Trekking Poles

[Karl Blanchard]

New poles are in order this year so lets here what you guys like and don't like!  I personally hate twist lock poles!  They always seem to fail when you really need them.  I have the Gabel Multi Grip Fast locks right now and have been very happy with them but they don't fold down as small as I would like and lighter would be nice.  What is everyone using out there!

[7mag.]

I'm going to try poles for the first time this year. I've never used them, but I keep hearing how much they help, so I'll give them a shot. I think I'll start with some cheaper, flip locks first, to see how I like them. Any advice on decent poles that won't break the bank?

[halflife65]

keep an eye on steepandcheap.  They come on there occassionally - I bought a pair of Black Diamonds for $50 or $60.

[RadSav]

I always had problems with the twist lock ones too.  Until I went to the anti-shock model from Trekker.  Never one slip since.  Not the lightest, but they sure have been nice for me.  I will never use ones without anti-shock again.

[jackelope]

I am using an older set of REI twist lock poles with the shock absorbers and they work great. Never have any issues. I am A big clumsy guy too... in other words I get my money's worth out of them LOL.

[RadSav]

I am using an older set of REI twist lock poles with the shock absorbers and they work great. Never have any issues. I am A big clumsy guy too... in other words I get my money's worth out of them LOL.

I knew I wasn't the only one!  20 years ago I would have laughed at the thought of using them.  Now that I am big and clumsy I really like them.  I try to make others understand that, like glasses, they are a sign of maturity.

[dreamingbig]

I still can't bring myself to pack them.  I am sure they have their purpose but I am on the fence.

[starbailey]

I tried polls once and hated them! I do like to have a sturdy stick/staff when thinks get real steep. Mostly for going down or side hilling.

[buckfvr]

Boyds , the rifle stock maker, makes a nice looking laminated staff......but, I too, have been looking at them for the last year or two.  I use a staff now when I can remember to take it along, but know full well its time to get ploes.

[Karl Blanchard]

If your on the fence about using poles, all I can say is give em a shot!  The benefits to your knees and back while packing heavy loads is priceless! 

[ribka]

 black diamond flip locks. Can find on amazon for around $80 a pair.




http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Trail-Compact-Trekking/dp/B001UJENCQ

[fillthefreezer]

black diamond flip locks. Can find on amazon for around $80 a pair.




http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Trail-Compact-Trekking/dp/B001UJENCQ

i have almost the same ones i got from rei and paid a bit more but theyve already warrantied them once, im hard on poles when trying to arrest a slide down a hill...warranty is worth an extra $20...

[Andrew]

I'm thinking of getting a staff from Brunton.  It has the ability to mount optics to the top of it, which might be better than the cheapo tripod that came with my scope. 

Has anyone ever used two walking staff's for trekking poles?  I figure on my normal hikes with my wife and kids a single staff is very adequate, but for the high hunt and the possible pack weight two are necessary.  In my mind I can't think of any issue with this.

[Cascade_fisher]

I use Leki Super Makalu's with anti-shock and cork grips. I like them a lot and wouldn't consider any poles that didn't have the anti shock. I also like 3 piece so that they can get pretty small.  I have not had any issues with the twist lock on mine and have owned them for ~6 years.  The 2 poles really help going downhill when heavily loaded.  I also recommend getting the rubber tips for being quieter.

[RadSav]

I use Leki Super Makalu's with anti-shock and cork grips. I like them a lot and wouldn't consider any poles that didn't have the anti shock. I also like 3 piece so that they can get pretty small.  I have not had any issues with the twist lock on mine and have owned them for ~6 years.  The 2 poles really help going downhill when heavily loaded.  I also recommend getting the rubber tips for being quieter.

Where did you get the Leki and rubber tips?  I have lost all my tips and the cork grips sound sweet!