Hiking sticks?

[Ns1]

Any real difference between these 2?

http://www.amazon.com/Hikker-HP-5-An...4332288&sr=1-1


http://www.amazon.com/Pace-Maker-Tre...4332288&sr=1-3

 

[JulesMaximus]

You might get lucky and get a set that works or you'll get a set that won't hold and collapse when you need the most. Do your research and buy the best set you can afford. If you plan on using them a lot it will be money well spent.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Try some in person first.

 

[destrekor]

I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree.

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough.

 

[Ns1]

I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree.

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough.

tried that for months, failed to find the perfect walking stick.

time to buy!

 

[MovingTarget]

I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree.

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough.

This. Most places that you would hike have sticks you could use. Where is the OP hiking that none are available? A desert/arctic environment?

 

[The_Dude8]

i would recommend getting a pair of Leki hiking stick with flip locked from rei.

 

[lxskllr]

I like saplings/remains of saplings that have had vines wrapped around them. They're distinctive looking, comfortable, and cheap.

 

[Ken g6]

I like old ski poles.

 

[Born2bwire]

Shillelagh! :awe:

 

[lxskllr]

Shillelagh! :awe:

I used to carry a blackthorn walking stick when I went to the city. They work well for urban hiking, though I never put it through its paces.

 

[KillerCharlie]

You might get lucky and get a set that works or you'll get a set that won't hold and collapse when you need the most. Do your research and buy the best set you can afford. If you plan on using them a lot it will be money well spent.

This couldn't be more true.

There isn't really a huge difference between those. The biggest concern is failure of the twist locking mechanism. I went through a couple pairs of cheap poles that broke because of the twisting lock. The cost isn't a big deal, but losing a pole with 50 lbs on your back out in the wilderness while trying to go up and down 4,000 ft sucks. I could've saved all that money if I just bought the better poles in the first place.

Black Diamond came out with flick locks several years ago - simpler and much less prone to failure. I do a ton of hiking and mountaineering and 90% (no exaggeration) of the people I see have the Black Diamond poles. In fact I'm starting to see skiers use them at the slopes now. They are more expensive though.

Now other companies are copying the Black Diamond locking mechanism. However, based on the good Amazon reviews I would give those poles a try, depending on what you do. If you do backpacking on longer trips with heavier loads, I would spend more on something less prone to failure.

BD poles:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-...sr=1-1-catcorr

 

[Ns1]

This couldn't be more true.

There isn't really a huge difference between those. The biggest concern is failure of the twist locking mechanism. I went through a couple pairs of cheap poles that broke because of the twisting lock. The cost isn't a big deal, but losing a pole with 50 lbs on your back out in the wilderness while trying to go up and down 4,000 ft sucks.

Black Diamond came out with flick locks several years ago - simpler and much less prone to failure. I do a ton of hiking and mountaineering and 90% (no exaggeration) of the people I see have the Black Diamond poles. In fact I'm starting to see skiers use them at the slopes now. They are more expensive though.

Now other companies are copying the Black Diamond locking mechanism. However, based on the good Amazon reviews I would give those poles a try, depending on what you do. If you do backpacking on longer trips with heavier loads, I would spend more on something less prone to failure.

BD poles:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-...sr=1-1-catcorr

thanks!

 

[Analog]

old ski pole FTW.

 

[shortylickens]

I hate twist locks on ANY mechanism. Should think that something which regularly gets impacts (like hiking poles) would be even more prone to failure.

 

[Ns1]

old ski pole FTW.

I got a buncha old ski poles but would prefer something collapsible.

 

[KillerCharlie]

I also like the black diamond versions that have foam grips that are really long - you can choke up on the poles when going uphill.