View Full Version : ultra-light trekking poles
...just broke my third backpacking light stix carbon fiber pole in the whites. ok, i've got to face up to the fact that poles need to be a tad stronger. any suggestions? looking for: definitely straps, probably not adjustable. any success with carbon fiber ski poles? no shock absorbtion, either.... help?
Leki's are the strongest..all of them pass the European TUV testing standard.
No others have.
Adjustable is a good thing, shocks are there for a reason too.
Disclaimer: I am the Leki guy who will clean them/ fix if needed at Trail Days.
Buy the best, cheaper in the long trail. :D
Black Diamond elipticals w/fliplock. Strong, lightweight and easy to adjust.
4eyedbuzzard
09-26-2010, 17:01
. . . poles need to be a tad stronger. any suggestions?
Strongest pole? Mariusz Pudzianowski (http://www.pudzian.pl/) :D :banana
http://squabbles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maruis_pudzianowski.jpg
Not sure if he's a hiking pole though. :-?
Strongest pole? Mariusz Pudzianowski (http://www.pudzian.pl/) :D :banana
http://squabbles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maruis_pudzianowski.jpg
Not sure if he's a hiking pole though. :-?
when you're that funny, i don't mind being the straight man!!!
get a piece of aluminum electric conduit pipe. Its strong and can also be used for self defense.
Panzer
hey, I'm definitely looking for a pair of poles that weights less than 1 pound... since the light stix failed at 8 ounces, my target weight would be around 12 ounces. and i am definitely a fan of fixed length poles. i've been looking at goode and k2 ski poles. any experience with carbon ski poles? anything else lighter than 16 ounces?
I have a pair of Ti Goat, carbon fiber poles, with the straps added.
They are the older ones, not the 2010 upgrades, but I have over 1000 miles on them.
They have been abused and stepped on and have not broken.
The expandable plug retaining system has never slipped with my full weight on them catching myself during a fall either.
Maybe check them out also
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/poles.html
I love my Leki Carbonlites. I think the pair weighs 12 ounces. I've fallen on them a bunch of times, and they've held up great.
And they come with a one-year full replacement warranty against breakage. I don't think any other carbon fiber poles come with a guarantee like that.
The big drawback: not cheap. But I got mine on sale at about 25% off the list price.
Kerosene
09-27-2010, 10:47
Leki Carbonlite AERGON (http://www.leki.com/trekking/trekkingPole.php?pID=32) poles list for $179.99 and weigh 12.8 ounces per pair. I've heard that the new Super Lock mechanism is bomb-proof, so I'm not sure that I'd hold this against them.
well, two great choices! thanks so far -- i think i'll pass on the carbon fiber ski poles and buy one of these. the leki carbonlite or the TI goats... any thoughts on these two? the canted leki grip seems like a real advantage, the goat weight is a real plus, and since my carbon fiber poles always seem to break an inch or two above the basket the goat's aluminum bottom shaft may be a plus, too. just two choices, now that is progress!!!
Little Tiny
09-27-2010, 22:42
the makers of trekking poles have duped all you people into believing you need trekking poles. you don't.
:eek: All those hikers duped into believing their poles helped them hike.
"can't fix stupid" :rolleyes:
thelowend
09-27-2010, 23:23
littletiny... you're saying that over 2,174 miles... that being able to lean your weight on your arms as well as your legs (classic and very simple example of weight distribution.. we started on all fours anyways, way back when) is not gonna help some? i believe it is you, my good sir that could claim victim to being had..
sheepdog
09-27-2010, 23:30
the makers of trekking poles have duped all you people into believing you need trekking poles. you don't.
don't be silly
Jester2000
09-28-2010, 00:49
I don't think you're gojng to make it very far. therefore, no, you won't need crampons.
well, let's just go to namby pamby land and see if we can't find some self confidence for all you "thru-hikers."
I was up there this weekend. From Newfound Gap, you can make it to Icewater shelter because hikers have packed down the snow. After that, though, you are post-holing up to your knees. The Boulevard is basically impassable. After I left, it got worse. Another foot of snow fell.
the makers of trekking poles have duped all you people into believing you need trekking poles. you don't.
Yeah, here's the thing. When three of your total of four posts are basically insults intended to amuse yourself, you should probably get used to being ignored. Have fun with that.
well, two great choices! thanks so far -- i think i'll pass on the carbon fiber ski poles and buy one of these. the leki carbonlite or the TI goats... any thoughts on these two? the canted leki grip seems like a real advantage, the goat weight is a real plus, and since my carbon fiber poles always seem to break an inch or two above the basket the goat's aluminum bottom shaft may be a plus, too. just two choices, now that is progress!!!
