Three section telescoping vs. folding poles.

[CaryB]

What is most prominent on the trail? I have a pair of three section telescoping poles. They don't fold into thirds but slide longer or shorter. They are great but still quite tall when compressed. Folding poles collapse for smaller carrying but don't seem as sturdy. Should I just take my long poles and be done with it or purchase a folding pair when I arrive. I leave in the morning.

Thanks for the feedback. And if I were to purchase there...where from in SJ.

 

[Robo]

I use telescoping poles.
Fizan Compact 3. Very light.
Though they may not be as strong as folding poles, not sure.
Can folding poles be adjusted for length? (quite important)

 

[Anamiri]

I've had the same Fizan telescoping poles since I bought them in Leon in 2017, they've had a lot of use with no problems. They're extremely lightweight and very adjustable. I have used the folding ones.

 

[Sirage]

What is most prominent on the trail?

@CaryB, I suggest a better question would be "What, in your experience, is a better type of pole".

You won't get consensus in this Forum but it will help you make a choice perhaps because of a reasons you haven't thought of. It is a frequently debated topic on this Forum with lots of firmly held opinions.

On the trail, in my opinion, most poles are probably used by people who haven't given them much thought and probably don't use them very well either. For many people poles are incidental cheap things to be picked up anywhere and discarded in Santiago, without regard for what is a good pole and what benefits poles can provide.