Trekking Pole Height

[waylander]

Do you think a trekking pole that extends to 135cm is long enough for a 6'4 hiker?

I have yet to use trekking poles but am interested due to recent knee issues (and age). Alternative is to bite the bullet and travel a hour and half and check for myself.

Thanks.

[Elder]

Probably not..the 135 max length is a little short.
Average use is with the elbow at 90 degrees, but many lengthen and shorten depending on terrain...and tarp use too.
Use the straps correctly :rolleyes:

[Mountain Wildman]

Maximum trekking pole length

Tall people (6'3" or more) should select a pole with a maximum length of at least 53 inches. Those who are 6'2" or shorter will find most trekking poles (http://www.ems.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3707824) will adjust to the appropriate length.
http://www.ems.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3942320

[Elder]

Oh, sorry. You probably need the 145 cms

[Spokes]

I tend to set my poles way shorter than most and find keeping my arms lower burns way less energy.

Play around. In the end, it's a matter of preference.

[Doughnut]

I tend to set my poles way shorter than most and find keeping my arms lower burns way less energy.

Play around. In the end, it's a matter of preference.


+1 I like my hands lower, palm resting on the topp of the grip, more like a cane I suppose. However the point of longer if you are using the poles with your shelter is very very very valid.....

My leki's got 2 inches shorter by drilling another hole, co I could collapse them for my height and stride, not sure how I could lengthen them other that tie a stick to the end, if I needed to extend for a shelter. (that's a joke, they do amke pole extenders for shelters)

[waylander]

Thanks. It looks like all of the leki ultra-lights top off at 135 cm. Any suggestions for light weight and durable trekking poles for a tall hiker?

Thanks.

[schnikel]

Use the straps correctly :rolleyes:

Gotta agree here. Using the straps corectly is a huge improvement. It changes you from walking with trekking poles to using trekking poles.
It may not seem like a big deal but I felt a difference right away after being shown correctly.
Schnikel

[Elder]

Thanks. It looks like all of the leki ultra-lights top off at 135 cm. Any suggestions for light weight and durable trekking poles for a tall hiker?

Thanks.
Of course..the Leki Aergo Super Makalu.
Not as light as the Ultras, but 145cm and still very light!

[jrwiesz]

Gotta agree here. Using the straps corectly is a huge improvement. It changes you from walking with trekking poles to using trekking poles.
It may not seem like a big deal but I felt a difference right away after being shown correctly.
Schnikel

Agreed, one gets plenty of upward help in ascents. Power hike, and more use of ones upper body, with proper use of straps.

Does anyone have a better link than that EMS one? One that addresses proper elbow angle with poles. I know, I felt fairly comfortable with slighty less than 90 degrees at the elbow on flat terrain.

Just curious.:-?

[Many Walks]

Waylander, another good option is Black Diamond. They've had the positive flick lock for years and are extremely stable. BD has a great selection of poles and the Syncline Mountain series goes up to 150 cm, 59 in that should give you plenty of adjustment and are an oz. lighter than Leki Super Makalu's. I have both Leki and Black Diamond. The BD's go hiking and the Leki's sit in the corner collecting dust. With any pole it's best to get your hands on them so you can feel the difference and find a fit that's right for your personal preference.

[Franco]

Does anyone have a better link than that EMS one?
Try this :

http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm (http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm)
Franco

[Reid]

I'm 6'4 and I like mine set low so 135 is fine with me. I don't use em' anymore though. You can caught up using them when you are using a tent that uses that kind of support but I've found my lightweight tent that doesn't require poles.

[waylander]

Leki Super Makalu Cor-Tec Antishock Trekking Pole's enroute from Amazon. Thanks all for the suggestions.

[jrwiesz]

Does anyone have a better link than that EMS one?
Try this :

http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm (http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/poles.htm)
Franco

Much more info here, EMS site gives just enough info to "buy our poles".
This site definately instructs one on usage.
Thanks Franco. :sun

[Mud__Bone]

I like my black diamond Terra CF's, they have been rock solid for me over time and stay locked.

can't recall where I picked this tidbit, but it seems to work very well to determine pole length for you...

stand, bend arm at 90 degree , hold pole at side and it should be within 3 inches of your elbow at the top of your pole. it is easier to swing them at elbow height or shorter. worked for me to try to determine how long they should be.

I say get ANY adjustable poles, even wally world cheap-o, use them for a day of hiking, adjusting them now and then so u can feel the difference.

steep up = shorter , steep down = longer

your knee's say thank you :)