A new face has arrived in the trekking pole market: Helinox by DAC. Best known for manufacturing lightweight and durable tent poles for companies such as Hilleberg, The North Face, and Marmot, Helinox has released a new line of trekking poles distributed exclusively by Big Agnes.
For Helinox’s new trekking poles, DAC uses their signature aluminum alloy TH72M, which is a larger diameter, thinner walled (thus lighter weight) pole. Not surprisingly, Helinox trekking poles have similarities to tent poles, but are thicker and stronger.
Helinox hits a home run with their aluminum alloy trekking poles having some of the best strength-to-weight ratios on the market, even vs. carbon. The Helinox Ridgeline Lever Lock ($159), for example, are durable aluminum alloy trekking poles that weigh only 16 ounces. Similar trekking poles from other companies like the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork ($159) and Leki Corklite Antishock ($159) weigh approximately 18 and 19 ounces, respectively. The Helinox Ridgeline Twist Lock ($129) poles weigh just 13 ounces, a few ounces less than similar twist lock poles.
We tested the Helinox Ridgeline poles on a multi-day trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, which included steep inclines and declines. The Helinox poles were tough, light, and easy to use. The aluminum alloy has slightly more flex than a carbon pole, but this wasn’t a disadvantage on our trek. We also liked the Helinox Passport Series Tension Lock ($109), which are super lightweight poles for travel that collapse down to 15 inches (38 centimeters).
If Helinox’s track record with high quality tent poles and camping chairs is an indication, their trekking poles should be at the front of the pack. DAC also has an eye on the environment: their “Green Anodizing” color coating process is free of environmentally harmful acids and reduces water consumption.
Summary
Models: Helinox Ridgeline Series ($159) and Helinox Passport Series ($129)
Specs: The Ridgeline Series trekking poles weigh 13 oz. for twist lock and 16 oz. for lever lock with a collapsed length of 24 in. (61 cm). The Passport Series Tension Lock travel poles weigh 12 oz. with a collapsed length of 15 in. (38 cm).
Pros: Helinox’s aluminum alloy trekking poles have some of the best strength-to-weight ratios on the market and are a good value.
Cons: Aluminum alloy has slightly more flex than carbon (this is the primary reason they are less likely to snap). The handles are made from compressed foam—Helinox could add a cork option down the road.
