Trekking Poles

[Finch]

What do you guys think of these trekking poles? I wasn't planning on buying any but EVERYONE seems to recommend them! I don't think they'd be a REAL necessity unless hauling out some meat.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P35JJ2...olid=3VJL8YC6ESA57&coliid=IWMTUS4BZ19EE&psc=1

 

[twall13]

What do you guys think of these trekking poles? I wasn't planning on buying any but EVERYONE seems to recommend them! I don't think they'd be a REAL necessity unless hauling out some meat.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P35JJ2...olid=3VJL8YC6ESA57&coliid=IWMTUS4BZ19EE&psc=1

I'm not trekking pole expert as I've only ever used one pair but they are these Cascade Mountain ones off amazon. For what you get, I think they are a pretty good deal. They have the carbon tips and rubber feet, unlike the ones you linked too. I don't know how they compare to some of the Easton's etc. but I do like the cork handles and mine have held up well through 2 years of use. They flip lock design also seems to be better than the twist locks but, again, I've only ever used this kind so I can't really compare. That's mostly from what I have read... They've been worth the money to me, but I have bad knees after a couple of surgeries so going downhill with a load these are invaluable.

 

[COlineman78]

I have sweaty hands and therefore prefer a softer foam grip rather than cork or hard plastic (Leki). I have Komperdells that I picked up at Sierra Trading Post for a great deal and love them. They are a little bigger and heavier than others but I can beat the crap out of them and not worry. Only minor inconvenience is no rubber tip covers. I too have bad knees and ankles, so prefer them whenever packing down hill. That being said they can do more harm than good when going uphill, so I would suggest ones that collapse small so you can throw them in your pack if in a heavy scramble area.

 

[ozyclint]

i use the black diamond carbon whippet for tahr hunting. it's a versatile tool for long hikes in and out of rough terrain and the pick gives you a light duty ice axe when the going gets tough. kind of like a trekking pole/ice axe hybrid.