Thanks for the response. That confirms what I was thinking. I don't know the length that was used before, but was probably 90 or 95.

I believe the Stubai is the brand Taylor carries in his store.

http://www.nwbackpack.com/products/tour_lite_telescoping_axe.php

http://gearx.com/petzl-snowscopic-axe-wi...=GoogleShopping

TOM, no kidding I felt just as you do for 40 years. I'll spend the rest of my life hiking with trekking poles. They are that good. It's like taking 25% off your back and improving stability exponentially. In rough steep country they cannot be beat.

Have you bee up Asgard Pass near Leavenworth? Or more importantly, down? I had a heavy pack, heavier than I should have taken, and the poles were necessary for safe decent.

I have an use one of these when I think there may be snow in the plan: Black Diamond - Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole

Works for me.

Any feed back on Leki poles for treking?

Leki Makalu's are what we use when sheep hunting, I keep at least 1 in my pack at all times. These are solid poles and when adjusted to the proper length for me they stay locked in place.

Ok, maybe just because I am a cheap SOB, but I have never spent over $5 (usually $3) just picking up some good quality ski poles at thrift stores or yard sales. They work great and if damaged (very rare) are easily replaced. I actually leave a set in my truck and have more in the garage. Just a thought!

I've got bum knees, trecking poles are a godsend.

Can't comment on the costco poles, but costco is great about returns when you break stuff

My first pair of trecking poles were a cheap pair that I bent the first time out in less than an hour. Then I got a pair of BD trecking poles and it took me several years to bend them. About 20 miles in Crow Creak I slipped on an off camber patch of mud, managed to save myself with a pole plant but bent it pretty badly. I was able to straighten it out without any cracks or stress marks, though it doesn't quite fully retract now.

I wouldn't go with carbon fiber, they are slightly lighter but they won't bend when over stressed, they'll shatter. Also using them in rocky terrain will nick them up which will lead to them failing.

The problem with ski poles is that they are not adjustable and being able to adjust your trekkers is a must. I encounter all kinds of different situations when I use mine, creek crossings, side hilling, climbing, walking downhill. Being able to adjust it makes it so much easier for those given situations.