Review: Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles are trekking poles, right? Not really when it comes down to it. There's a huge difference in the way they are made, how they handle, their weight and their durability, to name just a few of the variable qualities of trekking poles.

Montem's Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

We had a chance to get our hands on a pair of Montem's Ultra Strong Trekking Poles and we came away from the experience pretty happy. These poles are, as advertised, strong enough for the rugged terrain of the Catskill Mountains, while being light enough to not weigh you down and be easily packable. We were most intrigued and impressed by the flick-lock system they use to lengthen and collapse the poles. It was easier and quicker than the standard twist and lock/unlock of most trekking poles.

The Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are constructed of aluminum and consist of three distinct sections that can be collapsed and expanded. They weigh in at just over 19 ounces for the pair and at their most compressed/shortest are 24 inches long and at the longest, 53 inches long. The poles are topped with non-slip foam grips and the tips of the poles are made of carbide with the option to change out mud baskets and rubber tips.

We used these poles on a number of fall and winter hikes across the Catskills where there is plenty of rocks, mud, roots and other obstacles for the poles to help hikers get around and potentially get stuck and damaged in. Motem's poles made it through the gauntlet with little more than some scratches, even after a few stuck pole plants that resulted in extra pressure on the poles.

The flick-lock system to extend and shorten the poles did take a little getting used to, but once we got used to the system, it turned out to be quicker to modify then the traditional twist-lock poles. We were also wondering if the flick-lock would strong enough to avoid compression while hiking and it was. We didn't experience the flick-locks failing and the poles suddenly shortening.

The hand grips are comfortable, even after a hot hike with plenty of sweat. The wrist straps are generous enough to fit around small to big hands or gloves and a jacket. We tend not to use wrist straps though, but for those who do, there was nothing to complain about there.

In the end

We were quite happy with the performance and comfort of Montem's Ultra Strong Trekking Poles. They have easily handled our fall and winter hikes without any problems beyond the normal wear and tear you'd find on any trekking poles. Priced in line with other poles of this quality, we think that the Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are a good choice for hikers, especially when you consider the flick-lock system on these poles. We weren't sure at first, but after some use, we found it to be a great way to lengthen and shorten poles quickly and easily.

Find the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles on Amazon

We received a free set of the Ultra Strong Trekking Poles from Montem for review here at Adventures in the Outdoors.