Trekking Poles Recommendations?

[soumodeler]

Not on PacerPoles. You should check them out - they have a very unique grip that is MUCH easier and more comfortable to use, and which makes wrist straps unnecessary.

I have used everything from a sapling picked up in the woods to Komperdelle poles (REI) to LEKI and now PacerPoles. PacerPoles win.

I read that to mean straps on non PacerPoles. I agree with the straps not needed on PacerPoles.

[Lyle]

I read that to mean straps on non PacerPoles. I agree with the straps not needed on PacerPoles.

No problem. I re-read my post and saw how you could misunderstand my intent. I corrected it to be more clear.

[John M]

Black Diamond had last years model of Alpine Carbon Corks on sale for over 30% off. Haven't used them yet but pretty highly recommended on every site I looked at.

[Flash52]

I started out with a different pair but got my Leki poles in Fontana. They are working great!

Hope this helps!

[Another Kevin]

My personal preference:

Grip material: Cork. Foam grips chafe my sweaty hands.
Shaft material: Aluminium. I just don't quite trust the carbon fiber ones. But that's pretty irrational. I might eventually be lured to the dark side. by the lighter weight.
Locking mechanism: Flick-locks/lever-locks. I've dealt with twist locks on too many other things (camera tripods, and so on). They don't release when I want them do, and do release when I don't want them to.
Weight: I just specified poles that are too heavy, since I chose the heavier option in the previous three categories. So be it.

REI's house brand is made by Komperdell, and I've found that it's done OK for me.

Mags tells me that you can actually get a halfway decent pair of carbon fiber poles at Costco for about $30.

[Hikingjim]

I've had some problems with the black diamond flicklocks on my poles. Had to return one set
I would think ones that don't fold would be much less likely to give you trouble over time... but collapsing is beneficial for many things

[mortonjl]

Don't spend too much $$$ on them for a thru hike, they're gonna break

[AngryGerman]

Komperdell Carbon Poles are what I opt for. I've used most other brands as well but opt for the Komperdell's.

[sheperd80]

Ive used everything from cheap walmart poles to black diamonds. Im rly loving my BD trail ergo corks. Cork is a must in my opinion as is flick-lock vs twist. Other than that, a stick is a stick. I opted for aluminum because i also use them for my shelter do i reasoned that the extra weight was worth having slightly stronger poles for that job.

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[Odd Man Out]

...Mags tells me that you can actually get a halfway decent pair of carbon fiber poles at Costco for about $30.

I think these are the ones. Skurka's review is very favorable. Not just good for the price, but good for any price. That blog post is a few years old now so the price may have gone up. Also available from places other than Costco, in case you don't want to join that cult ;-)

http://andrewskurka.com/2015/cascade...-poles-review/

http://www.cascademountaintech.com/Q...les-p/1010.htm

[sheepdog]

bamboo snow shoe poles from Good will. $2....nearly indestructible and very light. I also like the natural material. They don't fold down but that has rarely been a problem.

[Bigfoot86]

Gossamer gear lt4s are by far the lightest i have ever touched and they seam to last for a decently long times

[Secondmouse]

My personal preference:

Grip material: Cork. Foam grips chafe my sweaty hands.
Shaft material: Aluminium. I just don't quite trust the carbon fiber ones. But that's pretty irrational. I might eventually be lured to the dark side. by the lighter weight.
Locking mechanism: Flick-locks/lever-locks. I've dealt with twist locks on too many other things (camera tripods, and so on). They don't release when I want them do, and do release when I don't want them to.
Weight: I just specified poles that are too heavy, since I chose the heavier option in the previous three categories. So be it.

REI's house brand is made by Komperdell, and I've found that it's done OK for me.

Mags tells me that you can actually get a halfway decent pair of carbon fiber poles at Costco for about $30.

Mags has been saying that but it hasn't been true for a couple years. the poles he was talking about are the Cascade Mountain linked to above -- http://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Carbon-Trekking/dp/B00EJP43FA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458142294&sr=8-1&keywords=cascade+trekking+poles

fwiw, there is a slew of $25-35/pair poles on Amazon right now. they look to be made by the same parent corporation as the various components (grips, tips, flip locks) appear identical.

I got a no-name pair of these carbon poles last year that weigh less than 1lb and are holding up well. they do occasionally rattle a bit but for the price/weight, I can live with it...

[Dogwood]

My head is dizzy reading all these YouTube like comments.


For the AT and since you're asking probably as a new trekking pole user you might consider something less expensive, at least until you get a better feel for what you might want in a perhaps higher priced set, collapsible(foldable), flicklock or equivalent, non twist lock, perhaps having some length of adjustment. Cork handles are the best especially for a humid AT thru but it will not likely be a deal breaker if you go with a solid feeling thick foam. Seek a lower section at least made of high grade aluminum. If trekking pole wt is a great concern consider stiff carbon fiber for the upper collapsible lengths. FWIW, not all trekking poles use the same grade of materials.


