To many people, a good pair of trekking poles can be an essential for a long hike. They make a difference. And they make a really big difference when you’ve got a pair as light and as compact as Komperdell’s Hikemaster.

The benefits of using trekking poles these days aren’t discussed enough in our humble opinion. For long backpacking adventures, especially with heavy backpacks, a good pair of poles can help you go faster and further. The pressure on the knees is minimised, and when you have a long sloping hill below you, you’ll be mighty thankful by the time you reach the pub at the bottom for some stability.

That said, plenty of walkers aren’t fans, and that’s mainly because they can be a bit of a faff, and when every gram matters. They are often left behind.

There’s no need for this now when you can get a convenient tool like the Komperdell Hikemaster.

Komperdell was founded in Vienna in 1922 making wooden walking poles and, in a brilliant example of diversification, billiard cues. It wasn’t long before ski poles, perhaps more sensibly, came into the mix as well. As technology developed with the introduction of carbon, new spring systems and good grips, Komperdell rose to the top of the pole for, err, poles. Those made out of hazelnut were long gone.

“The poles themselves extend between 105 and 140cm”

Today, the advancements in technology to make poles lighter, more compact and with as little vibration as possible is applied to all categories from skiing to mountaineering.

The Hikemaster Powerlock is our pick of them. This is in large part to the exceptional lightness (516g per pair) and a packed size of just 65cm.