We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. Trekking poles are great for maintaining balance on tricky terrain. Aluminum poles, though heavier, tend to be the more durable option and can be repaired more easily in the field. The one downside with these poles is that they come in four different fixed lengths (100-130 cm. These things are sweet. I used them on 5-mile hike in the Green Mountains.Excellent, they have everything I wanted and they are a joy to use. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. Don't just take our word for it, here's what our customers have to say. Trekking poles can help provide some forward momentum for long uphill slogs. Their quality matches those at places like REI but at a fraction of the price. 2022 Hiker Hunger Outfitters. How do I adjust my trekking poles properly. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. If you're looking for a budget option and don't mind carrying a few more ounces, the REI Co-op Traverse Power Lock Cork poles are a solid choice as well. Im one of those folks that hate hydration reservoirs inside my pack. It is blue on one side and black on the other. Establish and maintain a consistent rhythm while incorporating your arms and shoulders. The locks stay tight and don't collapse, they are light and really tough. Maximum Length to 'stop' line: 54" (137 cm), Maximum Length for pitching tents: 56" (142 cm). If you just want trekking pole info, skip to minute 3:40. Perfect for hikers counting grams and looking for a knife thatcan get the job done. GRIPS -Trekking pole grips create friction against your hands that can lead to sore spots or even blisters, so its important to choose poles that feel comfortable. Check out our Titanium Micro-Blade Knife. Keep those trekking poles on trail with our replacement tips. The smaller tungsten tip is not replaceable but we do offer replacement sections and accessories for all of our poles. The biggest downsides with the LT5s is that they're pretty pricey and theyre not quite as durable as aluminum poles. to provide better planting and traction.
This pad is included as back padding with our Nero backpackand Sub-Nero backpacks. Our products are designed to last and built for you. They come with several basket attachments and a great carrying case. Don't hesitate to send us an email: hello@hikerhunger.com with your questions. PROS: Affordable, durable, easy to adjust, CONS: Heavy, foam grips arent as comfy as cork. Every product has a useful lifecycle which can vary depending on the maintenance and care the product receives and the type of use the product is subjected to. We do recommend cleaning your poles frequently so they last even longer. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Best ultralight trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5, Fizan Compact 3& Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Best heavy-duty trekking poles: Montem Ultra Strong, Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork & Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork, The Gossamer Gear LT5are the lightest trekking poles on our list. We recommend the Mr. Clean eraser pads. Yes, it's that easy!
Aluminum poles are heavier, but they're more economical and likely to bend instead of snapping under pressure. Our products come with a 3-year warranty if anything fails due to manufacturing defects or breaks from normal use. Be prepared for any mishap and keep your gear in good shape until the end of your thru-hike with this handy sewing repair kit. Held together by an internal tension cord, each section unfolds to create a single shaft when locked into place (similar to a tent pole). Compact in design and easy to travel with, they are perfect for a number of activities like, backpacking trips, winter expeditions, mountain summits, daily walks, and weekend hikes. Carbon Fiber Trekking poles, like the Gossamer Gear LT5, are very light, but theyre less durable than aluminum poles. Or use a 48" (122 cm) pole at the head or foot of a flat tarp. The Flash Carbon poles also come in a lighter and more compactfolding version. It has a blade, functional scissors, a handy mini screwdriver, and nail file. This quick guide will help you decide which material is best for your needs. Everyone in my family wants one now!!. Used when hiking AT in 2019. That said, hikers looking for an awesome value will love the Compact 3s. We have adopted this privacy policy (Privacy Policy) to explain what information may be collected on our Website, how we use this information, and under what circumstances we may disclose the information to third parties. The bottle can be popped in and out easily on the go. One end of the pole cup has a loop that you can attach to any tie out with a lark's head knot. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Trekking poles shouldn't be considered essential, but many backpackers love them for a variety of reasons. This Privacy Policy applies to https://hikerhunger.com (hereinafter, us, we, or https://hikerhunger.com/). You can use a trekking pole with the handle up (out of the mud), or a tent pole, or a stick.
Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. Make sure to read our maintenance & care guide that will help you keep your products in the best shape for a longer period of time. It sticks OK to the polyurethane coating on the interior of our Robic backpacks. But we recommend a range of quality trekking poles from budget buys to high-end poles. .A hiking friend wanted to get a pair, but you are currently sold out. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials. We're a New England based outdoor gear brand, founded by hikers. YOU are our top priority.Whether you're looking to get outside more, improve mobility, tackle big miles or are in need of extra comfort outside, we take pride in creating outdoor gear made for movementwhatever that looks like to you. Adds way more versatility on steeper grades. It is Hiker Hunger's policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website. Straps are often made of nylon webbing, which can produce chafing. Though not the lightest option on the market, these poles are very tough and their grips are quite comfortable. The Micro Vario poles are pretty costly, but the quality is worth the price in our opinion. So, if you've put a lot of miles on your hiking sticks or got them stuck between some rocks you can find the replacement you need here. Would buy again. The C3s cost a fraction of the price, have a wider range of usable lengths, and weigh barely half an ounce more for the pair. This Privacy Policy applies only to information we collect through the Website and does not apply to our collection of information from other sources. Keep your camera close when hiking and never miss a moment. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. Once I got back stateside I had to order a new pair. Highly recommended! These trekking poles are the best! Locks held very well in all weather conditions.
WEIGHT -Weight should be a top consideration when determining the best trekking pole for you. The easy flick-lock system is secure and makes it simple to adjust the length. We offer a 3-year warranty and a full refund on returns within 30 days of purchase. For durable aluminum poles that fall in the mid-weight range, the Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good value buy. Theyre made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum which makes them decently light while maintaining durability. With slightly shorter poles, you should be able to maintain uphill momentum. The Alpines also come in a folding version thats much more compact and lightweight. The Zpacks kit includes one AquaClip, two One-Wrap Velcro bands for securing it to the daisy chain on your shoulder straps, and a rubber end cap so that the clip cannot slide out of the velcro. Looking for a larger blade and extra features, check out our Victorinox Classic Knife. The REI Co-op Flash Carbon poles have a telescoping design so you can easily adjust the length to fit the terrain if you want. They can also be somewhat squeaky, which can get annoying after a full day on the trail. Best ultralight trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5, Best budget trekking poles: Fizan Compact 3, Affordable & durable trekking poles: Montem Ultra Strong, Best trekking poles for comfort & durability: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork, Affordable & lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles: REI Co-op Flash Carbon, High-quality trekking poles that pack down small: Leki Micro Vario Carbon, Ultralight trekking poles that are very compact when folded: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Sturdy trekking poles with comfortable grips: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork, Crossing a frozen stream on the Timberline Trail with the help of the Leki Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles. On-trail versatility, durability and comfort. trekmates Themicro-blade featuresan extremely sharp and replaceable surgical blade and comes with a set of 10 replacement blades. Internal shock absorption systems are more common on high-end poles and will increase price and weight. It could also be used for an emergency suture if you dont have butterfly bandages or superglue to seal a laceration. When the terrain levels out or youre strolling into a trail town, trekking pole holsters are a great way to stow your trekking poles out of the way. Folding: "Z-type" folding trekking poles usually have three sections that fold to roughly 1/3 of their full length. Always be mindful of where you plant your poles and practice LNT backpacking. Designed for durability, trekking poles allow for two additional points of contact with the ground providing you with more balance, stability and traction. Campaign Zero These poles are light weight and did a great job holding my weight. Light as a feather, and stiff as a board. Our return & exchange process is hassle free, so you can buy with absolutely zero risk. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you typically only go on short day hikes or you do a lot of winter trekking, a heavier and more durable pair of aluminum poles might be more practical. You simply need to wet the eraser pad and gently scrub your cork grips. 