Leki has great customer service. Had an old alpine pr given to me they totally refurbished for free at Trail Days in Damascus on an AT thru. Black Diamond has always been good to me with my BD foldable Ultra Distance Carbon Z Poles and a set of Distance FLZ carbon poles. If one expects free replacement on broken UL carbon poles as a matter of habit when it doesn't involve a defect but abuse that can be problematic and I would say unreasonably shady. Komperdell Carbon Fiber Vario 4 in the 145 cm length are GREAT poles that I've borrowed but don't own. They strike a great balance of attributes for the gear wt conscious hiker They are stratospherically priced but have a 3 yr warranty. They are super light, strong, have a lower protective metal sleeve(where trekking poles can usually be damaged), and adjustable(I like that for various use in shelter set ups and when steeply ascending/descending). With my REI rebate check I bought a full priced ($150) pr of the 135 cm REI Carbon Expedition Vario poles made in Austria by Komperdell that Andrew Skurka referred to in his comparison trekking pole piece. IMHO, they strike a great similarity in features as the above Komperdell Carbon Fiber Vario 4 branded poles discussed. They are too short for me. They have never seen a trail. I used them to erect a shelter in the back yard twice. They are now reduced at REI in price to $110. If you want mine I'll ship them to you for $70 CONUS me paying shipping. PM me if you or anyone else is interested.


I don't even use trekking poles most of the time but give them a try now and then. I'm not for or against them. I recognize utility in trekking pole use. This is going to open up debate but IMHO trekking poles aren't a necessity for backpacking for as many as use them as the marketing makes them out to be.

[Tipi Walter]

I've heard many say that Black Diamond is not very helpful with warranty/repair/replacement issues whereas, Lekki will bend over backwards for their customers.

This might be true as I emailed Black Diamond about my ruined pole cork 5 years ago and I'm still waiting for a reply.

I think cork grips are the most important decision. Cork grips worked great for me.

Cork grips are comfy and excellent in the winter at 0F; problem is, they crack, split and fall apart after continuous use and cannot be replaced as far as I know (see above email comment). I bought 2 sets of BK Diamond alpine cork poles (4 altogether) and I'm now on my third pole due to cork disintegration (I only use one pole when hiking).

I personally like the foam grips. The rubber is too hard for my comfort and the cork is heavier and gets old and slimy and stinky and falls apart more readily than the foam.
I like the shorter tips on the Leki (or BD Distance Z-poles for that matter) better than the longer tips on the regular BD poles that get stuck in the mud significantly more.

Cork does fall apart. My next pole will be something w/o cork.

Black Diamond had last years model of Alpine Carbon Corks on sale for over 30% off. Haven't used them yet but pretty highly recommended on every site I looked at.

The same pole I use and all of the cork has split and fallen apart.

On my third cork pole I think I found a solution---I bought a container of Birkenstock cork "saver" glue stuff and coat my pole grip with it before every trip. So far so good.

[Dogwood]

https://www.rei.com/product/884628/r...ing-poles-pair

[10SEns]

Pacer Poles are the most comfortable to use and most efficient at transferring arm motion to forward motion. If you don't go with them, then I agree with the others, it doesn't make much difference.

Been using Pacer Poles for 11 or 12 years now (maybe more) and will never buy anything but. Only problems were worn out tips and a bent pole section after I stepped on it. Both times the manufacturer sent the replacement parts very quickly and at very low cost, even including a gift of 6 sets of rubber tips at no extra charge.

Also, no need to learn how to use wrist straps with Pacer Poles - they are not necessary. The only purpose for the wrist tether is for your convenience.

+1 on Pacer Poles. They are comfortable, efficient and extremely intuitive to use. Well worth the money!

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[Turk6177]

I use carbon fiber REI poles with snap locks. I have logged 300+ miles with the poles without any complaints. I occasionally have to tighten one of the screws on the snap locks, but other than that they are great. They have saved me a lot. I would look for lightweight and a cork handle if I were to purchase new ones now. Mine are light, but have a black foam handle. I heard cork is better but am not sure why.


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[nsherry61]

. . . Mine are light, but have a black foam handle. I heard cork is better but am not sure why. . .

Cork is better than rubber. But I think foam better than cork. Foam is lighter, more durable, doesn't get gross when sweaty and wet. Washes more easily. Doesn't hold stink. Should I go on? . . . I don't really have anything else.

Now you've heard foam is better, and you have reasons. Enjoy figuring out what you like best!

I think the biggest reason people prefer cork is that they are comparing its comfort to rubber, not good foam and cork it's "natural" so it must be better? I don't know.

[nsherry61]

. . . On my third cork pole I think I found a solution---I bought a container of Birkenstock cork "saver" glue stuff and coat my pole grip with it before every trip. So far so good.

From my Birkenstock days, I recall this stuff to be similar contact cement.
Doesn't it seal up the cork and thus make it more like holding onto a rubber grip instead of a more breathable and flexible untreated cork?