.95 at REI. This pair is $39.99. Folding aluminium poles at 280 grams each that collapse short enough to go inside a daypack instead of strapped to the outside of it.

• 280 grams each. You stop noticing them by the second mile.
• Folds down to fit in the pack rather than hanging off it.
• Adjustable 72 to 130 cm so they work going up and coming down.
• Sold as a pair. Not each, like some brands quote it.
• Two lengths. Short is built for under 5 ft 7, long for over.

Straight about it: these are aluminium, not carbon. That means a few extra grams and a little more flex under hard weight. It also means they bend instead of snapping. For a thru-hike, buy carbon. For every day hike you are actually going to do, this is the pair to own.