Trekking Poles - Fixed or Adjustable?

[Bob]

What are the advantages/disadvantages and opinions for a backcountry beginner?

Was looking at the Ultra Distance Z-pole, but started thinking about being able to adjust for terrain...any suggestions?

 

[colonel00]

I like adjustable for a few reasons. Aside from adjusting for terrain as you mention, having adjustable poles allows me to pitch shelters at varying heights.

 

[justinspicher]

When I was first starting out I used old ski poles that aren't adjustable. They worked to get me through the first few years, but then I discovered adjustable poles and it made side hill walking and down hill walking much easier. Once I started to use tarps, adjustable poles made it much easier as well.

 

[AK Troutbum]

^^ What these guys have said.

 

[boom]

i lengthen my poles on brutal downhills. helps me balance as i reach down for that third point of contact.

steep soul sucking uphills. a slightly shorter pole helps me poke my way up. decent tricep workout.

 

[brewer427]

I have several friends using these poles and love em. You can find them brand knew on eBay pretty cheap.
blackdiamondequipment.com/en/trekking-poles/trail-back-trekking-pole-BD1121560000ALL1.html#start=10

 

[mrbillbrown]

I've only used adjustable poles but in my limited experience... My set of poles with "flick-locks" are 10x easier to use (adjust, reposition, etc.) than my poles with "twist-locks".

 

[arthurvino]

Adjustable all the way. Leki

 

[marc]

I only carry the set poles unless I have snowshoes on. I only use 1 and only on downhills to save the knees.

 

[BroodBuster]

I've used the UD Z-Poles for a few years now and really like them. I typically only use one pole while hiking and like how the second one disappears in a side pocket.

If buying new though I'd probably get the adjustable ones for the reasons described above. And yes mine are too short for my Supertarp but I've always been able to find a rock and make it work. Thus I won't be changing any time soon.

 

[Biggs300]

I definitely suggest adjustable poles. If I'm carrying a load while backpacking, I use two poles. If I'm hiking, I only use one, and I extend it to the length that best fits the terrain.

 

[luke moffat]

I have used both used adjustable and non adjustable trekking poles. I prefer adustable all the way. Yes a bit heavier than standard. However, since I can use them as a center pole for my tipi instead of a designated center pole, that more than makes up for the weight savings. Used Black Diamond trailbacks as an inexpensive option for 4-5 years. But a couple have slight bends in them and don't slide in and out as easy as they used to due to grime build up over the years and bends put in them from both using them as a center pole and caught in rocks and pushed on and pulled on hard with having a heavy load on. They'll still work though.

That said I recently picked up a set of the Easton trekking poles from Sierra trading post:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~easton/?perPage=24

I really like them as tightening and loosening the tighteness of the flick lock can be done without a screwdriver like is required with the Black diamonds. Which is nice when you want the clamp the sections between two trekking poles together to make a center pole for your shelter. Plus they feel MUCH stouter than the trail backs. Once you cut off the overly huge and heavy wrist straps there is less than an oz difference between the Trailbacks and the Easton poles and you end up with a much stronger pole IMO. I liked them so much I ordered a second pair so Becca and I can each use a set.

Right now with the 35% of coupon code you can pick them up for $32 plus shipping. A heck of a bargain if you don't mind a bit extra weight for a stout pole.

 

[Bob]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help!