A few years back, I started to know a whole new world of trekking pole and I can't hike without one by now. I've been using my Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Pole since then. During my Kyrgyzstan trip, I couldn't fit it into my OSPREY ACE 50 which was a big mistake from my part (I forgot to disassemble it properly). However, that stupidity of mine brought me the opportunity to meet a new one! Let me introduce you to my newest trekking pole in this review, my Northland Professional Aluminum Trekking Poles!
Brand: Northland Professional
Northland Professional is a family-owned business founded in Austria. Gerwalt Pichler, the founder, leads expedition at that time and was not satisfied on gear and equipment used by his participants. That's when he got the inspiration to create his own brand. 50 years later, despite not being famous like the big names, it is still in the market with several products. They manufacture outdoor clothing and equipment such as tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, camping gear and accessories.
To know more about them, check this Russian website: NORTHLAND PROFESSIONAL COMPANY PROFILE
Product: Northland Aluminum Trekking Pole - Alu Pole Foldable XT Black
A combination of telescopic and folding sections, Northland's Trekking Pole is made out of aluminum with only a weight of 580 grams per pair.
With an EVA grip and a lever lock to adjust the telescopic section, it also comes with rubber tips, mud basket and snow basket. It doesn't come with a case though yet it comes with Velcro straps to keep them in place.
With a push button lock system for the folding sections, it makes folding easier and quick since I don't need to adjust the length of the lower section anyway.
Product Specifications:
There's limited information about the product technical specifications, but you may check from HERE. This link will direct you to Northland USA which is a distributing company based in the USA.
Northland Trekking Poles Review:
Used once so far, I can't judge the trekking poles' durability yet. But on a first impression basis, I loved it! I have yet to verify the shock absorption performance of this pole, but the combination of the lever lock and the push button lock seems to fit my personality.
Since I have sweaty palms, I'm also a little unsure about the EVA grip in the long run. I will probably test that aspect here in UAE where I'll probably sweat buckets.
But what made me a fan of this pole is that I don't have any issue with its lever lock. Unlike my Cascade Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles (despite locking the lever, poles slides short little by little) the lever lock seems to be good. However there was an incident though when the push button lock accidentally went in hence the pole collapsed and folded. But apart from that incident, my pole remains on the same length and position all through out my hike.
Despite not coming from a big brand (for those who consider brand names into the equation), I think the trekking poles are competitive and underrated. Lightweight, foldable, and a more stable locking system, absolutely my new non-negotiable factors. Maybe not the best among the rest, but I liked it better than my Cascade Tech. So if you do come across Northland Trekking Poles after this review, I hope you consider them! A little above the average price though but worth the shot!
Disclaimer:
This post is not sponsored. I bought the trekking poles using my own pocket money during my Kyrgyzstan trip. I bought it in SPORTMASTER inside Asia Mall in Bishkek for SOM 5490.00 (equivalent of AED 250.00+). They run some promotions (which is a little complicated for me to understand) but in the end I managed to get a microfiber towel paying 50% in line with their promotion. Check them out as I heard they usually run a lot of promotions.