Note: I haven't used the TI Goats, so I can't help you to compare them. But I do like the Lekis. The grip is excellent, the Speedlocks are everything Leki says they are (strong, easy to use), and their poles are guaranteed against shaft breakage, which is something you're apparently into.
I'm sure the TI Goats have their good points as well as folks who enjoy them. Good luck & let us know not just which you choose, but how they work out.
My GG CF poles are still going strong after 3 years. Both have new baskets, otherwise no problems.
funny thing is that it is getting to the point where just about everything i carry is from a tiny company or a cottage industry. in this one case, bigger guys (with the small company style rep!!!) win out. it's gonna be leki carbonlites for me. where should i buy them?
I'm surprised to be the only person posting about Black Diamond poles. Of everyone I've talked to that's owned both Lekis and BD poles everyone I can think of has liked the BDs more.
... And of course the gear I like is always the best - there's that too... :)
I'm surprised to be the only person posting about Black Diamond poles. Of everyone I've talked to that's owned both Lekis and BD poles everyone I can think of has liked the BDs more.
... And of course the gear I like is always the best - there's that too... :)
You know i'm dying to take your advice, but their pole weights are all a good bit over 1 pound, so are out of the running. please forgive me!
I'm surprised to be the only person posting about Black Diamond poles. Of everyone I've talked to that's owned both Lekis and BD poles everyone I can think of has liked the BDs more.
... And of course the gear I like is always the best - there's that too... :)
I got the BD carbon poles and they are excellent. love those flip locks when tightening up the tarp or tent at nite.
Jester2000
09-28-2010, 15:35
funny thing is that it is getting to the point where just about everything i carry is from a tiny company or a cottage industry. in this one case, bigger guys (with the small company style rep!!!) win out. it's gonna be leki carbonlites for me. where should i buy them?
I'd get them here:
http://www.theoutfitteratharpersferry.com/servlet/the-Trekking-Poles/Categories
but I think I'd call first to make sure they actually have them in stock.
I'm surprised to be the only person posting about Black Diamond poles. Of everyone I've talked to that's owned both Lekis and BD poles everyone I can think of has liked the BDs more.
... And of course the gear I like is always the best - there's that too... :)
2nd the Black Diamonds with flip locks!
Had Lekis with the twist locks, they wouldn't stay locked and one handgrip came off. REI took them back in exchange for the BDs. They weigh in at 18.8 oz., maybe a little heavier than the carbon ones but so far they have held up well.
...(re)made up my mind to call tigoat and ask them about their breakage record... clearly since they don't make the lite stix anymore they had an issue... if they're as durable as they claim i think i'll get them to be consistent with my weight goals
ooops, sorry... i know tigoat didn't make the lite stix -- backpacking light sold them i believe and they were made by komperdell -- and they're not available anymore. my last post made it seem like i thought they were made by tigoat.
Carbon fails often due to deep scratches, much more so than aluminum. Aluminum can bend a long way before it kinks, then it can be fixed temporarily with an external splint. Carbon fiber usually delaminates into long individual fibers and is difficult to splint. I'm still using very basic Lekis that I bought 6 years ago and which have roughly 800 miles on them. They've been bent and straightened several times and I've never had a twist lock come loose on me (maybe I'm just strong enough to get them really locked :D. I'm just saying this because I've heard so much about the twisties coming loose. Not on mine is all I'm saying here.
I also was concerned about the carbon fiber scratching and chipping.
I just looked at both sets of the Ti Goats that I have. The ones my wife uses have a lot of scratches and scrapes from dragging them over rocks and hitting stuff during the pole swings.
Mine are a bit less scratched but still have quite a bit.
Both sets have over 1000 miles each, without any issues
each set weighs 208 grams with straps, less than 4 oz.
My thoughts were:
1. This is a piece of gear I carry in my hands all day long, reducing the weight is a fantastic advantage, from the Lekis
2. If I only get 3 years out of them, it is probably time to replace gear anyway. I don't expect the lightest item to have the most durability.
So far I have been very pleased. YMMV
I also was concerned about the carbon fiber scratching and chipping.
I just looked at both sets of the Ti Goats that I have. The ones my wife uses have a lot of scratches and scrapes from dragging them over rocks and hitting stuff during the pole swings.
Mine are a bit less scratched but still have quite a bit.
Both sets have over 1000 miles each, without any issues
each set weighs 208 grams with straps, less than 4 oz.
My thoughts were:
1. This is a piece of gear I carry in my hands all day long, reducing the weight is a fantastic advantage, from the Lekis
2. If I only get 3 years out of them, it is probably time to replace gear anyway. I don't expect the lightest item to have the most durability.
