Best light trekking poles?

[twall13]

I actually found an entire trekking pole hanging in a tree by the hand strap 2 years ago.

Several years ago I lost a pair of the S&S trekking poles that are probably still hanging in the brush on the mountain. I know the area I lost them within 1/4 mile but haven't been motivated enough to try and wander around in that nasty brush to try and find them. There's a reason I lost not just one but both of them. Maybe if I'd carried them handles down in the pack as mtwarden suggests they would have been okay but that was some nasty stuff to bust through.

 

[Trackselk]

I use a stick like the OP.

I am getting old and worn out. I need two sticks now. I can't go downhill without doing the side shuffle. WTF happened after 50 yo ?

Some heavy weights might help the knees, sure helped mine at heavily worn at 46...

 

[CMF]

I haven't found one better than Fizan, 5.6oz, $70 on Amazon.
I used them for a month of sheep hunting in steep country, including some falls that I expected to have a bent pole after, but they are still good to go. They're also slick and pull in/out of the pack easy.

 

[Trackselk]

Basic Aluminum BD ones used off of ebay keep me going. They are tough but not super light. But, I never carry them on my pack so it doesn't bother me. That device that links them together (quick stix?) is amazing, and makes a great bipod for glassing and frees up one hand when you need it.

 

[Trackselk]

I haven't found one better than Fizan, 5.6oz, $70 on Amazon.
I used them for a month of sheep hunting in steep country, including some falls that I expected to have a bent pole after, but they are still good to go. They're also slick and pull in/out of the pack easy.
View attachment 998880

I've snapped a lot of ultralight poles, but if you carry them on your pack a lot it isn't hard to use a stick to get down the mtn in the event of a break. If you never have them in the pack, like me, the weight doesn't matter much, my arms never notice.
Snapping the ultralights can get really expensive. I finally got tired of replacing $30+ sections

 

[ProRoad]

I bought some of the cheaper Cascade Mtn poles this year at Sportsmans and it is a game changer for stability. I would like to get some higher quality poles when I can but I will never go back to no poles. The stability we have in our youth is taken for granted and trekking poles bring much of that back. In training, it's also a great strength enhancer for the arms and shoulders.

 

[twall13]

I am a fan of Durston gear but his poles have some issues. They look great but I don't think they would survive a backcountry mountain hunt. I use BD alpine cork....heavier but have survived a shitload of others I've tried.
This video starts out with his failure of the Iceline poles.

Randy

I just watched this video. Super disappointing as I was hoping to get some of these for my next poles. He essentially had three failures on those poles over the course of one trip. I liked the idea of them and I think they had some clever design elements to reduce weight, but they clearly need more work to be something I'd want to rely on.

On another note from this video, it looks like the new Sawyer Mini filters might be worth a shot. I gave up on them years ago but maybe it's worth picking another up to try out.

Anyway, back to trekking pole talk. I've been using some Black Diamond Carbon Z poles, (I forget which exact model) the last few years with pretty good success. I really like how compact they can get. Only issue I've had was my own fault and not really pole related so much as I wished I had a different style to use with my sleep system and make up for something I forgot to pack.

 

[betelgeuse]

Thinking out loud here. I used to use a ski pole for a wading staff. I wonder if they would work good, being one piece ?

I also thought about making a set out of Tonkin cane. Not portable but would be strong

 

[Trackselk]

Thinking out loud here. I used to use a ski pole for a wading staff. I wonder if they would work good, being one piece ?

I also thought about making a set out of Tonkin cane. Not portable but would be strong

They can be good, just cut the baskets off for the brush