MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles

Like: The light weight and sturdiness. I am used to (inclined towards) telescopic poles but these possibly be a game changer for me. Takes a fraction of time to set up, once the upper slider and lock unit is set in place all I need to do is to lock all three pieces together. With telescopic I need to set the length for a pole first, then use it as the measurement for the second pole. These MSR ones are constructed rigid when extended so there is no risk of poles sliding when putting on full body weight. Love the colour - coordinated perfectly with my Osprey Kamber 30 alpine pack.Dislike: mmm, hard to think of one but if I am really pedantic then it would be the Velcro self tape just beneath the handle. They keep sticking onto the handle and when pulling them apart the handles start pilling which is really annoying.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:light weight, folds up easily, and convenient to use.

Have used these many miles hiking and rucking over the summer and I love them. They are more expensive than my previous low budget poles and have so many added benefits that are well worth the price. They don't slip, they are easy to adjust, and they pack up small to carry on my pack without interfering With my movements or scrambling. These were lifesavers on my descent of Woody Ridge Trail in the Pisgah NF as my knee would have not made it. They were also key in helping me guide my dog to his jumps and target landings on the steeper class 3 & 4 sections. Highly recommend!

Light strong and easy to adjust. Fold down to be very compact

Used these over the winter in Alaska for snowshoeing and hiking. At one point I slid down a steep trail and had no way to self arrest and used them as makeshift ice tools to climb down. They survived being smacked into rock and hard ice. Love them and they’re super light.

I bought these and used them once in zion and they jammed. I would not recommend ever buying them from the seller. These were very expensive and broke after 2 days of hiking. Stick to black diamond for real hiking poles. Msr is a waste of your money.

What should you know AMZ asks... These stix are expensive! But they're also super lite carbon, and being part carbon myself am looking forward to giving them a good workout on some treacherous mixed trails. Will they hold up? The promos say 'yes.' But jurys out until I test them. They look good in the ads, though. Main point of concern is that little spring loaded lock button, which is all that holds them together under stress. If it fails you're left with 3 little sticks held together by a loose length of cable. Not much good when you're on an approach or descent... Time will tell. Check out the photo and you'll understand....

These were highly rated on outdoorgearlab.com. I was purchasing them for my daughter who has smaller hands. When they arrived, I realize that the grips were just going to be too large for her hands. The grips are quite sizable and the straps are not very soft. I own Leki poles and the straps are a much softer, pliable material. Take this into consideration. I returned these poles and bought a pair of Leki poles for her which have thinner grips and better straps.