How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs
Sale Ends Sep 1
REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair
Sale Ends Sep 1
$118.29Compared to $169.00Save 30%
Trail running or navigating a boulder field, the REI Co-op Flash Carbon trekking poles offer welcome support. They're light and easy to pack along, too, so you'll have them when you need them.
- REI-exclusive grips offer light, breathable EVA foam in ergonomic shapes that accommodate a variety of hand sizes and positions comfortably
- A great fit for heights 5 ft. 1 in. to over 6 ft.
- Carbon-composite construction and a 3-section design combine to minimize trail weight without sacrificing sturdiness
- Adjustable wrist straps have a soft finish for comfort on long hikes
- Cam locks with oversize levers allow for quick and easy length adjustments while out on the trail
- Trail baskets have a minimalist profile to cut down on weight while retaining stability
- Ensure levers are fully tightened and locked before each use; levers loosen in transport and over time, so they may need to be tightened to achieve proper locking tension
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Trekking Poles| Best Use | Hiking Trail Running Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Shaft Construction | Carbon upper and lower |
| Grip Material | Foam |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Maximum Length (in.) | 55 inches |
| Minimum Length (in.) | 41 inches |
| Collapsed Length (in.) | 25 inches |
| Maximum Length (cm) | 140 centimeters |
| Minimum Length (cm) | 105 centimeters |
| Collapsed Length (cm) | 64 centimeters |
| Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
| Basket Type | Trekking |
| Weight (Pair) | 13.6 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
held up great vs wifes aluminum varient
Mika An Above Average Dog3 years ago
Hey there. After putting 150+ miles on these alongside of my wife's REI variant of the aluminum Klomperdells (sp?) I thought I would add my thoughts against the two along with some notes from my wife.
Notable trails, not limited to: BANFF; kepler and routburn (sp?), NZ; Jasper, some AT.
(A) WEIGHT: The weight difference only exists in a technical sense, no trail difference.
(B) HANDLE: The foam of the carbon variant (carbon for short) has held up remarkably well, feels virtually new. The pseudo-cork of the Aluminum version (AL for short) has become slightly tacky (for better or worse). Both are considered acceptable.
(C) MARKINGS: The markings of length 120, 125, 130, etc on the carbon has almost no wear and I slide my pole lengths far, *far*, more often than my wife and her ALs. Despite this, her markings have faded to the point where we have taken a small carbide tip and lightly etched into the pole to maintain the markings. -- This is by far and away one of the most importance differences
(D) DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY: Over time and usage, my wife and I have condluded that it is likely that the AL varient has imperceptible changes in the outer diameter of the shaft. This is not a visable defect and something that I would like to use calipers to measure as I cant detect it with my eyes. The reason I bring this up is that when extending or collapsing the telescopic poles, the AL poles are far "stickier" than the carbons (which dont stick at all, in my opinion). The AL can be compared unfavorably against the carbons in that the carbons have very smooth movement. The AL poles also do not remain at rest when collapsed and the smaller diameter shafts will extended and collapse slightly with relatively little movement. Note: my wife and I are in the field of engineering and industrial design.
(E) POWER LOCK -- The locking mechanism both use the same concept, squeeze. The carbon lever is annodized aluminum, the AL is plastic; both apply pressure via a plastic clamp which is not a problem as the slight deformation of the plastic when clamping can apply less of the excess force to a wider area. Both function very well and have *never* caused an issue -- we're big fans. I will note that I am in the upper 100s lb or 85ish kg (off the top of my head) and I have no reservations about applying "compression loads".
TLDR; buy the carbons over the AL UNLESS you happily drive a '96 toyota Avalon and enjoy running a banged up, speedometer deficient hoopty. Functionally, both sets have done the *exact* same trails and still work without issue. The AL look worse, have had to have some light modifications (carbide etching pole lengths), and give both of us that side-eye glance that this sharp decent might be where the AL give up and fail, but it still keeps working.
FINAL SIDE NOTE: a cut down piece of [4 in. x 10 ft. Triplewall Pipe Solid] @ 18 USD makes for a fantastic hardshell travel case to put two sets of trecking poles when flying.
Mika An Above Average Dog
East Coast
26 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Great poles, BUT
Senior hiker4 years ago
These poles are great. Light and securely adjustable. BUT! The foam grips are not durable and ware out. And here's the big issue - you can't replace them. I've searched all over including the manufacturer and nothing. Now they're useless, and REI was no help.
I would not recommend them to anyone.
