Trekking Poles

[glockman19]

I'm looking at getting a pair of Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles.

Anyone have a pair of trekking poles they like? I want light and compact.

Thanks

[Librarian]

We just used REI Copper Powerlocks (marked 'made in Austria by Komperdell') on a trip. Fit in a suitcase, sort of fit in a backpack (down the hydration pocket of an old Jansport).

We used them singly; my wife liked hers a lot, and used it a lot more than I did. Stairs and ramps and such, no actual climbing or steep/steepish hills.

And, IIRC, about $30 cheaper than the Black Diamonds.

[CV62]

I have these http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kom...-pair~p~5365h/. Used it for 2 years doing beach/trail hikes. Nothing fancy but durable enough.

[Loneranger49]

Not sure of the brand but the use of trekking poles is very useful especially if you can not run up hills like an 11 y/o! Just get them adjustable and light. REI has a lot to look at! I like the straight handle as opposed to the canted angles!

[ElvenSoul]

If your using for first time just try the Walmart ones out to see if it works for you.

[RandyD]

I am in my 50's so I decided to use trekking poles to help my knees. I have Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles. I like how they collapse into about a foot long pole for easy storage in a pack, and they double as shooting sticks.

[glockman19]

I am in my 50's so I decided to use trekking poles to help my knees. I have Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles. I like how they collapse into about a foot long pole for easy storage in a pack, and they double as shooting sticks.

This is EXACTLY what I want to hear. I too am in my early 50's and after slipping on a rock crossing a creek at the end of Deer hunting season and pulling my left calf, I am looking for some extra stability.

I was also wondering about a secondary use as a shooting stick.

Thanks for the confirmation.

[Californio]

I bought a pair at Costco, $22.00 after instant rebate, carbon fiber, plastic locks, but use them every morning, walking the dogs on steep trails. They have held up just fine, much cheaper than REI.

[Cummins_Powered]

This is EXACTLY what I want to hear. I too am in my early 50's and after slipping on a rock crossing a creek at the end of Deer hunting season and pulling my left calf, I am looking for some extra stability.

I was also wondering about a secondary use as a shooting stick.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Hell I am in my late 20s and I love using trekking poles. the extra stability is great. plus i find that they take a good bit of strain off the knees and quads when going up or down hill. When my legs start getting tired i just put some more weight into the poles and use my arms.

I have a collapsible set from REI. Made by black diamond. I highly recommend them. Also, you get what you pay for, the more you spend the better quality materials you will get (ie much lighter weight and strength)

[echo1]

I've always hiked/packed with a staff. These days I use trekking poles, either fixed length, or a Costco shocked pair. Helps all kinds when you're not as sure footed as you once were. PAX

[riprap]

Anybody use their trekking poles also as poles for tarp camping? What make are they, what tarp configuration, and how do they work?

[KevinA]

Just my 0.02, I sometimes regret getting the shock resistant ones that are spring loaded and wish I just got the regular solid poles or a staff. The spring loaded shock resistant ones offer less stability, and I usually have a dog on a leash in one hand and trekking poles are not meant to be leaned on, just for balance. A hiking staff is meant to put weight on. I like the cork grip ones. It really is about what you are going to use it for and how much you are willing to spend. You can get by with a stick you find on the ground and be happy really, or if you are going backpacking and want lightweight high tech, you could spend $100 and be happy too.

[glockman19]

Anybody use their trekking poles also as poles for tarp camping? What make are they, what tarp configuration, and how do they work?

I want to try this. I have a ENO Pro Rain Fly and House Fly and intend on using the trekking pokes as supports.

Just my 0.02, I sometimes regret getting the shock resistant ones that are spring loaded and wish I just got the regular solid poles or a staff. The spring loaded shock resistant ones offer less stability, and I usually have a dog on a leash in one hand and trekking poles are not meant to be leaned on, just for balance. A hiking staff is meant to put weight on. I like the cork grip ones. It really is about what you are going to use it for and how much you are willing to spend. You can get by with a stick you find on the ground and be happy really, or if you are going backpacking and want lightweight high tech, you could spend $100 and be happy too.

I plan on getting solid poles. I too have used a branch and have one I've been carving out of White Oak I found at the beach. It's just to heavy and long for hiking or backpacking.

[echo1]

Ski poles are cheap at thrift stores and work good too. PAX

[NapalmCheese]

Trekking poles are nice. I like my Black Diamonds (years old, don't remember which ones they are).

After a couple of knee surgeries, I like them even more! I use them on the way up until it's time to switch to an axe, and use them on the way down once I start getting really tired and my coordination leaves something to be desired.

I meant to use them in WY while hunting this year but ended up leaving them in the cabin all season, though I do have a decent method of using them as shooting sticks.