I purchased these poles with my own money and am not sponsored by any company. Summary: These poles are solid, durable, lightweight, and backed by a company that is passionate about the outdoors. Needs Assessment: I needed poles that were relatively light yet were stable and durable for everything from expeditions to long ruck marches to casual hiking. I specifically was looking for trekking poles for the 2019 50 mile GORUCK Star Course through Normandy during the 75th anniversary of the Normandy beach landings. Each Star Course participant needed to carry a minimum of 20 lbs (dry weight) along with provisions such as snacks, water, headlamp, and other necessities. Methodology: I am someone who exhaustively researches every purchase I make- especially when I require high performance out of them. I cast a broad net, looking at reviews of trekking poles from many online sources and talking with people who use them on a regular basis. Then, I determined the types of use cases, then materials, then model. Material: I selected aluminum rather than carbon fiber poles since I am prioritizing stability over weight. Weight is an important consideration for ultralight backpackers, but carbon fiber is also vulnerable to catastrophic damage that is unfixable out in the field, whereas aluminum is more durable, and can be bent back into shape or splinted in a pinch. Plus, the weight of aluminum over carbon fiber is negligible for me, so I selected aluminum. Portability: These are one of the most portable trekking poles I've encountered in the market, and the most portable aluminum trekking poles Mons Peak makes. As the name implies, these poles are a Z-fold, which means they break down into three main sections (still connected by their interior cabling) for storage into a very compact package. As a side note, I was able to fit them comfortably into my carryon backpack, but TSA doesn't allow these are carryon items. Thus, they went into my checked luggage. Performance: These are the only reason I was able to finish my event (the 50 mi Star Course). If there were ever a torture test for a product, I put these poles through it, as I pretty much relied on these for locomotion to give my tired quads a rest. While a lot of folks might lean upon these poles for limited moments during a particularly difficult hike, I pounded these into the ground ahead of myself and used my arms to drive them to compensate for fatigued leg muscles- for about half the course (25 mi). That's a lot of use- and these poles took every second of it, and were undiminished in their performance. The locking mechanism is a cinch to use - even with swollen hands at 3 AM. I did need to find the length that worked for me, but once I found it, I locked the poles and just kept going. My teammates gave them a go, and I needed to pry them out of their hands once they found out my secret! Durability: Since we went over gravel, concrete, dirt, and a ton of other terrain for the course, the rubber tips did show some wear. However, they are still usable and provided good traction during the entire course. I am sure I could use them for a casual hike now and they would be fine. The poles themselves are pristine, and show no signs of wear or other damage. Comfort: The grips were comfortable, and the cork felt so good, soaking up any sweat. The other Mons Peaks trekking poles have a bit of a gel-like top to them which would have been nice to have on these, but that top isn't compatible with the space-saving Z-fold design of these poles (I called the manufacturer to find out this information). Perhaps the company will find a way to include these in the future (fingers crossed). The adjustable straps were a Godsend during the long course, and reduced fatigue. Final thoughts: Look no further than these poles. Seriously. I am an REI member and have demoed other poles in person made by the big names in the industry. While Mons Peak might not be a household name yet, they are hitting far above their weight class. Buy with confidence. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!

First of all, these are great poles for the price. I left my originals propped against the car and drove away without retrieving, hence new poles. I wanted ones that set for short heights and used the shock cords inside to stretch for break down for transport, rather than those that broke into pieces. I read all the reviews on these which seemed true. There were problems listed about setting up the poles and not holding the set size. Setting up was tricky, I made a blood blister on my index finger trying to pull far enough to engage the button to hold it all erect. Watching the YouTube video on these poles helped. Second, the size setting is to open the clasp, choose height in cm. Close clasp and tighten the nut by hand to hold. On one of my poles that works perfectly, the other gradually compresses through using it and putting pressure. Now I try to remember to reset both poles at every use or one will be about an inch too low. Next, I have very small hands. The cork handholds have a ridge for your thumb and the fingers below. That ridge just doesn't fit my hands. If I hook my thumb above ridge, my fingers below never quite get comfortable and if I put all my fingers lower that changes the angle of my hand so that I can't just relax and allow the wrist bands to hold my arms steady. I'm fooling with one or both most of the time. I mostly do short hikes as I live in big city so not a huge problem, but with average size hands it should be just fine.

