Hiking Pole Choices

[Zacpacker]

Hello everyone. I joined this forum last month, and am so pleased at who effective it is. I made a post about what bag I should choose, and got nothing but good comments. Since I got great advice from the last one, I thought I would make another one about hiking poles. Last year, I hiked the presidential range on the AT, and wished I had hiking poles on the way down. I have researched a lot on different kinds, and narrowed down to three that I really liked. I found one that is new from bass pro: http://www.basspro.com/Lone-Pine-Quick-Lock-Trekking-Poles/product/9992277344/

I also found one from campmor which I was leaning towards: https://www.campmor.com/c/leki-journey-trekking-poles

And lastly, one from REI: https://www.rei.com/product/100429/rei-national-park-service-traverse-pl-cork-trekking-poles-pair

I am thinking of eliminating the REI and the Bass Pro ones, as I heard Leki is a great brand. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for poles that are under $100, and also if anyone have tried these poles, I would love to hear how they are. I am looking for the lever system, as I heard nothing but bad things about the twist locking ones. I can potentialy go for the button lock ones though.

       -Zacpacker

[John B]

Zacpacker,

I tend to go thru hiking poles every few years, as I am a bit hard on them.  Having said that, I generally just look for the cheapest option by a reputable mfg with (2) requirements: a 3 section pole with flip locks, and cork handles.  I find cork handles deal with sweat much better than any other types of handles.  The 3 section poles (which most are these days) means that they are easier to pack when flying.  Flip locks, as opposed to twist locks simply are more secure.

Hope that helps?

[toejam]

I agree with John B., so I'd go with the REI poles you linked. I'm currently using carbon fiber, clip lock, cork handle poles I got from Costco for $40. Andrew Skurka's a big fan:  http://andrewskurka.com/2015/cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-trekking-poles-review/

[Zacpacker]

On Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 5:22 PM, John B said:

Zacpacker,

I tend to go thru hiking poles every few years, as I am a bit hard on them.  Having said that, I generally just look for the cheapest option by a reputable mfg with (2) requirements: a 3 section pole with flip locks, and cork handles.  I find cork handles deal with sweat much better than any other types of handles.  The 3 section poles (which most are these days) means that they are easier to pack when flying.  Flip locks, as opposed to twist locks simply are more secure.

Hope that helps?

This helps alot. Thankyou so much!

On 4/29/2016 at 8:48 AM, toejam said:

I agree with John B., so I'd go with the REI poles you linked. I'm currently using carbon fiber, clip lock, cork handle poles I got from Costco for $40. Andrew Skurka's a big fan:  http://andrewskurka.com/2015/cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-trekking-poles-review/

Okay, Thanks alot

On 4/29/2016 at 8:48 AM, toejam said:

I agree with John B., so I'd go with the REI poles you linked. I'm currently using carbon fiber, clip lock, cork handle poles I got from Costco for $40. Andrew Skurka's a big fan:  http://andrewskurka.com/2015/cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-trekking-poles-review/

I looked at the ones from Costco, and I think I am going to go with them. they seem very well built for their price, and all the reviews on them are good. Thanks, guys!

[waiman3]

On 4/29/2016 at 5:48 AM, toejam said:

I agree with John B., so I'd go with the REI poles you linked. I'm currently using carbon fiber, clip lock, cork handle poles I got from Costco for $40. Andrew Skurka's a big fan:  http://andrewskurka.com/2015/cascade-mountain-tech-quick-lock-trekking-poles-review/

Great deal for CF, picked up a pair as well.