Half Grip, Full Send: Folkrm Pahto Ski Poles Review

I was cruising up my favorite backcountry slope on Vail Pass, feeling lighter than usual. In fact, I was lighter. It was a warm spring day. I’d left my jacket at the car in favor of a T-shirt, and I carried the bare minimum required gear in my ultralight pack,

I wore my lightest pair of backcountry skis and touring boots, and in my hands were the Folkrm Pahto ski poles. I don’t identify as an ultralight skier, but that day I sure felt like one.

The poles were the newest addition to my backcountry setup. I’d been eager to test them after running into a few pairs in the wild. The distinctive (somewhat odd) grips extend from the top to about halfway down the poles. They’re very recognizable.

What I didn’t know until I opened the box and pulled these poles out was how light they are. They don’t just have a unique style, they’re also ultralight. I could tell right away that they were less substantial than the numerous others I’d been using and testing all season.

That was exciting. But as someone with a history of breaking poles, it also gave me doubts.

In short: The Folkrm Pahto ($150) is a distinctive, adjustable ski pole. It has Folkrm’s “Classic Long Grip,” which is very ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The handle has a Mega Cap that’s beak-shaped to flip risers and toe locks. The poles extend from 42 to 54 inches, come equipped with powder baskets, and best of all, they’re ultralight. Backcountry skiers will appreciate what these unique-looking poles bring to the table.

Compare the Folkrm Pahto to others on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Ski Poles.

Folkrm Pahto Adjustable Ski Pole Review

When GearJunkie reviewed the Folkrm Wyeast in 2023, our tester called it “the pole you’ll never need to adjust.” That was because the extra-long grips allowed her to make adjustments on the go. If she were traversing a steep slope, she could shift her uphill grip down and shift her downhill grip up, to level out her pole-planting hands.

Now, Folkrm also offers the Pahto, which is an adjustable version of the Wyeast. Unlike its predecessor, which is offered in four sizes from 105 cm to 135 cm, the Pahto comes in just one size. Compressed, it’s 31 inches (79 cm). Extended, it can be adjusted from 42 to 54 inches (105-135 cm). It’s available in onyx black or desert white (which I got).

Folkrm Long Grip

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The Folkrm long grip is doubtlessly this pole’s most distinctive feature. I had one skier compliment them, calling them “cool ribbed grips.” They’re extremely ergonomic and comfortable to hold, and the foam has a great hand feel. As described above, they also allow for on-the-go, in-the-moment grip adjustments.

However, on a pole that allows for telescoping adjustment, the long grip becomes less important. That’s not to say I didn’t take advantage of them when I was climbing and traversing, gripping up or down to level my pole-planting hands. But I did it a lot less than I would have if I’d been using a nonadjustable pole like the Wyeast.

So, on the Pahto, this feature is somewhat redundant, but it’s still useful. It also looks pretty cool, in my opinion, so I’m still happy it’s part of the design.

Weight

The Folkrm Pahto isn’t the lightest set of ski poles you can buy, but it’s up there. It’s squarely in the ultralight category at 8.2 ounces per pole. That would make it the fifth lightest pole on our guide to the Best Ski Poles (out of 14). The only other lighter pole that’s also adjustable on that list is the Komperdell Free Tour XT Carbon Ski Poles.

These are the lightest poles I’ve used. I can’t quantify exactly how much of a difference that’s made for uphill travel. But it’s definitely worth something, especially for those skiers who count grams and seek out the best equipment at the lightest weight.

Locking Mechanism & Extendability

The Pahto’s locking mechanism is smooth and holds well. A small plastic dial tightens or loosens it for a firmer or looser grip. I had to adjust these once for a tighter lock because my pole length wasn’t holding in place. I haven’t had to adjust them since.

When I traveled uphill, I’d extend the poles to 120 cm, and when I skied downhill, I’d shorten them to 110 cm. It was nice to have that option. However, sometimes I’d forget, and I’d just hold the poles lower on their grips.

Splitboarders will particularly appreciate the ability to compress the Pahto fully to 31 inches and strap them to the outside of a pack.

Durability

The average lifespan of my ski poles is about two seasons. I’m really hard on them. So far, after half a season, these poles have held up pretty well. I’ve already managed to scratch the aluminum (but I haven’t bent it yet), and I’ve indented the handle’s foam in a few places. But these are minor, aesthetic issues that don’t affect the poles’ performance at all.

I’ve also been very careful not to damage or destroy these poles as quickly as I normally do. We’ll see how they hold up over time.

Cap & Strap

The Mega Cap Folkrm put on the end of the Pahto handle is one of my favorite features of the entire pole. A lot of poles advertise that they can be used to switch risers or toe locks, but don’t actually work very well.

That’s not the case with the Pahto. The top of the pole is shaped like a beak, which allows you to actually hook a riser or toe lock, and switch it. I don’t use it every time I transition, but I use this feature a lot.

The straps are comfortable, high-quality, and left- and right-specific. They are also removable for skiing in avalanche terrain, but you have to use a small tool to get them off. So, it isn’t exactly streamlined for backcountry attachment and detachment. However, removing your straps is usually something you do at home rather than on the slopes.

Room for Improvement

As mentioned, the straps need to be removed with a tool. This is a minor inconvenience if you’re out in the wilderness and decide to go strapless.

The foam on the handle of these poles is also somewhat easy to damage. When the poles were stored with skis in my Thule, they sustained some permanent indentations as things rolled around. I’m not sure how Folkrm could avoid this except by using a higher-density foam.

Folkrm Pahto Adjustable Ski Pole Review: Who’s It For?

I fell in love with the Pahto ski poles this season. I’ve never had a pole that I actually look forward to using, but I do with these. They’re stylish, technically designed, and comfortable. The scant weight is a cherry on top. As someone who doesn’t obsess over weight, it made more of an impression on me than I expected.

Backcountry skiers and splitboarders will love the Pahto. It’s a very functional pole, designed by backcountry users for backcountry use. If you’re shopping for a new pair of sticks, I’d put these at the top of your list. At $150, they aren’t cheap, but they’re competitive with other premium poles in their category.

The Pahto Adjustable Ski Poles have become my daily drivers. I try to reserve them for backcountry days, but more than a few times this past season, I couldn’t help but bring them in bounds, too. I’m psyched to spend many more days with them this winter.