What makes a very good strolling stick nowadays? With so many trekking poles to select from and costs starting from $50 to $250 for a pair, you would possibly suppose that there are numerous elements to think about. There are in case you are keen to do a deep dive, however in the end there are only a few issues that basically matter — size vary, weight, and sturdiness.
The Fizan Compact 3 & 4 are two fashions that just about nail all three of those whereas remaining reasonably priced. Their succesful design is overshadowed by their variations, however in essence, these are refined. The Compact 3 is a three-section pole that’s lighter. The Compact 4 is a four-section pole that packs smaller. Deciding which one is best for you is perhaps a troublesome resolution, however let’s see if both of them is value contemplating within the first place.
Fizan Compact Trekking Poles PCT Version At-a-Look

The Fizan Compact 3 & 4 each collapse fairly small. The Compact 4 is a bit more compact.
Compact 3
MSRP: $70
Kind: Three-piece telescoping
Weight: 5.6 ounces per pole
Size Vary: 39-52 in (100-132 cm) (measurements confirmed)
Minimal Size: 23.3 in (60 cm) (measurement confirmed)
Compact 4
MSRP: $80
Kind: 4-piece telescoping
Weight: 6 ounces per pole
Size Vary: 39-48 in (100-122 cm) (my measurements, completely different from listed)
Minimal Size: 20.1 in (51 cm) (measurement confirmed)
Each
Adjustment System: Twist lock
Shaft Materials: Aluminum 7001
Nation of Origin: Italy
Supposed Use
Humble strolling sticks no extra, trekking poles are helpful in additional methods than simply making an attempt to look as cool as that brief man in that hobbit film. Though mountaineering with two poles, or only one, isn’t for everybody, adopters all agree that they’re value it for plenty of causes, together with that they now present construction to lots of the hottest ultralight shelters within the backcountry.
The Fizan Compact 3 & 4 each intention to ship a sturdy pole in a light-weight, packable bundle. Though they’re barely completely different by which of those last two metrics they prioritize, they share this final objective — do the job and get out of the way in which.
Fizan Compact Trekking Poles PCT Version Options

PCT map to not scale.
PCT styling: Between the sage inexperienced colorway and classic PCT path crest, these poles not solely look elegant, but additionally pay homage to one of many actually nice trails. With topo strains, a trail-shaped squiggle, and vital waypoints marked on these poles, there’s a shocking quantity of stuff to take a look at. Simply ensure you have one other navigation software as backup. And in case you hate the PCT, then maybe the common print model is for you.
Flexy lock: The telescoping sections are held in place by what Fizan calls their Flexy inside system. That is only a complicated approach to describe el classico twist lock. Twist one approach to loosen, and twist the opposite approach to tighten.
Aluminum building: The hoopla surrounding carbon fiber could be magnetic, however apart from probably greater energy at a decrease weight, aluminum is the higher materials for trekking poles. It’s cheaper, extra sturdy, higher suited to the variable masses that afflict poles, and breaks extra gracefully (it bends reasonably than shatters). One way or the other Fizan managed to make use of this superior materials whereas maintaining the burden down anyway.
Three or 4 items: The Compact 3 & 4 are constructed utilizing three and 4 sections, respectively. The Compact 3 is barely lighter, and the Compact 4 is barely extra compact when totally stowed.
EVA foam grips: These poles are solely provided with EVA foam grips. Don’t be fooled by the “EVA Cork” possibility — it’s nonetheless EVA. It simply seems higher.
Carbide suggestions: Nothing horny right here. Carbide is the fabric of selection for a sharp factor that’s going to be pounded onto all floor varieties, 1000’s of occasions per day. It’s nearly indestructible. Some price range poles don’t use carbide. These poles do.
Extras included: When you like 35mm baskets, 50mm baskets, and/or rubber suggestions in your trekking poles, then get comfortable. The Fizan Compact 3 & 4 include all of them. Actually although, I want these have been non-compulsory. Most of these items goes to finish up within the landfill or misplaced within the wilderness.
Compact 3 vs. Compact 4

