In the past I would just make a staff/cane out of a piece of wood when I wanted extra stability, i.e. packing meat off trail. As I am getting older I see the advantage of using adjustable hiking poles. Any suggestion on brands and models to try or those to stay away from?
In the past I would just make a staff/cane out of a piece of wood when I wanted extra stability, i.e. packing meat off trail. As I am getting older I see the advantage of using adjustable hiking poles. Any suggestion on brands and models to try or those to stay away from?
Thanks in advance, Scott
Lots of choices, both alum and carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber is lighter but can break easier especially in sub zero weather. I have a pair of carbon fiber Eastons that have served me well. Cam locs or flick type locks seem to work better than twist locs.
I also have alum trekking poles and use them as wading staffs mostly.
I have two sets of Leki. One is the heavier aluminum and then the lighter weight set. Flip locks. I havent broke any to date but I imagine if I ever get one wedged between two rocks and use it for a pry bar my big arse will bend it. I actually like the heavier set better but it might be I am just used to them.
I have Black Diamonds and the Costco ones. For around $30, give the Costco sticks a try. I've used them plenty for summertime hiking. Good value for the price.
I use Leki carbon micros and like them a lot. My guide on a recent Dall Sheep hunt used cheap Costco ones and after seeing them in use, I would not spend the $200+ on the Leki. We used the Costco ones as our tent pole as well and they were just as good as the Leki.
I'll start with which ones to avoid first- Black Diamond Z poles; the first one I broke was fording a (albeit swift) stream, which left me with one pole w/ 80+ miles to go on a trip; Black Diamond was good about warrantying it, but this time I went with the heaviest duty aluminum Z pole they made, bent one of those early on a winter trip- no fun snowshoeing with one trekking pole! Both poles failed at the same location. I will say that I still have a pair, the first pair of Z poles I purchased- the very lightweight carbon ones they make- these are reserved for light & fast outings ON trail only- definitely not a hunting suitable pole. It's a really cool design, but after two losses not going to risk them again.
I've now got a pair of Black Diamond Carbon Corks that replaced the last pair of z-poles, the FlickLock setup while not as handy as the Z folding ones, is much sturdier and less prone to failure- these are the ones I now use hunting (and hiking if there is going to be a lot of off trail stuff). My other pair that I use mostly in the winter is their two piece Traverse ski pole- extra stout and can take their whippet attachment.
Some of you have had better luck w the Costco sticks than I. The twist locks went out in short order on 3 of 4 sticks. Will not spend money on them again.
I use the weaver leather CF showstick cow pokers. One piece, non-collapsible and I've never broke one..... with the Wiser coupler, they make a damn good set of shooting sticks.
Both make noise when whacked on rocks but aluminum is worse. The worst part of the noise seems to be the lower shaft rattling inside the upper.
Wife bought a set of no name aluminum cam lock poles for fun I thought the idea was silly. Until I used one. Really sold on the idea now, but not a fan of the rattle created just using them walking down a trail.
Is there a brand or material that is quieter in use?? Not whacking rocks here, just using while walking.
I've beat on a set of Leki Makalus for several years now, and they're still going strong.
Have them for years and they survive everything. Used them for hiking in the German and Austrian Alps as well on driven hunts. But don't take adjustable hiking poles with spring-loaded cushions. I personally don't feel safe when I expect immediate support and the pole sinks down even a few inches.
The one piece Ultimate Direction FK Carbon One Piece Trekking Pole is awesome. I've been using it a couple of years now and it's lighter, stiffer, and stronger than anything adjustable. Best feel/feedback by far. I broke two pair of adjustable length poles this past season (pop out pins broke).
That said, it's not adjustable and doesn't break down to strap to a pack. Love using it, hate carrying it.
I started using one of the Ultimate Direction FK Ultra Poles Carbon (breakdown but set length) as a pair with one of the Ultimate Direction FK Carbon One Piece Trekking Poles the last month of this past season. This way I could have 1 pole broken down and attached to the pack while using a single pole and still hunting.....or have both poles when walking in. I think this may be my go to setup from now on.
I've beat on a set of Leki Makalus for several years now, and they're still going strong.
Have them for years and they survive everything. Used them for hiking in the German and Austrian Alps as well on driven hunts. But don't take adjustable hiking poles with spring-loaded cushions. I personally don't feel safe when I expect immediate support and the pole sinks down even a few inches.
I tried some cheap ones with those cushions and didn't like them at all. They just didn't feel like they had any support. When I push down to hoist myself over a rock, I want to get lifted, not play bouncy bouncy.
I hunt with them also use them for shooting sticks, cant see the need for shooting sticks when you have hiking poles.