The Montem Ultra Strong are some of our favorite budget trekking poles. From climbing snowy mountains to an easy urban walk, you can go anywhere with interchangeable, heavy duty 4 season accessories. Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. MATERIALS -The two most common materials used for trekking poles are aluminum and carbon fiber. Comfortable foam grip absorbs sweat and allows you to shift your hand down on steep inclines. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. - Darla, In Stock! We're a small company made of regular outdoor folks just like you. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. These trekking poles are the best: lightweight, compact and hold up well. Theyre tough 4-season poles that are incredibly reliable in almost any condition. Damage due to wear and tear, accidents, improper use, negligence, or the natural breakdown of materials over time and regular use are not covered under our warranty policy. Customer service is our top priority and we want to make sure you continue to have great experiences with our company and products! They work great for my trekking poles and fishing pole !!! Strung a line and used them to hold gear. If you're looking for more details on this topic, make sure to checkout our write-up. SHOCK ABSORBERS - Shock absorbers are small, spring-like mechanisms near the tips of poles that help reduce the impact of striking the ground. All Rights Reserved. During my last trek to Tattoine is where my first pair gave out. Their ergonomic cork handles are very comfortable and their dual flick-lock system makes adjusting to different lengths a breeze. Fleece or soft chamois straps tend to be more comfortable, but they may make your hands sweat in hot weather. 
STURDY TREKKING POLES WITH COMFORTABLE GRIPS, PROS: Cork grips, durable, easy to adjust. I hope they re back in stock soon. Normal use is defined as using the product for its intended activity under generally accepted as normal conditions. BEST TREKKING POLES FOR COMFORT & DURABILITY, PROS: Cork grips, durable, easy to adjust, affordable for the quality, CONS: Not as compact as some others, heavier than some others. Equipped with a flick-lock lever system, they are collapsible down to 2 feet, which is pretty good for stowing when not in use. These poles have a simple and secure flick-lock system and comfortable foam hand grips.
The folding Z-pole design allows them to break down to a small size for easy storage, but the collapsing technique for this style of pole takes a little practice to master. A minimalists hikers dream, our titanium micro-blade knife is ultralight, compact, and strong enough to cut through tough Dyneema guy lines. BOTTOM LINE: The REI Co-op Flash Carbon trekking poles (also available in womens sizes) are a great option for those looking to trim a few ounces without breaking the bank. (2 for $99). To maintain optimal functionality, tips should be replaced every 1,500-2,000 miles or so. The springs in them create a less secure pole plant and can make ascents a bit more difficult, due to the springs absorbing some of your uphill push. For burly all-weather terrain, these are the poles we'd choose. Your input is very much appreciated. Their main purpose is to keep the poles from driving too deep in snow, sand, or mud. It is Hiker Hunger's policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. pole collapsible ultralight trekking atf hiking fiber carbon walking Generally, folding Z-poles offer the best compactability with the smallest collapsed length. The Peak Design Capture is the most secure, convenient and accessible way to carry your camera on trail, period. The REI Co-op Flash Carbon are a good budget option for lightweight backpackers. Or you can use a bit of soapy water and a sponge - that's it! What an incredibly handy little thing! These fabric cups make it easy to prop up the head or foot of your shelter for more space. All Zpacks gear has a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Great poles for the money especially if you get them on the 12 days of Christmas sale. This quick guide will help you decide which material is best for your needs. Our products come with a 3-year warranty if anything fails due to manufacturing defects or breaks from normal use. Normal use does not cover unusually rough terrain, unusually cold temperatures or other out of the ordinary circumstances. Check out this quick list of our favorite trekking poles if youre in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews. These poles also come with three different sizes of baskets while most poles only come with one or two. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a great set of poles. BOTTOM LINE: The Gossamer Gear LT5carbon fiber trekking poles are incredibly light and comfortable. Similar to the theory behind hiking footwear, when you're lifting your arms thousands of times a day on backpacking trips, every ounce matters for energy conservation. In a pinch the needle can be converted to a fishing hook. Pros and Cons of Hiking with Trekking Poles post, Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles, Lightweight Backpacking Gear Basics video series. here are some links to popular articles: The ultralight Gossamer Gear LT5are our go-tos for long backpacking trips. High-traffic trails -especially after periods of snow melt or rain - are susceptible to erosion and wash outs. If you're new to trekking poles or on a tight budget, the Montem Ultra Strong poles are a great buy. