Trekking poles; gimmick or gear?

[JDMBEND]

Game changing Gear.

 

[ridgefire]

I was a big skeptic until I tried them and now I have them in my pack at all times when hunting. They are in my pack unless I'm packing meat, its dark out or I am putting on miles and not in hunt mode. I tried the Walmart ones but then bought the ones from Costco and the Costco ones are much better quality.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

ESSENTIAL gear for me. Saved my butt coming off mountain trying to make it to trailhead or cell service for check in countless times, tired from long trail day and pushing too fast or poor light and stumble. I seem to kick into stones with my left foot when super tired—and they have saved my bacon at least a few times a year. my current poles have well over 1200 miles from past three years And so far still going—granted they did just get a new pair of shoes.

 

[Oscarhunt]

Another vote for essential gear. I move faster through steeper elevations both up and down. Hands don't swell. My favorite solo shelter sets up with them to boot.

 

[LoneStar]

Anyone tried the Stealth Pod X? I plan on getting some for this fall's hunt, unless I hear some poor reviews. Seems like these would take the place of 3 items that I am having to carry and that can't be a bad thing.

 

[KurtR]

One of the best investments I have made gear wise

 

[Sell33]

Well...I didn’t have to read much of this to add another item to my list. Off to research...

 

[AK Troutbum]

Well...I didn’t have to read much of this to add another item to my list. Off to research...

Don’t sweat it. Drop $30 on the Cascade Mountain Techs at Costco and be done with it. It’ll be one of the best, cheap, investments you’ll ever make.


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[Sell33]

Don’t sweat it. Drop $30 on the Cascade Mountain Techs at Costco and be done with it. It’ll be one of the best, cheap, investments you’ll ever make.


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thanks, I will definitely look into those

 

[Broomd]

Way beyond 'gear'. Poles are essential safety equipment.

 

[grizz19]

100% gear. Used to make fun of them honestly then I used them once. Haven’t went on a hike without them since except the few times I forgot them at home.

 

[rickywhit]

Trekking poles are amazing and in my opinion it's a piece of gear you should always carry. They really help balance out the weight and spread the fatigue your body feels.

Another great thing about trekking poles is that they can be part of your sleep system if include a tarp and guide lines.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Don’t sweat it. Drop $30 on the Cascade Mountain Techs at Costco and be done with it. It’ll be one of the best, cheap, investments you’ll ever make.


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A partner broke both of those poles on the same hunt. They use inferior carbon fiber, obviously for the price. I wouldn’t risk using them in the mountains. I’ve never seen a Black Diamond carbon pole break however.


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[Marbles]

I like the Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles. They have held up well for me. Telescoping poles are nice because you can adjust length depending on terrain.

 

[fwafwow]

Don’t sweat it. Drop $30 on the Cascade Mountain Techs at Costco and be done with it. It’ll be one of the best, cheap, investments you’ll ever make.


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^^^ this! I usually research everything, repeatedly, and end up often buying at or towards the highest end of the spectrum ("buy once, cry once" - like Stratosphere tent, Katabatic quilt, etc.) - but I decided on the Cascade Mountain Techs 3k carbon fiber for $60 on Amazon. They were huge in a horrible 12 mile hike to get out of the backcountry. Gear for sure.

 

[pdmich]

Gear. Plus if you combine them with a tarp tent they run double duty. Especially worth with a heavy packout.

 

[shooterrdy]

With a Loaded heavy pack and they are priceless

 

[Wassid82]

definitely one of my best gear upgrades.

 

[Conrad101st]

Carry an elk ham down through dark timber and the answer will be self evident

 

[hbc07]

For the costco poles, i've only ever seen them in the double pack. How often are they in the single pack? I only need 2, not 4.