Trekking Pole Help

[tdcour]

I'm looking into getting some trekking poles this year. After reading about them and having a buddy have them on a hunt last year I think I want to give them a try. A couple questions, what style does everyone like (sections that slide within each other with adjustable tabs or the interlocking ones similar to tent poles) and what type of grip does everyone like (cork vs foam and straight vs the ergo look)? I'm sure its mostly personal preference, but any tips? Any tips on determining height? I'm 5'10" with longer legs and a bit shorter torso and fairly long arms (thanks dad)

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

My first were twist lock Leikis with aluminum poles and twist locks. I really like them but folded one packing out a ram in tough terrain. Leiki made the repair for free. These are now my wife's trekking poles.

I now use Black Diamonds with carbon fiber poles and flip locks. They are much more robust but nearly the same weight. I am very happy with them.

 

[Team Kabob]

I can send you a set from REI! If you don?t like them, we can return them. Leki is the poles I have been eyeing. Same brad I use for ski poles.




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[hoshour]

Black Diamond with the cork handles

 

[Tim McCoy]

Black Diamond Distance Z. They interlock more like tent poles, not length adjustable, but very few worries about a twist or lever locks giving out. Been bullet proof so far.

 

[Dos Perros]

I have some carbon Komoerdells I got a sweet deal on from REI. The elastic cord broke. My buddy has the Fizan?s that are always in Massdrop and they are awesome, going to get some of those. Lighter, cheaper, more durable.


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[Ikeepitcold]

I use the twist lock style with a rubber handle that keeps my hand from slipping. My hands can get sweaty so I like that about the handle.

Another big thing is to get poles that have a spring in them that act like a shock absorber. They will give a little at each step. I really like this vs a solid pole.

 

[ivorytip]

these things are amazing, my hiking and hunting buddies always end up with them for some reason... They are absolute knee savers!

 

[CoHiCntry]

I’ve been using the same pair of Leki trekking poles for probably 15 years now. They have lasted all these years so I would definitely check them out. I don’t use them hunting though. Only hiking & backpacking.

 

[huntabsarokee]

I switched to the Black Diamond Distance carbon Zs. These do not adjust but the handle is slightly longer than ours I have used so you can adjust your grip height to make up for going down hill or up hill. They also make it in a slight different variety that has like 10 cm of adjustment had 3 letters in its name. What I like about these is they only weight 10 oz for the set so I don't find myself leaving them at camp. Plus they fold down very small for packing.

I am guessing at 5'10 probably their 120cm version is about right in these.

 

[RANGER619]

I have a 2 sets of the Z poles. If you get this type make sure to take them apart each time when you are done with them. I have a set that I used all summer for training and would just throw them in the truck each time without breaking them down. Over the course of the summer between sweat and grime they now require 2 vice-grips and a hammer to get them apart. I now have a training set and a hunting set. Hauling around 2 vice-grips and a hammer in the backcountry to fold up my trekking poles kind of goes against the lightweight pack thing

 

[Work2hunt]

I've got Lekis with the cam lock. The adjustability is great especially going up and down hills. If you have a long downhill run, lengthen the poles some. If you are going up hill, shorten the poles.

 

[geargrinder]

The $30 carbon Cascades from Costco is a great set to see if you like them or not.

They are decently made and lighweight with cork handles.

 

[mallardsx2]

Black Diamond with the cork handles

I use these as well.

 

[tdcour]

Thanks guys! Will it just say in the description about the spring or just be able to feel the difference when using them? Any benefits to carbon vs aluminum? Doesn't look like carbon saves much weight really.

 

[tttoadman]

carbon will be lighter.
Carbon will break if overloaded. Aluminum will bend. I have bent mine, and bent it back and off I went.

I bought these for the kid, and they are pretty nice. I would never have poles without adjustment. As said above, you need to be able to adjust different for uphill vs downhill. Forget about the trails. Being able to adjust short and long on a side hill is a lifesaver.
https://www.leki.com/us/trekking/poles/2487/micro-vario-ti-cor-tec/?c=708

 

[Winchester]

Sometimes if I need a pole for assistance I just grab a sturdy dead stick.
Seems to work just fine and you can't beat the price !

 

[tdub24]

I have the Volkstaf now called Folstaf Walking Super Sturdy Staff from http://www.rockymountainamblers.com/ordervolkstaf.php

I love mine and haven't had much issues. Mine came with a compass on top instead of the camera mount option.

 

[tdcour]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll keep browsing around and see what I end up with. Anyone use them to rest a gun on or anything like that?

 

[jtm307]

I picked up a pair of Mountainsmith Pinnacle trekking poles from Sierra Trading Post for $25. They lasted me 2 seasons, roughly four weeks of total hunting and 12 animals harvested. One pole wore out. The other bent beyond repair after I fell on it. I think I got my money's worth. Trekking poles are an absolute must in my opinion.