trekking poles
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I use some black diamond adjustable trekking poles I got off of steepandcheap.com at a large discount. They work great for the hunting trips I do.
I bought aluminum as I'm only hiking in about 3-4 miles. weight isn't that big of a concern for me. Carbon is nice if you want to save the weight. I'd check out steep and cheap for the cheaper prices if your into that.
thanks tom i did look at weights the carbon fiber verses aluminum in the black diamond there was only 1oz difference in the 2 i compared thats nothing the main concern is having one collapse on me that might not be good also looking to be able to shoot off them.
https://www.leki.com/us/trekking/poles/
great versatility, quality that wont let you “down” in rough country
great versatility, quality that wont let you “down” in rough country
I haven't had one collapse on me. I set my height and leave them alone though. someone with more experience may have more to say. hope that helps
I think you need to let us know what your intended use is as that will let people know how much trekking pole you need is.
I think you need to let us know what your intended use is as that will let people know how much trekking pole you need is.
I have Leki twistlock poles and Black Diamond flick lock poles. They both have a lot a lot of days of them. I would never recommend anything but the flick lock style poles that BD makes. If someone else makes them besides black diamond, the tech is simple to copy and I can imagine they would work fine. They never fail and work great. I used them as a ski patroller, for hundreds of long hard days of back country skiing, and hiking/backpacking. I don't use them on my hunting days except carrying a load into camp. I do use them for meat packing and they are a life saver. I have thought about making a shooting rest for the top of the grip and using one hunting as a rest instead of passing on all but the the closest of off hand shots.
That new style by Leki posted by DRV looks good and they have a flick lock style pole too, bottom right of the first page that pops up.
I always got pro form as a patroller so BD was always my go to.
ETA: I have never tried the Z fold poles by anyone and agree it looks like a "you are screwed when it breaks" setup. Mine have all been the traditional sections that fit together and compress down to a 15 inch setup.
That new style by Leki posted by DRV looks good and they have a flick lock style pole too, bottom right of the first page that pops up.
I always got pro form as a patroller so BD was always my go to.
ETA: I have never tried the Z fold poles by anyone and agree it looks like a "you are screwed when it breaks" setup. Mine have all been the traditional sections that fit together and compress down to a 15 inch setup.
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I'm not a fan of the trekking poles that break down into a "Z". Example: Black Diamond Alpine Z Trekking Poles
Seems like a neat idea at first since where collapsing down the pole into a "Z" is compact for storing or hanging off a pack when not needed. But if the internal elastic breaks then the pole is useless. Seems less durable than a more traditional style: either twist or flip locks. With twist or flip locks there is a chance of being field repairable with some duct tape perhaps because the poles are telescopic. No luck with the Z style poles.
Seems like a neat idea at first since where collapsing down the pole into a "Z" is compact for storing or hanging off a pack when not needed. But if the internal elastic breaks then the pole is useless. Seems less durable than a more traditional style: either twist or flip locks. With twist or flip locks there is a chance of being field repairable with some duct tape perhaps because the poles are telescopic. No luck with the Z style poles.
I have experienced trouble with the Black Diamond Z poles quality. I use the Flick CF Leki poles and they are a huge step up in quality. They are much more durable and I really like the height adjustment - especially side hilling in the mountains, making one pole shorter for the high side, huge advantage. I am 6’5” 230 plus carry plenty in my pack, not to mention I pack out a mature elk in two trips. The Leki’s are definitely up to the task.
Flicklock-yes, twistlock or Z-no. When the tip of shock corded poles gets stuck under a rock or root, you go to take another step, the pole comes apart and the elastic cord pulls you backwards.
I’ve been using the 3 section BD flicklocks in the mountains of Co. for years, with no problems at all.
I’ve been using the 3 section BD flicklocks in the mountains of Co. for years, with no problems at all.
I like the Leki brand also. I have carbon and aluminum. Since you are using them for hunting you might want to consider the carbon. My carbon poles are a lot quieter than the aluminum poles. Another thing top consider is how small they pack down. If they fold up in 3 small sections they are easier to put away and get out. Something that is also good for hunting.
REI; titanium, interchangeable "spiky" (VERY coarse checkering actually) tungsten tips, rubber covers that work, removable snow rings that work and they collapse and are practically weightless. But they go for like $100 ea.; you really pay for the performance of these. I just bought one myself, but two would be nicer. They had some that cost less too, but didn't have all the perks these did. Depends on what you need and how much and how you plan to use it.
Get one good enough to not collapse or bend if you lose balance enough to fall. REI is a good place to find this kind of stuff, but it's costly. They do let you try the stuff out in the store though, so you aren't exactly buying blind.
But my mom got a pair from Walmart I think that are well made it seems, weigh more but cost a lot less. They serve her and her husband well.
Get one good enough to not collapse or bend if you lose balance enough to fall. REI is a good place to find this kind of stuff, but it's costly. They do let you try the stuff out in the store though, so you aren't exactly buying blind.
But my mom got a pair from Walmart I think that are well made it seems, weigh more but cost a lot less. They serve her and her husband well.
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I still have the same Leki Maliku aluminum with cork grips I had when I was backpacking in scouts. After more miles than I can remember an being at least 15 years old they are still my go to.
Cascade mountain tech from amazon. They are cheap, but very nice. I used the heel out of them hunting elk in the rockies.
I am late to this thread, but my 2 bits worth: After doing several multi day back packing trips, many day hikes into, across the Grand Canyon, I would recommend the Black Diamond Alpine Cork graphite poles. They area about perfect. More durable than aluminum, great balance, foolproof section locks. I have really tried to wear them out, last few years. So far holding up very well. If you are serious user, spend the extra money and be happy.
I have the Black Diamonds mentioned above and I am happy with them. If I had to do it right now, I would go for the carbon fiber poles they sell at Costco. About 1/6th the cost and just as effective. Here is a review of them by a guy who hikes his ass off and knows what he's talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSIZ1m8XHgY
I bought a set from Amazon for a hunt in Idaho this last September. I had no issues with the telescoping locks coming loose. We crossed a few rivers and they did well also.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007E0ZBZI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007E0ZBZI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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