Trekking poles.

[scottcrb]

Did a quick search and isn't come up with much. Those of you who use trekking poles which brands/models do you like. Want them for snow shoeing and backpacking maybe to help with heavy pack outs.  Been looking at Easton, Ieki ,and black diamond.

[Fl0und3rz]

Leki Makalu.  Of course, get the snow baskets.  Trekking poles also make a nice field expedient rest.

[WAcoueshunter]

I've got these.  They've been great so far.  Super light, lock tight, durable, but expensive.  I know some people prefer the adjustable length poles. But I use these going both up and down hill a lot and find the fixed length to work just fine for me.   

http://www.rei.com/product/877683/black-diamond-distance-carbon-z-pole-trekking-poles-pair

These only weigh 10 oz. for the pair.

[mburrows]

My Leki Cristallo's have held up great and work well.

[BeWitty]

Black Diamond Z-poles.

[pianoman9701]

I got a pair of carbon ones at Costco because the aluminum ones make too much clanking noise. The feet wore out really fast. Now, I just have the round end and it's wearing ok. They were cheap for carbon, like $25/pair.

I have a bad hip and I'm getting older. The sticks have an amazing effect on my stamina in the woods. They're especially helpful going downhill with a heavy load.

[coachcw]

leki

[Karl Blanchard]

Trekking poles LITERALLY NEVER leave my pack.  Single best item in my pack.  I have broken quite a few pairs but my current black diamonds have held up well, under some heavy weight.  Get a good quality pair that compresses short and my personal preference is a flip lock style.  Had way too many failures with the twist locks.  Also I do prefer cork grips over foam but my current poles are foam.  Foam seems to rub my hands after a while.

[WAnoob]

Use my black diamond all the time.  Take them backcountry hunting or packing out moose when it helps alleviates pressure off my bad knees going down hills and giving you extra umph to make it up the steep parts.  I don't have the shock absorbing ones and I have never had a problem.  I've seen many debates on sheep hunting threads where people argue over black diamond or leki, either one and I'm sure you would be fine.

I agree about the flip lock and cork handles.  My current pair has foam handles and they are kind of uncomfortable without thin gloves on.

[Bean Counter]

I bought the cheapest brand at REI for my wife and I. They're going strong for more than 10 years now. They are the plastic grip and twist lock. I thought the twist lock mechanism was broke earlier this year but all I had to do was finagle it and its fixed. Just did some hiking on them.

[jbeaumont21]

Bought this one for $18 bucks and its been great for the past 4 seasons.  Used it as a gun rest to shoot my elk this year. 

http://store.sluicemagnet.net/Meteorite-Hiking-Trekking-Pole-with-rifle-rest-2501.htm

[Skyvalhunter]

Owned several different pairs. Currently have the Black Diamond carbon fiber. While they are tough they are not indestructable.

[coachcw]

find ones that your hand fits over the top well . some are urgo and dig into your palms when your bearing down . rounded off are better 

[jackelope]

I've got these and so far, so good. Easton Carbon Hike 3. Very lightweight and very durable.

http://eastonoutfitters.com/product/hike-carbon-3/

[Karl Blanchard]

find ones that your hand fits over the top well . some are urgo and dig into your palms when your bearing down . rounded off are better 

Good point!  Anytime I am descending with weight I am out of my straps and I'm paling the top of the pole's so I can really put weight on them.