Trailhunter Zero

The Komperdell Trailhunter Zero is a telescopic aluminium trekking pole for walkers who want something tough and simple. Three sections of 7075-T6 aluminium twist-lock anywhere from 105 to 140 cm, a soft foam grip keeps your hands comfortable on a long day, and it collapses to 65 cm to strap to your pack.

Who it's for

Day walkers and weekend hikers who want a dependable pole without fuss: a day in the Border Ranges, a loop through Lamington, a first overnight walk on the Great Ocean Walk. The 105 to 140 cm band suits a wide range of heights, and the vario basket fitting takes a winter basket for a trip to the snow.

Weight against durability

Aluminium is the tough choice. The Trailhunter Zero uses 7075-T6 alloy in 18, 16 and 14 mm sections, built to take knocks against rock and your weight on a steep descent. Komperdell list its weight as 212 g.

Locking and adjustment

Length is set with Komperdell's Twist Lock: loosen, slide each section to where you want it, and twist to lock. It is quick to reset when the track switches from a long climb to a long descent, and with only three sections there is little to fiddle with.

Packed length

Collapsed, the Trailhunter Zero is 65 cm, a length that sits neatly in the side straps of a daypack or overnight pack when you need your hands for a scramble or a creek crossing.

Grips and baskets

The Trekking foam comfort grip is soft in the hand and pairs with a comfort padded strap, so you can take weight through the strap rather than squeezing the grip. The vario basket fitting makes baskets quick to change, so you can fit a summer or a winter basket to suit the trip.

Looking after it

Dry and clean the poles after each walk, store them with the twist locks loosened, and never oil or grease the shaft or locks. Do not extend past the maximum length mark.