Trekking poles

[Zeroforhire]

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.

I have the opposite experience. Mine have taken a beating and keep on tickin. I've heard that komperdell makes them for Costco.

[CementFinisher]

MSR Talus TR-3 Trekking Poles. strong not crazy heavy and easy to use

[Bean Counter]

I bought  REI-branded trekking pole set for my wife and I about 10 years ago and they're still awesome. There's a brand name "Kompressor" somewhere on them, as if that's who really made them.  I think they were $50ish?

[davk]

I have been using a pair of Leki trekking poles that I got from Sierra Trading Post for 60$ for 2? years now.  Nothing fancy.  Aluminum, twistlock.  Saved my bacon a few times.  Couple times I thought I had bent them for sure.  One of my knees is pretty worn out from running track, so taking some stress off of my knees will hopefully keep me in the woods longer.  They are a huge help to keep stability downhill and for stream crossings/log crossings(especially with weight).  I also tend to use them often for setting up camp.  Was up high in the mountains in deep snow w/high winds.  The stake on my vestibule wouldnt stay and I didnt want to backtrack to get a piece of wood.  So I jammed my trekking pole into the snow and tied my vestibule to it.  Held all night.

[rosscrazyelk]

I have never had an issue with my costco poles.  For the price you can't beat them in my opinion.  I have the older twist locks.  Would like the new ones but not till mine break.  And not that I would do it but you can always get a full refund if they break.

[pianoman9701]

I have a bad hip and couldn't walk at all in the woods without them. I got the same COSTCO poles. The only complaint I have is there's a pointy piece of metal on the bottom under the rubber foot and it wears through fairly fast.

[Fl0und3rz]

I thought the rubber foot (removable?) is supposed to be for concrete walking, whereas the hard metal tip (high carbon steel?) is useful for digging into things like blowdowns and rocky terrain.

If you're getting trekking poles, spend the extra few bucks for snow baskets if they don't come included.  They are great for late season in the snow and are indispensable with snowshoes.

[pianoman9701]

I did not know that. Makes sense. Thanks.

[branches]

When the hiking pole tips get worn down I use a file to re sharpen them.

[rosscrazyelk]

My poles came with multiple caps for the tip. Besides the basket. There was a curved cap for walking on cement I guess.  A regular cover then you pull them off for the metal point.

[Shawn Ryan]

So, I've used the Costco poles a few times with a weighted pack and while trail running.  No negative issues. No broken poles.  Cork handles stay dry. Flip locks work as designed.  Read some other good reports on the same poles on Rokslide.  (Am I allowed to mention another forum? Does that make me polyamorous? Or just polyforumous? I digress.)

[Shawn Ryan]

Update:  poles are doing great, no issues. About 75 miles of backpacking; one 13.5 mile run; and many training hikes, runs, and weighted pack climbs.

[JDHasty]

Costco Tacoma has ~ 10 pair of the cork grip  flip lock carbon fiber ones left @ $29.95   They will be pulling them w/in the next couple days if there are any left. 

[luvmystang67]

I like my Leki poles.. fiancee has some too.  Check sierra trading post for good deals on them.

[MtnMuley]

With all the reviews and positive things I've heard about the Costco poles, I'd recommend looking into them too. Biggest fear would be a failure on a trip where a failure would be unacceptable.