Trekking poles

[Shawn Ryan]

Thanks to couesbitten, I picked up a pair of carbon fiber, flip lock, cork handle poles at Costco. $30.  Great price, now to see how they hold up.

[lonedave]

I used the same ones when we hiked on Sunday.  It was actually the first time I've ever used trekking poles.  I figured for $30, I'd give them a try.  I think I see why people like them!

[Shawn Ryan]

That is too funny. Thanks for the hike Sunday. Good to meet you.

[grundy53]

I'm going to have to swing by Costco and buy a pair. Thanks for the heads up.

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[Skyvalhunter]

Be very weary of the Costco ones as they are sub par carbon fiber and will splinter and break. Just like most things you get what you pay for.

[Bushcraft]

Be very weary of the Costco ones as they are sub par carbon fiber and will splinter and break. Just like most things you get what you pay for.

Yep.  I'm a long time convert for 4 wheel drive in the backcountry.  My favorites for a long time were the Leki Ti Makula (sp?).  I eventually made the switch to carbon Eastons with flip locks.

[Shawn Ryan]

Be very weary of the Costco ones as they are sub par carbon fiber and will splinter and break. Just like most things you get what you pay for.

Agreed.  They will get vetted before they make any serious trips.

I've never thought I'd use a pair for many reasons, but for $30, I figured I would see if a pair should be included on future trips.

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[actionshooter]

Shawn, Let us know what you think......I'm due for a new pr.

[shoot2miss]

The Costco's are fine for an occasional training hike, but don't hold up to serious backcountry use.  Mine snapped after a few months.

[Jonathan_S]

If going cheap - buy cheap aluminum.  Not carbon 

[Shawn Ryan]

The Costco's are fine for an occasional training hike, but don't hold up to serious backcountry use.  Mine snapped after a few months.

What made them snap?  During regular use, fall, caught you from falling, pushing off, extra heavy load, keeping griz at a distance, etc.?

[Shawn Ryan]

Anyone have experience with folding poles (Leki or Black Diamond)?

[Utah]

Black Diamond or Easton for me.  This last fall my Easton saved me from a fall with a heavy load.  I actually screamed(like a manly man) as I watched my Easton bend beyond bent.  I fully expected to be killed by shrapnel as it exploded.  To my surprise not only did it keep me upright(thank god) but it was not broken.  I'm not sure a Black Diamond would of even survived.  It was just a bad deal gone right thanks to a seriously tough trekking pole.  I'm 6-1 230 pounds and had nearly 3/4's of a boned out buck heading down a route I should have never been on.  Neither have failed me...  Only two brands I trust. 

[steeliedrew]

I picked up the Leki Micro Vario Ti poles. I like them a lot! one of them will be used each night to pitch my Kuiu 1 man tent also so they're multi purpose which I like.  Also, to get into my elk area I have to wade across a river so no more searching for a wading staff (tree branch) on the ground to navigate the swift current. 

To those on the fence about trekking poles, all I can say is that they are an absolute game changer when hiking in and out. 

[MtnMuley]

I'd recommend trying several poles before you buy if that's possible. While the Leki Micro Vario Ti poles are top of the line, they bend too much for my liking. I've owned several and really like the MSR aluminum thick shaft poles. I can't remember the model off the top of my head. They weigh a small bit more, but are very sturdy when hauling big loads is rugged country. I personally don't like shock absorbing poles when hauling heavy loads.