I carry just 1. It's great for hiking and I've learned to use it as a shooting stick by propping it against something else, from my leg to a bush, whatever's available. Trying to fumble with 2 poles and a rifle is more trouble than it's worth.
How much do you weigh and will the hills be steep or rocky?
Meat packing, I might go with aluminum for the sake of an extra heavy load might snap an ultralight carbon fiber set.
I've hauled a maximum me plus load of three hundred with top quality carbons, BUT there were no places the tip might get jambed, I didn't use them the same as usual, just wanted stress off of the knees and heart rate down. Not a good habit to use if you have big weight. Aluminum poles can be had cheap and plentiful.
Benefits to CF: 1. Uber light and makes a difference past the first couple miles. 2. Responsive with less flex. Much better feel. 3. No vibration fatigue. Aluminum vibrates badly and especially on hard pack and rocks. 4. Best for scouting. No comparison as to which is overall better. Limitation is mainly weight stress.
I've had a pair of Leki's for 15 years or more that I like for trail hiking. Mine are aluminum, or some metal, and I used them on week long hunts a few times. Using sticks on downhill keeps my knee pain from developing.
For hunting I have come back to wood, however. Wood is quieter when I bang it on things as I am prone to do, and my homemade sticks are not much loss if I go off and leave one after a calling stand or break for lunch, etc. ( I doubled back 3 miles to retrieve my Lekis one time, 6 miles return).
In the PNW, wild hazelnut is my best source of straight strong walking sticks. I have shot several critters off of my walking stick as as steady, plus for the past ten years or so I really need a stick for stable walking on uneven ground. After eye surgeries I prefer a long stick to touch things and confirm depth perception, so I like a stick that is 6 feet long, to reach well down on steep ground.
I used to just pick up a stick but good ones are scarce sometimes so I have taken to bringing good ones home. Plus at several local trail heads and hunt spots I have a stick propped behind a tree, ready for my next jaunt at that place.
I have some that are folding. They're shock corded so you just pull them apart and fold them up to 1/3 length. They have 1 fliplock instead of 2 so they have a more limited adjustment range but they're handy. A minor issue is if the point gets stuck in mud or something. It's more difficult to pull out because the pole will come apart.
How much do you weigh and will the hills be steep or rocky?
Meat packing, I might go with aluminum for the sake of an extra heavy load might snap an ultralight carbon fiber set.
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Sounds like you really load 'em up Happy. Just curious, have you ever snapped one? I mean just under the weight of the load, not getting it down between two rocks?
I'll usually pull one or two out a beaver dam as I'm passing by. They collect them and clean all the bark off 'em and always pick just the right diameter. Good selection of various lengths and life time free replacement guarantee. No questions asked.
How much do you weigh and will the hills be steep or rocky?
Meat packing, I might go with aluminum for the sake of an extra heavy load might snap an ultralight carbon fiber set.
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Sounds like you really load 'em up Happy. Just curious, have you ever snapped one? I mean just under the weight of the load, not getting it down between two rocks?
Sorry this thread slipped my mind and didn't check back sooner. Speaking of slipping, the twist locks on some have reported slippage under heavy loads. I have that kind and it only happened once. It took almost half an hour to carefully take the section apart, clean it and reassemble. It worked ever since. I think most get frustrated and replace them if that happens. That said, the clip lock version seems preferred in the reviews. I've got an REI Branded Komperdell made set that's one of the lightest of the carbon fiber. They really aren't intended for heavy loads, but have been pushed and held up so far. I always wince when they drop between a section of loose rocks. Then I'm reminded to carry them until the trail clears up.
That said, I would probably opt for and put up with the vibration of aluminum poles for heavier loads on longer distance hunts. They are also best for those rocky areas and stream crossings. It just makes sense to take less risk when you really must depend on them for those occasional elk hunts. My hunting style is local now, so it's not been an issue lately.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork have treated me very well. Went on a backpacking trip recently where I’d have really been bad off w/o poles and nearly as bad off with the Kelty aluminum twist locks I had when I was first trying out trekking poles.
I'll start with which ones to avoid first- Black Diamond Z poles; the first one I broke was fording a (albeit swift) stream, which left me with one pole w/ 80+ miles to go on a trip; Black Diamond was good about warrantying it, but this time I went with the heaviest duty aluminum Z pole they made, bent one of those early on a winter trip- no fun snowshoeing with one trekking pole! Both poles failed at the same location. I will say that I still have a pair, the first pair of Z poles I purchased- the very lightweight carbon ones they make- these are reserved for light & fast outings ON trail only- definitely not a hunting suitable pole. It's a really cool design, but after two losses not going to risk them again.
