Gear Review

Scott World Cup Racer

High Strength-to-Weight
Rigid
Series-4 Aluminum
Durable

When he did his 385 mile "Ultralight Icebox" trek, Andrew Skurka chose aluminum alpine ski poles for their durability.

People overwhelmingly choose multi-segment carbon fiber poles nowadays because of their combination of light weight and adjustability, but aluminum poles can also work perfectly well in the backcountry for hikers and skiers alike.

Skiing Bloody Couloir

I frequently poach my Alpine gear when it comes to backcountry skiing, and my Scott World Cup poles have become a regular in my gear list.

The extra strength and durability of their high-grade series-4 Aluminum shafts can be not only comforting, but actually useful:

I've occasionally used my ski poles as belay tools when descending an exceptionally steep or icy couloir.

Aluminum will resist being carved to pieces by ski edges far better than Carbon fiber designs.

I'm fond of the Scott World Cup Racer, which uses a high quality series 4 aluminum shaft that is strong and stiff. Single-segment aluminum poles are relatively light, slightly over a pound per pair, which undercuts most three-segment carbon models. They're also quite a bit cheaper, making them an economical choice.

Trekkers and climbers should note that the lack of height adjustability can be an inconvenience. Additionally, the extra stiffness of aluminum shafts can make for a more jarring ride when hiking down a long, steep trail.

Alpine skiers, of course, have no reason to worry about any of these issues—just grab a pair and enjoy!

* note: it's probably not a good idea to use your ski poles' straps when you're in the backcountry. They can reduce your chances of survival in an avalanche (by acting as an anchor).