So far I have been very pleased. YMMV
i'm glad you posted again... that is more or less how i feel -- if i got 3 years out of the poles i'd be quite happy. i will give tigoat a call to get their history of breakage issues, but i'm pretty sure that'll be what i buy. I DO WANT TO THANK JESTER2000 FOR HIS GREAT LEAD ON WHERE TO BUY THE LEKI POLES -- I WOULDN'T HAVE LOOKED THERE, BUT WILL IN THE FUTURE!
If weight is more important than cost or durability, carbon is the way to go. I was just offering a different point of view. ;)
Jester2000
09-29-2010, 16:01
They've been bent and straightened several times and I've never had a twist lock come loose on me (maybe I'm just strong enough to get them really locked :D. I'm just saying this because I've heard so much about the twisties coming loose. Not on mine is all I'm saying here.
Yeah, I have 2600 miles on my last pair and they've never come loose on me, either. Don't know what causes others to have problems.
If weight is more important than cost or durability, carbon is the way to go. I was just offering a different point of view. ;)
ummmmmmm. i guess i have the luxury of thinking about hiking as a cheap hobby -- and i know that is a luxury indeed... so, yes, cost is generally not a big issue for me, and i'm willing to spend money to cut weight, as well as to be more comfortable. the durability issue -- well, I wouldn't mind replacing poles every 1,000 miles or so. Truth is i've probably only averaged 300 or 400 miles per pole break with my light stix. i've enjoyed every step with them when they were intact -- what a joy to have feather light poles... and have been a little aggrevated every step with one a little shorter than it was supposed to be. as a section hiker, at least i'm not stuck with a broken pole for more than a few days. so i'm looking to improve pole longevity a bit, but -- well, the truth of the matter is, i seem to enjoy replacing gear periodically, and will happily continue to do so!!!
ummmmmmm. i guess i have the luxury of thinking about hiking as a cheap hobby -- and i know that is a luxury indeed... so, yes, cost is generally not a big issue for me, and i'm willing to spend money to cut weight, as well as to be more comfortable. the durability issue -- well, I wouldn't mind replacing poles every 1,000 miles or so. Truth is i've probably only averaged 300 or 400 miles per pole break with my light stix. i've enjoyed every step with them when they were intact -- what a joy to have feather light poles... and have been a little aggrevated every step with one a little shorter than it was supposed to be. as a section hiker, at least i'm not stuck with a broken pole for more than a few days. so i'm looking to improve pole longevity a bit, but -- well, the truth of the matter is, i seem to enjoy replacing gear periodically, and will happily continue to do so!!!
You pretty much captured my philosophy
ummmmmmm. i guess i have the luxury of thinking about hiking as a cheap hobby -- and i know that is a luxury indeed... so, yes, cost is generally not a big issue for me, and i'm willing to spend money to cut weight, as well as to be more comfortable.
Same here - makes for an interesting gear closet.
I was telling someone the other day I had enough gear to take me and 3 people I don't like hiking....
Same here - makes for an interesting gear closet.
I was telling someone the other day I had enough gear to take me and 3 people I don't like hiking....
yup. the gear closet is a bit of an embarrassment... and the only people who'll hike with me are my grown kids!!!
Have you tried the Gossamer Gear poles? I wish there was a better way to compare these besides "I like them" "I don't like them" kinds of recommendations.
I did a lot of comparisons with the Gossamer Gear poles before I bought the TIGoats.
At the time the GG poles only had available a small cord for keeping the poles with you on your wrists. You could not really use it as a strap and add a whole bunch of pressure on it because of where it was attached to the pole and it would cut into your wrist. according to the website, soon they are supposed to have a strap of some type but I have not seen it yet.
On the Ti Goat poles the strap is light Grosgrain but is flat and if kept flat on your skin can be used as a push aid. the only thing I would change on these poles is the small stainless screw right in the top center of the handle, it is slotted and on long downhills can be irritating on the palm of your hand, if you use the poles that way. The straight grip has good cushion and is not to spongy.
Dropping 14 ounces from the weight of my previous Leki poles was the clincher though. :)
late breaking news.... i just bought a pair of leki women's titanium fixed length ski poles. i'll let you know how much they weigh when i get a chance, but i actually like that they are not adjustable -- i've never had any use for adjustable poles, so the complication and weight penalty for multiple part poles is a minus in my book.
late breaking news.... i just bought a pair of leki women's titanium fixed length ski poles. i'll let you know how much they weigh when i get a chance, but i actually like that they are not adjustable -- i've never had any use for adjustable poles, so the complication and weight penalty for multiple part poles is a minus in my book.
