Trekking poles?
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Jasper
15-Aug-20
Who uses them and are they worth the money and weight? I don’t own any but could see the usefulness when packing out an animal. Thoughts?
From: JohnMC
15-Aug-20
Yes and absolutely if hunting in step and/or uneven terrain. I never used them before my sheep hunt actually sheep scouting. I swear by them now.
From: Destroyer350
15-Aug-20
They are a must for me during packouts
From: greg simon
15-Aug-20
Pretty nice on creek crossings also. I always have at least one when I’m in the mountains, usually a pair.
From: JRABQ
15-Aug-20
A major yes for me. I always have at least one with me, 2 for sure when I'm packing meat or in the steep stuff. Big relief on my knees, and real handy for just keeping my balance, stepping over logs, etc.
From: wyobullshooter
15-Aug-20
I don’t use mine while hunting, but I absolutely, positively could not pack out my elk without them!!
From: midwest
15-Aug-20
May save you a rolled ankle or worse during a packout.
From: Rickm
15-Aug-20
Anytime carrying a load. I don't hunt with them.
From: Bowboy
15-Aug-20
Yep, I'll use mine in the new spot blaster posted in the Zirkel's
From: cnelk
15-Aug-20
I never used to use them, now I use at least one all the time
From: SixLomaz
15-Aug-20
Always when packing out, never when hunting.
From: kentuckbowhnter
15-Aug-20
once i used them i never go without them in my pack. i use them to climb and pack out meat and they are awesome for traversing beetle kill.
From: Bou'bound
15-Aug-20
On two goats hunts they were more Important than my Bow
From: bowbender77
15-Aug-20
Worth there weight in gold. Even one pole is far better then none for keeping your balance over steep or rough ground.
From: Whocares
15-Aug-20
Not when actually hunting but use them hiking in, packing meat, etc. very helpful.
From: Adventurewriter
15-Aug-20
I use two now for almost all scouting or hiking and during hunting you turn your self into a four legged animal and use lotus less energy balancing and you can use the strength in your upper body for hiking and maneuvering they are a must the more you get use to them the better they are....
From: Kurt
15-Aug-20
They are great! Don't use them on day hunts, but always use them packing in and out. And they are wonderful when packing out meat. Take them on a few hikes before the hunt as it might take you a few miles to get accustomed to them.
From: standswittaknife
15-Aug-20
Yes ..
From: WapitiBob
15-Aug-20
$25 at Costco; well worth it.
From: Adventurewriter
15-Aug-20
I got a killer carbon fiber set on amazon for 44 bucks make sure you get the clamp down and not the twist downs
From: Jasper
15-Aug-20
Great stuff! Thanks guys
From: glidingindian
16-Aug-20
Trekking poles are great for softies, wimps and old people with bad knees who bitch about how tough the mountains are. Yep, people like me
From: jingalls
16-Aug-20
Yup
From: RamDreamer
16-Aug-20
Yes, use them. Saves low back and knees. They are worth both the money and weight - even if you have to travel with them.
From: Wild Bill
16-Aug-20
They are exceptional at removing spider webs that you don't see ahead of you until the maker is dancing across your arm towards your face, and your eyelashes are fouled. An occasional sweep of the tip shoulder high in a circular fashion is usually all that is needed.
From: Trophyhill
16-Aug-20
i use them for packing camp in and out and also when packing meat
From: elkster
16-Aug-20
When used properly, they can even help slightly on flat ground. On steep ground with a load, a huge help. And I have only used one. I figure my bow will be in the other hand so I didn't want to get used to two.
Check out info on how to establish the length for you and angle for best propulsion.
From: Patdel
17-Aug-20
Agree with the other guys.
They are especially nice when packing meat.
From: Adventurewriter
17-Aug-20
I use to think of them in the steep and heavy load realm....now use them all them all the time now....they help reduce energy output due to using balance and using your upper body
From: SBH
17-Aug-20
Finally one thing we can all agree on!
From: Whocares
17-Aug-20
Maybe they shouldn't be allowed in wilderness areas...
From: Zim
17-Aug-20
Yes, they take a tremendous amount of strain off your lower body and reduce overall fatigue, regardless of the terrain. Used to think they were lame, then tried them and now I am willing to scream how “lame” I am from the mountain tops. I use the Leki cork lites and have had them for a few seasons. Have heard good things about the Black Diamond brand too.
From: Adventurewriter
17-Aug-20
Now we know why God put four legs on the critters that live where we go
From: sharp stick slinger
18-Aug-20
I suppose I supported the Chinese when I got my$30 set off Amazon a few years ago. They're worth every ounce. Not sure what the nicer pairs offer as mine seem very adequate. Maybe I would upgrade to cork grips or something besides the foam. With a little practice you'll see their value for traversing just about anything. Even being younger and physically fit, they take that extra bit of torque out of certain joints and let you redistribute that strain especially going down hill or loaded. Plus you can use them to glass with your binos if not carrying a tripod, pitch a little tarp shelter, cross a creek safely, or like crutches if you really Biff it.
From: altitude sick
18-Aug-20
Great for heavy loads. And I rely on them as my siltarp poles.
The metal tips will drive you crazy after a while in rocks and gravel.
From: altitude sick
18-Aug-20
From: Chief 419
20-Aug-20
I use them when side hilling and gaining elevation. They're also great when your legs are burned out and need to descend. They're worth every ounce and penny spent.
From: Sivart
20-Aug-20
what are some of the better models? I'd like a pair sub 1lb.
From: Adventurewriter
21-Aug-20
the carbon fibers on Amazon with clamp down 44 bucks
From: elkster
21-Aug-20
Leki vario carbon
From: Adventurewriter
21-Aug-20
Scoot I never have seen the black diamond ....I love these and I work them HARD!!! what might you like more curious???....the clamp down are rock solid....easy to adjust... and can be adjusted with that little clear plastic thing
From: Sivart
21-Aug-20
which black diamonds do you have?
From: Sivart
21-Aug-20
I would like them to fold down to 15" so that I can get them in my pack, rather than on the outside.
From: Adventurewriter
21-Aug-20
No scoot didn't take that at all just curious....
From: Cazador
21-Aug-20
Tampons for guys.