Hiking with Featherlite Poles

Any veteran hiker will swear to trekking poles and the benefits they provide including an increase in stability and power while reducing strain on hikers and their body parts. Big Agnes introduced their Helinox trekking pole line this spring and they have three lightweight models within the line that provide trekking pole options that will fit hikers and their budget. The Big Agnes Helinox Trekking Pole line consists of the following: the Causeway, Featherlite and Passport. Each model has its own benefits and locking mechanisms. Users can select the one best suited to their style and needs.

Extended Grip

Wrist Strap Detail

All of the poles in the Big Agnes Helinox Line are made by DAC who makes Big Agnes's tent poles. They are made of TH72M Aluminum which makes them lightweight and strong. The poles are produced with DAC's Green Anodizing which uses no nitric or phosphoric acids and uses recycled water for rinsing. The Helinox Trekking Poles have carbide tips and come with a rubber cap that fits securely over it for a reduced impact on the trail while using the poles. The handles have a foam covering that extends down for an extended grip. The Helinox Trekking Poles have adjustable straps which have softer, next to skin interiors for added comfort.

Causeway Pole DetailImage curtesy of Big Agnes

The Causeway Trekking Poles are a great all-around trekking pole designed to go anywhere. The Causeway extend up to 145 cm/57" and come with and without a shock absorber (SA). The shock absorber adds weight (16 oz/456g w/out SA, 17 oz/485 g w/ SA) and cost ($130 without SA, $135 w/ SA). The Causeways are collapsable with three segments and have a groove lock. The groove lock uses internal grooves on the shaft to secure the poles' length without having exposed buttons or levers.

Featherlite Trekking PolesImage curtesy of Big Agnes

The Featherlite Trekking Poles are great for the weight conscious hiker/backpacker. The Featherlite Trekking Poles retail for $120 and come in two different lengths. The short Featherlites only extend up to 120 cm/47" but weigh in at incredibly light 9.9 oz/282 g. The Featherlite also come in a longer version that extends up to 135 cm/53". The extra length also kicks the weight up to 12.1 oz/343 g while still in the uber-light region for trekking poles. The Featherlite poles have three segments and are collapsible. The Featherlite poles have a twist or screw lock which reduces weight and operates like other twist lock trekking poles.

Passport Trekking PolesImage curtesy of Big Agnes

The Passport Trekking Poles are designed to be easy to use and pack for travel. The Passport Trekking Poles have four segments and a smaller basket than Big Agnes's other models. The Passport Poles have a tension lock which requires users to pull the pole until it locks into place. A release button allows users to collapse the pole to a compact 36cm/14" which is easy to pack. The Passport Poles have two different sizes. The smaller one only extends to 115 cm/45" and weighs in at 10.2 oz/288 g while the longer version extends to 125 cm/49 " and weighs 10.7 oz/306 g. The Passport Trekking poles retail for $100.

Detail of carbide and rubber tip

The Helinox Trekking Poles have a very nice swing feel to them given their light weight. The rubber protective tip works well on rocks helping provide extra gripping but doesn't do so well on steep hills of forest duff. This is where the carbide tips really shine. They can really bite into the forest duff and give a feeling of security as well as balance. The locking features of the Helinox are really easy to use. The middle section of the Causeways and Featherlite have numbers for height while the bottom section have numbers listed in reverse order starting at 15 at the bottom and going up to 5 at the top of the section.

Featherlite along AT

The Helinox Trekking Poles have been used on a variety of terrain ranging from gentle switch-backs to steep, rocky downhill sections and even holding up a tent. They have performed very well in each area. I have used them to pole vault over logs and hop puddles with no ill effects to the poles and without any loss of height. The Helinox poles so far have shown very little signs of wear. I have taken care to not drop them on rocks so the paint is still fresh looking and the tips have little sign of wear other than dirt.

Thumb Rest Detail

Pole Section Detail

The handle loops are quite comfortable but I did notice that the top of the poles are not flat and as a thumb rest it isn't that comfortable. As I don't normally rest my thumb on the top, this isn't a huge issue for me. The Helinox Poles do clack just a little on a ground strike, it is noticeable but not enough to be an annoyance.

Overall, the Helinox Trekking Poles have a great swing feel and feel great in the hands. They perform very well and are strong enough to support my weight. They have handled the rigors of trail life and are still looking great.