ProView – Backcountry Access Scepter 4S Poles

As I get more aggressively into the backcountry, my hiking poles just aren’t cutting it. Switching over to the Backcountry Access Scepter 4S Poles has changed my backcountry experience. There are a few key features that make touring and splitboarding far easier than a regular set of hiking poles with added snow baskets (which were my go-to for the past few years)

Performance

These are great backcountry poles that tri-fold to fit easily into your pack on your snowboard down. They are lightweight, have a solid grip with a “hook” to lift and lower your risers and come with big snow baskets. They accompanied me into the backcountry multiple times, and I always feel like they are working with me, never against me.

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Fit/Comfort

I am 5’6 and use the poles at 115 cm. This is perfect for climbing, and also for leaving one out during the descent (to help push on flat sections). The second tri-folds and fits nicely INSIDE my backpack, which isn’t usual. Most poles end up strapped to the side of my pack on the descent, which isn’t nearly as secure. The poles only extend to 130 cm’s, this could end up being an issue for taller users. Anyone above 6’0 might want a pole that extends further. The handgrips fit me perfectly, but I have smaller hands (why did I choose piano as my instrument?). This may be an issue for those with larger hands.

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Look/Style

These poles have a black and orange color combo. This is great for when they get thrown in the deep snow, or when you’re trying to find them among other gear. The toggles are easy to find, and the tri-fold is highlighted by the change in color. These could be any color and I would be fond of them. No need to match my outfit, I just want it to work!

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Weight/Packability

A single pole weights in at 12 ounces. These are slightly heavier than other comparable backcountry poles, but still incredibly light. Compared to other front country poles, or hiking poles, they are right in line! I don’t notice the weight of these while I’m hiking, or once I’ve folded them to put in my backpack. Set it and forget it.

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Durability/Construction

The shaft of the poles are made of 7075 Aluminum. They seem extremely durable and ready to handle anything in the backcountry. I have a few scrapes and scratches on them, but they only look more hardcore because of it. The tips are Carbide and will handle many backcountry seasons.

One of the other features I like is the Eva Foam Grip. It’s a foam wrap just under the handle that useful for side hilling or when you want to give your hands a different experience. It’s great that you don’t have to rely on your gloves to do the gripping. More options are better options!

The straps are removable, which is a really great feature for navigating during breaks and transition without taking your gloves off. I couldn’tt get this function to work, but there was an explaination on the BCA site:

“The straps are mounted to the pole grip with a cam that rotates around that fixed pin. When you pull up sharply on the strap, the cam rotates off the pin and releases. There is no screw fastening the strap to the grip like there was in the previous generation (those straps didn’t release). To put the strap back on the grip, put the black plastic cam back in place, and push on the lowest part of the plastic. The first few times it helps to place it against a hard surface when pushing.”

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The Final Word

If you are currently splitboarding in the backcountry with hiking poles or ski poles, now is the time to switch! Between the uniquely shaped handles, the huge snow baskets, the tri-fold, and the lightweight/durable construction, they are such a good addition to your backcountry setup. It’s such a relief to have a piece of gear that works with you in the backcountry.

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