Review: Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles
At 4.9 ounces per pole, the LT5 trekking poles offer a minimal, efficient design that appeals to ultralighters and hikers who prioritize light, streamlined gear.
I’ve been using the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles over the summer on trips in Oregon and Washington, including hiking above timberline at Mount Hood and while backpacking at Goat Rocks and Indian Heaven Wilderness.
At just 4.9 ounces per pole, the LT5s are among the lightest adjustable trekking poles available. Despite their featherweight design, the carbon fiber construction feels solid and stable on trail. I tend to put a fair amount of weight on my poles — especially when pushing up steep steps or descending rocky sections — and these have performed well without flexing or slipping on me.
To learn more about what to look for when choosing trekking poles, see Trekking Poles for Hiking.
Specs
- weight: 4.9 ounces per pole (10.8 ounces for both)
- grip: EVA foam
- pole material: carbon fiber
- tip material: carbide
- price: $195
The EVA foam grips are comfortable and well-shaped, not sticky or cold in changing weather, and the soft wrist straps have a smooth feel that’s easy on bare skin. I also appreciate the clean, minimal design — fewer parts to snag on brush when hiking through overgrown trails.
I generally prefer lever locks on trekking poles because they’re quick and easy to adjust, but the LT5s’ twist-lock system has proven dependable once I learned to tighten them fully. At first, they sometimes collapsed if I didn’t secure them completely, and adjusting them in gloves or wet, cold conditions can take extra effort. Even so, once properly tightened, they’ve stayed firmly in place, and I’ve come to appreciate their light weight on long hikes.
For adjusting the height, one segment of the poles has measurements while the other has a “stop” line, so I only need to adjust a single section to get the perfect fit. They collapse down to 23.5 inches, which makes it easy to stash them on the outside of my pack when I’m not using them. I also appreciate that rubber tip covers are included with the poles — they’ve come in handy on hard or paved surfaces, and it’s a small detail that makes using the poles more versatile on a variety of trails.
I’ve also used the LT5s to set up an ultralight tent supported by trekking poles. By eliminating the need to carry separate tent poles, the LT5s make packing lighter, and they create a sturdier structure than typical tent poles, giving me a more reliable, storm-worthy setup for added stability in windy or rainy conditions.
At $195, the LT5s are an investment, but for anyone looking to cut weight without sacrificing stability or comfort, I feel that these are a good choice.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.