Hiking Poles-Suggestions?
Equipment
Contributors to this thread:
I purchased a pair of hiking poles while on a diy elk hunt this past fall in Idaho. I have tendonitis in my knee and figured the poles would really help with packing out an elk. I purchased the only pair in town, Pacific Crest Groundbreakers. I think they should have named them A$$ breakers instead of Groundbreakers because that is about what happened to me. First trip-tip gone, third trip-the pin that holds the strap on the handle fell out and gone. Junk. But they helped better than no poles at also I'd like to find something for future hunting trips.
Anyone with suggestions or experience with a "good" pair of hiking poles? I would prefer a pair that you can extend in and out so packable if needed for travel etc. Would rather get a good pair instead of doing the insanity thing, buying the same junk over and over and expecting different results. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
I have used Tubbs, which are more for snow shoeing. They are heavier than the super high end sticks, but they worked for me.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Lites
I use the Black Diamond Ultra Distance poles and love them. Incredibly lightweight. The only downside is they aren't adjustable -- but that also means they don't change length as you're hiking.
Wanted to add that even though the extended length isn't adjustable, the Ultra Distances break down into a very pack able length.
I too have bad knees, purchased a pair of Easton Hike AL3 from Linton Outdoors for $70. The Hike model has as better locking system, than the Trail models. These are made with Easton 7075 Aluminum. Dwight Schuh, of Bowhunter Magazine recommended a similar model Easton Model in an article a couple of years ago. I emailed Easton earlier this year, they replied that this Hike AL3 replaced the model Dwight had written about. Easton offers some carbon shaft models, although a little lighter, Schuh said he has broken some carbon shafts due to rough use in a hunting situation, so he prefers the aluminum. So far, they have served me well in the wilds of Indiana. Hope to make it out there somewhere, before I'm thru. Regards.
Lever or "flip" locks, not twist locks.
I really like cork grips. Comfortable and the sweat and crud don't imbed, easier to keep somewhat clean.
My BD's have the angled grips. Broke my wrist many years ago, it doesn't quite have the function it should.... guess by now i should stop waiting for it to heal 100%... the angled grips help a bit IMO.
Have no idea aluminum vs carbon other than the carbon is a bit lighter and the aluminum a bit cheaper..... I'd imagine if you're truckin' along and slip with a tip lodged in some rocks neither one is going to make it out alive....
KOTA x3
Used them for the first time last year and won't do it again without.
The three piece aluminum Black Diamond poles with flip locks (two) are good units. You can buy them in a short or long length, with or without "shock absorbers". My favorite pair are the long length without the shocks. I don't find the shocks make any noticeable difference to me and they add weight. I also like the long units as occassionly I pitch my Siltarp 2 using them as the poles. The extra height is really nice in the tarp. I don't need the extra length for hiking. In the winter I screw on cross country ski bails and use them for skiing. For hiking or hunting, I do not like any bails as they hang up in the brush. Tried the small bails one trip and after getting hung repeatedly in the low willows, they came off.
That said I had purchased a $19 pair of "Swiss Army with a compass in the grip top" 3 piece aluminum poles with twist locks at Walmart years ago and they survived a lot of use. I finally gave them to an old buddy when I bought the first set of Black Diamonds 4 years ago. As far as I know they are still OK. They were used on several elk packing out trips in Colorado as well as hiking. They were a decent deal. Don't know if they are available any longer or a recent price.