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FastHiker
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There is a 2-4 year old thread on this topic further down but I thought I’d start a new one.
I’ve thought about “trekking poles” off and on for a while now. I could never convince myself they would be useful so I never bought any. I’m now wondering if they might help me get back into longer hikes again. I’ve never used them but in theory they could relieve the strain on my left hamstring while going up hill.
I took a quick look on the Internet. Black Diamond seems to have some good reviews. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Of course, my upper body strength is non existent.
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Total Posts: 256 | Joined Nov. 2004 | Posted on: 10:59 am on Mar. 3, 2008 | IP
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baychic
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I was thinking of getting one as well. When I went on a group hike Saturday, a lot of folks were using them and said that they were especially helpful when heading downhill. Also a bit helpful when snakes are about...
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Total Posts: 77 | Joined Jan. 2008 | Posted on: 6:38 pm on Mar. 3, 2008 | IP
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Tom C
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Yes, great for going downhill on loose rock. And, going up hills is much easier with a pole or hiking stick. It's like going up a flight of stairs by using the handrails. Ever tried to go up more than a few floors up the stairs without using the handrails? Very difficult.
Also great to have for slippery conditions, crossing creeks, self defense, leaning on when you are tired, pointing out things to others.
I use a Redwood stick with athletic tape for the hand grip. Has lots of character with some carving I've done on it.
Sometimes I go out without it and end up regretting not having it for tough situations.
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Total Posts: 152 | Joined July 2001 | Posted on: 11:28 pm on Mar. 3, 2008 | IP
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FastHiker
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I thought I might give the Black Diamond Alpine CF a try. It's as good as anything I suupose.
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Total Posts: 256 | Joined Nov. 2004 | Posted on: 4:24 am on Mar. 4, 2008 | IP
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Chris C
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I HIGHLY recommend using two trekking poles on any hikes with moderate to steep slopes (up or down). For me, they have saved my knees. I couldn't hike more than a few miles without having very sore joints that evening, but, with trekking poles I can hike much much farther and have no joint pain. As everyone else says, too, they make the biggest difference on the steep slopes, up or down. A side benefit is that you get a little bit of an upper body workout, too. I have super light compact telescoping poles so they're easy to keep in my daypack when I don't need them.
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Total Posts: 22 | Joined June 2008 | Posted on: 10:17 pm on July 1, 2008 | IP
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FastHiker
Member
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I was torn between carbon fiber and non CF poles. As I understand it, carbon fiber poles break. The non CF poles bend. I suppose you could make a case that a bent pole is better than a broken one.
I finally ended up with Black Diamond Contour Elliptic Carbon Poles. They are certainly light enough and compact. Once I start hiking again I’ll give them a try.
I have a new puppy 10 weeks old. He is a hand full. I’m hoping he will be my future hiking partner.
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Total Posts: 256 | Joined Nov. 2004 | Posted on: 6:26 am on July 3, 2008 | IP
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Yadashley
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I have black diamond poles from REI they work really well, are collapsible and adjustible they also came with snow guards if you trek at all in snow. They were around 60 on sale but reg. they are around 80.
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Total Posts: 23 | Joined April 2008 | Posted on: 8:23 am on July 8, 2008 | IP
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Parsec
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Trekking poles are extremely useful and helpful, especially on steep hills or muddy slopes.
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Total Posts: 8 | Joined June 2008 | Posted on: 3:13 pm on Aug. 19, 2008 | IP
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cbear
Member
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I'm working on a post for my blog on this topic (trekking poles). The consensus is generally that carrying poles is a good thing, almost always. My personal preference is to carry heavier, cheaper, aluminum poles. I'm curious if anyone swears by carbon poles and carbon only.
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http://www.backcountrybliss.net/
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Total Posts: 2 | Joined June 2010 | Posted on: 4:36 pm on Aug. 19, 2010 | IP
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EastBayhiker
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I hiked for years without poles, but for the past 5 or so years I've used them religiously. Started out with a single (REI/Komperdell), and now use paired poles (Black Diamond). I find they really reduce strain on knees/joints, and the paired poles help establish a nice walking/breathing rhythm. For winter and spring hiking on muddy/slippery trails, on steep downhills, and on rocky/rough trails, I wouldn't be without the sense of stability they provide. In short, I am a complete convert, and the rare times I walk without them, I miss them. (Using poles also burns more calories and tones the arms.) I greatly prefer the Black Diamond locking mechanism over the Komperdell twist-lock type, which I had to continually tighten after the pole would slip under pressure. Paired poles especially require a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, using them feels well-nigh effortless. Make sure you get instruction on how to use the straps--the right way offers support to the wrists, but there is no such benefit if the strap just hangs loosely around your wrist.
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Total Posts: 1 | Joined Sep. 2010 | Posted on: 1:25 pm on Sep. 3, 2010 | IP
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Bay Area Hiker Discussion Board
Trekking Poles
