Gear Review: LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles by Gossamer Gear
The Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles are some of the lightest on the market at just 4.9 oz per pole. With a collapsible 3-piece design, carbon fiber strength, and trail-tested performance, these poles are a thru-hiker favorite for ultralight adventures.
When it comes to ultralight trekking poles, Gossamer Gear’s LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles stand out as some of the lightest, most dependable options on the market. At just 4.9 ounces per pole, they’re designed for hikers and backpackers who count every ounce but don’t want to sacrifice durability and comfort.
Whether you’re tackling rugged trails in the Southwest or heading deep into the backcountry, these poles bring the perfect balance of weight savings and trail performance.
Standout Features
- Ultralight Design: At only 4.9 ounces per pole, these are among the lightest trekking poles available, making them a dream for thru-hikers and ounce-counters.
- Three-Piece Collapsible Build: The LT5s collapse down to 23.5 inches, perfect for strapping to a pack when not in use or tucking inside a carry-on.
- Carbon Fiber Construction: Strong yet featherweight, these poles provide stability on tough terrain without weighing you down.
- EVA Foam Grips: Comfortable, moisture-wicking handles with adjustable wrist straps for all-day trekking.
- Versatile Adjustability: Extendable from 100 cm to 130 cm to suit a wide range of hikers and different terrain. Simply twist to lock the size in place.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: Clean, streamlined design that reflects Gossamer Gear’s ultralight ethos.
Testing the LT5s on Trail
On trail, the LT5 trekking poles are everything you’d expect from Gossamer Gear: lightweight, simple, and dependable. I’ve found them particularly useful on steep ascents where weight savings really pay off, and on long downhill stretches where carbon fiber’s shock absorption helps save my knees.
Even though they’re ultralight, the poles feel steady and durable when loaded. Perfect for tricky river crossings, loose scree, and backpacking trips where you’re logging big miles each day. The foam grips don’t get slick with sweat, and the adjustability makes them easy to fine-tune whether you’re climbing, descending, or using them to pitch a trekking pole tent.
If you’re rough on gear, you’ll want to treat them with a bit more care than other poles, but that’s the tradeoff for the weight savings. For ultralight backpackers, the performance-to-weight ratio is outstanding.
Specs
- Weight: 4.9 oz (per pole)
- Length: Adjustable from 100 cm – 130 cm
- Collapsed Length: 60 cm
- Material: Carbon fiber shafts
- Grip: EVA foam with adjustable straps
- Design: Three-piece collapsible
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly lightweight at 4.9 oz per pole | Less durable than heavier aluminum poles |
| Compact 3-piece collapsible design | Bottom segment doesn't have measurements |
| Comfortable EVA foam grips | Simple twist lock can loosen up |
| Adjustable length suits most hikers |
Packing It Out
The LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles by Gossamer Gear are some of the lightest trekking poles you can carry, and they perform great on long-distance trails, backpacking trips, and steep ascents where weight savings matter. If you want poles that disappear in your hands but still deliver stability when you need it most, these are hard to beat.
For hikers and backpackers who live by the mantra “light is right,” the LT5s deserve a spot in your kit.
Learn more about Gossamer Gear here!
This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