www.backpackgeartest.org - AT & PCT hiker - Nancy Griffith - Excerpts I had a golden opportunity to test out how solidly the pole length was cinched one day when we came to a sketchy glacial run-off water crossing. The 'best' way across was on a wet log spanning the rushing water. With the pole length fully-extended to the maximum and by bending over during the crossing, I was able to get secure 'footing' with my poles. I would not have wanted to even attempt such a crossing without poles! I used the rubber tips on several occasions when the trail required walking along a road or solid section of trail..... When I did need them, the rubber tips worked great to provide traction. I didn't lose either of the tips during my trips but I was careful to keep track of them. The durability of the poles has been great. While there are a few scratches on the lower areas, there is virtually no noticeable wear at all. The engagement mechanism works great. The straps are in very good condition. The carbide tips are even reasonably good despite miles and miles of hiking through rocky areas. The Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Z poles are a compact pair of aluminum trekking poles that are high-quality construction. Great: Compact size Adjustable length Hand-tighten locking nut for lever cinch Easy to fold and stow in pack Durable construction Not-as-great: Difficult to engage lock button (but getting easier) Wrist straps are large Velcro for holding poles when folded

www.backpackgeartest.org - AT & PCT hiker - Nancy Griffith - Excerpts I had a golden opportunity to test out how solidly the pole length was cinched one day when we came to a sketchy glacial run-off water crossing. The 'best' way across was on a wet log spanning the rushing water. With the pole length fully-extended to the maximum and by bending over during the crossing, I was able to get secure 'footing' with my poles. I would not have wanted to even attempt such a crossing without poles! I used the rubber tips on several occasions when the trail required walking along a road or solid section of trail..... When I did need them, the rubber tips worked great to provide traction. I didn't lose either of the tips during my trips but I was careful to keep track of them. The durability of the poles has been great. While there are a few scratches on the lower areas, there is virtually no noticeable wear at all. The engagement mechanism works great. The straps are in very good condition. The carbide tips are even reasonably good despite miles and miles of hiking through rocky areas. The Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Z poles are a compact pair of aluminum trekking poles that are high-quality construction. Great: Compact size Adjustable length Hand-tighten locking nut for lever cinch Easy to fold and stow in pack Durable construction Not-as-great: Difficult to engage lock button (but getting easier) Wrist straps are large Velcro for holding poles when folded

From www.backpackgeartest.org - 2 year Canadian Rockies and back-country avid backpacker - Morgan Lypka - Excerpts These poles feel lightweight. The poles must be both folded and telescoped in order to be compact. The easy-to-use finger tightening nut is straightforward, but tightens way easier when the clip is open. The poles don't seem to have any unnecessary features. The poles were very useful crossing streams on my hikes; the carbide tips held well on rocks and dirt, and even on the wet rocks. The poles definitely gave me security as I hiked. Telescoping up and down with the poles was easy, and I did this when I wanted them shorter (more out of the way) for a steep scrambling section on one of my hikes. When trail running on steeper sections, it was useful to be able to move with the poles telescoped as well. Folding and unfolding them from the z structure wasn't as quick or convenient, especially when stowing them away, so I see myself going forward just telescoping them for trail running. During one of my ventures, I also used the hiking poles as tent poles. The poles stuck very well in the dirt, and held their position both nights that I did this. SUMMARY For my backcountry uses, the poles were durable, adjustable, and firm. I was impressed with the abilities of carbide and rubber tips in different weather and terrain conditions.

From www.backpackgeartest.org - 2 year Canadian Rockies and back-country avid backpacker - Morgan Lypka - Excerpts These poles feel lightweight. The poles must be both folded and telescoped in order to be compact. The easy-to-use finger tightening nut is straightforward, but tightens way easier when the clip is open. The poles don't seem to have any unnecessary features. The poles were very useful crossing streams on my hikes; the carbide tips held well on rocks and dirt, and even on the wet rocks. The poles definitely gave me security as I hiked. Telescoping up and down with the poles was easy, and I did this when I wanted them shorter (more out of the way) for a steep scrambling section on one of my hikes. When trail running on steeper sections, it was useful to be able to move with the poles telescoped as well. Folding and unfolding them from the z structure wasn't as quick or convenient, especially when stowing them away, so I see myself going forward just telescoping them for trail running. During one of my ventures, I also used the hiking poles as tent poles. The poles stuck very well in the dirt, and held their position both nights that I did this. SUMMARY For my backcountry uses, the poles were durable, adjustable, and firm. I was impressed with the abilities of carbide and rubber tips in different weather and terrain conditions.

When I first got these I was worried they were broken or something. I wish they had a manual with them that told how to set them up and use them. When assembling these, you have to extend the top tube (labeled Pull) all the way out until the button in the tube pops out. I ready another review saying how they were flimsy, and mine were like he described until I pulled that segment out all the way. I found this on a YT video. After figuring this out, I love these poles!!! Best poles I've bought to date!

I have Vertigo and I am secure in walking within all situations and I am not slumping over like you would with a stroller.

Perfect. Two sets fit in my hiking pack (one for friends), they are sturdy, and tough, yet still not heavy.

Lightweight and easy to use.