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too! Plastic tips reduce the impact trekking poles have on the environment. We have adopted this privacy policy (Privacy Policy) to explain what information may be collected on our Website, how we use this information, and under what circumstances we may disclose the information to third parties. Rubber tips, snow baskets, mud baskets and feet, plus a carrying case, are all included with each set! We still like the LT5s a bit more because we find the grips to be more comfy, the carbon fiber shaft has a bit less flex than the aluminum C3s, and the lower weight (though its a small difference) is still more appealing since every ounce in the hand is pretty noticeable. If youre still unsure about whether or not hiking with poles is right for you, check out our Pros and Cons of Hiking with Trekking Poles post. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! Most trekking pole grips are made from either cork or foam. We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and thats one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. They help reduce impact on your knees, provide stability on difficult terrain or while fording rivers, and some hikers even use trekking poles to pitch ultralight tents. This clip is not designed to carry heavier water bottles.
ADJUSTMENTS -When properly adjusted, your arms should form a 90-degree bend when the poles are held at your sides with their tips on the ground. Trekking poles shift some of that weight to your arms, so you can carry a larger pack and go the extra mile. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. PROS: Affordable, ultralight, easy to adjust, several different basket sizes included. Depending on your activities when visiting our Website, you may be required to agree to additional terms and conditions. They are lightweight, sturdy, compact and hold up well. Compact in design and easy to travel with, they are perfect for a number of activities like, backpacking trips, winter expeditions, mountain summits, daily walks, and weekend hikes. The carbide tip On the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles. Great item to add to your repair/ditty bag/possibles kit. Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. BASKETS Many poles come with removable baskets (a wide circular plastic section, like on ski poles) near the tips. These poles also come in a more expensive, shock-absorbing AS model. We're so glad the trekking poles have accompanied you on all your adventures. They are strong enough for almost any backpacking application, but are not meant to support a human's weight. On my first backpacking trip with this item we had some very wet weather and I repeatedly found uses for this very light but super practical sit pad. I have used them snowshoeing, hiking steep inclines and stream crossings and they did the job with flying colors! External locking systems, or "flick locks," use a lever to put pressure on the shaft and hold both sections in place. Excellent product! In stock, ready for delivery and your next adventure! Check out our full review here. Happy trails! Some folding trekking poles do offer one telescoping section, which will allow you to adjust the length of the pole. Our trekking poles are made from ultralight, ultra-strong carbon fiber, with sturdy clasp locking mechanisms. Cork:7.7 ounces (217 grams) per pole including wrist strap and basket. These poles will extend to the maximum height of 54" and collapse down to just 24" or 21" if disassembled. Thanks guy . My only issue was when I took a fall and snapped one of the poles, you can not purchase replacement parts. Due to their storage impracticality, we don't really recommend fixed poles. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Hiker Hunger gear, you are able to return your product, unused for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Twist locks are slightly more complicated than flick locks, so they tend to have a slight learning curve and arent as easy to repair in the field. Fixed: The least common type of trekking poles on the trail is fixed-length, straight shaft trekking poles. Attach them to your shoulder straps and belt at each side of the backpack to temporarily hold a trekking pole at either side. This ultralight foam sit pad folds down small so that it is easy to pack. They are very light and easy to adjust. 100% carbon fiber shaft for superior strength and lower weight. Simply attach the metal clip to your backpack strap, attach the Arca tripod-compatible plate to your camera and youre good to go. ULTRALIGHT TREKKING POLES THAT ARE VERY COMPACT WHEN FOLDED, CONS: Expensive, Z-pole design takes some getting used to, foam grips arent as comfy as cork, fixed length. Sturdy clasp locks can be hand-tightened. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. Below, we break down some important things to consider when making a new trekking pole purchase. Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. Best cork-handled trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork & Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork, Best foam grip trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5, Fizan Compact 3,Montem Ultra Strong, REI Co-op Flash Carbon & Leki Micro Vario Carbon, Cork is the most durable and comfortable handle material. Our Aquaclip Kit allows you to to clip a water bottle to your backpacks shoulder straps or belt so you have it easily accessible up front. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. PRICE -We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for the peace of mind that comes with knowing our poles wont fail if we need to put our body weight on them. TIPS - Pole tips are usually comprised of a plastic body that holds a durable point at the end, typically made of hardened steel. Need a lift? 32" (81 cm) Tent Poles are just the right length to prop the head or foot of our tents. Telescoping: Telescoping trekking poles are the most common option. We researched and tested dozens of trekking poles to create this list of the best on the market. carbon fiber pole poles antigravitygear cf45 BOTTOM LINE: At only nine ounces, the Distance Carbon Z-Poles are Black Diamonds lightest trekking poles. For those looking to shave ounces, Montem also offers Ultralight Carbon Trekking Poles for a surprisingly affordable price. ), which could be an issue depending on your specific needs. It fits nicely in the base-straps on our backpacks, or in an exterior pocket. This Privacy Policy applies to https://hikerhunger.com (hereinafter, us, we, or https://hikerhunger.com/). The break-apart design makes these poles incredibly packable,while retaining the ability to adjust the length with a flick-lock system. Make sure to order somerepair tape for the ultimatefield repair kit set up. BOTTOM LINE: The Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles are a solid budget buy. I love the additional grip down low under the handles. Normal use does not cover unusually rough terrain, unusually cold temperatures or other out of the ordinary circumstances. Dont tackle peaks and valleys alone, always take a friend, and in this case take two! It will fit any small water bottle with a standard size neck.
Check out our full review here. They're durable, compact, easy to use, and much more affordable than the high-end poles on this list. Thanks for a great product. We find that it carries the weight of a 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) bottle well. That range makes these poles great for kids, women, men, and seniors. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. If you need a spot on your gear to clip it to, add a Stick on Loop. This item includes two pairs of adjustable shock cord loops. (2 for $115), Stability and Confidence on Tough Terrain. If you have used trekking poles before or are currently shopping around for them, you've likely realized they are made of two main materials: aluminum and carbon fiber. The smaller tungsten tip is not replaceable but we do offer replacement sections and accessories for all of our poles. Whether you're thru-hiking across the country or heading out on a quick weekend jaunt, trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. They are perfect for clipping items to your pack, hanging your food bag, and many other uses. Best value trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork, REI Co-op Flash Carbon & Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork, Best budget trekking poles: Fizan Compact 3 & Montem Ultra Strong, Best high-end trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5& Leki Micro Vario Carbon, The Fizan Compact 3 are affordable & ultralight. Composite Fabric products such as shelters, stuff sacks, or dry bags. Cork wins for durability and comfort, while foam is usually more affordable but tends to break down quicker. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting personally identifiable information you may provide us through the Website. to help maintain solid footing and stability. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. We offer shipping options within the US, AU, and CA. This kit is perfect for repairing your backpack, clothing, or any other gear items that need a touch up while on trail. Works great, extremely lightweight, and adds living space to the Duplex and Triplex. I love them. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Read more Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter. At exactly one tenth of an ounce each these are the smallest and lightest carabiners around. If you're looking for more details on this topic, make sure to checkout our write-up here on the difference between aluminum and carbon fiber. Order 2 Pairs and Save! Press the lockable quick-release button to remove your camera to capture every moment on trail. Holds well over 200 lbs. "Don't leave home without them!
