Chris Morelli Taking the Folkrm Wyeast Poles To Rad Places for Testing | Photo Kenny Frank Mountain Weekly News
Folkrm is a ski pole company based out of Mt Hood Oregon. Founded in strong ski culture Folkrm has followed the Euro trend of the “Baton” style ski pole. This design can be a polarizing piece of gear and I had to get my hands on a pair to make my own decision. Based on a solo tour deep in the Teton National Park when my adjustable poles froze and I had to ski with one small and one long pole I wondered if the Folkrm Wyeast would be the answer.
Who Are These Poles For?
The Folkrm Wyeast Pole is a baton style pole named after a famous ski route off the summit of Mt Hood. For serious ski mountaineering missions the baton style pole has many advantages. First thing you will notice when you pick up the Wyeast pole is how light it is. Made of aircraft grade 7075 aluminum alloy these poles are featherweight yet extremely strong. This opens up a world of potential using these poles as tools in the mountains.
Huge Foam Grips
The Wyeast pole has a long ribbed foam grip that extends far down the pole allowing for multiple hand positions based on the terrain. The oval ribs are extremely comfortable. I found it super easy to let the pole just move to the correct position and then grip accordingly. The foam stays warm and doesn’t ice up when using the pole to piolet like an ice axe. The solid one piece design allows you to plunge this pole with confidence while boot packing or sidestepping down a super steep exposed section, another advantage.
Pole Features
The top of the pole grip has a nice “hook” to flip risers easily. The powder baskets are large and don’t plunge down into powder as easily as most other designs, a real perk on deep skin tracks. The Wyeast comes with pole straps that are easily removed. The simple one piece design is bombproof and versatile. My touring partner also tried these for a little while and was sold.
Sizing
The issue with baton style poles is having to choke down for skiing, one reason pole straps are best removed. I didn’t find it too awkward to ski with the extra length. Sizing is important for how you want to use these poles. I am 6 ft tall and ski with a 120cm pole, for backcountry I have always adjusted my touring poles to 130. I chose the 135 cm Wyeast pole length and I am happy with that size.
The extra length has helped on deep skin tracks and long pushes out on flats. The ability to easily choke down and find the correct length for is particularly impressive.The extra length and one piece design is a safety feature when plunged into deep pow it can create a pretty bomb body anchor.
Folkrm Wyeast Backcountry Ski Poles Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight and extremely strong poles
- Huge foam grips with multiple hand positions
- Large powder baskets for backcountry use
Cons:
- Polarizing baton style design
- Awkward for skiing with extra length
- May not suit everyone’s skiing preference
Overall Impression
Ski mountaineering at a high level? Grab yourself a pair of Folkrm Wyeast Poles ($120.00)! Ultralight, ultra bomber. A tool more than just a ski pole. Try it for your self and you might just be hooked, there’s a reason the Euro guides are into these- they lead the way.
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