Manufactured by Paria Outdoor Products, the Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are another tremendously popular trekking pole option, often considered among the best trekking poles on the market. Retailing for a bit more than many competitors, the Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are generally considered great poles. Are they worth it? Read on to find out!
Paria Outdoor Products advertises that the Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles come with a wide variety of features. Some of these include adjustable pole lengths (using a single special “flick-lock”), uniquely compact folding design, synthetic cork handle, extremely lightweight (less than 9 ounces), carbon fiber shafts, aluminum connectors, and more.
The reviews for the Paria Outdoor Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are among the most unanimously positive we’ve seen for any of the trekking poles we’re reviewing – and that’s saying something! Almost everyone agrees that these are exceptionally sturdy and well-built trekking poles, and many of the extra features are extremely popular among all groups of consumers. The fact that they fold up into a much smaller package makes them extremely effective and convenient for those who have to travel to get to where they’re hiking, as well as for those who may want to use trekking poles only intermittently during their adventures. For example, many people looking to reduce the pressure downhill hiking puts on joints such as knees may not need their trekking poles at all points of the journey. If they’re carrying a backpack, folding up the Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles and putting them inside can make their hike much easier.
Additionally, the synthetic cork or “syncork” handles are appreciated by many users. Cork is one of the best substances for most environments in which trekking poles are useful, especially warmer environments where hand sweat can be irritating. Cork absorbs sweat excellently, meaning that a cork handle is not going to get slippery and slimy in the heat. Additionally, cork is well-loved for the fact that it gradually conforms to the shape of your hand. This long-term customization feature serves both to make your trekking poles feel more personal and to increase your comfort and even safety when using the poles.
Another feature that people responded well to is the combination of aluminum and carbon fiber design. Carbon fiber makes trekking poles extremely lightweight; however, carbon fiber poles are more likely to break than many other pole designs. Paria seems to have found an excellent compromise – by keeping the popular carbon fiber design of the main shaft, the Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles come equipped with aluminum ends, which reinforce the carbon fiber and make it far more likely to hold up. Many users of other carbon fiber poles that we’ve reviewed, such as the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles, report that they love the lightweight design and feel of carbon fiber, but wish that the poles were a bit less prone to breaking. By adding less than an ounce’s worth of aluminum to their trekking poles, Paria seems to have found the sweet spot between aluminum durability and carbon fiber lightness.
Is this what you want? Want the best deal? Buy now!
Importantly, the Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles seem to hold up to all kinds of uses. As the manufacturers argue, “Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, backpacker, or simply need added support while recovering from surgery, we believe our trekking poles will meet your needs.” Trekking poles are a great addition to so many outdoors enthusiasts’ gear lists in large part because they are helpful in so many situations, ranging from extremely delicate mountain maneuvering to straightforward joint support on long walks or simple hikes. Many trekking poles talk a big talk about the wide variety of kinds of customers they support, but are really designed for one or the other usage – either they’re light enough for joint support but too flimsy for serious maneuvering, or sturdy enough for seasoned mountaineers but far in excess of what ordinary hobbyists may need or desire. The Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are perhaps unique in how well-suited they are for so many needs. Both groups of people report that the Paria trekking poles have delivered all of the features and functionality that they require from trekking poles, and – perhaps more shockingly – the price point is such that many groups of people can afford to add them to their repertoire.
There are indeed quite a few cheaper models available, and for those who are genuinely uncertain about whether or not they will find trekking poles useful, it may be worth taking a cheaper set for a spin before purchasing the Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. However, between the wide range of features and their remarkable durability, Paria seems to have created a product that really is the best of both worlds. It’s the opinion of this reviewer that you can’t really go wrong with the Paria Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles.