Trekking poles are a critical piece of gear for every hiker. If you don’t already know how trekking can help with stability, balance, and save your knees, then read Hiking 101: Trekking Poles. If you already appreciate how amazing trekking poles are, then read on, because I just had the chance to test out a pair of amazingly lightweight Fizan Italian trekking poles that sacrifice nothing – they is adjustable, collapsible, and durable. Plus, while they are normally difficult to buy in the U.S. because they are not distributed here, Massdrop currently has them available for $59.99.

About Fizan Trekking Poles

Fizan has been making aluminum poles since 1947, and therefore clearly had plenty of experience when it came to making trekking poles that have the features most of us want (collapsible and adjustable), while also super lightweight. No wonder ultralight hikers rave about the Fizan Compact trekking poles on forums all over the web!

Fizan Compact trekking poles are arguably the lightest aluminum trekking poles on the market. At a mere 5.6 ounces/158 grams per pole, it is hard to believe they are aluminum! The poles have a very light feel to them, and the carbide tips gripped well during my testing. Despite the light feel (which is a very positive thing, no doubt), there was never an instance during my testing that they did not feel solid. It is clear they are made well, and quite reliable, which is a key feature I look for in something I’m going to take backpacking! (It sure isn’t fun when gear fails when you’re 2 days in to the backcountry ;)!.

Performance and Quality

The Fizan Compact trekking poles are even lighter than my REI Women’s Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles, that are less durable (since they are carbon fiber not aluminum) and weigh 7.4 ounces each. When hiking with the Fizan poles, the weight difference is noticeable, even on short hikes. The grips are comfortable and do a pretty good job of absorbing sweat, they poles collapse easily for storage in my backpack, and the accessories that you’ll need for different hiking conditions (rubber tips, mud baskets, snow baskets) all come included with the Fizan poles. That’s a great value since I’ve plunked down $5-$15 each for those accessories in the past.

Specs:

• Materials: Aluminum alloy 7001
• Grip: EVA with neoprene strap
• Length: 22.8-52 inches/58-132cm
• Locking System: Flexy Locking System (very easy to use)
• Place of manufacture: Italy

Sounds good, huh? Check out the “drop” on Massdrop if you want to upgrade to some really amazing trekking poles.

What is Massdrop?!

For those of you who don’t know Massdrop, they are a San Francisco based group purchasing site, where community members can discuss the best gear, vote on what they want to see “dropped” in price, then buy products at a highly discounted price. Pretty cool, huh!? The best part is that you sign up for free (no catches – I know since I’ve done it myself), and join the “communities” of interest to you. Obviously, I joined the “Outdoors” and “Ultralight” Hubs.

Hope this is helpful because I want all of you to get great deals! The only thing better than hiking is finding great deals on hiking gear!

Happy trails!