The Alpkit Nanolite Pole Twins are designed for people who want a pair of trekking poles that are extremely light, compact and reliable on long days in the hills. They aim to offer the stability of a full‑strength pole while keeping weight to a minimum. This makes them appealing to fastpackers, trail runners and hikers who value efficiency and simplicity. The Nanolite range has always focused on minimalism, and this updated version continues that approach with a refined folding design and improved materials.
Design and Construction
The Nanolite Pole Twins use a folding design that breaks down into short sections, allowing them to pack into small running vests, fastpacking packs or compact daypacks. The construction is based around carbon fibre, which keeps weight extremely low while maintaining stiffness. Each pole feels precise and well‑engineered, with a clean finish and minimal bulk.
The locking mechanism is simple and intuitive. The poles snap into place with a firm click, and the tension cord running through the sections feels strong and secure. This design avoids the complexity of twist locks or lever locks, reducing the number of moving parts that could fail. The simplicity is one of the biggest strengths of the Nanolite range.
The handles use EVA foam, which is soft, comfortable and grippy even when wet. The foam extends slightly down the shaft, allowing people to choke down on steep climbs without losing control. The wrist straps are lightweight and adjustable, offering enough support without adding unnecessary weight.
Overall, the build quality is impressive for such a minimal pole. The materials feel premium, and the folding mechanism inspires confidence.
Weight and Packability
Weight is the defining feature of the Nanolite Pole Twins. They are among the lightest folding poles available, and this low weight is noticeable from the moment they are picked up. Carrying them all day is effortless, and they never feel like a burden when strapped to a pack or held in one hand.
Packability is equally strong. The folding design allows the poles to collapse into a very short length, making them ideal for running vests or small packs where space is limited. They slide easily into side pockets, front vest pockets or internal sleeves. This compact size makes them suitable for people who only use poles occasionally and want to stow them quickly when not needed.
The combination of low weight and compact folding makes the Nanolite Pole Twins particularly appealing for fastpacking, mountain marathons and long‑distance routes where efficiency matters.
Comfort and Grip
Comfort is an important factor for any trekking pole, and the Nanolite Pole Twins perform well in this area. The EVA foam grips are soft and absorb sweat effectively. They remain comfortable during long climbs and extended use, avoiding the hard or slippery feel that some rubber grips can create.
The slight contouring of the handle provides a natural hand position without being overly shaped. This makes the poles suitable for a wide range of hand sizes. The foam extension below the main grip is especially useful on steep terrain, allowing people to adjust their hand position quickly without changing pole length.
The wrist straps are simple but effective. They are easy to adjust and provide enough support for long days without feeling bulky. Because the poles are so light, the straps do not need to carry much load, which helps maintain comfort.
Stability and Performance on the Trail
Despite their low weight, the Nanolite Pole Twins offer impressive stability. The carbon fibre construction provides a firm and responsive feel, helping with balance on uneven ground. The poles flex slightly under heavy load, but this is expected for ultralight carbon poles and does not affect performance.
On steep climbs, the poles provide reliable support and help maintain rhythm. The lightweight design makes them easy to place quickly, which is useful for fast movement. On descents, they offer enough stability to reduce strain on the knees, although people who prefer very stiff poles may notice a small amount of flex.
The tips grip well on rock, dirt and gravel. They feel secure on most surfaces, although like all carbide tips, they can slip on smooth wet rock. The baskets are small and minimalist, which suits the intended use. They are not designed for deep snow or heavy mud, but they perform well on typical trail conditions.
Durability and Long‑Term Use
Ultralight poles often raise questions about durability, but the Nanolite Pole Twins hold up well with normal use. The carbon fibre sections feel strong, and the folding mechanism remains tight after repeated cycles. The tension cord shows no early signs of wear, and the joints maintain a solid connection.
However, it is important to recognise the limitations of ultralight gear. These poles are not designed for heavy loads, aggressive downhill braking or rough bushwhacking. People who regularly lean heavily on their poles or use them for scrambling may prefer a heavier, more robust model.
With sensible use, the Nanolite Pole Twins should last for many seasons. They are best suited to fast movement on established trails rather than extreme terrain.
Ease of Use
The folding mechanism is one of the simplest available. The poles deploy quickly with a single pull, and they fold down just as easily. This makes them ideal for situations where poles need to be deployed or stowed frequently, such as mixed terrain or long days with varied gradients.
Because the poles do not have adjustable length, they rely on choosing the correct size at purchase. This simplifies the design but means people need to select the right length for their height and intended use. Once the correct size is chosen, the fixed‑length design offers excellent stability and reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
Performance in Different Activities
The Nanolite Pole Twins are versatile enough to perform well across a range of activities.
Trail Running
The poles excel during trail running. Their low weight makes them easy to carry, and the quick deployment is ideal for steep climbs. They help maintain rhythm and reduce fatigue on long ascents.
Fastpacking
For fastpacking, the combination of low weight and compact folding is ideal. They provide reliable support without adding bulk to a lightweight pack.
Hiking
The poles work well for day hikes and long‑distance routes. They offer enough stability for most terrain, although people who prefer adjustable poles may miss the ability to fine‑tune length.
Mountain Marathons
The Nanolite Pole Twins are particularly suited to mountain marathons and multi‑stage events where every gram matters. Their simplicity and reliability make them a strong choice for competitive environments.
Value for Money
The Nanolite Pole Twins sit in the mid‑range price bracket for ultralight carbon poles. Considering their performance, weight and build quality, they offer strong value for people who prioritise minimalism and efficiency.
Cheaper poles are available, but few match the combination of low weight, compact folding and reliable construction. For people who want a dependable ultralight pole for fast movement, the investment is worthwhile.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Extremely lightweight
- Compact folding design
- Comfortable EVA foam grips
- Simple and reliable deployment
- Strong carbon fibre construction
- Excellent packability
Weaknesses
- Fixed length may not suit everyone
- Not designed for heavy loads
- Small baskets limit use in deep snow
- Carbon fibre can be vulnerable to side impacts
Final Verdict
The Alpkit Nanolite Pole Twins are an excellent choice for people who want ultralight, compact and reliable trekking poles for fast movement on the trail. They offer strong stability, comfortable grips and a simple folding mechanism that works well in real conditions. While they are not designed for heavy abuse or extreme terrain, they excel in the environments they are built for.
Their combination of low weight, packability and dependable performance makes them one of the most appealing ultralight pole options available. For fastpackers, trail runners and hikers who value efficiency, the Nanolite Pole Twins are a compelling and well‑designed choice.
