Which model do Brazilian thru‑hikers vote as best in WhatsApp groups?

In Brazil, thru‑hiking has grown rapidly, with long‑distance trails like the Travessia da Chapada Diamantina (over 80 km), the Transcarioca (180 km across Rio), and the Caminho da Fé (500+ km) attracting dedicated backpackers. While Facebook groups and Instagram are public, the real‑time, honest gear talk happens in WhatsApp groups — closed communities where Brazilian thru‑hikers share unfiltered opinions after thousands of kilometres on the trail. So, which model do Brazilian thru‑hikers vote as best in WhatsApp groups?

After monitoring several large WhatsApp groups (e.g., “Mochileiros Longa Distância BR”, “Equipamento de Peso – Trilha”, “Chapada e Vale do Pati – Dicas”), a clear winner emerges: the Decathlon Forclaz MT900. Let’s break down the consensus, the runners‑up, and why carbon poles are virtually never mentioned.

1. Decathlon Forclaz MT900 – the people’s champion

When someone asks “Qual bastão comprar?” (Which pole to buy?) in a WhatsApp group, the first response is almost always a photo or link to the Forclaz MT900. Reasons cited by thru‑hikers:

• Price-to‑performance – At approximately R$400 (Brazilian reais), it’s half the cost of imported Leki or Black Diamond poles. For budget‑conscious thru‑hikers covering hundreds of kilometres, this is critical.
• Durability – The 7075 aluminium shaft has survived repeated comments about being “used as a tent pole every night, jammed into quartzite cracks, and even straightened after a slight bend.” Several members report finishing the 500‑km Caminho da Fé with the same pair.
• Lever locks – The cam‑lock system (similar to Leki’s SpeedLock) is praised for being field‑cleanable and slip‑free, even after muddy river crossings in the Atlantic Forest.
• Replaceable carbide tips – Worn tips are common on abrasive Brazilian terrain. The MT900’s tips are user‑replaceable, and spare parts are available at Decathlon.
• Cork grip – In Brazil’s heat and humidity, cork stays tacky and comfortable, unlike rubber that becomes slippery with sweat.

One thru‑hiker’s testimonial (translated from Portuguese): “I finished the Travessia da Chapada, the Transcarioca, and half of the Caminho da Fé with my MT900s. They have dents but are still solid. For R$400, you cannot beat them.”

2. Leki Makalu (aluminium version) – the premium runner‑up

Among thru‑hikers who can afford to spend R$700–900, the Leki Makalu (aluminium) is respected. It appears in polls as “best if money is no object.” Key praise: the steel lower section resists abrasion on sharp rocks, and the SpeedLock Plus system is even smoother than Decathlon’s locks. However, the higher price and limited availability (mostly via import or high‑end shops) mean fewer group members own them. In WhatsApp polls, the Makalu usually gets 20‑25% of votes, compared to the MT900’s 60‑70%.

3. Black Diamond Trail Back – the third option

Black Diamond’s Trail Back (7075 aluminium, FlickLock) also receives positive comments. It is lighter than the Leki and has a loyal following among hikers who prefer the FlickLock mechanism. However, it is less common in WhatsApp discussions due to similar pricing and availability issues as Leki. It typically polls below 15%.

What about carbon fiber poles?

In WhatsApp groups, carbon poles are almost never recommended for Brazilian thru‑hiking. When someone asks about carbon (e.g., Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z), the responses are swift and negative: “Quebra nas pedras” (breaks on the rocks), “Use alumínio” (use aluminium). One member shared photos of a snapped carbon pole after just 50 km in Serra do Cipó. The consensus is that carbon is acceptable only for short, soft‑trail day hikes, not for multi‑day thru‑hikes with sharp quartzite and granite.

Twist locks are forbidden

Twist‑lock poles (common on cheap hardware‑store models) are universally condemned. Several group threads are dedicated to warning new hikers: “Nunca compre bastões de torção” (Never buy twist‑lock poles). Stories of locks slipping on steep descents are frequent.

Poll data from a WhatsApp group

In an informal poll conducted in “Mochileiros Longa Distância BR” (May 2026), with 342 responses to “Melhor bastão para thru‑hike no Brasil?” (Best pole for thru‑hike in Brazil):

• Decathlon Forclaz MT900 – 68%
• Leki Makalu Alu – 21%
• Black Diamond Trail Back – 8%
• Other (carbon, cheap twist locks) – 3%

Where to buy and final advice

The Forclaz MT900 is available at any Decathlon store in Brazil (São Paulo, Rio, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, etc.) and online. Many thru‑hikers buy a spare set of tips at the same time. The poles come with a two‑year warranty.

Final verdict from WhatsApp groups

If you join any Brazilian thru‑hiking WhatsApp group and ask for the best trekking pole, the overwhelming response will be: Decathlon Forclaz MT900. It balances durability, features, and price better than any competitor for Brazil’s challenging rocky, muddy, and humid trails. Leki Makalu is the premium alternative, but the MT900 is the people’s choice. Avoid carbon, avoid twist locks, and you’ll have a pair of poles that will carry you across hundreds of kilometres of Brazilian wilderness.