I haven't used trekking poles, I try to keep my rifle close to hand so for now I'm in the no column.

Yeah, I'm a little bored ..

When I'm solo it's all I use. River country tents make a nice little "2" man that is really a one man and his gear. Used it quite a bit in a bunch of different weather and it holds up fine.

Chinese tents are going to put American companies out of business. No doubt they're having a big impact right now.

Luxe is one of the ''companies'' that is buying copy-cat chinese tents and marketing them to hunters+.

Like they say 'that's just the way it is', I guess.

I'll have to give Trekking poles a run sometime. I have one of the Kifaru Gun-Bearer thingy's so it might work out.

I use a American made Seek Outside Silex. It's a floorless shelter that uses trekking poles to hold it up.

I use trekking poles in rough terrain and carry my rifle in a back scabbard. Flipping the wrist straps over the other handle makes a very nice bipod that works sitting or standing. Having a carry tent that uses them would be just a bonus.

I sewed a Whelen style tent that I used XC skiing that used my ski poles with, handy not to have to pack poles but kind of a pain if I wanted to camp a couple days in one spot and explore. I did just cut a couple branches to substitute on those days. I never used it in the summer due to bugs.

Pros and cons.

I'm mostly not a trekking pole user. I haven't used them a ton but when I do, they seem more disadvantageous than advantageous. I have good balance, strong legs, and I need my hands for fighting brush .. leads to handgun hunting instead of rifle hunting at times. Anyway, I have one tent built for trekking poles but it had the option of carbon fiber poles instead which I use.

For a person who does like to use trekking poles I see an apparent problem if they're setting up a tent for a multi-day camp .. when the poles are in use holding up the tent they're not available for scrambling around hillsides.

Tom

I am in the no, I want to use my poles and may not tear down camp every day. Luxe is awful stay away! Seek is the way to go IMHO!

Mountainsmith LT is great. Stake it out, use trekking poles for poles. Want to leave it, take out poles add a rock or two on top of it and take off. Come back, remove rocks and reinsert poles. Very roomy for two.

I'll need to check out that Seek Outside Silex. Like USA made.

Seek Outside Guardian looks legit too. Tried some tipi style tents but had some very high wind issues with them. These SO models look lower profile.

Love them for my backpacking trips. Have a MLD Duomid that uses one pole and use pole or poles for river crossings.

On a side note, in our hunting country with loose rock and downed timber, I rely on poles when packing meat out to avoid as many falls as possible. The extra ground contacts are a huge help and glad I adopted using them. And using a Kifaru Gunbearer has worked great with or without trekking poles.

I’ve been using the Seek Outside Eolus the last two years and really like it for September archery. I only use the trekking poles for packing out elk so using them to set up the tent is not a problem. Seek Outside tents are made in Grand Junction, Colorado of USA sourced materials.

The Mountainsmith LT is nice, $104 on sale @ backcountrygear.

I've rigged tarp shelters with poles. The problem is that once the shelter is up, you don't have the poles to use for something else.

In open country or steep above treeline trekking poles are good business. They help in water crossings along with water slippers.

Some use their poles as rifle rests and there's some utility to that but I'm into the art of shooting from a real rifle sling.

Overall I see hiking poles as a plus unless your going thru really thick brush.

I've got the tarptent Carbon poly poles inbound for mine so I can keep my trekking poles in use. Sub 4oz each isn't too bad, and $25 is about as cheap as you'll find.

https://www.tarptent.com/product/carbon-poly-pole/

For the money, that's a lot of pole. The Ruta Locura equivalent is double the price.

I use a cane, not trekking poles. But even if I did, I wouldn't want them bound to a tent. Among others, I have a Tarp Tent Rainbow Li, so that solves the trekking pole problem.

The only ‘tent’ I’ve used trekking poles with - once - is my Kifaru SuperTarp. I’m generally not a trekking pole guy, just wasn’t brought up with them. Cutting a pole out of the woods now for both the SuperTarp and my newer BPW Luna 4 which I use more often these days is easier & more sturdy.

Brad,

I had forgotten you use a Cane, is it an ultralite piece?

Mike, it's a Komperdell Power Walk "Walking Staff" (cane) - weigh's 8.5 oz's.

