Trekking poles

[Tex68w]

Looking for my out west hunts. What do you guys recommend, brands, models, fixed vs. collapsible? I'd imagine they'd be nice with a heavy load out, especially when hauling out meat, but are they a must have or completely necessary?

 

[4ester]

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks is what I have been running. Great Stix


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[tttoadman]

A game changer for me. I never leave home without. My go to shelters are all trek pole shelters also. Get the longest ones you can get. At least 3 pc. I take mine apart, and they fit inside all of my packs for a nice clean hunt mode. Need the lever locks, the twist locks won't work. Don't dick with the shock cushion poles, they are nothing but a gimmick that adds weight. I have the Leki, but there are many good ones out there. Look for the nicest wrist strap. I put more weight on the wrist strap when climbing up hill than I do on the handle.

 

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Leki or black diamond, throw down for the carbon for sure and cork handles only. Adjustable is the only way to go. Great for shelters and rough country. I always take them even during workouts. Most people will say going uphill is the best part but I extend mine long and ease myself down hill with them and it makes a huge difference.

 

[DRP]

I run the Black Diamond Trail Back. I picked them up at REI when they were on sale. For me they are a necessity, after a buddy let me try his out while packing out a bull I went down and bought a set. They are always with me while hunting/hiking. they save my legs on uphill and down hill hikes but also support me enough that I can stand straight up while hauling a heavy load and don't lean over so much. a real back saver.

 

[mtwarden]

I have two pairs of carbon BD poles, but they are now relegated to non-hunting and non-snow duties. They've been replaced with BD Distance FLZ poles- they fold up like my carbon Z poles, but are constructed with aluminum. The weight hit is pretty small (17 oz /pair vs 13 oz/pair), but they are sturdier and where I'm going I can't afford to have a pole go (especially with a heavy load!). The FLZ poles also have length adjustment in them- very handy, shorten on very steep ascents, lengthen on very steep descents. The adjustable length is also very handy if you're using them with a shelter.

The fold up nature of the poles lets me easily stash them and they deploy quickly when needed.

 

[Tex68w]

I like the grips of the Leki better but REI doesn't carry any of their carbon shaft cork handled models. Is the Carbon shaft that much better than the aluminum? They Leki Corklite look like an awesome pole but the BD carbons aren't much more however the handles aren't as ergonomic. Leki only warranties their carbon shaft for one year while they warranty their aluminum shafts for life, seems like a better deal?!

 

[wyodan]

I have Leki and their customer service was great. When a twist lock fell apart, they sent me a new pair with a better lock system.

 

[KMT]

I recommend telescopic, flip locking poles. You can spend $30 at Costco or well over $100, I really don't think you will benefit from spending tons of money.

 

[MuleyFever]

I tried the Carbon ones from Costco and they are great. Get flip locks on whatever you decide.

 

[Ross]

A great addition for any mountain hunter. They aren't a gimmick. They save abuse on many parts of your body most noticeably for me my knees and back. Many to choose from that collapse and weigh next to nothing. Personally have used BD ultra distance zpoles and the snow version with baskets for snowshoeing.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Black Diamond Trail something or another have served me well for years now. They are a aluminum three piece extendable with flick locks and foam handles.
Wal-Mart's version was rather hit and miss with some of the flick locks not holding weight. The metal is not as stout either.

Esse quam videri

 

[Akicita]

One of the most abused pieces of gear I use year round are my Back Country Gear G3 Via 7075 poles. There is a 1 oz difference between the carbon fiber Via and the aluminum Via so I prefer the 7075 Aluminum poles over carbon fiber because of the abuse they receive. They're rated and field tested to support 130+ pounds and have never collapsed under snow loads when supporting tarps or shelters for me. I use them 100+ days a year while hiking, backpacking, hunting, skiing, ski touring, ski mountaineering and mountaineering. . . They have my full endorsement and come in at around $80.00.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I recommend telescopic, flip locking poles. You can spend $30 at Costco or well over $100, I really don't think you will benefit from spending tons of money.

^^^This. For the price point, these are by far the best deal on the market. There are some lighter, and there are some stronger, but I don't think there are any that are both lighter and stronger. I own three pair of trekking poles (BD Alpine Carbon Cork, Locus Gear carbon fiber, and the Costco [Cascade Mountain Tech] carbon fiber), All are carbon fiber, all are adjustable with flip locks, and all are pretty much the same size. The Cascade Mountain's are right in the middle for wt. at 15oz. for the pair, and I believe they're also right in the middle for strength, but at $29 compared to upwards of $170 for the BD's, it's pretty much a no brainer IMO.

 

[Bmcox86]

I've had the black diamond carbon z poles for about 3 years and love them, light and the handles are really comfortable. I've flexed them with a lot of weight on my back a few times and they hold strong. They have saved me from bad falls atleast a dozen time. You'll never regret having a pair

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[kodiakfly]

Like has been said, carbon and flip locks. I've got a set of BD carbons and a set of Komperdells I got cheap on STP. I took a fall on the Komperdells and snapped the bottom section on each pole. Sent them back and they replaced them in like a week. It was awesome.

 

[Bl704]

I think I went with the cacade carbon snap locks and cork grips which I think we're what Costco was selling that someone mentioned earlier.

Cheap. Light. Did the job. No regrets.

 

[xziang]

I'm running black diamond aluminum pair and love them. I use them hiking in when it is dark and bow is on the pack. When I take the bow off the pack though I put them away on the side of the pack. They have saved my a$$ on wet deadfall before. This year when I'm hiking during the day and cold calling they are put away though! I'll grab a stick while walking slowly during the day with the bow in one hand. I can't recall how many times I've had to find another stick because I forgot to grab the one I left when taking a break. (glad I didn't do that with my black diamonds)

 

[coachjdub]

I tried to save a little money and went with a Texas company called Pacemaker Stix, Nordic Walking Poles & Trekking Sticks – Pacemaker Stix

I got the expiditions. Expedition Poles – Pacemaker Stix

Since I have no experience to compare these poles to others, I found them to be quit the bargain. I have no complaints in testing them out and can't wait to try them out on my hunt this coming September.

 

[ljalberta]

I have a pair of the Black Diamond Carbon Corks which are absolutely fantastic. However, I also have a pair of the $30 Costco poles, which get the job done. I love the BD ones, but if you're on a budget, I'd say 100% go for the Costco poles and save $100.

My preference is similar to others. Flip-locks and cork handles. I won't go anywhere longer than a day trip without them.