Trekking poles

V

Vpetrell

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Jul 14, 2015
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Anybody have my good experience with trekking poles that don't cost 200$?

I'm seeing a lot of black diamond out there, but some reviews say bad customer service and the clasps that lock them in place can be shotty.

Any good brands besides that that work great?




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I really don't know much about them. But I saw some SwissGear branded poles (Wenger) at Sams Club and purchased them on a whim. They weren't expensive or I wouldn't have bought the set. Made of carbon fiber. Light and strong. Been surprised just how useful they are actually hiking. Since I am usually doing day hikes and toting a DSLR camera, lenses, and tripod, I most frequently use just one as a "walking stick". I have no idea if they are available any more.
 
i highly recommend leki...i have several pairs (others are for loaners for friends and family new to hiking) that i've had for years now.
 
I just hit goodwill or similar type stores and by ski poles don't collapse but you get stout poles for a fraction of the original cost . I can abuse them and aren't out much if lost or broken . I bought 2 sets for $5 6-8 years ago they are still going strong
 
I use my old SANDVIK ski poles .The baskets had fallen apart so I use them for hiking ! They are sized for me and have a carbide tip .
 
Thanks all. I'm going to look at the ski pole idea. I am looking for a collapsable pair for packing so I'll check out the other brands as well.

VP


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REI has a number of them in carbon fiber and aluminum that, IIRC, range from $40-200 for a set.

I took home a cheap aluminum set of collapsible poles and they've been sturdy and reliable. I broke them in by scrambling across a steep hillside covered in boulders and blown down trees while wearing 40lb pack. They held my weight and even once took a lot of force sideways when one got wedged in a rock and I didn't notice. They're quality.
 
I've worn out probably 5 or 6 pair of Leki poles, but like them the best.
Don't expect much out of Leki as far as what they used to call their "Lifetime Warranty" though.
They used to replace mine when they wore out, but not the last couple times.

I'm a fan of their UltraLite collapsable poles without the springs.
Springs give the poles an un-natural feel, can get noisy and add weight to the poles. I like the direct contact feeling of no springs.
The ergonomics fit me great, but the collapsable part only works for about 1,000 miles for me.
Then the dampness of everyday use eventually locks them up by fusing the parts together.
I usually get about 4 to 5,000 miles out of a pair of poles before they are shot.

I tried Mountain Safety Research (MSR) poles once, but they fused together way quicker than the Leki's and I didn't like the handle material.

I've got friends that have had good luck with the Wmart poles.

My only problem with ski poles is that the handle diameter on the ones I've used are so much smaller that they are uncomfortable for all day use without gloves on.

I will probably stay with Leki in the end because they just feel like a part of me.
I don't mind them fusing together so much...just a little more of a pain when I hitch a ride into town.
I just make sure they are at the right length before they fuse together to hold up my tent, which is also the right walking length for me.
 
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First time I've heard of Black Diamond having a bad reputation. As far as I'm aware their flick locks are what they are known for. I have their entry level trail back poles and have been using them without any issues. Obviously there are nicer poles out there, but I've never heard of Black Diamond having issues, the exact opposite actually.
 
Hacked said:
First time I've heard of Black Diamond having a bad reputation. As far as I'm aware their flick locks are what they are known for. I have their entry level trail back poles and have been using them without any issues. Obviously there are nicer poles out there, but I've never heard of Black Diamond having issues, the exact opposite actually.
Click to expand...

Sorry...I was wrong!
I went and pulled those poles out of storage.
They were NOT Black Diamond poles...they were Mountain Safety Research (MSR) poles.
I'm going to edit post #10 and fix my mistake. Again...I'm sorry for that wrong information.
 
I got my poles from REI used gear sale. Been using them for a few years now. I paid for each pair less then $35. Cant beat the price.
I got an old bamboo pole I made about 15 years ago with very very little signs of wear. That pole been thru lots of geocaching where I had to move rocks and check for snakes before sticking my hands in there.
 
I have $15 no brand poles with a spring shock absorber mechanism
They have worked for years, and I will invest in another one

A different way of using trekking poles

I use the pole as a walking stick
I set the length to ground to palm of hand with the elbow slightly bent
So it is 30"/ 76 cm
This allows to put your full weight on a straight arm and give incredible support and push off for walking
Like using an walking umbrella or a sargents swagger stick
They have have a Derby handle like orthopedic walking sticks, which allows you to either grip it as a walking stick and grasp as above
Or lengthen it for long down hills treks and hand thru the strap and use it as a staff
Lengthen it for river crossings
 
Have had BD telescopic ski/probe poles for decades, no issues what so ever. Leki, Komperdell are viable options.
 
My GF and I have some entry level AL BK poles with the flick lock which have been working well for a few years now. They've gotten bent in falls, but I've been able to bend them back well enough. Mainly use them for the Fall/Spring with microspikes when its icey buy not worth crampons and an ice axe yet. I borrowed some Leki's that were fantastic, but I'm holding off upgrading until at least one of the Black Diamond pairs completely dies.
 
I use Leki 3 section poles for hiking, downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. You can shorten the poles when going uphill and lengthen them going down. I like them long for flat terrain when Xcountry skiing. The adjustable (2 positions plus lock out) shock absorbers are good for bump skiing. The accessories are endless: 3 sizes of knock off baskets, replaceable Tungsten Carbide tips, rubber tips for pavement, release straps, 1/4"X20TPI camera monpodability, Telemark sleeve grips, removeable grips and connector for avalanche probe, cane heads, pick heads, etc. They cost a little more, but I think the value is there.
 
My wife has had a set for years for her snow shoeing, I have no idea of the brand and too lazy to look. I am likely too big and heavy for them.
 
My favorites were my Black Diamond "Traverse" poles. I forgot them at a trailhead last year scouting for elk north of Gunnison. CO. They were, hands down, the best poles I've ever used. The "Flicklock" was amazing to use because it was so fast and the lock-up was super solid. I'd buy replacements, but it's hard to justify the expense.....

I currently have 2 pairs of Komperdell's, 1 pair of some no-name poles i bought at a gas station near Worthersee, Austria and a pair of poles I bought at Eastern Mountain Sports. I'll be using the EMS poles this year for 4th rifle elk season (or some collapseable BD ski poles) as i have some huge 5" diameter snow baskets for them.
 
Hi. I find Nordic Walking poles very useful and effective. So much that, during the last years, I regularly use them, both in summer and winter and they have replaced my “classic” walking stick :). Way better for my posture and back! I still carve and use some walking stick, also for the kids, when we are on the trails, generally from hazel wood, but I really prefer poles now. Just this summer I have replaced my old cheap ones with something a bit better. My current model is from 8848 brand, the Nordic Pro: http://www.cisalfasport.it/nordic-pro-fls.html . Rather light weight and sturdy. Aluminium body, steel tip, telescopic, with user friendly adjustable height . At 40 EUR, I find them a good value for money item.

Some pics of mine:

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Very good also in winter time, they come with removable snow-baskets and removable rubber pads.

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Ciao!
 
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