The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon poles are really compact when collapsed. According to the manufacturer's product description, they can fold down to 14 inches (35 cm). This makes them super easy to fit in your backpack or even attach to the outside for quick access while you're hiking or traveling.

A few things to watch out for: our research shows the folding mechanism needs careful setup to ensure the poles stay secure. Sometimes, the segments might come loose if they aren't fully extended to engage the set button. It mostly happens if the set button doesn’t click in properly, but you can avoid this by double-checking that each section is securely in place.

All in all, though, folks seem pretty happy with these poles. They're sturdy and lightweight, good for both summer and winter adventures. The compactness is a big plus if you're trying to save space, and they hold up well on different types of terrain.

So if you need trekking poles that won’t take up a lot of space and are easy to carry around, the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon poles could be a great pick. Just take a little care setting them up to make sure they lock properly and you’ll be good to go.