The Compact 4 (high) has 4 telescoping sections, therefore the identify. That’s yet another than the Compact 3 (backside), which has three, therefore the identify.
These two completely different poles have way more in widespread than unusual. They’re principally the identical pole. They appear almost similar, value nearly the identical quantity, and are constructed from the identical stuff. Until you’re evaluating them side-by-side, will probably be arduous to guess which is which. Heck, even with them side-by-side, I typically mistook one for the opposite. Functionally, they’re the identical.
The Satan’s within the Particulars
The most important variations, if we will hyperbolize a bit, are discovered on the stat sheet. The Compact 3 weighs 0.4 ounces much less per pole. The minimal size of the Compact 4 is 3.2 inches shorter. Going for the lightest pole is smart, however why care about such a marginal size distinction?
It’d occur not often, however in case you are securing your poles to your pack, it’s prettier and safer in your poles to take a seat flush with the size of the again panel. Though the Boba Fett look is cool, it’s cumbersome when your suggestions get caught on all the things. Moreover, in case you are flying together with your equipment, it’s good when you possibly can stash your poles in your checked baggage. The shorter the pole, the better that is. Or in case you are on a day hike, the Compact 4 will match inside your tiny daypack higher.
On the flip aspect, the utmost size of the Compact 4 would possibly fall wanting the necessities wanted to pitch a trekking pole shelter. Many double-pole designs want 48” poles, which simply qualifies the 48″ Compact 4, however some single-pole shelters want taller. Even the utmost 52” of the Compact 3 is reducing it shut.
Extra Shifting Items, Extra Potential Factors of Failure
One factor to think about is that extra complexity is usually linked to extra locations the place one thing can fail or break. Twist locks and aluminum poles are usually sturdy, however that additional part of the Compact 4 introduces one more alternative for one thing to go fallacious. Simplicity is golden.
READ NEXT — Finest Trekking Poles for Through-Mountain climbing 2023
How’d They Do?

It seems the Flexy locking system is simply one other twist lock. That’s alright, and the plastic piece is straightforward to swap out if wanted.
Each the Fizan Compact 3 & 4 have functioned completely nicely and accomplished the job. The burden distinction between the 2 has been unattainable to note, and I haven’t wanted to make the most of the additional packability of the Compact 4. With this in thoughts, I’ve to this point most well-liked the Compact 3, just because it’s easier to make use of.
Except for that, there’s nothing to report. These poles are inoffensive and boring in one of the best ways, and their remarkably low weight is the most important speaking level. The most effective trekking poles needs to be an afterthought, out of thoughts like comfy footwear and socks. On this, the Compact 3 & 4 have been wildly profitable.
Twist Locks
Fizan’s Flexy inside locking system is admittedly simply one other model of the basic twist locks. This was a little bit of a letdown for me as a result of the identify mislead me into considering that I used to be going to check one thing newer and higher, however they work.
I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of twist lock methods, however apart from my pair of flick-locking poles that made it midway up the PCT, I haven’t been in a position to get away from the twist. And I don’t actually have something to complain about. Twist lock mechanisms are easy, light-weight, smooth, and solely barely annoying to make use of. I’ve one pair of twisters which have survived over 6,500 miles, and one other which have propelled me for over 3,200 miles. Typically the friction screw will get ganked up and jammed, or a temperature dip makes it unattainable to loosen, however I’m assured that I can all the time repair the problem, no matter it could be.
Flick locks, then again, are comparatively cumbersome, heavy, and complicated. They’re arguably simpler to make use of, however important elements like nuts and screws can fall off or go lacking. That’s unhealthy information.
“Cork” Handles?
Nope. As mentioned above, the grips of the Compact 3 & 4 are constructed from EVA foam. There are two completely different shade choices, black and “cork”, however look is the one distinction. Not solely is EVA manner cheaper than true, real, actual cork, however it’s also extra sturdy, lighter, cheaper, and lots cozy. Just like the hoopla surrounding carbon fiber, all that horny hoopla surrounding cork grips is misplaced, for my part. The advantages of cork are marginal and subjective at greatest.
Fizan Compact Trekking Poles Professionals

