WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD HIKING POLE

“What do I need to look for in a hiking pole? Thanks”

“I like poles that have anti-shock for no snow backpacking and a non-antishock pole for backpacking in snow.

Light weight.
Grip.
Adjustment.

8)”

“I don't like the ones with shocks... I have a hard time with those...and I like the tips on the bottoms.. adjustable is always a plus.”

“The women like ribbed....”

“no adjustable is better ;)”

“Something that's some what straight, half way sober, doesn't dilly dalley and some what honest......”

“I like a wooden hiking sick, light, shoulder length, with a hole on the top for a strap.”

“strap on, eh Big Coop? I would never have guessed.”

“this is getting interesting”

“I know this may be an oxymoron, but try to get one that is not a dumb klutz.”

“rei outlet has some nice black diamond poles marked down to $49 today. Looks like an awesome deal.”

“I have the REI anti-shock ultralights. You can turn the shock on or off. Also, It has a nice foam grip on it with straps. It is a straight pole versus bent at the end at an angle. Been a very good trekking pole.”

“has anybody ever lost one? i always just find a good stick when i start out but i often forget them and leave them after a break. then 20 minutes later i remember it with a mighty DOOOOH! i rekon having a plain ole stick makes it worse cuz it blends in with the natural surroundings. a real trekkin pole would stand out more. but i'm always afraid i'll forget one if i get real ones.”

“i lost one once...i got up from a break and forgot to pick it up. but we went out the same way we came in, and it was still there! i don't know if no one else saw it, or if people just left it out of the goodness of their hearts. we did see several other people...”

“good karma lyra, i'd bet

;)”

“Mine are our tent poles too. (I will not lose one, I will not lose one, I will not lose one...lol)”

“i guess so, strat! :-) it was actually Tarpy's pole, we were each using one of a set. i thought i was in for it, for sure!
;-)”

“lol you two.....


my ADD always rears it's ugly head at the wrong times....”

“Look for poles that support your weight without collapsing. The nicer they are the more of these features they might have:

angled handles (15 degrees)
foam or cork grips
antishock
rubber caps and baskets to fit over the carbide
light weight materials (titanium)

Non of the above are necessary but can make them more comfortable to use. Go to an outfitter and try differt models and see what works for you.
tip”

“I use a pair of fixed kompperdell snowshoes poles. I find they have many uses and are very helpful on the trail.”