Trekking poles...? What do you like?

[Kevrod3]

Looking to get rid of the old sticks found on the side of trail that I use for trekking poles.

I'm hoping to get some that won't break the bank but will be able to help take the stress of my knees on pack ins and outs.

What brands do you guys like, and trust?

Thanks!

[elkhuntfever]

If I may chime in here, I am old enough to get discounts on my meals so I bought some last year. Best investment for this Midwesterner. I researched and finally bought some used ones off Ebay. Komperdells worked good for me, and I chose them because my brother in law and his son used them while walking the AT. I am sure there are other brands as good.

[Indian Summer]

I have a set of Easton carbons and they are awesome. I didn't do a whole lot of research. I saw them on Camofire and as they say... pulled the trigger. Camofire has them regularly.... or they did.

The poles are light, sturdy, and telescope for storage or packing. The locking tabs to adjust the length are adjustable so you can really crank them down tight to avoid having them slide when you put pressure on them. I haven't used them a ton but so far so good. When you need them and have them they are priceless and you wonder why you don't always use them.

[six]

sticks.jpg (130.03 KiB) Viewed 6810 times

I painted an old pair of cross country ski poles. They work great and double as supports for the tarp. They are priceless for when you are carrying heavy loads.

[husky390]

I would recommend cork handles. These are what I use. https://www.rei.com/product/863073/blac ... poles-pair

[Indian Summer]

Speaking of handles I forgot to mention.... the Eastons I have have rubber grips but in between the grip and the pole is a gel type rubber that serves as a shock absorber. There are holes on the sides of the grip where the gel bulges out a bit when you really put some downward pressure on them. Very nice feature.

[Lefty]

My wife bought some for her self,.. I finally used them. I didnt think they would be such a help but they really are helpful.
After a few miles and a couple thousand feet of elevation up and down on a rocky mountain I was sold.
I dont know what brand hers are.
I bought a set from Costco and have been more than satisfied. Just dont set them where moo cows will walk on them
You might need to go greenie and see what REI has to say.

[Ben Nicholson]

I have a pair of Leki's I got off camofire. Nothing fancy, but they do the trick.

-Ben

[longbowelk]

When I hike with trekking poles, I usually go for a collapsible so i can adjust as I need.

[Shawn Ryan]

Just purchased a pair from Costco, cork handled, level lock, carbon poles. $30. Great price, but I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for. A hunter on another forum told me his poles from Costco broke after some use. I don't imagine they are as good as $200 Leki's and Black Diamonds.

[Rangerz]

I have a pair of Lekis I got off of camofire and just bought a set of Black Diamond Carbon Zs with my REI rebate card.

Have used some kind of pole as long as I can remember. As a poor high school kid, I made my own out of an old broomhandle and a slip-on bicycle grip.

Keep an eye on Camofire or Backcountry for deals or closeouts. I prefer the flip locks or slip joints. The twist locks seem to come loose or collapse on you at the worst possible moment.

Another trick I do, is take some paracord and tie a lower grip point on them. This helps when placing the pole above you.

[pointysticks]

i got the cheaper REI aluminum ones. set them up at the right height and i leaned into them at the store. they never budged.

i got them thinking i wasnt going to like them, but took them on a fifty miler..all skeptical like. it was such a game changer!! my triceps got sore on the first day. now i want better ones, but mine are sufficing.

lean into them at the store. and i like telescoping ones. it really helps to have them adjustable. longer for long downhills...shorter for long uphills..and different lengths for long sidehills. single lengths are a non starter for me.

[VT Sasquatch]

None. I always thought trekking poles were for yuppies, not manly men like us elk hunters.

Maybe there is something I'm missing but I have never used them.

[Lefty]

None. I always thought trekking poles were for yuppies, not manly men like us elk hunters.
Maybe there is something I'm missing but I have never used them.

I sort of though the same thing, But I dont use them hunting.
As I mentioned I was sold after using them. Other than thick stuff They really help with walking up or down on rocky or steep grades

[VT Sasquatch]

I'll have to give the a try some day, Lefty. I could see them being useful for backpacking on rough terrain. When I hike, I have a gun in one hand and a pack of chew in the other.

[VT Sasquatch]

I'll have to give the a try some day, Lefty. I could see them being useful for backpacking on rough terrain. When I hike, I have a gun in one hand and a pack of chew in the other.