Hiking poles and water filter advice

“I'm in the market for buying hiking poles and a water filter. Any suggestions or recommendations as to what kind to buy? Thanks.”

“i use a pur hiker water filter (now katahdin)
been about 8 years now and no complaints.”

“love my katahdin hiker”

“The first need is also a good filter.”

“yeah, what they said”

“PUR Hiker here! Its reliable, light and easy to clean.”

“Hiking poles? Water Filter? jmitch?

TROLL!!!!!


I have a set of Lekis and Komperdells, both are great. I got the Komperdells 3 section poles from Sierra Trading Post for under $25.00, check there for deals.
My water filter is the First Need and I have no complaints.”

“i don't know what model my poles are.

they're like the cheapest 3 section Leki's you can get.

they're ok.

come to think of it, i've never really heard anyone get too particular about poles. they pretty much seem all the same to me.”

“PUR Hiker!

On the poles, take a pair for a test drive first at REI. Some people like anti shock poles, some don't. Don't spend the extra dollars if you find you do not like them.

My hike at Mammoth Cave 2 weeks ago, I did not even use mine. Knees did great.”

“I go chemical (Aqua Mira) so don't use a filter. Got tired of the babying and pumping.

As for poles, go with one of the major brands that offer free maint./parts for life. I don't like the twist on/off "shocks" in mine, they often turn on or off by themselves and I don't find the shocks do much or anything at all.”

“I have a Hiker, but don't use it much. Aqua Mira for me.

I'd suggest getting light poles, no anti-shock. I have Komperdell titanal (tee hee!) and like them.”

“It's almost always hard to go wrong with the leading brands... in my case Pur Hiker and also the old PUR Scout, I like the hiker more. Poles are Leki (mine) and Komperdell (my son's), both are OK, no complaints. Not a lot to go wrong with poles!”

“Oh, and definitely get 3-section poles and not 2-section. Pack down much smaller for the rock crawls, etc. where you can't use them.”

“I like the shocks. I realized it because mine turned off by themselves a few times too. It's when I have it in the mud and turn my wrist "just right". Not often enough to do something about it but I noticed that I prefer shocks.

Pur Hiker (Katahdin) with a piece of pantyhose or a coffee filter to put over the end if it's not moving water. Never had a problem with it.

Been using a MIOX for a few weeks but not enough to know if it's going to replace the Hiker.”

“jmitch: where do you do most of your hiking? if the water has a lot of sediment i.e. high alpine streams or muddy rivers, get something you can clean i.e. a ceramic filter. I would suggest the Katadyn solo ceramic filter as I used one in the field and it was great. I've had quite a few paper cartridge filters clog on me and those are $30-$60 to replace. Not worth it IMHO.

As for the poles. 3-section and as cheap as you can find them.”

“Komperdells from Sierra Outdoors, $30 on Super Special.

3 sections for sure if you are gonna pack them for flying to a trail. Can't carry on hiking poles.

I had to buy a new suitcase so my poles would fit. Even with the three sections, they were a couple of inches to long to fit inside.

I use the Hiker Filter too, if I figure the water will have a lot of 'floaties', and also just use chem if the water is pretty clean to start with.
last edited: 10/08/04 12:38:51 PM”

“I got my hiking poles at Target for around 20 bucks for the pair. They prolly aren't the lightest around, but they're not really heavy either.”

“Rosey, JMitch is a pennsylvania hiker, pretty good water in most places.

Worst is probably swamp, leaf and mud.”

“also agree with the 3 section 'el cheapo' poles and the Hiker purifier.

On the poles, get a brand that has both the small 'mud' baskets and the much larger snow baskets for snowshoing.”

“Jeff....forget those stamped out no character cold metal poles....call Mr Stikmon and he'll make you a custom natural wood hiking staff....one of a kind!

Pur Hiker.....”