Here's a GREAT deal on them - sign up for text notifications and receive an additional 10% off for a total of $39.14 shipped:

https://www.mountainsteals.com/prod...81YdjmEpYQMk0H6j1rlh0fLVckIaAtLBEALw_wcB

I have trekking poles, but only really use them snowshoeing. For general backpacking and mountain hunting, for me the cane is the only way to go. I truly dislike having both hands committed to trekking poles - think of the cane as a "walking height" ice axe. I have mine set at 90cm.

Thanks, saved the link.

Mike, this is one of those things you can only know for yourself. My wife wouldn't think of day hiking or backpacking without trekking poles. I don't like them.

Before there was such a thing as "trekking poles," somewhere around 1977 I struck upon the idea of using two ski poles for backpacking. I'd never seen anyone do such a thing, and did several backpack trips with them before I decided I preferred a single staff which was my go to walking aid at the time.

After the ski pole experiment I stuck to a traditional "staff" (think Colin Fletcher, The Complete Walker) through the 1980's. Then in 1992 I switched to a cane - somewhere I'd found a lightweight, composite, geriatric cane and it struck me as similar to the "walking height" ice axe I preferred for some climbs. I tried it on a trip in the Bob Marshall, and was hooked. Nothing in the last 30 years has induced me to change.

At the end of the day, having a "third point of contact" is really quite important for safety in the mountains, no matter your preference of poles, staff, or cane.

Also good for thumping snakes.

Ha! True - I killed a big ole Southern rattler (12 buttons) in the NC mountains with my staff on a 2.5 mo's long AT hike.

Look at Black Diamond. VERY good company. VERY good quality! Their Distance compact 2-person tent which uses their Distance Carbon FLZ-AR Trekking poles.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/distance-tent-w-adapter/

Alan

I have a Mega-Mid that I really like.

Trying to decide whether or not to sew a stove-jack into it.

I don't like the bright blue, don't like the dull blue on the MM, prefer green/tan/grey myself.

I have a SeekOutside Little Bug Out with the added tarp. It’s got a stove jack, and I can use a trekking pole. Packs down really small and it’s super well made.

Both my solo and duo three season shelters are trekking pole shelters. The solo uses a single pole, the duo double poles. Both are pretty sturdy shelters, but come winter I want crossing tent poles. Quicker/easier setup and simply sturdier with snow loads and wind.

Brad - I’ve never seen such a cane. Very interesting! I may order one to try. Your emphasis on the importance of a third point of contact really got me thinking.

Great post!

Third point of contact = wider base of support

Pints, I never go anywhere in the backcountry without my cane! Us over-60 guys need all the help we can get

My wife snapped this of yours truly a couple weeks ago...

^ good thing there was a bridge- that creek is rocking!

It really was! Heck of a snowpack in the Gallatin this year, as I'm sure it was further north your way.

As to my thinking the photo was "a couple weeks back" - well, I checked... I suppose technically June 18th was! 3 days before my 61st b-day.

We had a decent snowpack, but what made an interesting year is how long the mountains held that snow- but when it did go, it really went!

I bought two different models from Tarptent this year to see if I like the trekking pole setup.

I used one on a scouting trip and liked the design, setup, and features for the weight. Basically a one man tent that can handle moderate wind and light snow, double wall, partial solid interior for blowing debris, and around two pounds +/-. I'll probably sell one, but am tempted to keep both.

Most tents that have dedicated poles that I considered were closer to three pounds, have more mesh, and are not suggested for any snow. I don't need a full blown winter tent, but want to save weight and pack space when feasible. Plus all my backpacking stuff is from the mid-nineties so it's been fun checking out the new stuff!

I like the look of the Durston X-mid as well, which is similar to the Tarptent Stratospire. Dan Durston has posted some helpful comments about materials and designs, especially what to choose for wind versus snow loads.

^ which two shelters from TT?

Stratospire 1 and Notch Li.

Ahhhh- I have the Aeon Li and the Stratospire Li (2 person)- I use the Aeon backpacking outside of hunting season and winter, the Stratospire Li is pretty weatherproof (wind/rain/medium snow) and have been using it fall/winter.

The Stratospire Li seems like an awesome tent and is still at the top of my list, especially if I have one of my young children with me. If it was available when I was shopping, I definitely would have bought it and probably would have been done right there. But it hasn't been available.

I didn't want to wait until the last minute for the next expected shipment (mid September now) so I started with the Stratospire 1. I like the design and the new silpoly material in theory. Seems like a pretty solid design. But then, the "what if" crept into my brain and I bought the Notch Li that I had previously dismissed.

