Zpacks MinimalisT Trekking Poles Review

Bottom Line

The Zpacks Minimalist are the most affordable ultralight trekking poles in our best trekking poles lineup. They are the only model we tested that can be purchased as a single pole or pair. 

Because they are both ultralight and affordable, their performance suffers in some areas. Durability, in particular, is a concern. These poles will snap easily if too much weight is put on them. They also lack comfort features such as padded wrist straps or cork handles. 

Otherwise, these poles are easy to set up and are packable. While using these poles on local hikes, we found them easy to carry around due to their lightweight design and compact 25-inch collapsed length. Overall, we like using these poles for hikes where weight is a concern, such as on ultralight backpacking trips.

Durability

We were not impressed with the durability of the Minimalist poles and would not recommend them for situations where reliability is needed. From the moment we unboxed these poles, it was apparent that they are not as well-made as the other poles in our lineup. The flip locks are made out of plastic that feels cheap. 

During side-by-side testing, they did okay during the drop and throw tests. After dropping the poles on a boulder and throwing them like a javelin, they didn’t show any signs of cosmetic damage. However, during the stress test, it felt like anything more than the smallest amount of force would cause these poles to break. We were generally careful when using these poles on local day hikes. They felt fragile overall, so we weren’t willing to rely on them for a thru-hike.

Weight

No surprise here, the Zpacks Minimalist really shines is its low weight. These poles fall into the ultralight category and were among the lightest we tested. When we placed one of the poles on our scale, it came in at 5.7 ounces. 

When held in the hand, either collapsed or extended, it is easy to tell that they are one of the lightest available. This makes them a great choice for fast and light trips or adventures where they will be spending the majority of the time strapped to the pack.

Comfort

The Minimalist trekking poles lack features such as padded wrist straps and cork handles that make using trekking poles a more comfortable experience. 

We performed a side-by-side comparison test to see which model of trekking pole had the most comfort-related features. Positive features such as cork handles, an ergonomic grip, and padded wrist straps earned the model points. Oddly shaped grips and stiff wrist straps resulted in the loss of points. From there, we evaluated the data to find which poles are the best. Our findings yielded interesting results. We found that the Minimalist poles perform near the bottom of the list. 

To save weight, these trekking poles do not have cork handles or cushy wrist straps. While the features it does have work well enough, they don’t go the extra mile to elevate on-trail comfort beyond the ultralow weight. We also did not care for the grip design, which feels a bit small and narrow.

Ease of Use

A simple, telescoping design helps the Zpacks Minimalist perform in the middle of the lineup when it comes to ease of use. We timed how long it takes to set up each pole to help us determine rankings for this category. The Minimalist poles came in fifth place thanks to several factors. One is the easy-to-use flick locks. The locking mechanism stands out from the rest of the pole, which makes it easy to grab and open. 

They include tensioners which can be adjusted by turning a small knob. The pole shafts slide easily with just the slightest amount of tension, keeping them from coming all the way out. Both telescoping shafts also include measurements.

Packability

The collapsed length of the Minimalist poles is average. They ended up measuring 25 inches, which is just slightly longer than the specification listed on Zpacks’ website.

 Compared to all of the poles we tested, this is below average. However, trekking poles with a folding design tend to fold down smaller than telescoping poles. 

When we compare the Minimalist to other telescoping poles, it ranks a bit better. While using these poles on local hikes and carrying them around for testing, we didn’t notice the length. They fit right in with most of the other trekking poles we tested and do not stand out either as being significantly longer or shorter.

Features

The Minimalist poles are also average when it comes to features; they have the basics but not much more.

We found that the Zpacks poles have mostly basic features that we would generally expect on a trekking pole. They include wrist straps, summer baskets, and replaceable carbide tips. We like that these poles also include tip covers and the ability to easily adjust the tension of the locking mechanism. 

Features such as grip extensions and winter baskets are nice, but we can understand why they are not included with the Minimalist trekking poles. They are geared towards use for ultralight backpacking, where weight is a key factor.

Should You Buy The Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles?

The Zpacks Minimalist poles are ideal for individuals seeking an ultralight trekking pole on a budget. They are incredibly light and simple, perfect for folks who do not want any frills because they are going far and fast. 

While these poles are not as durable as other ultralight models we tested, they are significantly more affordable. They are also the only model that may be purchased as a single pole rather than a pair. This is great for backpackers who only use one pole or need to replace a broken one. 

We would not recommend these poles for off-trail hiking or other more adventurous uses. If weight and budget are concerns, then these are a good trekking pole to consider.

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?

The Zpacks Minimalist isn’t the only ultralight trekking pole that we tested that landed on our guide to the best trekking poles. Here are a few others that we would recommend.

Durston Iceline Review: We love that the Iceline poles are featherlight without sacrificing performance. They have a unique design that combines the pros of both folding and telescoping poles. We also appreciate that these poles are surprisingly durable given their construction. They don’t come with quite as many features as the Zpacks Minimalist, but overall they are a great option.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Review: The LT5’s are the lightest trekking pole that we tested. They have a twist lock mechanism to keep the telescoping poles closed along with a modest number of features. The durability is a bit better on these poles, but the lighter weight comes with a hefty price tag. 

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review: Geared more towards trail running, the Distance Carbon trekking poles are both lightweight and small. We love that these poles take up very little room when collapsed, thanks to the folding design. Their performance in other areas is a bit lacking, but they are a wonderful choice for those going light and fast.