I have been testing the CimAlp fully carbon poles for walking in the hills and mountains. I have used them in both summer and winter conditions.
Features include:
- Easy-Lock tightening system
- Fold into three sections
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight carbon
- Storage bag
- Different accessories for exploring various terrains
- Resistant to 100 kg of pressure
- Was £139.90, now £99.90
- See: CimAlp
On test: CimAlp carbon poles for walking and trekking
The first test of foldable walking poles is how easy they are to set up and then fold away. The CimAlp carbon poles are really easy to set up. The three sections simply slot together before you pull up the upper section of the pole until it clicks into place. A small button keeps the poles rigid.
You can then adjust the height from 110cm to 130cm. Because they are adjustable they can be used by different people.
The Easy-Lock tightening system secures the poles to give a solid walking or ski trekking pole.
To fold away, you open the height adjustor clasp, push in a small stop button, pull apart and fold up. It’s very easy.
The three-section system folds into no more than about 39cm in length. To create a shorter bundle, of less than 35cm, you can remove the top grip section of the pole. This means there are four parts to the poles but they can still be easily stowed, whether in a travel bag or your walking pack. The poles come with a bag for easier stowing, too.
These poles also have a range of accessories for different uses, including protective tips for walking on concrete; Nordic walking tips; ski baskets that allow the pole to float on top of the snow; and trekking/snowshoeing baskets to stop the p[oles sinking into the snow. This means the poles are really versatile and I would suggest you could also use them for running in the mountains.
The extended grips are excellent. The comfort-grip foam extends further down the top of the poles so you can change the position of your hands, depending on the terrain or your activity. For example, while traversing a slope, you might need a shorter pole and you can achieve this by gripping lower down the handle without having to change the pole length.
Another feature that I like is the shape of the top of the grip. I like to place my hand over the top of the handle and put the grip into my palm when walking downhill. It feels really comfortable and supporting.
The straps can be adjusted, to make smaller or larger. This is useful if different people plan to use the poles and if you swap from bare hands to gloves.
The weight of the poles feels light enough but not so light that they do not have a good swing motion. I like a pole that feels robust and weighty enough to swing out and in front of you as you walk or ski tour. While the carbon keeps the weight of the poles down, the design and feel of the poles is robust and good quality.
The poles will be heavier than some running poles but I think they would still be useful enough, especially if you are keen to spend less on one pair of versatile poles.
It might seem that £100 is a lot to spend on walking poles but this is because they are made of strong and lightweight carbon. I always prefer a carbon pole if possible as I don’t want to lug about extra weight yet I do want the poles to be strong and durable.
In conclusion, the CimAlp carbon poles are a good choice because they can be used for a range of different activities, as well as being easy to fold up/take apart and pack.