Hiking/Trekking Poles

[mrcis]

I have been trying to figue out for about a month which hiking poles to buy. I don't hike much yet but we're coming up on the season when the troop goes several times over the next few months, and I need to get in shape and have them for the hikes. Our scoutmaster recommended Komperdell, and I've seen some possibilites there. I'm really intrigued by the price and features of the Bass Pro Shops model (antishock, collapsable, aluminum alloy, etc) for 15 bucks a pole. Quite a difference from the ones I've seen for upwards of $200. Has anyone used these? What do you all recommend. How about the best quality for the cheapest price? Cane grip or rubber? Ski type or Cane type grip? A/S or regular? As you can see, confusion has set in. By the way, I've done about 8 miles over the last month and have used some regular ski poles I picked up at Goodwill. They seem to work ok--would dedicated hiking poles be any better.

Thanks!

[JazerNorth]

A sturdy wooden stick works great. Just make sure the pole is long enough to keep your elbow at a 90 degree angle with your upper arm along your body when relaxed. Hiking poles are used to carry some weight as you walk, and periodically keep your balance. They help keep your balance going up and down hills/mountains. You want one long enough to use as a defense if you need to, but not so long that it is hard to handle. You want light, and sturdy. I use a branch that I have dried, peeled off the bark, and cleaned up. I scratched some good stuff in the side and made it look good.

Enjoy.

JazerNorth

[riverwalk]

Or, staff, stave, stick, pole, whatever...they are useful. I don't know all the commercial models, and usually don't recommend anything. But that comes from being a Public Servant, and having to avoid it, haha.

I've often looked at the medallions for mounting on poles, but haven't done so. I think I would only do that for a ceremonial model, to avoid losing them. Here's one of the things I do on some poles. I've wood-burned things like my Units, or Camps, or even a ruler. Yes, I mean i placed markings along the length so I could measure rope, fish, whatever, haha.

And don't forget First Aid uses, and Camp gadgets. Other than one more thing to keep up with, they're very handy. Ever needed to reach someone or get help getting up a bank?? Extend the pole, just like in water rescues.

[616kayak]

leki makes great trecking poles i hike alot faster with mine.

[stevenscout]

I own a pair of trekking poles, but I don't use them much. After a few miles I get tired of holding them and strap them on my back. I know some will disagree with me but their not good for much except going up and down hills. As was mentioned earlier, a good stick should do fine and it is much cheaper.

stevenscout

[mrcis]

I'm fairly heavy and old (ha, ha) and our SM said poles definitely help folks wtih those problems. I found a pair of Leki AS for about $70; those have entered the running along with the Komperdell AS Walker ($85/pair). I'm still trying to plan a trip to Bass Pro to check out their model.

[616kayak]

Trekking poles will take a load of your feet its surprising what they can do.

[deweylure]

Get the treking pole with the spring loaded shock built in its better than the solid one. I used mine for summer camp it came in handy especially when the old bones acted up.

Deweylure

[616kayak]

my dad's have shocks mine dont. It helps alot with rocks.

[mrcis]

Bought them. Not AS but these will do for now. A 2-fer-1 buy so my son gets a pair too. Check it out at

http://www.steepandcheap.com/steepcheap ... d=9WqdLSHF

Thanks for the input. I'll post again later and let you know how they feel

[pipestone1991]

I have a pair of Swissgear's with springs that cost me $20 for the pair.