MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Bottom Line

The MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon trekking poles are a fantastic option on our guide to the best trekking poles for those seeking a well-rounded, telescoping pole.

These poles feature various accessories, including summer and winter baskets, and offer moderate durability, making them an excellent choice for use in all seasons. Even better, these poles are much more affordable than others we tested. Thanks to their price tag and versatility, they are a win-win for us. 

If we had to find fault with these sticks, we wish they weighed a bit less and packed down more. But at 1 lb 3 oz,  they aren’t heavy by any means, just about average for an aluminum trekking pole.

Fortunately, we didn’t feel any fatigue from them while backpacking with these poles in Arizona. They felt comparable to most mid-tier trekking poles in terms of weight, packability, and durability. Overall, these poles make a great choice for the average day hiker or someone who wants trekking poles to use year-round.

Durability

The MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon trekking poles have distinctly average durability. During side-by-side testing, they resisted cosmetic damage and had an average bend. We threw these poles like javelins down a dirt road and dropped them onto a boulder before moving on to the stress test. 

These poles are one of the few that did not sustain any scratches from the testing process. They did have a fair amount of bend to them, and we felt it would be possible to break them with moderate effort. We used these poles while hiking up to Chiricahua Peak in Arizona’s Sky Island region. This hike involved hiking through the snow, where the footing was tricky, and pushing through the brush on the descent. These poles did great and still look brand new after the trip.

Weight

At 9.6 ounces per pole, the Explore poles are on the heavy side overall, but about average for an aluminum trekking pole. 

This is definitely on the heavy end compared to other poles we tested. If we don’t compare them to carbon fiber poles, the weight is more respectable but still below average. These poles feel heavy when held in the hand, but not egregiously so. In the field, the weight isn’t noticeable.

Comfort

The MSR DynaLock Explore trekking poles have some padding on the wrist strap and comfortable grips. We would like the handle better if it were made of cork instead of foam, but that might be because once you go cork, you never…”uncork”. 

One nod to the Explore’s comfort level is its wrist straps. While not especially thick, the wrist straps on these poles have more padding than most of the ones we tested. While using them to climb steep hills in the mountains, we found that the padding along the outer edge made a big difference. 

Other notable comfort features include a well-shaped grip, both in ergonomic design and diameter. The grip shape makes the poles easier and more comfortable to hold. Overall, they are a comfortable pole to use all day.

Ease of Use

The flip locks on the Explore poles are easy to use, but the telescoping shafts are a bit sticky for our tastes. Our ease-of-use test consisted of timing how long it took us to set up each pole for hiking. We then adjusted the rankings based on other factors, such as our experience using them on the trail. The Explore trekking poles performed well when we timed them, scoring second fastest. 

However, we found that the shafts are a bit sticky when using these poles while backpacking in the Chiricahua Mountains. There is friction as the pole shafts slide past each other to expand or collapse. The friction only lasts for the first few inches of each pole but requires extra effort. This can feel frustrating to deal with at the end of the day. 

On the bright side, the flick locks are easy to open and close, thanks to the square shape. They also include built-in tensioners, though they can be clumsy to use because it is difficult to hold the pole and adjust the dial simultaneously.

Packability

The collapsed length measurement of the MSR DynaLock Explore poles is average compared to other trekking poles. We measured the collapsed length of these poles from the top of the grip to the end of the carbide tip. Our measuring tape read 24.5 inches (congruent with MSR’s specs). 

The Explorer poles ranked in the middle of the lineup compared to the other poles we measured. However, it is worth noting that there is a more significant divide between the top half of the lineup and the lower half. This is because trekking poles with a folding design collapse to a much smaller size than a telescoping-style pole. 

The Explore poles are average or slightly above average when compared to other telescoping poles. On the trail, we didn’t notice a vast difference between these poles and the other telescoping models we brought. They all fit the same on the outside of our packs.

Features

We appreciate that the Explore trekking poles have many features, such as two different types of baskets and replaceable carbide tips.

Other included features like tensioners, allow the poles to be easily modified in the field without the need for additional tools. Replaceable carbide tips extend the lifetime of the trekking pole.

Should You Buy The MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles?

We like the MSR DynaLock Explore trekking poles because they are well-rounded and versatile at a modest price. 

Their biggest strengths are features and moderate durability, making them great for folks who want a pole that can do everything. For example, they can be used for both hiking and snowshoeing. That said, these poles are a bit heavy and not the most compact. Those looking for a trekking pole for light and fast hikes should consider a different option.

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?

We tested many different models in our search for the best trekking pole. Below are a few similar options to the MSR DynaLock Explore.

Black Diamond Pursuit Review: One of our favorite trekking poles, the Pursuit, is a terrific choice for various adventures. Thanks to their great durability and features, we have used these poles while downhill skiing. The biggest difference is that they are a bit more expensive, but have higher overall quality.

Black Diamond Trail Back Review:  A step down from the MSR DynaLock Explore, the Trail Back poles are a more affordable but lower-performing option. They, too, have many included features. We also like that these poles are very sturdy, though they are heavy.

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Review: The Makalu trekking poles are another excellent aluminum trekking pole. Like the other models on this list, they have a telescoping design. This means they do not pack down as small and weigh a bit more, but they also have better durability. A big pro of these poles is that they are easier to expand and collapse than the Explore poles.