Walking Equipment and Accessories

Harrier Catbells Pro V2 Aluminium Poles | Review

New British brand Harrier has just updated its collection of poles which are all specifically designed for running. Here’s our verdict on their aluminium set following our tests

For long distance trail running in the mountains, poles are an absolute essential. That’s in my humble opinion anyway. I’ve done a lot of running with poles over the years, including a 500-mile unbroken run over all 189 of Wales’s mountains, but on my last ultra, which was Ultra Trail Snowdonia, I decided to see what it would be like without them – and I really missed them. In fact, I almost dropped out ¾ of the way through and I would’ve placed the blame on not having poles to help me on the relentless climbs.

The poles I carry still need to tick a few boxes, though. They need to durable and reliable, they need to be quick to deploy and disassemble and they need to be light and compact too.

I’ve just returned from a trip to Scotland testing out the new Harrier Catbells Pro Aluminium poles, which are fixed length, to see whether they match that criteria for me. I’ve also had a look at the standard Catbells Poles which comes with length adjustment.

Background

Harrier is a British brand making waves in the trail running scene by offering thoughtfully designed, affordable gear for runners of all levels, from hydration vests to lightweight waterproofs. Founded by trail runner Kate McKenzie, it’s a brand built on community feedback and a commitment to sustainability, making quality kit accessible without the hefty price tag.

One of the things the brand has really stood out for is its running poles and that can be explained by Kate’s background, not just as a trail runner but also a Nordic walking coach. Clearly she knows what separates a good pole from a bad one. Via email she told me that the company has been working hard with its supplier over the past year to improve its full range of poles, so they are now 25% lighter and slimmer than the existing models. They’ve also re-engineered the inner extension system to be stronger and faster and have re-moulded their mud baskets and EVA grip. “We wanted to make the poles lighter but not at the expense of strength or durability,” explained Kate.

Sizing

Harrier offer the Catbells poles in either a Pro or standard version. The Pro, which comes in four different sizes, has a fixed height and the standard version, which comes in two sizes, has a locking lever that allows for height adjustment. Harrier’s sizing chart helpfully lets you pick the right sized pole for you. If you opt for the adjustable set, there are also useful measurements and guidelines printed onto the poles themselves to help you set them to the right height for you. That’s a nice touch that really emphasises Harrier’s mantra of making trail running accessible.

Attached to the front of the Harrier running vest.

This version, which has height adjustment, is the standard Harrier Catbells.

With the Catbells Pro that I opted for, I went for the 120cm to 175cm size. I’m 5 foot 10 and these were great for me, with the pole handle level with my hand when I’m stood straight with my elbow at a right angle.

Performance and Details

The range of poles includes fixed and adjustable poles in aluminium and carbon. I tested the aluminium poles which the brand has designed with long distance running in mind, offering something that’s strong enough to withstand the rigours of steep and rocky fells while still being light and convenient.

They’re a z-shaped style of pole, involving three parts that are connected by a cable.

At 185g (per pole) these do feel light and nimble – as light as some carbon poles I’ve used. that’s while in the hand and on the front of a pack too. And they have a durable feel to them too. On a couple of occasions when I was using them, I jammed them straight through a gap between rocks by accident and was pleased that they flexed but didn’t bend. It’s the kind of scenario that carbon poles don’t always survive, particularly in cold conditions.

Deployment is quick and easy and is done in the same way as you’d normally expect from Z-poles. You basically hold onto the section of the pole underneath the handle and then pull the handle up, bringing the sections all together. To collapse the pole, you simply press down on the little metal button and the sections will unlock. It’s all very quick and easy.

The handle is made from EVA foam and it’s about 10 inches long. At the top, it’s ergonomically shaped for a standard grip while it’s ribbed at the lower end for variable grip when climbing. The handle isn’t specifically shaped for those who like to place their palms on the tops of the pole when going down steep downhills, but the foam makes things comfortable enough when using the poles in this way.

The straps are super comfortable thanks to the fine microfibre fleece lining. They’re also adjustable so you can refine the fit to preference.

The Catbells Pro, and all of the poles in Harrier’s collection, have carbide tips. After my period of testing, I haven’t noticed any alteration in the tips of my poles, even after extended use on rocky trails. All poles in Harrier’s collection also come with tip covers so you can use the poles on hard surfaces without that annoying click clacking sound.

My poles, in the 120cm to 175cm sizing, are 38.5cm long when broken down. I found I could easily stash them on the front of my running vest and they’ll even slot into the side pocket of some of the smaller daypacks that I own. Each set of poles comes with Velcro micro straps that keep all the sections of the poles together when they’re broken down. They also come with a carry/storage case which, for me, is a little overkill and unneeded. That being said, I noticed that some of the paint on my poles has started to chip off, so perhaps I should be using the case more.

OM tester Nicole using the Harrier Catbells Pro on a descent.

All Harrier poles comes with removable rubber tip covers. Pictured on the standard Catbells set.

Verdict

The Catbells Pro Aluminium V2 costs £64.99 for a pair and the standard set are £59.99. I’d say that represents excellent value for what you’re getting here. There are lighter poles out there – including within Harrier’s own collection – but I still found that these were impressively light and convenient to carry. Go lighter and the trade-off is going to be in the overall durability. So I’d say these strike a really good balance.

Not sure which set of poles to choose? Harrier have some excellent guides over on their website. Those who purchase any of the brand’s new V2 poles will also be given access to their Pole PRO 12 module course, a digital, expert led guide that helps people to go from complete novice to trying out advanced running techniques.