Telescopic walking stick

D

dl23

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
Messages
42
I've always used 'real' walking sticks which I've cut myself or which someone else has made but now I'm interested in those telescopic ones by Leki et al.

I guess it's easier to strap one your backpack for times you don't want it in your hand.

But I reckon these telescopic ones don't look that strong - am I right? Whenever I've looked at them it seems to me that locking mechanism you twist to lock could be a weak point. Plus they are noisy when they hit the ground.

Is there a good decent strong model out there I have yet to find?

Thanks
 
There was a good review in Backpacker magazine last Nov or Dec. I'll see if I can find the article and let you know.

I do remember that the Leki poles were not rated at the top of the list - they were 3rd or 4th. The top rated ones were about $80/pair but I don't remember the name. I'll get back to you.
 
I used to use a stick all the time when my pack was heavier. I was out two weeks ago and missed it greatly when it came time to erect a sun shelter and no suitable tying points nor downed sticks were to be found. We usually rely on the walking stick for that, so the taller the better.

To answer your question: We own a Leki and a Tracs brand. Both telescope, the Leki with a twist lock and the Tracs with a spring loaded pin. We like the Tracs better, because it is not noisy, and feels stronger. But, the Leki has never failed.

Both companies make a screw together pole, like a pool que, that is as strong as can be, and the Leki is really tall- maybe 6 feet. I am also trying to locate a Lathi stick 6 feet tall that Cold Steel supposedly imports.

For me, the ability to colapse the thing is essential, since I don't always like to use it when covering flat, smooth ground.

Paul
 
I always use a stick and feel they are essential for me even on flat ground with no load. I mainly use Hickory but have been tempted by the telescoping sticks for certain occasions. The thing that has kept me from getting one is that they look like they would fold up under any lateral force. Does anyone know if they have any lateral strength?
 
I found the article. It is in Backpacker Magazine Dec 2000 beginning on page 89. Here are a few of their top rated trekking poles:

#1 Alpina Masters Adventures $70 / pair
#2 Garmont Supreme $89 / pair
#3 Comperdell Contour Grip $119 / pair
#4 MSR OverLand 1 $120 / pair
#5 REI Haute Route II $90 / pair
#6 Leki – Sport Absorber $99 / pair
#7 Leki – USA Super Makalu $129 / pair

I’ve never tried any of these so I can’t give any first hand endorsements. I usually just use a good sturdy tree branch as my hiking stick. Some of the things that they liked about the Alpina were the price; it was the most durable and stable pole tested; the on/off adjustment for the shock absorber was at the base of the handle versus near the length adjustment; switching baskets was easier than on others. The only thing that they did not like on the Alpina was the thin wrist strap.

Hope this helps. I think it would also be a lot of personal preference. I’ve handled numerous poles at the retail stores and some just feel better in your hand. Of course, trying them out in a store is not near as good as a 10 mile tryout on the trail. Maybe you could borrow some for a test drive???
 
Thanks for the info Daniel - much appreciated. I'll see if I can 'road test' some of these in my local store.

Thanks also everyone else who contributed - there's some useful stuff there I'll have to look into

David
 
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