Trekking poles

[Pig_Pen]

i have been hearing and reading a lot about how helpful a set of trekking poles. Since I am far from having mountain goat legs, I think I will pick up a set before my trip out this year.
What features should I be leaning towards? Is there a favorable clamp style that you favor over the other?

 

[hank4elk]

After using a single hiking stick for years I just got Leki's on sale.
Twist lock's,nice grips,colapsable,light.

 

[jamesctaylor17@gmail.com]

I like any that collapse down. I bought some Easton compact AL5 poles that I bought this year and although I like the convenience of trekking poles with heavy loads I am notimpressed with the Easton poles. I'm not even 1/2 a season into them and the foam grips have torn and basket at the end of one of the poles came off. I'd second the suggestion for Leki. Trekking poles is all they do and they have a lifetime warranty.


http://www.blackovis.com/brands/leki

 

[Pig_Pen]

Thanks gents, Leki was one of the final contestants on my research/wish list.

 

[Firehawk]

I just bought some Easton AL3 that I really like. A lot lighter than my previous set that I bought cheap at Recreation Outlet.  Hope they last a while. 

I have learned through using them this year during hikes and one backpacking trip that they can help my old knees go longer and ill effects subside quicker.  Can't wait to use them hunting in a few weeks.

 

[Mad_Angler]

I heard to get ones that clamp shut for adjustments.  Folks said that the screwed ones always came loose.

I bought two sets with those.  Hiking is much easier.


Also, I trained a few years ago in Pennsylvania on the AT.  EVERY single real hiker on the AT had trekking poles.  Nearly all those are total gram weinies.  If they wanted poles, I figured that I would need some too.

I helped carry out a moose and two caribou.  The poles helped a lot.

 

[idcuda]

I don't like the twist versions, but I have a set that are about 17 years old that haven't failed.  Next set will probably be clamp locks, but we'll see.

I love using them for long uphill hikes in fairly open terrain.  Plowing through sagebrush, bitterbrush, etc, can be a problem.  They're also good for crossing more technical terrain where you don't need to have your hands on the ground.  In open terrain, they help save the legs.  In technical terrain, they help to keep ya from falling.

 

[Lawnboy]

I used to think they were sissy looking until I went on my first Dall sheep hunt.  I can't imagine not having them especially if I'm carry a load in or out.  They save your legs.


As far as what brand I know you can really spend some money on them but I've got 2 Dall sheep hunts some cheap Walmart ones and they are very functional.

 

[Waphunter]

I got a set of Easton AL3 this year that I'm hoping to try out on a heavy pack job

 

[kabushnell]

I've been using the Easton Hike Carbon 3 for the past couple of years.  A buddy and I split a set a couple years ago at Bowcast at the Bird 3d shoot.  I used the one for a season, liked using it so much we split another set the next year so we each have two now.  I rarely do not have them with me on a scouting trip or hunt.

 

[sgknutzen]

i have a pair of eastons, not sure which model. i am not a big fan of the twist locks, i like the clamp style. they make a much bigger difference for me going downhill as i have crappy knees.they are usually strapped to my pack on the way up, but on the way down they are worth every ounce.