Finding the right touring poles has been a seemingly never-ending pursuit. It shouldn’t be, but I always manage to find some issue that makes the generally straightforward exercise of touring, more challenging then it should be. After all, 95% of my time is spent climbing, as opposed to riding, so the way up should be as comfortable as possible.
The perfect pole for me should meet the following criteria: be as light as possible, be strong, collapse small enough to fit in my touring pack and be easy enough to adjust that I can do it mid-stride on the skin track. I’ve gotten close a couple of times, but always ended up finding a flaw.
Enter the BCA Scepter. These poles met all the criteria and looked good doing it. They aren’t the trendy carbon fiber editions that so many brands market, but I prefer the added strength that comes with a few extra ounces…anyone who has snapped a pole in the field understands. Additionally, when fully collapsed they disappear into my pack. On the trail, they adjust simply/quickly and have a foam sub-handle that makes grip adjustment simple and comfortable.
Happy to report I think I’ve found a pole I can stick with.