Trekking Poles

[Kofoed]

I recently returned to backpacking after a LONG absence. I did a few hikes with the crew and borrowed a pole for a pretty steep, hard-pack talus descent, off-trail, one day. You know, the type of slope where the sand and gravel act like little marbles. The trekking pole really helped.

I have done tons of off trail stuff, and sort of viewed trekking poles as a "cane" or "crutch" for people with poor balance. I get that aids going uphill, but my thought was always "work-out harder". I also see people using the damn things on a level fire roads, D'oh.

So age has caught up with me, and the knees and quads aren't what they used to be on the descents. So I bought some poles. I went with the good stuff, because I liked the cork grips, ventilation, curbed top of grip and lightweight. And shock absorbing tips. I also wanted something that would also go 135cm (6'2"). I paid more than I care to admit, even on sale.

Anyway, I took them up on a 5 day trip over loose talus, steep snow slopes and pretty hellacious uphill grinds. For a multiday trip, I'll never go without the poles.

Leki Corklite DSS Antishock. Buy once, cry once.

Corklite DSS | Poles | Trekking | Product area | LEKI

 

[skidplate]

I bought poles at Costco a couple years ago, cork handles, spring "suspension" very light weight. I can't believe I hiked without them before. I've had two total knee replacements and thought my backpacking days were over. These poles were a God send. Under thirty bucks.

 

[Corey]

Those are nice.
Before our trip last week to Mount Rainier we wanted some trekking poles, and I looked at some on Amazon in the $25 and up range, and they had bad reviews.
Then I found these for around $65.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFXV7LX/?tag=ihco-20

I think they are kind of a copy of the Leki ones you got.
I may later spring for the Leki, but these did OK for us.

 

[Kofoed]

Those are nice.
Before our trip last week to Mount Rainier we wanted some trekking poles, and I looked at some on Amazon in the $25 and up range, and they had bad reviews.
Then I found these for around $65.
Amazon.com : VAIKEEN Premium 3K Carbon Trekking Poles / Sticks for Walking, Hiking / Collapsible, Ultra-Light, Shock-Absorbing Staff with Natural Cork Grips, Quick-Locks for Women & Men, Black, 1 Pair : Sports & Outdoors

I think they are kind of a copy of the Leki ones you got.
I may later spring for the Leki, but these did OK for us.

Those look like a good deal. I like the foam grip extender and all the accessories (especially the bag). I'm not sure about carbon for the lowest section. Mine get beat up on the rocks and I nearly bent one pole when it got wedged in a rock with my weight on it....but for $65, I would have tried it

 

[80t0ylc]

I recently returned to backpacking after a LONG absence. I did a few hikes with the crew and borrowed a pole for a pretty steep, hard-pack talus descent, off-trail, one day. You know, the type of slope where the sand and gravel act like little marbles. The trekking pole really helped.

I have done tons of off trail stuff, and sort of viewed trekking poles as a "cane" or "crutch" for people with poor balance. I get that aids going uphill, but my thought was always "work-out harder". I also see people using the damn things on a level fire roads, D'oh.

So age has caught up with me, and the knees and quads aren't what they used to be on the descents. So I bought some poles. I went with the good stuff, because I liked the cork grips, ventilation, curbed top of grip and lightweight. And shock absorbing tips. I also wanted something that would also go 135cm (6'2"). I paid more than I care to admit, even on sale.

Anyway, I took them up on a 5 day trip over loose talus, steep snow slopes and pretty hellacious uphill grinds. For a multiday trip, I'll never go without the poles.

Leki Corklite DSS Antishock. Buy once, cry once.

Corklite DSS | Poles | Trekking | Product area | LEKI

Yeah, I picked up one of these from my parents estate, being executor several yrs ago. It's a Leki Cressida Ulltralite Titanium. Website says it's a women's pole, but it works for me. Plenty long enough - actually set less than max length. I use it for walks around town also, comes in handy to keep agressive stray dogs at bay, since my small town doesn't have a leash law. I've had to lower my hiking appetite with the onset of piraformis syndrome/sciatica irritation. One pole seems enough (for now...lol), we'll see how it goes. I like the wrist strap design, it works really well. I've always liked using a hiking stick of any sort on hikes when I was younger. Actually preferred an ice axe in the higher peaks on snow fields and glaciers. Now I've got the caddillac walking stick...lol

 

[00fourseventy]

I use these- http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/distance-z-pole-BD11218100001201.html

They're light, compact when collapsed, and they don't have locks that inevitably fail (usually on a descent).

 

[muditor]

Got the Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber https://goo.gl/5s5H3D rarely seen over 700 customer reviews with all 5 stars 100% carbon fiber so strong, light and anti-shock. Grip is very comfortable and and they are collapsible

 

[myquestoyota]

I just got an Amazon Prime email that had these for $9.99 a pair so I bought two pair for the and myself, figuring the granddaughters would use them if we didn't. They look very nice and will probably use them tomorrow.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N28YKIX/?tag=ihco-20