...they are leki women's balance ski poles, in 42 inch length (yes, i am short...) and they weigh 12 ounces for the pair. they have carbide tips. they feel pretty good -- we'll see. can't quite decide if the strength of the titanium shaft makes up for the extra weight. only one way to find out! when i used to ski a lot, I knew a Norwegian ski school director who would ski with two different skis on his feet to compare them. Since I still have one intact carbon pole, maybe.......
...they are leki women's balance ski poles,.
So, you hike like a girl huh? :)
jnl82381
10-01-2010, 14:49
Sounds like you already know what you want, but another option out there from a "Big Guy" company would be the REI Peak UL Trekking Poles
http://www.rei.com/product/784271
The site claims they weigh 15 oz but when i got mine and weighed them they were only 12! They also have a shock absorbent style for a little more money.
I used them prior to my thru for a few hundred miles and as well as from GA to southern ME where I fell and broke one. However, That fall would have broken any pole I carried. Given REI's return policy, if you do break one, you can send it back and get a new one for no cost.
Just an option.
So, you hike like a girl huh? :)
yup. and i even have a woman's sleeping bag to prove it! hey, if a woman's hiking pole is lighter, and a woman's sleeping bag is just the right length and warmer, why not use them?... oh. oh. and i almost forgot -- i use dirty girl gaiters, cause they're way lighter, work better, and way prettier too!!!
...so i did the walk around test with my new 6 ounce pole in one hand and my old 4 ounce pole in the other, and i was pretty hard pressed to tell much of a difference. i wish i could swap the grips from my komperdell manufactured lite stix carbon fiber poles to my new Leki poles -- they are really comfortable grips and appear to be lighter than the Leki's, but i can't seem to get the komperdell grips off!
In case anyone is wondering, the gossamer gear poles come with a strap as an option. It's a strap you can use as a strap, not just a lanyard.
In case anyone is wondering, the gossamer gear poles come with a strap as an option. It's a strap you can use as a strap, not just a lanyard.
yes, that strap does seem like an improvement. i've had great success with gossamer gear stuff so far, and would love to try their poles. i'm going to see what my new leki's feel like, then decide if i need more gear (predictable -- i need more gear.) I'd love to compare the Tigoat and GG poles for feel and durability. I am wanting to believe that my new relatively light weight titanium leki ski poles will be very strong. Hey Leki guy -- why don't any of the pole manufacturers encourage use of their ski poles for trekking? i can't find a ski pole manufacturer that will even talk to me once they hear that i want to walk with their ski poles... and they don't seem at all interested in telling anyone how much their poles actually weigh!
Hi 1azarus,
There is some difference, like style of grip, and shocks! that are not part of the skiing design. If you are not a shock user, OK, but they are a forward step for good poles.
And of course, adjustabilty. I know people who change them depending on the terrain, and just for variety. You can ski with any Lekis. the trekking basket is sufficiently wide for Southern manmade snow(ice), but both snowflake and snowshoes baskets are available.
Why (other) ski manufactureres do not list weight? Most do not actually make their own, and it is not a question from skiers, except racers. Check out the Carbon racers you will find weights, and prices similar and more than trekking.
I have wanted to mention the difference in carbon poles. Lekis are a spun wrapped shafts, then coated for resistance to chips etc. Some poles are made from golf and fishing rod style blanks with linear fibers. They tend to be 'whippy'? the "flex" does not absorb impact anything like a shock, and if you load it while flexed (fall) against it...snap.
Lekis break if you fall against them (sideways, like all poles) but not from pushing down.
The Aergon grip is a step forward too. Find some where to fondle some. 8)
And YES. I am the Leki Guy.
end disclaimer.
Thanks for the info, Elder. Who knows, i may just fall in love with my Leki Balance poles. I promise to let you know!
. i'm going to see what my new leki's feel like, then decide if i need more gear (predictable -- i need more gear.)
You know, I might be pushing 50 but I'm adoptable... :)
Chance09
10-04-2010, 10:03
Trekking poles = deevolution sticks
yup. only old men (and women) should use them. Something about Shakespeare's stages of man. of course, if you don't use them, well, that old age feeling can come a tad bit early!
burntoutphilosopher
10-13-2010, 20:36
I'll throw +1 tothe black diamonds, for a specific reason:
i am left handed.
lefties often untwist the twistlocks over time, and that happened the one time i used lekis (on a single 6 mile hike, i never owned a pair).
my black diamond ergo corks are INCREDIBLY strong... but by no means ultralight. that said they are also my tent poles ; )