Our Komperdell Compact Cork Poles review takes a look at the high-quality trekking poles from this historic Austrian manufacturer. We hope you find it useful.
introduce
Over the years, I have used and tested many types of ski poles, running poles, and trekking poles from different manufacturers. I also like to follow their evolution as they become lighter, more compact, and have innovative features that evolve. We have linked some of our previous Peak Mountaineering pole reviews at the bottom of this review.
My reviews also include various models from Austrian manufacturer Komperdell. Perhaps they aren’t a familiar brand to some UK climbers, but they have actually been making trekking poles since 1922. It’s also worth noting that each trekking pole is still assembled in their Austrian factory. They produce a range of other products such as snowshoes and back protectors, but trekking poles remain a core element of their business. This Komperdell Compact Cork Poles review looks at a model focused on hiking that is designed to be easy to use, reliable and compact in size to pack down. Read on to find out more, we hope you find it useful.
feature
modeling
The Compact Cork pole has a traditional style three-section telescoping design. What I mean by this is that the sections slide over each other for storage and adjustment, rather than the Z-folding style of the alternative. The Compact version (as tested) has an adjustable range of between 90 and 120cm. However, they also offer a longer Contour Cork version which has the same features but has an adjustable range of 105 to 140cm.
Material
The Compact Cork rod is made of 7075-T6 aluminum. The top section of the rod is 18 mm in diameter, the middle section is 16 mm in diameter, and the lower section is 14 mm in diameter.
Adjustability
The sections are secured using Komperdell’s Powerlock 3.0 closures. Made from forged aluminium, these provide what the company calls the sturdiest locking system yet. The stowed length for this version is 57cm. The longer Contour Cork model has a stowed length of 65cm.
Grip
The poles feature a Trek Pro Foam 280 cork grip on the top with an extended grip area. This is designed to provide a flexible grip option for steep terrain. The bindings offer ventilation via the Komperdell Air Cushioning System. The inside of the bindings also feature a braided material to maximize wearing comfort.
Shopping cart and tips
The bottom end of the pole features a carbide tip and Komperdell’s small Vario basket. Komperdell’s baskets feature an easy click-on/off system, allowing the user to switch to a larger basket if desired. The larger basket is not included but can be purchased separately.
In use
modeling
Let’s start with first impressions. The Compact Cork has an understated styling. Komperdell chose a polished aluminum finish and it looks great. It pairs well with the cork grip and the understated logo. In a world where many poles come in bright, eye-catching colors, consider the understated look a bit more subtle in this case. I think they look really good.
Build quality
The build quality is also excellent. Everything about the Compact Cork is beautifully crafted, and the attention to detail is evident. This has been a theme with previous Komperdell poles I’ve tested. It’s also something Komperdell is clearly proud of. After all, their poles are made by their 3-year repair guarantee.
Rod diameter
Komperdell uses a chunky 18/16/14mm tubing combination. The Compact Cork looks very sturdy and is a great choice when reliability is critical. I tested them in a Norwegian winter and had no issues using them in deep snow and challenging terrain.
Of course, the only downside to a thicker tube is that it will be slightly more bulky. The upside is that the length of the pole is comfortable to hold. I often move my hands up and down the pole to adjust for factors such as the angle of the terrain. Larger diameter poles are generally easier to hold.
beltSpanish
These poles come with a low-profile leash that is made of mesh with light padding. Komperdell calls it an “air padding” system. The leash is also woven into it for a comfortable fit. The leash is really very comfortable to use. They also have a very clever adjustment system where you just pull on the tape to make it smaller. Then, to extend the leash, you just pull up on the tape and the leash zips away easily. It’s a very easy to use system.
In fact, I almost always avoid using leashes on poles because I find they hinder me more than help. I like to be able to adjust my hands along the length of the pole on different terrains. I also don’t like being tied to the pole in case of a trip or slip. Some users do like them, so having them tied to the pole is nice, but the best of both worlds is having leashes that don’t get in the way when they’re not needed, but are easily deployed when they are. In this case, the Compact Cork’s design works well whether you use them or not.
Deployment and Adjustment
Deploying the poles is quick and easy. Simply open the lower Powerlock 3.0 closure, slide the pole to the desired length, and re-close the pole. Repeat until the upper is at the desired length and you are ready to go. The lower markings let you know when you have reached full adjustment, and the upper markings show the current length. This makes it easy to adjust both poles to the same length.
