Tested: Light poles for varied terrain
31.10.2024
Translation: machine translated
In skiing and ice hockey, the Austrian family company Fischer Sports is a real force to be reckoned with. This much is clear: they know a thing or two about ski poles. Find out here whether the new carbon trekking poles from the Fischer-owned One Way brand also fulfil this claim.
The "MTX Carbon Vario Lite" trekking poles from One Way were launched on the market this year. As they not only liven up hiking equipment in terms of colour, but also come from Fischer Sports, a company known for its winter sports equipment, I wanted to test them. The holiday in Sardinia seemed perfect for this. It was great that a pannier was included. This meant I could easily stow the poles away.
Source: Siri Schubert
Variable length adjustment with folding and sliding mechanism
The first impression is right. The combination poles with a folding and sliding mechanism are easy to fold up and adjust back to length. Thanks to the push button and integrated cable, they are quickly ready for use and can be folded and stowed away just as quickly when you don't need them on flat sections. The additional sliding mechanism allows precise adjustment to your height. You can vary between 105 and 125 centimetres.
Source: Siri Schubert
Good compromise between weight and robustness
The fact that trekking poles made from carbon fibre score points for their low weight is almost a given. If that weren't the case, I could fall back on cheaper aluminium poles. At 220 grams, the "MTX Carbon Vario Lite" clearly fulfil this requirement.
They are not quite as light as the top models among the thin carbon trail running poles, which weigh between 40 and 90 grams less, but they are more robust. With their low weight, the carbon poles from One Way are definitely suitable for fast and sporty hiking and trekking tours.
Source: Siri Schubert
As they are supplied with snow plates, they could also be used for snowshoe tours and winter hikes. As the poles only came onto the market in spring 2024, I have not been able to test this yet.
The tip is a classic trekking and trail running tip that works on both soft and stony ground. However, I would have liked to see rubber pads for flat, stony paths or tarmac to protect the poles and the ground. They are not included in the scope of delivery.
Source: Siri Schubert
Out onto the trails
Sardinia in autumn: sometimes sandy, sometimes earthy, sometimes bumpy and then again stony and sometimes muddy trails. Pure variety and always rewarding views of bizarre rock formations, rolling hills with cork oaks and the azure blue sea.
The "MTX Carbon Vario Lite" trekking poles perform well in a variety of conditions. They are stable and so light that your arms don't get tired. At the same time, they provide good grip. Only on very stony paths were slight vibrations noticeable, but this is not unusual with carbon poles and doesn't bother me much.
The extended grip made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a clear plus point. EVA is an elastic plastic without potentially harmful ingredients such as phthalates and BPA. The sponge rubber-like material is also approved for use in medical and food technology. The use of EVA makes the handle lighter than the equally popular cork handles. It feels good and does not become slippery even on steep climbs with sweaty hands. The extension of the handle makes it easy to change grip on traverses or when the gradient changes at short notice.
Source: Siri Schubert
Minimalist loops and bold colours
One Way does not rely on a glove system for the straps, as is popular with many trail running poles, but on a simple textile strap. I find this solution fine for a trekking pole, as I don't need to be as closely connected to the pole as I do for trail running. When I use the "MTX Carbon Vario Lite" in winter, I can easily combine my own gloves with the straps. Adjusting the straps is also very easy by pulling on the ends of the straps.
In terms of colour, the poles are a real eye-catcher. They are not quite as bright as the neon poles that are popular for trail running, but they are not a dull black colour either. Of course, colour is always a matter of taste, but the colourful poles suit mine.
In a nutshell
A light but solid pole for sporty hikes
If you value low weight when trekking, but still want a slightly more robust pole than an ultra-light trail running pole, the One Way "MTX Carbon Vario Lite" could be the right one for you.
The pole is well made and, thanks to the combination of a folding and sliding mechanism, is versatile and easy to stow away. The EVA grip sits comfortably in the hand and does not slip even with sweaty, damp hands.
The poles offer good grip and can also be used for winter hikes and snowshoeing with a snow disc. However, a rubber buffer for tarmac and stony paths is missing from the scope of delivery.
Pro
- Comfortable grip
- Also suitable for winter hikes and snowshoeing
- Easy to adjust and stow away
- Combination of folding and sliding mechanism
- Good grip on varied terrain
- Low weight of 220 grams
Contra
- No rubber bumper supplied for asphalt and stony paths
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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