NATORA

Lightweight, folding and carbon trekking poles are hardly rare. NATORA's angle is different: it tries to fold several small outdoor annoyances, from weight and packability to carrying a separate tripod or phone stand, into a single pole that also looks at home on the trail.

Bamboo outside, carbon inside

The outer layer is real, thinly processed natural bamboo rather than a printed bamboo pattern, so the nodes, grain and colour differ from pole to pole. Inside runs a high-quality carbon core. The maker says the surface is smoothed and given a protective finish, with attention paid to water resistance. According to the maker, the poles weigh approximately 115g at 105cm, 120g at 110cm, 125g at 115cm and 130g at 120cm, and fold into three sections that pack down to roughly 33–36cm depending on the model. The maker also reports conducting axial load testing, while noting the results were measured under specified conditions and do not guarantee load capacity in real-world use.

Grip, folding and storage

Instead of constant length adjustments as terrain shifts between climbs, descents and rocky sections, NATORA uses a long EVA grip so hikers can move their hands higher or lower. The strap is described as wide and thick, with a soft material on the skin side and an adjustable fit. The maker says the three-section design with a simple lock folds away in about 3 seconds, and that the folded pole is arranged so the ground-touching tip is less likely to contact the grip. The Makuake project also included a dedicated ripstop storage bag with all pole sets.

An expansion mount for cameras and more

The feature that most sets NATORA apart is a standard-spec expansion mount. With optional accessories, the maker says it can hold action cameras such as GoPro and DJI Osmo Action, compact cameras with 1/4-inch compatibility, and smartphones, and because the mount is standard, compatible third-party accessories can also be used. Some combinations may not be supported, and the lantern attachment is still in development.

• Recommended device weight: 250g or less
• Do not walk while a device is mounted; keep the pole stable during use
• Lantern attachment: in development, per the maker