Trekking Poles

[Slugz]

Need to get a new set and wanted to hear some opionions. Seems like Leki and Black Diamond are still the better ones. My priority is collapsible, adjustable, lightweight. Thanks for any input.

 

[archeranthony]

I’ll be interested to see the responses. I’ve been looking around and the price range is large

 

[Slugz]

yeah, I want to lighten up a little and get a set that I don't bend every 2 years...or at least get a set with a good warranty to replace if needed.

 

[taskswap]

I know stock varies store to store, but the Costco in Superior CO regularly carries a decent set of Cascade Mountain poles. It's a good, lightweight set - carbon fiber, cork grips, and a variety of tips for whatever style you like. I see them posted on their Web site for $70 but I definitely didn't pay that much, I think it was around $40-50 when I got them. If you wait for them to be in the store (and your store carries them locally) it's a good deal.

They don't bend and they're super sturdy - I also use them for my tent. Just know the length-adjustment-clamps are plastic and those can be broken. Found that out when I left one in the back of my truck before picking up a load of firewood rounds. Oops.

 

[Catahoula12]

Slugz, I’ve been using Mountainsmith Carbonlite Pro trek poles last couple years. I think I bought mine thru Scheels, but I’m sure you can get them directly being the company is out of Golden. The set is slightly over a pound in weight. I liked the price ($75-$80). They collapse and are adjustable.

 

[Slugz]

My short list.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon
Black Diamond Trail Ergo
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
S&S Archery CL Backcountry
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon
Black Diamond Distance Z

 

[kidoggy]

I have recently got the black diamond trailback only a few miles on them but like them so far . think I paid about 90 for them . and they weigh in at 1lb

 

[kidoggy]

I was wrong , I only paid $58.00 for them.

 

[mntnguide]

I run the Leki micro carbon. Have worked great for me for years and i abuse the hell out of them all summer and fall

 

[Slugz]

Short list review in order of price low to high

NAME - Cascade Mountain Tech 3k Quick Locks
COL LENGTH -26"
WEIGHT - 16oz
TYPE - Carbon
MISC - Cork handles, 4 sets of tips, looked nice for price
PRICE - 62$

NAME - S and S Archery CL Back country
COL LENGTH -26"
WEIGHT - 13oz
TYPE - Carbon
MISC - Foam grip
PRICE - 99$

NAME - Black Diamond Distance Z
COL LENGTH -17"
WEIGHT - 14oz
TYPE - Aluminum
MISC - 3 piece/collapsible
PRICE - 100$

NAME - Black Diamond Trail Ergo
COL LENGTH -27"
WEIGHT - 18oz
TYPE - Aluminum
MISC - Cork handles, 15degree grips, foam handle extensions
PRICE - 125$


NAME - Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
COL LENGTH -25"
WEIGHT - 17oz
TYPE - Carbon
MISC - Cork handles, 15 degree grips, foam handle extensions, documented clip issues
PRICE - 152$

NAME - LEKI Micro Vario
COL LENGTH -15"
WEIGHT - 14oz
TYPE - Carbon
MISC - High rated grip, minimalist design, 3 piece/collapsible, bending flex tips, extended grips
PRICE - 200$

 

[Slugz]

So all that being said. I DQed the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork due to all the negative reviews of clips breaking


BEST 26"-27" - Casacde Mountain Tech / S and S Archery CL Back Country due to similar price and features ( 100$)
NEXT BEST 26"-27" - Black Diamond Trail Ergo (125$) due to slightly higher price and weight

BEST 3 piece Collapsible - Black diamond Distance Z (100$)

Ferrari AWARD - LEKI Micro Vario. Lots of little gucci items on this one. Bending flex tips have saved many a pole for me from breaking.



Short short list.

Cascade Mountain Tech, S and S Archery CL Backcountry
or
Black Diamond Distance Z , LEKI Micro Vario

Next up do I want a 3 piece collapsible ( 15-17") or full length 3 piece ( 26")

 

[CODAK]

Kelty Cirque work well for me

 

[taskswap]

I knocked 2oz out of my hiking poles by removing the wrist straps. I don't think it's that big of a deal - I don't really notice the weight difference. It was just to get them out of the way (they annoy me). But just saying...

 

[ElkTrout]

Cascade mountain Techs from Costco. They are lightweight, affordable and durable. Great piece of equipment and you can upgrade another piece equipment with the money you save on these!

 

[Slugz]

S and S Archery CL Back Country ended up winning

 

[tdcour]

S&S Archery CL Backcountry is a great option. I bought them last year and have zero regrets so far. Only used them for 12 days or so, but it was a very hard 12 days. Great group of guys there too in my opinion