walking or trekking sticks.

[wyheadhunter]

Hello all,

new to this kind of equipment and had a few questions that some here may be able to shed some light on for me. I want to start hunting with walking sticks because as I age and with health issues I seem to end up on my keester more than on my feet. Could anyone have a recommendation for a good pair. Bought a cheap set last year to play with off ebay. telescopic jobs that pulled out at the stops and keep sliding down when pressure is applied. Is a good one piece model better that the adjustable for this reason? If one piece is the way to go How does a guy go about getting proper fit? I just found out I drew a mountain goat tag in Colorado and I am thinking that if I stand a tinkers chance in heck of reducing one to harvest I better get to study time. Thanks for any and all comments beforehand.

 

[Againstthewind]

I think they are a huge help, but the cheap ones are no good. With any kindof weight in the pack I think they are a big help and with balance like you were saying. I don't know a good brand, but yeah stay away from the cheapies. I managed to fold one in half leaning on trying to catch my breath, but that could be my oversizeness, too lol.

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/trekking-poles-hiking-staffs.html

I thought this said that the twist lock kind are a pretty strong adjustable type.

 

[wyheadhunter]

wow that was quick, and most informative. Thank You Againstthewind.

 

[ssliger]

They are a huge help if you use them correctly. I started using them a couple years ago and it makes a difference. I tried to show my friend and he basically dragged them around and didn't get his cadence right and said they don't do anything. I am going to purchase a nice set, but the cabelas twist lock ones have worked for me so far.

 

[CoHiCntry]

I bought some that were really expensive, telescoping with twist locks, shock absorbers and ergonomic grips. They are Leki. I can't say enough good things about them. They were pricey at around $165 but I've been using them for about 10 years with no problems. Cheap ones are just that... cheap. I wouldn't head into the backcountry with something that might brake. Definitely recommend telescoping too.

 

[RICMIC]

I swear by them, and will be replacing the poles I have. The cheapies lasted for many trips, and I will be looking for something similar. Much of the expense for the high tech poles are for light weight carbon fiber, carbide tips, etc. Hunters (as opposed to hikers) would likely find the collapsable poles better for their purpose, as once the hunting mode switches on I put the sticks in my pack or even leave them in camp. They are an absolute lifesaver when descending in steep terrain with your overloaded pack.

 

[missjordan]

I have been curious about getting a pair too, I always feel like a newborn calf when I'm walking down steep hills so I'm sure trekking poles would be a great help

 

[go_deep]

I do not remember the website, but there was a study done on walking sticks and how they helped you. The thing that stuck out to me was that used properly they reduced the weight load on your legs by up to 23%. I bought a set for my uncle for when he comes to go backpacking and fishing (he has had knee replacement) and he won't leave the truck anymore without them. He says it makes a world of difference for him. Would be great also for packing out meat to keep your balance.

 

[d.kerri]

In 2013, I had a major IT Band injury (which caused immobilizing pain in my knee) and my final 3 training hikes before the high country colorado hunt, I had to have my wife come pick me up. I couldn't put any weight on my knee. I took two weeks off before the hunt and had no idea whether or not I'd be able to even make it to where we hoped to set up camp. I bought a pair of trekking poles the night before we left (as well as a giant, beefy knee brace) and ended up having a great hunt. My hunting partner and I both shot deer, and made the 11+ mile round trip twice. I couldn't believe how fresh I was in the mornings from redistributing some of the weight to my poles. I'll never go up high without them. They're incredibly beneficial- injured or not.

 

[luckynv]

I have a set of Easton Carbon Fiber poles that I bought off camofire for about 60 bucks. I almost value those poles more than my rifle while hunting!!! Almost!! Mine are a two section versus three. Would prefer the three and will replace mine when and if they ever wear out. Excellent for helping keep your balance going up or down hills and invaluable on loose side-hills. Good luck and God bless

 

[tttoadman]

Leki lever locks. It has been a total game changer for me. I never go in the woods without them. Get the tall ones so you can go down steep hills. You also want the longest ones you can get for using with tarps.

 

[wyheadhunter]

thanks everyone for all the input. Looks like it is time to drop some coin on good ones and be done with it. sure do wish I had 20 years back, heck even 10 years ha ha.

 

[ivorytip]

alpine carbon cork!!! I used my share of wally world sticks that worked great, until they didn't. black diamond makes some solid poles.

 

[ssliger]

Check out Steep and Cheap, they have an app for IPhone. You can go to their website also. Always has good deals. They have Black Diamond poles for 50% off right now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hoshour]

alpine carbon cork!!! I used my share of wally world sticks that worked great, until they didn't. black diamond makes some solid poles.

Just bought a pair today of the Black Diamond Ergo Cork poles, on sale at REI for $20 off.

 

[sodaksooner]

Bought a pair of carbon fiber REI brand with lever locks. Looking forward to trying them out this fall.
They were about $129 before member 20% off.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

 

[tdub24]

This is what I have been using, no complaints other than can be difficult pulling apart after a heavy pack. I could always lube the joints up, but I don't think of that until I am trying to pull them apart.

http://www.rockymountainamblers.com/volkstaf.php

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I understand that Leki and Black Diamond are two of the best for quality. I started with twist lock Leki's (Thermolite XL Antishock), which my wife now uses, and bought Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Corks (with lever locks) for myself. I found some prior year model and got them on discount.

Trekking poles have to be among the top pieces of equipment I have gotten in the past 10 years, especially when carrying a pack of any weight. It's true they take a lot of load off your legs and help keep your legs fresh. When I was young I felt like a mountain goat running around in the mountains. I'm 50 now and my agility and sense of balance is not what it once was. Trekking poles give me a better sense of balance in difficult terrain (like side hilling in rocks) because I have several points of contact to the mountain.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a little different take on them. I have used a "trigger stick" for years as a shooting stick and walking stick. I know it is only one, but it sure helps when I am walking and I have killed lots of deer & elk using it as a shooting platform too. As far as I am concerned, multitasking at it's best.

 

[RICMIC]

I was going to go with another set of the cheapies, but followed some of the old hands here and ordered some Black Doamond Ergo Corks from REI.