Powerlock 3.0 closure
Interestingly, Komperdell uses a forged aluminum closure in its Powerlock 3 system. Many brands use some combination of metal and plastic. It does feel very durable and operates reliably. It also operates very smoothly and is easy to operate with winter gloves. I’m not sure how much weight it adds, but Komperdell obviously thinks it’s worth it given the other benefits. It looks great, too. To adjust the tightness of the closure clamp in the field, you’ll need a screwdriver.
Cork grip
The cork grip is very practical. The shape is comfortable and it feels good to hold the cork for long periods of time. The top of the pole is also shaped to fit nicely in the hand. I find myself holding the pole from the top quite often so value this. The cork is also very comfortable to hold. It feels good in the hand without gloves and is grippy enough with gloves on to feel secure. This doesn’t seem to be adversely affected by the cork getting wet.
I’ve always been a big fan of having grip extensions on my poles. Being able to rest your hand underneath the pole when you’re traversing the slopes really helps. It means you don’t need to constantly readjust the length. It also gives you a break for your hand by changing the grip position. Komperdell has done just that. They’ve also added some ribbing to the base of the extension. This looks nice, but more importantly it provides a tactile indicator when your hand is at the base of the extension. After a while you’ll find that you intuitively know when you’ve reached this point.
Innovation Basket
Other than that, the other aspects to consider are the base of the pole. The durable carbide tip, as expected, will definitely stand up to tough use. What I would say is different about these poles is the basket. To attach the basket, Komperdell uses a different system than many manufacturers. You simply push the basket onto the pole and twist to lock it in place. It’s simple, and it works really well. I was a little concerned that they might come loose, but that has never happened so far and I’m not worried anymore. They feel rock solid.
They already include the smaller size baskets with the poles, but you’ll need to purchase any replacements or larger baskets separately. While I like this design, it does mean they aren’t always easy to find replacements for. They’re also not as interchangeable as many manufacturers. On a recent trip to Norway, one of the team members lost a basket, but a quick trip to a local shop allowed them to find a replacement, albeit a different brand. This isn’t possible with Komperdell baskets unless you find a local shop that stocks their specific baskets.
Telescopic rods and Z-rods
Whether to choose a telescopic pole model over a Z-bar design is a question that needs to be considered. Like everything, both have their advantages and disadvantages. One big advantage of telescopic poles is their simplicity. The pole segments simply slide over each other and clip together to lock. With a Z-bar, there are potentially more internal mechanisms involved. This can make them more difficult to repair in the field.
Another important factor is portability. If you want to store your trekking poles in a backpack (which we discussed in our article on trekking pole storage here) Telescopic poles have a smaller width packed dimension than Z-poles. On the other hand, they are usually longer when stowed. As with all decisions, the decision must be based on what you plan to use them for.
weight
The nominal weight of these poles is 229 grams each. For my Komperdell Compact Cork pole review, I also weighed them on my office scale. They weighed slightly more at 332 grams each. A pole of this weight could be considered a lightweight, but there are many lighter models on the market. Whether this weight penalty is a reasonable trade-off for the durability and functionality of the pole is up to each user to decide. I think we have a very solid general-purpose pole here that will suit a variety of uses, but they won’t be favored by those who want ultralight or a very small pack size.
Durability
While they aren’t the lightest, they are designed to be very sturdy and will undoubtedly last very long. In the outdoor world we strive to be as sustainable as possible, and this is a good thing. It’s always better to have a set of poles that can survive many adventures than to have a set that may fail or break down after a short time. It’s always a trade-off between weight, performance and durability.
Summary
Our Komperdell Compact Cork pole review details a durable, lightweight product from a well-known Austrian manufacturer. They are simple to use and adjust, look great, and offer great value for money. If you want a quality product that is durable and suitable for a variety of activities, the Compact Cork may be the perfect choice for you.
The Compact Cork has an RRP of £129. Of course, there are a lot of cheaper poles on the market, but in today’s market, this price is a real bargain for what you get. They will undoubtedly perform well and last a very long time. It’s also worth mentioning that these poles are covered by Komperdell’s amazing 3 year warranty. Komperdell say this is a ‘no questions asked’ guarantee. No matter what happens to your pole, they will fix it for you. This works in every country and is done directly through the manufacturer. Their website has a feature to initiate a return. For an item like poles that can be easily damaged, this is a great feature.
So, well done to Komperdell for producing another well-designed and beautifully made pole. They are a pleasure to use and the warranty is a reassuring added bonus. Full details can be found on the Komperdell website here.
We hope you found our Komperdell Compact Cork Poles review useful. We have also tested various other Komperdell models and those reviews may also interest you. Our FXP4 Cloud Compact Poles review is here Our review of Carbon Cloud is hereWe have also created a Universal Rod User Guide that may be of interest. You can find here.
