Trekking poles, are they really that useful?

[sk1]

Just don't let Elknut know you are using them, he thinks we are all wimps for using them

i do just fine without them, im tall and athletic and feel i do pretty well....but the thought of really powering up a mountainside being able to use my upper body strength as well is really appealing.....especially when there is snow

I do well without them too, but you won't do as well when packing out 120 lbs or making an ascent in record time.....I promise!

 

[Broken Arrow]

YES! Simple and to the point even the cheap outdoor product ones I have

 

[Shane Wright]

I have never used them before. It's kind of funny that I got a set of Black Diamonds from my mom for Christmas, and a set of Leki's from my wife for Christmas this year. I thought about sending one set back, but decided what the heck, might as well try them both out. I'm looking forward to seeing how they work.

 

[barmar65]

What is a good affordable set of trekking poles. my budget is getting kinda strained gearing up for my hunt.

 

[Nick Muche]

Depends what you want, but figure about $100-$150 for a good set that will last you a long time!

 

[luke moffat]

While not the lightest and certainly not in cool carbon or something Becca and I have each used a pair of these through A LOT of miles and packed a lot of weight out with these. For $45 they are certainly a bargin IMO. No need for $100 trekking poles when these do just as well.

http://www.backcountryedge.com/black_diamond-trail-09.aspx

 

[barmar65]

thanks luke , I just order a pair. Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Flattop]

Hey Luke how do these work as your center pole if they only extend to 55"

 

[IAHNTR]

Hey Luke how do these work as your center pole if they only extend to 55"

You can take a section out of one pole and put it on the end of the other pole.

And, I just ordered a set. Thanks Luke!

 

[bbrown]

Thanks for the link Luke - just ordered me a set.

 

[cmeier117]

My dad got some at Costco for $25 I think. They work well for him so far and I was impressed with them for the price.

 

[luke moffat]

Hey Luke how do these work as your center pole if they only extend to 55"

Here ya go man. Here is some stud explaining it in this video WAY better than I could typing it out....

[video=vimeo;40135925]http://vimeo.com/40135925[/video]

 

[sk1]

Luke I also purchased those trekking poles you mentioned thanks for the tip I will have them Friday....was going to purchase much more expensive ones but if those work that's good enough for me

 

[luke moffat]

Luke I also purchased those trekking poles you mentioned thanks for the tip I will have them Friday....was going to purchase much more expensive ones but if those work that's good enough for me

Right on man. They have worked for Becca and I for quite a while now, many miles, seasons, and animals packed out with these things. Might not work for everyone but they sure work well for me. One of the the added expenses of having your wife and your #1 hunting partner means everything you buy is twice as expensive as you have to buy 2 of everything, thus when we find stuff that works well for half price it is awesome!!

 

[dotman]

Always look for deals, I picked my poles up for $80 shipped from backcountry edge and everywhere else was selling them for $120-$130. Coupons and sales are awesome.

 

[dotman]

Here is what I picked up for $80 http://www.backcountryedge.com/leki-corklite-aergon-speedlock.aspx

 

[Flattop]

Thanks Luke for that video showing how to use the trekking poles, Thats how I'll be setting up my SL 5

 

[rye_a]

For those with twist rather than flick lock ing poles, here's what I use. It includes one 18" section of tubular webbing and two heavy duty pieces of velcro. I put the tubular webbing over the tips of my poles, then wrap the webbing and poles in velcro just in front of where the baskets would go. This creates a very sturdy coupling.

 

[bbrown]

Just recieved the BD poles that Luke had posted and I am impressed so far. Seem like the best bang for the buck from what I have seen but I will use them this weekend and see after that.

 

[IAHNTR]

I got those poles too Brian. And yes, they do seem like they fit the bill nicely. Especially the price Thanks again Luke!!