Which trekking pole brand is more popular among Brazilian mountaineers?
Among Brazilian mountaineers, Leki and Decathlon Forclaz are the most popular brands. The preference depends on budget and usage. The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 is the most widely used pole in Brazil, favored for its price (~R$400), durability (7075 aluminium, lever locks, cork grips), and nationwide availability. It is the go-to choice for most Brazilian hikers and mountaineers. The **Leki Makalu** is the premium choice among serious mountaineers, prized for its steel lower section (abrasion-resistant on quartzite and granite) and reliable SpeedLock Plus. It is more expensive (~R$700–900) but durable and repairable. Black Diamond is also used, but less popular due to limited spare parts availability in Brazil. For most Brazilian mountaineers, the Forclaz MT900 is the most popular choice due to its value; for premium durability, Leki is the preferred brand.
1. Why Decathlon Forclaz is the most popular
a. Price – At ~R$400, the Forclaz MT900 is affordable for most hikers. It offers features (7075 aluminium, lever locks, cork grips, replaceable tips) that are comparable to poles costing twice as much.
b. Availability – Decathlon has physical stores across Brazil and a robust online shop. You can walk into any Decathlon store and buy a pair of MT900s. This is a significant advantage over imported brands, which may have limited stock.
c. Proven durability – The MT900 has been tested on Brazilian trails for years. It is known to survive the rocky terrain of Chapada Diamantina, the Serra do Mar, and the Serra da Mantiqueira.
d. Spare parts – Decathlon stocks replacement tips, baskets, and locks for their poles. This extends the pole's life and reduces long-term cost.
2. Why Leki is the premium choice
a. Durability – The Leki Makalu has a steel lower section that resists abrasion on the quartzite and granite that characterize Brazilian mountains. This is a significant advantage for frequent hikers on rocky terrain.
b. Repairability – Leki parts (tips, SpeedLock assemblies, baskets, wrist straps) are available through Adventure Sport, the official importer. You can keep a Leki pole going for years.
c. Reliability – The SpeedLock Plus is one of the most reliable lever-lock systems on the market. It holds securely in mud, dust, and humidity.
d. Cork grips – Leki uses high-quality cork grips that are comfortable in the heat and become tacky when damp.
3. Black Diamond – less popular in Brazil
Black Diamond poles are also available in Brazil through Adventure Sport, but they are less popular for several reasons:
- Spare parts – Black Diamond parts are harder to find in Brazil than Leki parts.
- No steel lower section – The Trail Back and Trail Pro lack the abrasion-resistant steel ferrule of the Leki Makalu.
- Price – At ~R$600–900, they are expensive, but without the parts support of Leki.
4. The budget alternative – generic poles
Generic aluminium poles from Mercado Livre are the cheapest option, but they are not popular among serious mountaineers due to poor quality, unreliable locks, and non-replaceable tips.
5. Final verdict
For most Brazilian mountaineers, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 is the most popular choice due to its price, availability, and proven durability. For premium durability, Leki is the preferred brand among serious mountaineers. Black Diamond is a good pole but less practical in Brazil due to limited spare parts. If you are a frequent hiker on rocky terrain, the Leki Makalu is worth the investment. For most hikers, the Forclaz MT900 offers the best value. Happy hiking.
