Trekking Poles

[SteveCNJ]

When I was younger and I saw people hiking with trekking poles I would shake my head (especially level country). Recently I've seen and read a that a lot of guys swear by them, especially when packing out game. Now that I'm in my 60's I'm paying attention. Does anyone have recommendations to bring out west for elk/muley hunts?

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[idahohikker]

Black Diamond 2 Piece Set is very nice. It's the most bombproof I found from my research. Make sure you get the flick locks. Trekking poles are awesome!

 

[Chad.frank]

When I was younger and I saw people hiking with trekking poles I would shake my head (especially level country). Recently I've seen and read a that a lot of guys swear by them, especially when packing out game. Now that I'm in my 60's I'm paying attention. Does anyone have recommendations to bring out west for elk/muley hunts?

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I used Leki voyager poles this last year in Idaho, they are a twist lock and stayed in place 100%. I got them off amazon and they worked great. Unfortunately like anything you will have to try some to see what you like best.


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[cardbender1]

Trekking poles are great, I'm 55, been using them for 6 years, take a lot of pressure off your knees, especially down hill.
They keep you less likely to fall because of the extra contact point with the ground.
I Never head to mountains without them.

 

[Blacktail_Packer]

Cascade mountain tech. From Costco or amazon, cork grips. I haven’t ordered mine but, I’ve used poles b4. Current set are a cheap twist lock pair that I fight ever time I try to adjust them. You’ll read a lot of good stuff in the gear section on the cascade poles though.

 

[tttoadman]

Trekking poles are great, I'm 55, been using them for 6 years, take a lot of pressure off your knees, especially down hill.
They keep you less likely to fall because of the extra contact point with the ground.
I Never head to mountains without them.

I will second the stability. Stumbling when you're tired can happen easily. The poles are one of the biggest things that helps me hunt hard and stay in the woods longer.

 

[*zap*]

I always use trekking poles when hiking, even trail hiking. I recommend them. Lots of good ones available, I like cork grips and removable octopus heads so I can get away from the points if I do not need to use them.

 

[Drop Tines]

Oh man love trekking poles! Don’t leave home without them! Twice I’ve forgotten them on my way hunting so I’ll stop by the ol’ Walmart and snag a set for the weekend.


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[Fullfan]

I took a set I bought at Walmart last year, cost me 16.00 and served me fine. They helped me a bunch, broken hip, broken pelvis, leg in 13 places and a TKR with only 90deg of flexibility all resulting from a car crash. I was glad that I had them with me..

 

[SteveCNJ]

I took a set I bought at Walmart last year, cost me 16.00 and served me fine. They helped me a bunch, broken hip, broken pelvis, leg in 13 places and a TKR with only 90deg of flexibility all resulting from a car crash. I was glad that I had them with me..

Glad you are well to again follow your passion

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[Sekora]

I am 41 and just bought my first set. I went for the Cascades after reading all the good reviews here. I had a brain tumor removed in November and had to learn to walk again. I am on my feet now but not real stable. The trekking poles help me walk on uneven ground tremendously and I can now take short walks in the woods to check a trail cam. I purchased them for two reasons: First to help me walk now and let me do more normal activities sooner. Second to have a set for future elk hunts that I will be doing when I get better. So far I'm extremely happy with my purchase and I can see how they will be a great piece of gear for a backcountry hunter.

 

[nebhunt]

I have been using trekking poles for the last 10 years out elk hunting. Started off using the cheaper ones that worked ok but about 4 years ago purchased the Black Diamond poles. They are the two piece with the flip lock. They have saved my knees from the stress and pounding while packing out. I also feel more confident stepping over a log on a side hill trail with a pack full of meat while using the poles to keep balance.

 

[Fridaythe13th]

Borrowed the wife's ski poles last year, didnt do a darn thing for me. Useless extra weight, pain in the a$$ to carry. Never bringing again. I was told it was like having 4 wheel drive but it was more like pulling a trailer. Imo

 

[Blakes]

I have a pair of carbon Komperdell poles that are always attached to my pack. When packing out an animal they are well worth the miles of carrying them around!

 

[Newtosavage]

Borrowed the wife's ski poles last year, didnt do a darn thing for me. Useless extra weight, pain in the a$$ to carry. Never bringing again. I was told it was like having 4 wheel drive but it was more like pulling a trailer. Imo

I would feel the same way about ski poles.

My trekking poles are about 1/3 the weight of ski poles, collapse to under 20" and I never notice them on my pack until I need them.

 

[idahohikker]

+1 on Savage's comment. I suspect that you haven't got the rhythm down with poles also. They feel goofy in hand for a while until you get used to them and learn how to make them work efficiently.

 

[LaGriz]

Have utilized a walking stick while packing meat, but have resisted carrying trekking pools until now. Are the carbon poles quieter compared to the aluminum? I have a cheep aluminum (no flip locks- plastic grips- too shinny - & maybe too loud ) set my Mom gave me 10 years ago and have never found a situation to use them. In 2017 I used a gun bearer system for the 1st time and a bamboo walking stick. I did like the added balance the one walking stick provided. It took a while to get used to the gun bearer than left my hands free to glass or handle a camera. I see myself using this system more while rifle hunting. Not sure about while hunting with a bow. Beyond the obvious advantage when packing out a load of meat, I'm not sold that they won't get in the way. I can envision there use in the dark with your weapon strapped to your pack while hiking in. What do you guys who use them typically do when walking thru timber or a place where quick action might be needed? Do they get tucked away for the most part while hunting? Are the guys that utilize them in rigging a shelter mostly using them because they perform a dual purpose? Maybe you are just that more successful and pack meat more often that I do. LOL!
LaGriz

 

[idahohikker]

They easily go in your pack when not using them, either while you're glassing or stilll hunting timber. When you're hiking, the poles are super helpful especially uphill and downhill.

 

[Newtosavage]

They easily go in your pack when not using them, either while you're glassing or stilll hunting timber. When you're hiking, the poles are super helpful especially uphill and downhill.

I probably don't use mine as much as some folks do, but I want them if I'm packing meat, or just a heavy load in steep country. If am working slowly through an area I expect to see game, they are strapped to my pack.

 

[Blacktail_Packer]

Borrowed the wife's ski poles last year, didnt do a darn thing for me. Useless extra weight, pain in the a$$ to carry. Never bringing again. I was told it was like having 4 wheel drive but it was more like pulling a trailer. Imo

We’re they even long enough or were you using them stilts for an ape?