My brother brought a pair to elk camp this year. On our second trip out with my elk, carrying 80 lb packs for six miles, he brought his, gave me one he used one. GAME CHANGER!!! We were doing multiple (like 8) creek crossings in the dark while raining. Also side hilling canyon walls. I am pretty sure those damned things saved our arses from serious injury more than once that day.
As to brand etc. I know nothing, just don't buy the kind that are spring loaded. Solid is the only way to go based on my one time use of one.