“i'm a cheapskate-usually. except for the MIOX purifier- it really depends on your water sources- mine are polluted by cattle, horses,beavers, and people most of the time. I don't see a problem with pre-filtering any water for sediment-algae-whatever- a few minerals would be good for you.:)as long as they aren't arsenic or lead

I also have a ceramic-haven't used it at all this year. did you hear on OUTDOOR magazine?- you can actually use it to filter your own piss. talk about hard up.

My hiking poles are still homemade. Bamboo is my choice because i have a few little storage compartments and I have attached a wrist strap to it(i'm 5'2" so its nice to have it custom made) I still haven't justified spending that much money on a 'stick', although i do see the benefit of having one that compresses into 3 sections. and of course having a strap attached for you.”

“Jmitch, I really like Leki, the stand behind there products. I broke a pole last winter, fell thru some ice walking on a frozen creek, I know. Well the pole snapped and I called Leki and they sent me a new section free no questions asked. Sirpete also got a new pole section sent to him.
Watch out for the Leki sport poles not the same company and not the same service.

For a filter I use a MSR miniworks and Aqua Mira”

“MSR miniworks if the water is unlikely to be running clear. Katadyn tabs if running clear (typically in the Sierra and Rockies away from any grazing allotments). Leki Makalu's. Only thing I'd do different with the poles is get the angled grip.”

“I like to drink right out streams just after people upstream pee in them. Haven't gotten sick yet.

The poles I use are old sections of re-bar that used to reinforce my old patio. Heavy? sure.

little friday fun.”

“Yes, I'm a hiking Pole. So what's it to you??? Huh???

I have the Leki Ti Air Ergo Ultralites and I love them. They are super lightweight, I barely even know they are in my hands. The grips and wrist loops are super smooth and comfortable. Did I mention I love them? The ones I have don't have the shock absorbers but Leki does have the Ti's available with shock absorbers also.”

“No poles and no filter. Polar Pur.”

“Polar Pure is getting increasingly popular with the AT thru hikers because it's small, light, and lasts virtually forever. However, if you're faced with a water source not deep enough to dunk your bottle into, you may have a problem...

Another hot ticket that I've seen for water treatment is Aqua-Mira, which uses a somekind of chemical catalyst to create Phosphoric acid to treat water. The phosphoric acid treats the water and then dissipates after a few minutes, leaving unaltered taste.

Otherwise, it seems like the Katadyn Hiker is the standard fare for pump-based filters...

As for poles, I use REI Summits (made for REI by Komperdell), which I, incidentally, destroyed in the Adirondacks last weekend by falling on them. I haven't contacted them about it yet, but I heard that REI might replace them for free, and I would definitely get the Summits again.

Any way you go, good luck...
last edited: 10/08/04 6:41:23 PM”

“I love my MSR miniworks filter. It will screw directly on top of a 32 oz nalgene. It is easy to clean and service. I had no problem supplying water for 3 people with it. Buy a repair kit and keep a green scrub pad for cleaning. I don't use poles, I'm too heavy and would bend them easily. I like bamboo for a light weight strong stick.”

“I like to take a paper coffee filter and wrap it around the end of my filter inlet. Use a wire bread bag/garbage bag tie to keep it in place. It will reduce filter cleanings and weighs and costs very little.”

“Does anyone have these poles? And, are they a good value for the price?


http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=5312&parent_category_rn=4500699&

”

“Pink

I don't know much about REI sticks. I own a pair of Leli poles and I love them. Several others have posted here regarding the customer support they have received when on of their poles has snapped. No questions asked, replaiced for free. Take a look at these.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39144634

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39144734”

“I think the 1 I have at home is a Komperdell (?)... it's a single pole, though, and sometimes, I have wobbly ankles, so i'm thinking I might need additional sticks to help me keep my balance on uneven surfaces...

Our snowshoes came with poles... Do you think those could be used for hiking as well? or would they be better reserved only for our snowshoeing?”

“Also, regarding water filter advice, I have this

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13597&memberId=12500226

Works real well. I have been looking at one of these receintly though to replaice the above.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39172249&memberId=12500226

Filter and bottle all in one. Don't have to worry about the filter anymore and take the time to clean what you drink.”

