Why I Tested the Gossamer Gear LT5 Poles
If you’ve followed my previous trekking pole reviews – from the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles, to the Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Z, and the MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles – you’ll know I’m pretty particular about what I carry. Weight, durability, packability, and comfort all matter when you’re slogging up a ridgeline or hammering out 30+ mile days on trail.
I recently got my hands on Gossamer Gear’s LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles. These are touted as some of the lightest telescopic poles on the market – perfect for ultralight thru-hikers or anyone looking to shave grams from their pack weight.
Watch My Full Review on YouTube Here
First Impressions – Featherweight Build and Cork-Style Grips
Straight out the box, these poles are insanely light, coming in at around 10 oz per pair. The carbon fibre construction feels sturdy despite the low weight, and the cork-style grips are a big win in my book. I’ve always found cork or cork-style grips to be more comfortable over long days compared to foam or rubber, especially in humid summer conditions.
Z-Fold vs Telescopic – My Take
If you read my Guide to Trekking Poles for Trail Hiking and Running, you’ll know I prefer Z-fold poles for most ultra races or fastpacking because they attach easily to the front of a race vest or fastpack without sticking up annoyingly.
However, when I’m using poles to pitch a tarp or mid, telescopic poles like the LT5s are the way to go. They allow precise length adjustment, which is critical for getting a tight tarp pitch, especially in bad weather. For me, that versatility makes telescopic poles essential on multi-day routes where my shelter setup relies on them.
Strap or No Strap?
Another personal tweak – I tend to remove the wrist straps. It’s a safety habit from years on rocky technical ground; if you take a fall with your wrists looped in, you risk a nasty sprain or worse. But that’s just me – if you like straps, Gossamer Gear’s are minimal and removable, so no worries either way.
Pros
✅ Ultralight carbon build
✅ Comfortable cork-style grips
✅ Telescopic design for tarp pitching
✅ Removable straps
✅ Packs down short (around 23.5 inches collapsed)
Cons
❌ Price – at around $195 these aren’t budget poles
❌ Not as rigid as heavier poles under intense load
❌ Twist lock system may loosen over time if not properly tightened
Final Thoughts – Worth It?
If you’re serious about cutting weight but still want reliable telescopic poles for trekking or shelter pitching, the Gossamer Gear LT5s are top tier. They feel more robust than their minimalist weight suggests, and after a week of heavy trail use they’ve held up excellently.
For runners or hikers who prefer Z-fold poles purely for vest carry, these aren’t quite as convenient, but if you’re a thru-hiker who uses poles for walking and as tarp supports, these are a near-perfect solution.
Ready to Try the LT5s Yourself?
👉 Check out the Gossamer Gear LT5 Poles here
👉 Watch my full YouTube review and trail footage here
What poles do you prefer on long hikes – telescopic or Z-fold? Drop your thoughts below.
