ProView – Mountainsmith Halite 7075 Trekking Poles
The Mountainsmith Halite 7075 Trekking Poles are made for the modern-day adventurer: removable rubber tips and baskets for all seasons; carbide tipped ends for confidence inspiring traction and a packable size of 16” in length so you do not have to worry about these poles sticking out of your carry-on while you jet set to your next adventure.
Fit
I am 6’2” and these poles were just about the right size for me in all terrain. The minimum length of these poles is 48” which put my elbows at roughly a 100-degree angle: fine for flat terrain but a bit tall for steep uphill terrain. They extend to 54” which made for an excellent length-adjustment while navigating down steep desert terrain. These poles, however, were a bit too tall for my 5’4” adventure partner (only by an inch or so).
Performance
I do not often need trekking poles but when I do they better work. There is no more frustrating thing than to rely on a trekking pole while navigating loose and steep desert terrain and feel it start to collapse under your weight. I use trekking poles for a tarp set up while overnight trekking and when those surprise wet snow storms hit your tarp, you do not want to see your tarp’s supports start to slide under the weight of the snow and that cold snow-covered tarp get closer to your face.
With the Halite 7075 that will not happen. The 48” minimum height of these poles is supported by a locking pin which means at this height there is no downward slippage due to a poorly designed telescoping mechanism. This allows these poles to boast a 160-pound weight limit. For me, a guy that weighs 210lbs., that is confidence inspiring.
When I used these poles to support my tarp for camping at Indian Creek I did not have to worry about the poles slipping while I tensioned the tarp to premium tautness. If you need a taller height, the Halite 7075’s Outerlock height adjustment mechanism is quick and easy to use and once locked into place it prevents that unnecessary movement.
The grips and supporting wrist straps are by far the most comfortable trekking pole handles that I have ever used. The cork grips were supremely comfortable but they did not get hot and sticky like other black rubber handles on other trekking poles. This was crucial while utilizing these poles at Indian Creek, Utah. The wrist straps, too, are well designed with an easy to use quick-adjustment and comfortable padding for those long hauls.
Easily the best feature of these poles is collapsible design. This design is very similar to an avalanche probe where in there is an internal cable that runs the length of the pole. Once collapsed the Halite 7075 lays in 3 pieces at a length of 16 inches. This means these poles will fit wonderfully on the side of your pack or inside a duffle bag. Say goodbye to poking holes in bags by trekking poles!
What I love about the Mountainsmith Halite 7075 Trekking Poles
- 16” collapsible length means these poles pack neatly and stay out of the way when not in use
- The cork grips breathe wonderfully even under the desert heat
- 160-pound max load means you can rely on these poles even more than you probably should
Room for Improvement
- The minimum height is 48” which shorter users (5’4” and under) might find too tall for generally level terrain
The Final Word
The Halite 7075 trekking poles are a well thought out pole design that weigh only 21 ounces for the pair and retails for $79.95. You get a high-quality pole for a fraction of the price.
Shop the Halite 7075 Trekking Poles and all Mountainsmith gear on Outdoor Prolink.
About the Gear Tester
Patrick Betts
Patrick Betts is the Technical Director at Front Range Climbing Company and is based in Moab, Utah. He has been in the Outdoor Industry since 2009 and guides year-round in Colorado, Utah, and beyond. When he is not guiding, you will find him traveling to climbing destinations around the world. Patrick is an experienced adventure photographer who enjoys taking photos of people pushing their own limits and capturing the landscapes of the areas that rock climbing takes you. Follow along @adventurethrulens