I've now got a pair of Black Diamond Carbon Corks that replaced the last pair of z-poles, the FlickLock setup while not as handy as the Z folding ones, is much sturdier and less prone to failure- these are the ones I now use hunting (and hiking if there is going to be a lot of off trail stuff). My other pair that I use mostly in the winter is their two piece Traverse ski pole- extra stout and can take their whippet attachment.
I hate those zpoles as well. Not werth a [bleep]. Just the regular Black Diamond Trails are decent(AL) and bombproof.
I have some that are folding. They're shock corded so you just pull them apart and fold them up to 1/3 length. They have 1 fliplock instead of 2 so they have a more limited adjustment range but they're handy. A minor issue is if the point gets stuck in mud or something. It's more difficult to pull out because the pole will come apart.
As an addition to my earlier post: These folding poles are quieter. A big share of the noise is the pole sections rattling around inside each other. Folding poles have only 1 joint that way so there's less to rattle.
I got these a few weeks ago. they weigh almost nothing are easy to adjust and cost enough that I can't blow off walking most nights now...
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Pole Pair. They are 200.00 on Amazon
I'm 65 with back and knee problems. These help a lot. Much better upper body exercise and way less likely to fall over and hurt some other body part. Planning to use them as shooting sticks too.
Thank you sir, I did a second loop today around our pond this evening. We don't have anywhere near the levels of mosquitoes you do down East but I despise the little blood suckers and found a batch of them tonight. The roadway back from the pond is pretty long and steep. I was thinking about the extreme sports walking guy above as I poled my way back up hill. Not moving like that but thinking about it
If you're into making your own and have white oak in your neck of the woods.... Find skinny sapling(s). It should be large enough diameter for a secure grip, but light. Leave the bark on where you grip and don't worry if it isn't straight. A little bend acts as a shock absorber. It'll flex just enough, but not like the aluminum type. The grain goes from grip to tip and is exceptionally strong. If it's good, you can pass those onto the younger hunters starting out. Don't go for limbs, just a young sappling next to a big one. Easy to ID from the lack of pins on leaf tips.
It's been 3 weeks since I got my fancy carbon fiber hiking poles . Wife and I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains so our hiking is mostly up and down, She is 9 years younger and tonight I found her texting one of her buddies that I "was cheating with the poles". I'm officially a hiking pole fan boy now
I hunt with them also use them for shooting sticks, cant see the need for shooting sticks when you have hiking poles.
I carry just 1. It's great for hiking and I've learned to use it as a shooting stick by propping it against something else, from my leg to a bush, whatever's available. Trying to fumble with 2 poles and a rifle is more trouble than it's worth.
I';ve never found a need (or desire) for 2 hiking sticks. 1 is sufficient for crossing streams, hiking uphill/uneven terrain.
Why 2? You shouldnt be using your upper body to ascend.
Use as shooting sticks in nice, but I carry thinner sticks for that. But 2 to shoot off of, ok. But for hiking? I'll keep a free hand, thanks.
I hunt with them also use them for shooting sticks, cant see the need for shooting sticks when you have hiking poles.
I carry just 1. It's great for hiking and I've learned to use it as a shooting stick by propping it against something else, from my leg to a bush, whatever's available. Trying to fumble with 2 poles and a rifle is more trouble than it's worth.
I';ve never found a need (or desire) for 2 hiking sticks. 1 is sufficient for crossing streams, hiking uphill/uneven terrain.
Why 2? You shouldnt be using your upper body to ascend.
Use as shooting sticks in nice, but I carry thinner sticks for that. But 2 to shoot off of, ok. But for hiking? I'll keep a free hand, thanks.
The balance assistance from poles can save a lot of energy, ascending/descending/flat. I'm often using only 1, but 2 helps gives you more balance...in a lot of cases it's not needed but it's still there.
9 years ago I had a fall that messed up my back. None of the imaging showed anything that could be fixed surgically. I had to retire early. 3 years ago we were traveling to meet a new grand nephew. Something shifted during the road trip home and the pain level went from "I hate traveling this sucks". To "CRAP! I want narcotics and a 2nd opinion right now!". Got in to see a neurosurgeon who ordered a different kind of image where a dye was injected first for better contrast. It turned out that the reason my back never got better was a piece of vertebrae was completely broken loose and just floating around in there bumping up against the spinal cord at will. The surgeon made a small incision and plucked it out the patched me up with super glue. Over all I have 60% better mobility now \ Prior to surgery the only exercise I got was swimming . I had been making gains with swimming again then Covid happened and I basically began growing roots out of my butt again. I carry a 3 leg back packing stool to rest on when needed and earlier this week my custom Diamond D hip holster for my S&W Model 69 with a Vortex Venom red dot arrived. From a seated position using the hiking poles as shooting sticks I'm able to keep all 5 shots on an 8" steel target at 75 yards.
