There are a lot of options when it comes to trekking poles. But if your looking for something tri-fold, with cork handles, and made of carbon your choices are limited. With options priced over $150, looking for a better deal like many I found the Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles on Amazon. Priced at $69.99 with great reviews, the Paria trekking poles offered everything I was looking for so I made the order.
These poles wouldn’t just be used for a typical hike. They would be tested on a one day loop of the Maroon Bell’s infoumouse 4 Loop Pass. Roughly 27 mile and 8,000 ft of gain, featuring four passes over 12,000ft you will be crossing everything including rock, snow, and mud. I would either love them or leave in the trash at the trail head. So let’s get to it!
Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles – Review 2020
Tech Specs:
Weight: 18 oz. per pair (2 poles)
Collapsed Length: 15 inches
Material: Carbon fiber shaft material and 7075 aluminum alloy connectors
Grip: Real Cork Handle with loops
Size Options: 2, 100 (100 to 120 centimeters) & 120 (115 to 135 centimeters) more info below
Color Options: Red & Black
Ships With: Carrying bag, Rubber tips for spikes (2), Snow Baskets (2)
Fully Extended Length of 100 cm Model: 39 to 47 inches (100 to 120 centimeters) – Recommended for persons 5’8″ or shorter
Fully Extended Length of 120 cm Model: 45 to 53 inches (115 to 135 centimeters) – Recommended for persons 5’9″ or taller
Amazon Link: Click Here $69.99
Extending the poles:
Unfolding is easy. Hold the pole from the handle and let the sections dangle. Then connect the the two bottom sections securely. From here, pull out out the middle section from the top. Pull this section tight until the pin locks into place. Repeat with the other side.
Knee Test:
The knee test is where you get on your knees, with a pole extended in each hand. Then lift yourself up to your feet using only the poles and your arm muscles to support your weight. How much do the poles flex? Did it support you, did either pole slip or get shorter?
For me the poles flexed slightly, as you would expect with carbon. Then I sprung right up.
Trail Test:
This is how they work right?
What better place to test out these new poles than one of the most scenic multi day hikes in the USA, Maroon Bell’s 4 Pass Loop. Instead of the standard 3-4 days we’d do the 27+ miles of beautiful single track featuring everything from mud, snow and razor sharp rocks in 1 day. And believe me when i say I used them. For balance on sheer hard rock, to get a grip while hiking both hard and soft snow, and in mud. In fact we encountered a sleet storm at 12 feet and these poles were vital for stability on a lose sloppy trail.
Snow Test:
These poles worked great in the snow!
For my day two trial I took these trekking/hiking poles to the permanent snow field on trail up Colorado’s Castle & Conundrum Peak. These Colorado 14er’s feature a year around snow field and slide making a great day hike. The Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles performed incredible well on a snowy grade much steeper than most people would use. That said I do with the snow baskets were a little bigger. They feel undersized for the poles but I guess that cuts some weight and they do work.
Conclusion:
After throwing everything I could at these hiking poles. In two days they took almost 40 miles and 22,000ft of elevation change. I have to say, Paria did a great job with these poles. The collapsible design and lightweight made them easy to carry even in my Salamon running vest. The cork handles took a beating and held up giving me no blisters. If you looking a great alternative to some of the other more expensive brands, I highly recommend giving these a try!