Senior hiker
Denver
40 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Bridges
Ocean View, Hawaii
Thru-hiked the PCT and Mauna Loa with these
3 years ago
I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada with these poles through sand, snow, rain, mud, rock, forging streams and rivers and also carelessly tossing them in vehicles and airplanes with no additional protection on them. I also thru-hiked the Mauna Loa summit with them including the notoriously rugged and rocky 'Āinapō Trail. I've put over 3,000 miles on these poles with no problems whatsoever. They are very lightweight, the straps are super durable, the handles are comfortable and the length is easy to adjust for change in terrain or using with a trekking pole tent. I even replaced the tips while on the PCT using a Leatherman multi tool and a camp stove to boil the water. Even without replacing the tips, they would have endured the entire PCT. On Mauna Loa I struck them on rugged volcanic terrain for 50 miles with no problems. I'll continue to add on more miles to these surprisingly light and durable trekking poles. This is an awesome product that REI has produced!
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Slicksand
Oklahoma
Love my walking Sticks
1 year ago
75 miles on these sticks with no problems. Very sturdy and light.
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
Leighcm
Received free product
Las Vegas, NV
Very lightweight
4 years ago
I was asked to try these out, and took them out to hike in the beautiful red rocks of the Mojave Desert. Pros: very light weight, and very pretty...who doesn't love carbon & anodized aluminum? Sturdy with comfortable handgrips, very useful in the steep, loose gravel and slippery sections. They also seem very tough and durable so far, and I like how they have some pretty big length adjustments in two sections of each pole that make them work for me at 5'6" (and my husband seems to think they will work for him at 6'4" as he already tried to steal them). The adjustments also make it possible to shorten them substantially for easier carrying or storage. Cons: I don't love how they come completely apart as I'm pretty sure I'll eventually lose a piece, and I wish they had some easy way to attach together to carry them more easily in areas where they aren't needed.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Stave
Southern California
Loved them till one splintered
4 years ago
I really enjoyed these a lot in many hikes — light, sturdy, well balanced, easy to adjust, and good looking. But recently on a steep section of the Catalina trail I leaned hard into one (I’m 6’5”) and it snapped and splintered. I’m guessing this can happen with any carbon pole. I am going to REI and will likely get the same ones again but will ask!
Age:65–74
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Unhappy Customer
No replacement baskets available from REI.
2 years ago
Do not buy. REI will change their product design and will no longer support previous versions. I purchased a set of REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Pole about 4 years ago. I had expected many years of use out of then until I lost a basket on a backpacking trip last month. I went into my local REI to buy a set of replacement baskets only to discover that they no longer sell any compatible baskets for their poles. The baskets are a “consumable” part that often gets abused and lost. I can no longer get replacement baskets except for purchasing an entire new set of trekking poles.
No, I do not recommend this product
Kimmvo
Lightweight Compact Hiking Poles
3 years ago
I have backpacked before and never used hiking poles until my recent trip. These rei carbon trekking poles were recommended by an employee while I was in the shop. I am so glad I bought them! They were lightweight and compact. I completed 104miles via the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in Europe. I used them primarily for downhill and I had no knee or joint issues by the end. 100% would use them again
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Yogge
San Diego
Great Service from these Trekking Poles.
3 years ago
I have put about 1,000 miles on these poles. They have gone to 45 National Parks with me plus plenty of local hikes. The top of the foam handle came off due to non-designed use, but I was able to re-glue it back on. They are scratched-up and beat...but still going strong. I'm going to give them to a new friend who tried them; I came online to buy a new pair!
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Senior hiker
Denver
Great poles, BUT
4 years ago
These poles are great. Light and securely adjustable. BUT! The foam grips are not durable and ware out. And here's the big issue - you can't replace them. I've searched all over including the manufacturer and nothing. Now they're useless, and REI was no help. I would not recommend them to anyone.
No, I do not recommend this product
Rich
Super light, but not durable
2 years ago
Pole snapped 16 months after purchase. No possibility of return or repair. Remember when REI stood by the quality of their gear? Me neither.
No, I do not recommend this product
Just a casual hiker
San Francisco Bay Area
Don't trust the REI Co-op flash carbon poles
3 years ago
Expensive and yet fragile. If you buy this sets of poles, you will need to treat them like babies. I was told by a REI camping department manager that I needed to hike "very gently" with the poles. The product page says "Flash Carbon compact trekking poles are always there to lend support on scree, mud or other treacherous terrain." Not true.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'8"
No, I do not recommend this product
1 - 10 of 85 Reviews