Trekking poles are now ubiquitous on trails across the globe and there are many ultralight shelters that rely on them for structure. Carbon fiber is all the rage as the ultralight gods turn their gram-shaving gaze to the humble walking stick. Gossamer Gear has offered some of the lightest trekking poles for years, and their newest, the LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles, honor that heritage while cutting the collapsed length significantly. A touch heavier and more complex, but much more portable. Are the LT5s the next step, or a step back?