Folding vs. Regular Trekking Poles?

[CjMelendrez]

So I messed up and lost my trekking poles on my last hunt....

Now I am in the market for something new. I had an older model of Kelty carbon poles that they no longer make and I loved them.

My question is, do you guys have any experience with the folding models similar to this?

LEKI USA - Makalu FX Carbon AS - Trekking Poles - 4th of July Sale - LEKI USA

LEKI USA - Makalu FX Carbon AS - Trekking Poles

lekiusa.com

or do you still prefer the standard telescoping models like below?

LEKI USA - Black Series Carbon - Trekking Poles - All Season Poles - LEKI USA

LEKI USA - Black Series Carbon - Trekking Poles

lekiusa.com

Cork Handle Hunting Trekking Poles, Backcountry ELITE | PEAX Equipment

Our most versatile and feature rich hunting trekking pole, the BACKCOUNTRY ELITE Cork hunting trekking poles are designed specifically for the backcountry hunter. Have the confidence needed to take on whatever terrain you find yourself in and Thrive On The Mountain™ with the BACKCOUNTRY ELITE...

www.peaxequipment.com

I want carbon, or a carbon hybrid with an aluminum lower. I don't weight enough to worry about snapping carbon, and I'm not chasing animals in sheep and goat country.

I'm also open to pole recommendations. I've seen a lot of guys talk about Cascade Mountain tech poles for example and I'll look into those as well.

Thanks!

 

[P Carter]

I have a set of folding poles and a set of telescoping poles.

The folding poles are best for running/hiking. They are very stowable; much more "solid" in use (no rattles, less flex, less reverberation); quicker to deploy (no need to adjust length every time you pull them out); and much lighter.

However, you can't use them to support a shelter or for glassing. (Sidenote: the wiser precision sparrow is awesome).

When I shift away from the folders to the telescopers, I get very annoyed at first but get used to them quickly.

If you want the secondary uses, I'd stick with the telescoping poles. If you're just using for hiking, the folding ones are great.

I have the Black Diamond Z distance, in aluminum, as the folders and the Black Ovis carbon as the telescopers.

For what it's worth, for me it was worthwhile to spend a few bit of time experimenting with using the poles in various scenarios. It seems dumb, but some consideration of technique was quite helpful.

 

[CjMelendrez]

I had the Wiser Quick-stix mounts on my previous poles and plan on putting those on my next pair as well. Leaning towards the telescoping poles because of this, but wanted to explore other options.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Matt5266]

I have had a pair of cascade mountain techs for years and they have been fine. I also have the wiser quick stix on them too. Personally I dont see what I would benefit by paying hundreds for a pair over these

 

[CjMelendrez]

I have had a pair of cascade mountain techs for years and they have been fine. I also have the wiser quick stix on them too. Personally I dont see what I would benefit by paying hundreds for a pair over these

sure makes sense!

 

[199p]

I had a mate that brought some cheap ones from china and they slipped in together like tent poles.

Worked great until the foot got caught up and the poles pulled out and he went down hard, One of the funniest things i have seen,
Then to make it even better he was jammed between a couple of rocks and was stuck on his back like a turtle.

Wish i got a photo

 

[CjMelendrez]

I had a mate that brought some cheap ones from china and they slipped in together like tent poles.

Worked great until the foot got caught up and the poles pulled out and he went down hard, One of the funniest things i have seen,
Then to make it even better he was jammed between a couple of rocks and was stuck on his back like a turtle.

Wish i got a photo

yea.... never go full turtle

 

[MuleyFever]

I like adjustable ones because depending on the terrain I like to adjust the length. Longer helps more going down hill and shorter makes them better for steep climbs.

 

[Poser]

Telescop are way more versatile. As mentioned above, you can use them at different lengths for side hilling. You can also use them as a variable length bipod.

I like the Peak's design with aluminum as the bottom pole. They also sale replacement sections for their poles. Full carbon poles just aren't burly enough for mountain hunting.

 

[CjMelendrez]

Telescop are way more versatile. As mentioned above, you can use them at different lengths for side hilling. You can also use them as a variable length bipod.

I like the Peak's design with aluminum as the bottom pole. They also sale replacement sections for their poles. Full carbon poles just aren't burly enough for mountain hunting.

that's a good point about being able to buy lower sections.

 

[tttoadman]

I bought a pair of Leki folders with the length adjustment. They seem fine when I have used them, but I found them to rattle at the joints a little. My Leki telescopes are workhorses that are over ten years old. I carved down the rubber on one of the ends so I can invert and put that end inside the other pole to make a tall tent pole with the handles on each end.

 

[Ditt44]

Telescoping. Just feel more stable for rough work.
Cascades + Wiser is hard to beat.

 

[mtnbound]

I have used the Sissy Sticks from Peax and they have held up incredible well. Would buy them again. https://www.peaxequipment.com/produ...7r4_6kV1F1UpmlliVtBJ_kUj1bLxko9saArsQEALw_wcB

 

[mtnbiker208]

folders you can hide in a pack and the horse won't think it is a whip.

 

[AKsam]

I like the MSR DynaLock Ascent poles. Fold down small, but also have height adjustment. Telescoping section has held pretty good for me. Pricey, but have lasted for years.

DynaLock™ Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles | Ascent Series | MSR

A leader in outdoor equipment innovation, MSR is dedicated to engineering high-quality stoves, tents, water filters, snowshoes and more to help people worldwide unlock their greatest adventures.

www.msrgear.com