Carbon C3 Cloud

The Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud is an all-carbon, three-section telescopic trekking pole with a cork foam grip, a padded strap and Powerlock 3.0 forged aluminium clamps. It adjusts from 105 to 140 cm, collapses to 67 cm, and a pair weighs 374 g (187 g per pole), with vario baskets you can swap for snow.

Who it's for

Hikers who notice every gram over a long day. At 374 g the pair, the Carbon C3 Cloud is light enough that you stop thinking about it, and the long 105 to 140 cm range gives you room to shorten for the climbs and lengthen for the descents. Komperdell built it as a companion for every hike.

Weight against durability

All three sections are carbon, 18, 16 and 14 mm in diameter. Komperdell's ultralight carbon is where the 187 g per pole comes from. For a tougher lower section, the shorter C3 Carbon Pro Compact (90 to 120 cm) uses robust Titanal.

Locking and adjustment

Powerlock 3.0 is Komperdell's strongest lock, made of forged aluminium. Set your length anywhere from 105 to 140 cm. Stay inside the maximum length mark printed on the shaft.

Packed length

Collapsed, each pole measures 67 cm, so the pair straps neatly to the side of your pack when you need both hands for a scramble. If you want them shorter still, the Carbon C3 Cloud Compact packs to 57 cm.

Grips and baskets

The Trek Pro 280 cork foam grip is soft and light in the hand, and the extended grip zone below it lets you choke down on a short steep pinch without touching the clamps. The Air Padded strap is padded and softly woven on the inside, the most comfortable strap Komperdell make. The vario basket system is easy and quick to change between summer and winter baskets.

Looking after it

Dry and clean the poles after use, store them with the clamps open, and keep lubricant away from the shafts and the locks.