The Fizan Compact poles are smooth and easy, which not solely seems good, however reduces weight. Is that this the Compact 3 or 4? Yeah, I don’t know both.
5% to PCTA: 5 % from every sale of the PCT Version Compact 3 & 4 is donated to the PCTA. Not solely do you get some fly-looking poles, however you assist protect and defend the path.
Light-weight: Kaviso claims that the Fizan Compact 3 is “the world’s lightest three-section aluminum trekking pole,” and it’s fairly darn gentle. The truth is, the 5.6 ounces per pole isn’t far off from my favourite carbon fiber pole, the Gossamer Gear LT5, which weighs 5.1 ounces per pole. And the Compact 4 isn’t far off at 6 ounces.
Aluminum: This materials is fairly well-understood and dependable, and this specific alloy (7001) is a lot robust. Carbon fiber then again, is a fancy composite materials that may have wildly various properties relying on the actual fibers and resins which can be used, to not point out fiber orientation and layup methods. I’ve had some carbon poles which can be superior, and a few which can be trash. For that reason, it’s arduous to know what you’re going to get and not using a main nerd-out. Aluminum, then again, is comparatively easy. Alloys within the 7000 sequence are greatest.
Smooth: These poles look easy and stylish. Credit score goes to the inner twist locks and subdued colorway.
Compact: As their identify suggests, these trekking poles pack small. The Compact 4 is tremendous tiny when stashed, however even the Compact 3 telescopes down with one of the best of them. It’s arduous to go shorter with out exploring Z-style folding poles. Word: Most telescoping poles can be even shorter than the shortest spec when utterly disassembled into separate sections.
Low-cost: One actually can’t argue with this value. It’s more durable to search out cheaper poles wherever apart from Bob’s storage sale or Walmart, and people will most likely be heavy and ponderous. The Fizan Compact 3 & 4 are a few of the most compact and lightest trekking poles out there and are in some way a few of the least expensive as nicely.
Fizan Compact Trekking Poles Cons

That plastic cap just isn’t a premium materials. The fee-cutting measures of the Fizan Compact’s design are all on show on the deal with.
Match and end: It isn’t arduous to search out one or two spots the place Fizan reduce prices. The highest of every grip is constructed from inflexible plastic that isn’t as comfy or grippy because the comfortable rubber of premium poles. The transition between EVA and this plastic cap isn’t significantly clean both. Additionally, the wrist strap is minimal and doesn’t appear significantly sturdy. These are price range poles, in spite of everything.
Size accuracy: Set to the identical nominal size, the Fizan Compact 4 comes up somewhat brief. The Compact 3 is spot on. It’s just some centimeters distinction and I solely observed as a result of I used to be utilizing certainly one of every on the similar time, but it surely was disconcerting. After investigating, the Compact 4 measured 1″ brief all through the size vary, together with most size (48″ vs. reported 49″).
Total Worth

Elegant and low cost, not a standard mixture.
In a world the place high quality ultralight gear is normally prohibitively costly, the Fizan Compact 3 & 4 trekking poles are refreshingly reasonably priced. And why not? With easy supplies and a easy job to do, there’s nothing that claims you want costly poles to match your costly DCF shelter. We’re speaking about strolling sticks right here. Sticks!
Whereas I perceive the temptation to hunt the lightest carbon fiber poles that cash can purchase, these poles from Fizan make that now appear wildly indulgent. Between their low weight and compact stashability, they aren’t far off the specs of absolutely the lightest and smallest, whereas costing considerably much less. Until you completely hate twist locks, then the Compact 3 & 4 go away little to be desired, and that elegant PCT styling simply sweetens the deal.
Store the Fizan Compact Trekking Poles
Comparable Trekking Poles
Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles
MSRP: $195
Weight: 5 ounces every
Materials: Carbon
Size vary: 23.5-51 in (60-130 cm)
Locking: twist lock
Learn our assessment of the Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles right here.
Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles
MSRP: $99.95
Weight: 5.1 ounces every
Materials: Carbon
Size vary: 24.3-52 in (62-132 cm)
Locking: twist lock
Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
MSRP: $180-$190
Weight: 7.4-9.8 ounces every
Materials: Carbon
Size vary: 28-62 in (71-158 cm)
Locking: flick lock
Learn our assessment of the Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles right here.
REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles
MSRP: $80
Weight: 8.5 ounces every
Materials: Aluminum
Size vary: 25-55 in (64-140 cm)
Locking: flick lock
Disclaimer: The Fizan Compact Trekking Poles have been donated for the aim of assessment.
No responses yet