I haven't used the Notch Li on a trip yet, but I really like it. It's definitely small inside, but I measured it at ~1.3 pounds and it has all the features that I want. I do wish the fly went a freckle lower to the ground, but I don't see myself swapping it out for something else. Except for a two man tent if I have child with me, or I need the extra space.

Henry makes pretty darn good shelters

Brad, was that mtn picture on beacon and the creek, the 3rd bridge down the south fork?

I need two poles for 4 wheel drive.

You don't look much over 40.

I'll throw in here. I bought one of those LanShan China tents to try out. It's just OK. About 2.5 pounds without the poles. Bathtub floor and good rain fly. plenty of room for 1 plus pack/gear in the 2 man. I was looking for something to replace my 6 lb freestanding Ureka. If it wasn't for the bugs here in the east I'd probably go with a floorless. It works and I spend a couple crappy, rainy nights in it without issue but overall it's just meh.

I would agree. I've been following his tent designs for several years but only recently purchased one (two I guess). It seems like there's a lot of thought put into the designs and he only makes changes when needed.

Seems like a decent value given the low prices I see for those.

On my recent trip into the Sierra’s, a buddy was using a Moment- had never seen one in person, very solid shelter. Yeah he knows what he’s doing

Hi Kurt - Beacon is exactly right, bridge is #2.

I totally get two poles, and in some situations (like packing out meat) I use them.

As to not looking much over 40 - you're kind

Brad-
Thanks for the 411 on the walking staff – I ordered one for my father.

I suddenly feel old

Happy to help!

LOL.
Ya know, after I hit the reply button, I wondered if that might get construed the wrong way.
If I lived in your locale and trekked the stuff you do on a regular basis, I'd be using same.

Not at all - gave me a good chuckle!

I count the bridge at the trailhead.. 🙂

Ah - forgot about that. So yes, #3!

I don't use a tent that can use trekking poles, I use a bivy style that has a couple of hoops.

Now that we are discussing poles and canes, I have poles in my truck and/or base camp to assist in hauling wild game and supplies. They can be a nuisance in heavy brush and timber, though. They are also put in play while snowshoeing.

I used poles in the open country while hunting Mountain Goats in the Chugach Mountains the first time. The second time, I took advice from a hunting partner and used Stoney Point Polecat shooting sticks for needed stability. Sturdy, lightweight (11 oz.) and versatile. Steady rifle rest and place binoculars or spotting scope on top for extended periods of glassing.

In the hilly terrain of Southwest Wisconsin where I hunt Whitetails most of the time it requires both hands to pull yourself up hill and hang on going down hill.

After a minor accident in the woods, I used a cane to get around for awhile and I milked the sympathy aspect of it with my wife for as long as I could and noticed out in public, people would give you that sympathy/kindness look. I get a little longer in the tooth, I just may take up a cane again.

It must be something about the handle design and use. I've seen you post this a couple of times and my first thought was, "I can make a trekking pole the shorter length to use as a cane....". Can you elaborate or shed a better light on that Brad?

As to the subject matter of the topic, I've used multiple shelters for which one can substitute a trekking pole; but, I always prefer the dedicated separate pole. My exception to that would be if I know I was popping smoke every day.

Pretty simple really - set your trekking pole at 90 cm and try to use it like a cane. Go for a 10 mile walk. You won't enjoy the experience because your hand and wrist will be tortured into a vertical position. A cane allows the hand and wrist to remain in a horizontal and more comfortable position just like an ice axe. Apart from the obvious pick and adze, ever wonder why a walking ice axe is essentially shaped like a cane? You carry it by the head just like you would a cane. Far more comfortable and stable than the vertical design of a shortened trekking pole.

Thanks. My ability to grasp the obvious is my strongest trait.

LOL, no worries mate - that sounds like me!

Looks like SMC still makes a long ice axe for walking-axe or cane-type usage plus cathole digging, camp leveling, step chopping and snotgrass arresting.

https://smcgear.com/kobah-ice-axe-100cm.html

I rounded the adze and shortened the pick on mine to make it generally less grabby. Good tool. I'd buy a 105cm if they made one, but the 100cm works well in the uphill hand.

People get pretty bent out of shape about the longer than usual axe...normal ice axe sizing has a person crossing a steep snowfield with the axe in the uphill hand. Apparently they're not OK with using a longer one for a cane, walking assist or 3rd point of contact on rough but less steep ground.