I made my own "trekking poles" in the 1970's out of ski poles back when no one was using them. I did a few backpacks with them before I went back to a single staff. I just don't like having two objects in my hands unless I need to (snowshoeing/skiing).
After using a walking staff for years, I switched to a cane about 30 years ago. I prefer it over anything else. It gives me the necessary "3rd point of contact" for safety/stability/support, but leaves my other hand free (which is especially handy when carrying a rifle). Think of it as an ice axe like tool for a walker rather than a climber.
As I said earlier in the thread, I still have a pair of BD Carbon Cork Trekking poles, but I doubt they will ever replace my Komperdell Cane.
When I’m backpacking I use trekking poles all the time; when hunting they are collapsed and attached to my pack. If I get lucky and kill an elk, then they earn their keep hauling meat out.
There’s an outfit (Spartan) that lets you utilize your tripod legs as trekking poles- kind of a neat double duty deal. Not sure well they work, but a neat idea.
If you're into making your own and have white oak in your neck of the woods.... Find skinny sapling(s). It should be large enough diameter for a secure grip, but light. Leave the bark on where you grip and don't worry if it isn't straight. A little bend acts as a shock absorber. It'll flex just enough, but not like the aluminum type. The grain goes from grip to tip and is exceptionally strong. If it's good, you can pass those onto the younger hunters starting out. Don't go for limbs, just a young sappling next to a big one. Easy to ID from the lack of pins on leaf tips.
Alaska taught me the value of trekking poles except in the rocks I've broken at least one every trip. The super duper lightweights cannot withstand that beating or torque when wedged - can't blame them. Now opt for moderately priced versions. Last caribou trip I cut a pretty straight willow, skinned off the bark and tied on a wrist loop from a broken shoestring. Help me twice from a steep wet slope and an out of control fall. It came back on the Delta flight as a souvenir. I'll bring a pair of Leki's on the sheep hunt on Aug 7 and see how long they last.............
I made my own "trekking poles" in the 1970's out of ski poles back when no one was using them. I did a few backpacks with them before I went back to a single staff. I just don't like having two objects in my hands unless I need to (snowshoeing/skiing).
After using a walking staff for years, I switched to a cane about 30 years ago. I prefer it over anything else. It gives me the necessary "3rd point of contact" for safety/stability/support, but leaves my other hand free (which is especially handy when carrying a rifle). Think of it as an ice axe like tool for a walker rather than a climber.
As I said earlier in the thread, I still have a pair of BD Carbon Cork Trekking poles, but I doubt they will ever replace my Komperdell Cane.
Great pic Brad!!! Not sure about a cane style but better give it a try. Looks like a great bino platform for glassing at the very least. In that country optics better be glued to your eyes. A comfy set up will produce more game. Ground pad to sit on. Cane to rest bins on. Nice man.
After borrowing a few, went with the lightest cork handled model that was handily available, which was some leki’s, and like them. Flip locks. Not much separates poles other than getting the grips you like, fastener-type you like, honest tips, at a reasonably light weight. Have got $12 cheapies in the truck that are 90% as good, you know? So, not something to over analyze really imo.
I made my own "trekking poles" in the 1970's out of ski poles back when no one was using them. I did a few backpacks with them before I went back to a single staff. I just don't like having two objects in my hands unless I need to (snowshoeing/skiing).
After using a walking staff for years, I switched to a cane about 30 years ago. I prefer it over anything else. It gives me the necessary "3rd point of contact" for safety/stability/support, but leaves my other hand free (which is especially handy when carrying a rifle). Think of it as an ice axe like tool for a walker rather than a climber.
As I said earlier in the thread, I still have a pair of BD Carbon Cork Trekking poles, but I doubt they will ever replace my Komperdell Cane.
Hey Brad,
With enough length, that looks like it could be a cane, hiking/ tracking pole AND crutch if need be. I'm only thinking crutches in an emergency. If an ankle or leg is injured, it looks like that "T" design might allow a comfortable underarm support. What do you think? Is it a sturdy lightweight material?
![[Linked Image from premieroutdoorgear.com]](https://premieroutdoorgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Folding-Trekking-Poles.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/K8H9J3cm/DSC04931.jpg)
keep telling the wife I'm a sexy sumbitch. haha
![[Linked Image]](https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/165921.jpeg)