Looking for input -

I'm going on a goat hunt with a buddy of mine who drew a permit and thought a hiking staff might come in handy.

Anyone got any suggestions on which one to purchase. Leaning heavy toward the Stoney Point or the Alaskan Guide model out of Cabela's. I won't have a chance to look at them in person so...any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

I'm more partial to trecking poles, and found out after a singe trip with some cheapies, that you gotta get good ones if adjustable. I mostly use cross country ski poles.

458 -

Thanks...what make/model? Do you use two or is one fine?

Go to www.rei.com . They have some good ones available.

For cross country poles, they are a cheap pair I got from Play it Again sports, but they've held up to years of skiing and hiking. I have a better pair of skate skiing poles, stronger and lighter but they are a bit long.

I'd like to get some adjustable poles, just hit REI or Alaska Mountaineering, they'll set you up, there are only a couple brands that make the good ones, and I've not heard anything bad about them, other then you'll have to fork over $100 or so.

The nice thing about the poles is you can double up the hand straps and make a killer standing bipod, works for rifles and handguns.

You won't need the hiking stick if your passed out in the flats. Better hit the stairs tonight! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Mr. Akboondocker,
Have been using Cabela's Alaskan Guide model for a couple of years (year round) now and it has served me well. I go well over 200lbs with gear.
Best Wishes

Leki al the way......about ten years now......

I'll worry about how I get up the hill...you worry about how your going to get up it, kapeesh? I've already hired two porters and a donkey to help me up the hill. Yes, you can have the donkey at night if he's not too tuckered out...grin

Komperdell, Leki, REI, have used them all, best bang for the buck IMO is REI, you want summer baskets and carbide tips IMO&E, I prefer the 3 piece poles. I only use one.

for a quick kneeling shot, try using your little finger and ring finger too grasp the pole while using your middle, index and thumb to grip the forearm of the rifle, I find it to be mucho steadier than traditional kneeling shooting. YMMV

Good info all...thanks

I used an old pair of downhill ski poles for years. Up and down Class III rock and snow no problem. When I went to adjustable pole/probes for my backcountry skiing, I just started using these same poles for hiking. I always use two poles. The increase in "sure-footedness" they give you and the strain they take off of your knees will keep you smiling all the way down the mountain.

I can recommend the Leki's and the Black Diamonds from personal experience. I forgot my BD's that I used for years in California, and had to buy Lekis in Talkeetna for a Denali trip. They were fine.

Scott

FWIW, I'd recommend two hiking/trekking poles instead of one (have done it both ways myself). REI, Leki, and Komperdell all make good hiking poles. I use the Komperdell "contour" poles, which have foam grip material that extends about 8 inches down the shaft below the grips. This is nice when ascending a hill and shortening my grip, or to be able to cross the poles (a hiking pole bipod) and rest my rifle against foam instead of metal.

You'll never know how great hiking poles are, however, until you start going down a steep, rocky mountainside with a pack loaded with meat and/or cape and hide! The assistance they give you with balance and the ability to safely pick your way down the mountain is worth the extra pound or so in your pack a hundred times over.

Good luck!

Chris

good info all...I went ahead and picked up a pair of Black Diamond trail compact with the flicklocks. They have the 6" foam grip extentsion. They should do the trick. If not then I'm only out $80. I'll letcha all know how they work out.

.....if the weather starts cooperating!

On my second set of Leki as I was talked out of my first set by a guide who tried them when his knees where bothering him. They have increased what I am will to take on and with a pack that is set up to hold them they are never in the way or a hassle, which is important to me as I find a walking staff (or wading staff as I fish stream/rivers) ackward to carry when not needed.