ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario Trekking Poles Review

by Nazar Kluchkovskiy · Published April 23, 2024 , 8:10 am · Updated September 13, 2024 , 1:51 am

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

ONE WAY, a prominent supplier of ski poles and accessories, has a heritage deeply rooted in its Scandinavian origins. With its origins dating back to 2004 in Finland and subsequently joining the Fischer Sports family in 2018, ONE WAY has preserved a strong bond with its Nordic roots. Throughout its journey, the brand has been distinguished by outstanding product design, notable achievements in Nordic ski racing, and an unwavering dedication to advancing winter and outdoor activities.

Recently, I had the privilege of testing the ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario trekking poles during the Woodstock 100 mile race, an experience that made a lasting impact. While ONE WAY is well-known for its high-quality ski poles, the brand has now ventured into the world of trekking poles, with the MTX Carbon Vario emerging as one of their flagship models. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into my personal user experience, offering a thorough evaluation of the trekking poles, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and providing in-depth insights.

ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario Specs

Lengths: 115-135cm Adjustable
Weight: 225g per pc
Shaft: 100% carbon
Grip: MT EVA Long Grip
Strap: MT Pro Strap
Shaft Diameter: 18:16:14:9 (mm)
Basket: MT Basket 40
Tip: Middle Ferrule + Carbide Tip
Finish: Softtouch
Locking: Metal Quick Lock

ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario User Experience

My experience with the ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario trekking poles during the Woodstock 100 mile race was a vital part of my journey. These poles served as my trusted companions throughout three demanding loops, covering a total of 50 miles. Here’s a closer look at what I discovered during this extensive trial:

Adjustability and Convenience

The hallmark of these trekking poles lies in their exceptional adjustability and user-friendly design. Comprising three sections, these poles are easy to fold and fine-tune. The Quick Lock lever function gave me the ability to customize the height precisely, within the broad range of 115cm to 135cm. This feature proved indispensable during the race, as I could adapt the poles to my preferred length, ultimately settling on around 123cm for optimal comfort.

Handle Comfort

The comfort provided by the MTX Carbon Vario poles’ handles is worth highlighting. Their 12-inch length, complemented by rubber tips and integrated adjustable straps, provided a good level of comfort throughout the race. I encountered no discomfort, chafing, or hotspots—a common occurrence with trekking poles during prolonged use. The ergonomic design of the handles was particularly impressive, ensuring a consistently secure grip in a variety of terrains.

Portability

When it comes to portability, these poles excel. Their ability to fold down to approximately 16 inches allowed me to carry them easily in my hydration pack. Additionally, the inclusion of a purpose-built storage bag with a built-in carrying handle and a secure Velcro flap further enhances their transportability. This thoughtful detail in the design made it effortless to carry and store the poles when not in use, a convenience I genuinely appreciated during the race.

ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario Pros

Adjustability: The ability to fine-tune the pole height is a significant advantage, ensuring a comfortable fit for users of various sizes and preferences.
Handle Comfort: The foam handles and ergonomic design provide a comfortable and secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during long treks.
Practical Portability: The included storage bag with a carrying handle makes these poles easy to transport when not in use.
Durable Build: The 100% carbon shaft and thicker design contribute to the poles’ durability, making them suitable for rugged terrain.
Quick Folding: The three-section design and Quick Lock lever function make folding and adjusting the poles quick and hassle-free.

ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario Cons

Considerable Weight: It’s worth noting that the MTX Carbon Vario poles do come with a heftier weight compared to some other trekking poles on the market. Each pole weighs approximately 225 grams. This additional weight is primarily due to the built-in adjustability features. While this might be a concern for those seeking ultra-lightweight options, it’s essential to weigh this against the advantages of customizable pole length and increased durability. Ultimately, the choice between adjustability and weight reduction will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario trekking poles are a great addition to ONE WAY’s trekking gear lineup. They really stand out in terms of being adjustable, comfortable to hold, and tough. I found them incredibly useful during the demanding Woodstock 100 mile race, helping me tackle tough terrain while easing the strain on my feet.

To learn more about ONE WAY’s full range of gear and to get all the details about these poles and their cool features, just check out ONE WAY’s website. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just love the outdoors, the ONE WAY MTX Carbon Vario trekking poles can add a lot to your adventures. To get more info, visit www.onewaysport.com.