“My cousin uses ski poles when he hikes. I have seen homemade wood trekking poles as well.”

“NO.

$55 for your basic hiking pole is not a bargain.

"Made in Austria specially for REI"
What does this say about the availability of replacement parts? like large snow baskets for snowshoeing?

A bargain for basic poles is around $20-$25.”

“I think the snowshoe poles are like these:



They go with our snowshoes, by a company called "yukon Charlie"”

“I remember someone saying something about poles they saw at Target or Meijer's or something like that... does anyone have any idea what brand that may be?”

“Snowshoeing poles are just fine for trekking and backcountry ski-ing (or any ski-ing for that matter). It depends on how well they stand up to use, but the purpose of trekking and snowshoeing poles are the same: balance - especially with a load on the back.

I have used Gabels, but am now soured on twist locking systems and a pair of BD Flicklock Expedition model poles are in my very near future.

IMO, use what you have (the snowshoeing ones) and move up when they wear out. BTW, when they wear out, try to contact the company; they'll prolly replace them at least once.

Have fun,

Doug”

“I am currently designing a combination trekking pole/waterfilter device. That's one big straw, you betcha.”

“Those are 3 section hiking poles. You just need to remove the large snow baskets and replace with smaller mud baskets.

Change twice a year, large for winter, small for rest of year.

Check with Yukon Charlie for small baskets.
They should run about $6 for a pair.”

“I never even bothered to change baskets - would 'Backpacker' magazine be interested in that tip?”

“Manuka-- Thanks for the tip!

That means that we don't have to get new poles! Yay! This will save some money....

We got the snowshoes at Sam's club for about $75 (included the shoes, the poles and a bag to carry it in). See... Good advice from friendly people... ANy saving of money is good for me-- we cannot believe how much $$$ we blew last year on gear at REI! (and mostly on sale!)”

“baskets are not needed for summer use.
Just more bulk and weight to move.

I do recommend getting the three section poles if you intend to fly to a backpacking site. They fit in a much smaller suitcase.

The REI poles were made by Komperdell a couple of years ago. Good poles.

I got a couple pairs of Komperdell's from Sierra Trading Post for a damn good price.
Be sure to check there website.”

“You're going to laugh, but during our first "real" hike in the Grand Canyon, I had a rickety old tri-pod that I essentially used as my "hiking pole"... LOL it did the trick AND allowed me to take photos... (unfortunately, the camera mal-functioned and I had NO pictures of that trip! :-( )”

“The Leki Super Makalus are the best on the market. I'm not just saying that either, honest. But just to warn they, they attract UFO activity to your locale. That could be a plus or a negative. It was cool at first, but now they just piss me off. Enough already.”

“Buck-- at $101 (on sale)... they are way out of my price range! :-)”

“Hey, just try and pair out at the store and ask if you can try them outside on the sidewalk and then just run, man, and don't look back. They're yours.”

“My eglush grammuh sucks.”

“Wounded knee. I thought I had found a solution to carrying a pump filter on a trip up to Uncompaghre peak in Colorado last year. Just carry a water bottle with a filter, save weight and then I can use it to fill my hydration bladder, what a bargain! Well needless to say it didn't work out that well. After the third day the filter was clogged and to get 2 liters of water took at least a half hour. Since most of the trip was at higher elevation my water levels were way down. This year I plan on getting either the Katadyn hiker microfilter with the nalgene attatchment or an MSR that has that attatchment built in. MSR also has an hydration bladder that screw directly to the filter pump.”

“Pink - I used to own the REI Summit's. One broke on a fall and the pair had to be replaced. Three months later, one bent and instead of replacing the pair, I returned them. Then, I bought a fancy lightweight pair of komperdells and had more trouble.

I now own a pair of two-part snowshoeing poles. They've been great so far. The handles are plastic instead of an absorbing material but I'll be putting handlebar cork on them when it gets warmer.

For now... Use what you've got.”