1Open both flip locks
Flip each lever away from the pole. The sections can now slide.
Open: the lever sticks out from the pole.
CFTP Instructions - Getting Started - QR Code
Carbon Fiber Telescopic Poles
Set up your poles in 3 steps
It takes about a minute. Each step has a short clip you can watch on your phone.
The step most people miss: lean on the pole before you hike. If it slides down, the lock needs tightening. Open it, turn the small black wheel next to the lever clockwise a little, and close it again.
Set up
Open, extend evenly, lock
Each pole has three sections and two flip locks. The top lock lets out the middle section. The bottom lock lets out the bottom section.
2Pull the sections out evenly
Slide the middle and bottom sections out by about the same amount. Stop when your elbow bends at about 90 degrees with the tip on flat ground.
Tip: Use the numbers on the sections to match them up. Don't pull only the bottom section all the way out and leave the middle one in. Even sections share the load.
Never pull past the STOP line. If a section comes out, slide it back in gently.
3Close the locks and lean on it
Push the middle of each lever until it lies flat against the pole. It should take a firm push. Then lean your weight on the grip.
Closed: the lever lies flat. If the pole slides when you lean on it, tighten the lock (below).
Slides when you lean on it? Tighten the lock
- Open the flip lock.
- Turn the small black wheel next to the lever clockwise a little with your fingers.
- Close the lock and lean on the pole again.
- Still slides? Repeat until it holds.
Lever won't close? It's too tight. Open it and turn the wheel counterclockwise a little.
Before you hike: 3-second check
You're set. Enjoy the trail. If a pole slides, tighten that lock.
Pack up
Collapse them for the car or the bag
- Open both flip locks.
- Slide the bottom and middle sections all the way in.
- Close the locks so the sections stay put.
- Clip the two poles together with the carry clips and slide them into the carry bag.
Collapsed, they're 24 inches. That's too long for most carry-on suitcases. Message us if you need something shorter for travel.
Fix a problem
Something not right? Try this first
These fixes solve most of the messages we get. If none of them work, text or call us and we'll sort it out.
My pole slides down when I lean on it
- Open the flip lock on the section that slides.
- Turn the small black wheel next to the lever clockwise a little with your fingers.
- Close the lock. It should take a firm push. Lean on it again, and repeat until it holds.
The lever won't close
The lock is too tight. Open the lever and turn the wheel counterclockwise a little. Close it and check it still holds when you lean on it.
A section came out
It was pulled past the STOP line. Open the flip lock, line the section up, and slide it back in gently. Close the lock. Keep the STOP line inside the pole from now on.
Which tip do I use?
Use the bare metal tip on dirt trails and rock. Put a rubber tip or rubber foot on for pavement and floors. Add a mud basket for soft ground and a snow basket for snow. Each one goes onto the metal tip.
The wrist strap is loose or uncomfortable
Put your hand up through the strap from below, then hold the grip. The strap takes your weight so your hand can stay relaxed. To adjust it, loosen the strap at the top of the grip, pull it to fit, and lock it again.
30 sec
A section broke
Carbon is strong under your weight but can snap if it gets wedged between rocks and bent sideways. Text or call (406) 219-1363 with your order number. Breaks from normal use are covered by our 1-year warranty. We also sell replacement sections.
I'm missing a part
Check the pocket on the carry bag first. The tips, feet and baskets are often packed there. Still missing? Text (406) 219-1363 or email hello@hikerhunger.com and we'll mail it.
The video won't play
Every step on this page is written out under its clip, so you can follow along without the video. Stuck? Text us a photo and we'll walk you through it.
What's in the box
What's in the box, and which tip to use
Everything below comes in your set. Check the carry bag pocket before you order more.
Pavement, rock2 rubber tipsCover the metal tip on hard ground.
Sidewalk, indoors2 rubber feetGrip on sidewalks and floors.
Mud, sand2 mud basketsStop the pole sinking in soft ground.
Snow2 snow basketsWide baskets for soft snow.
Packing2 carry clipsHold the two poles together.
StorageCarry bagFits both poles. The extras go in the pocket.
On the grip2 wrist strapsAlready on the poles. Hand goes in from below.
Dirt trail, iceMetal tip (on the pole)Grips dirt, rock and ice. Use it bare.
Video: what each attachment is for
Emily shows the mud baskets, snow baskets, rubber feet and rubber tips. About 2 minutes.
Specs
One size fits most heights
Set the length with the elbow rule in step 2. Go a little shorter for uphill and a little longer for downhill.
| Sections | 3 per pole, 2 metal flip locks |
|---|---|
| Collapsed | 24 in |
| Fully extended | 54 in (137 cm) |
| Weight, per pole | 7.6 oz |
| Shaft | Carbon fiber |
Prefer one video?
Full walkthrough
Emily shows how to lock the poles and get the tension right. About 3 minutes.
Setting your height for uphill and downhill
Emily explains the elbow rule and when to shorten or lengthen your poles. About 3 minutes.
Before you return them
Let us fix it first
We're a small family company in Bozeman, Montana. A real person answers, and most problems take five minutes to fix over text.
Poles slipping?Text us and we'll walk you through tightening the locks.
Too long for your suitcase?We can swap you to our Z-Style folding poles, which fold to about 15 inches.
Something broken?Covered by our 1-year warranty. We'll send a replacement.
Bought on Amazon? You can still contact us directly. It's usually faster than a return.
FAQ
Other questions
Can I bring them on a plane?
Collapsed, they're 24 inches, which is too long for most carry-on bags. Pack them in a checked bag. TSA agents decide on poles case by case. Read our TSA guide.
How much weight can they hold?
Poles are made for balance and to take some load off your knees. Don't lean your full body weight on them.
Can I replace the metal tip?
The tip isn't sold on its own, but we sell replacement sections and accessories.
What does the warranty cover?
1 year against defects in materials and workmanship from normal use. It doesn't cover wear and tear, accidents or misuse. Warranty details.
How do I clean them?
Wipe the shafts and grips with a damp cloth. After a wet hike, extend the poles and let them dry before you collapse them.
Have the Z-Style Folding Poles instead? Here's that guide.