Best trail running poles for women | Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 Review
Holly Woodford - WomensSportsStore.com Editor
Let’s be real, trail running poles can be either game-changing or that awkward bit of kit you regret halfway up the first climb. The Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2? They’re firmly in the “why didn’t I get these sooner?” camp.
We trawled through expert reviews, runner feedback, and our own kit-geek know-how to find the best trail running poles for women. Spoiler: these tick more boxes than your Strava challenges.
Comfort & Fit
Ultra-light? Check. Rock-solid? Check. Comfortable enough for an all-day suffer-fest? Absolutely. These trail running poles start from 138g per pole and fold down to a tidy 38cm. These carbon beauties are made for long climbs, technical descents, and smugly striding past people carrying “what-was-I-thinking” bargain poles.
The EVA foam grips stay secure even when you’re sweating through your race vest, and the fleece-lined wrist straps are so soft you’ll forget you’re wearing them, until you take them off and wonder why all trail running poles don’t feel like this.
Sizing
These trail running poles come in six fixed-length options, so you can get your perfect fit without compromise. Just make sure to check Harrier’s size guide; carbon poles don’t bend, so precision matters.
When folded, these trail running poles pack small enough to clip to your vest or fit in your carry-on. If you’ve ever cursed at tangled poles mid-race, rejoice, the integrated mud baskets clip together neatly to keep everything tidy.
Functionality
The Z-fold design is great, and the poles collapse to the size of a travel coffee cup and snap open with a slick “click” that’ll make you look like a total pro on the trail.
Despite their featherweight build, they feel remarkably sturdy when you lean in on steep climbs. Perfect for ultras, mountain marathons, and big adventure days, they provide a reliable boost on every ascent.
Value
These poles offer exceptional value for money on what I think is an essential item for beginner to advanced ultra runners.
That’s carbon-pole performance for half the cost of many of the other poles on the market. As other reviewers have repeatedly mentioned, you’d need to spend double (or more) to match the spec from big-name brands.
Recommend
If you’re new to poles or ready to upgrade, the Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 are a no-brainer. They’re built by a British brand founded by Kate Parker, that actually listens to trail runners, women included and delivers quality kit at an accessible price point.
They’re not indestructible (carbon never is), but treat them right and they’ll last through countless races, hikes, and mountain adventures.
Final Verdict
If you want poles that take the strain off your legs, power you up climbs, and look slick in race photos, all without draining your bank account, then seriously consider these poles.
Light, strong, and ridiculously easy to stash, the Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 deserve a permanent spot in your kit drawer. Right now, they’re 40% off, and if that’s not a sign to upgrade, I don’t know what is.
